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Got Dropped in a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work — Part 3
Secretiv_Sorceress · saltgoblin & I_Love_Kim_Soleum
Ongoing
Horror
4.9
72 chapters
352 views
A pop-up event for some 'modern fantasy' media I loved so much that I even took a precious day off work to attend. On that day, I ended up transmigrating as a character in that very fantasy world. As none other than a newly hired employee at a famous large corporation! A dream job with great benefits, an excellent salary, and even kind and... Got Dropped in a Ghost Story, Still gotta Work. Part 3.
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Audio chapters (36) · 1–30
1
Chapter 372
A heavily intoxicated man, burdened by 500 million won in gambling and cryptocurrency debt, wanders an alleyway. He discovers a flyer for a major corporation specializing in ghost stories, promising 500,000 won in cash for immediate employment. In his desperation, he calls the number on the flyer, but the call is unnerving; the recipient asks if he wants to do it now, and after the man expresses confusion regarding the number's length, the line goes dead. The flyer is revealed to be a recruitment tool for Daydream Inc.'s Namhae Branch, with a note stating 'Hiring Complete.'
In a separate location, Kim Soleum is snapped out of a trance by his supervisor in a bright office. The supervisor mentions 'ghost stories,' causing Soleum a sudden sense of dread and nostalgia. The supervisor also mistakenly identifies the dog character on Soleum's bag as a rabbit. Soleum reflects on his return to normal life one year after the <Dark Exploration Records> incident. He notes how he struggles to treat the supernatural events as mere stories, feeling an unbearable connection to the people he met there.
That night, Soleum experiences a recurring nightmare of the demolished department store basement where the pop-up store once stood. In the dream, he hears the sound of a roulette wheel spinning in the darkness. He wakes up in a cold sweat, realizing the nightmare was more vivid than usual. Driven by a sense of foreboding, he checks the <Dark Exploration Records> website, only to find the page replaced with a message stating: 'The apocalypse arrived. Thank you very much.' While social media users speculate on a site sale, Soleum uses image editing to reveal hidden text on the screenshot. The hidden message reads: 'The apocalypse arrived. Thank you very much. After you returned home. Ireum-nim.'
18:43
Chapter 372
A heavily intoxicated man, burdened by 500 million won in gambling and cryptocurrency debt, wanders an alleyway. He discovers a flyer for a major corporation specializing in ghost stories, promising 500,000 won in cash for immediate employment. In his desperation, he calls the number on the flyer, but the call is unnerving; the recipient asks if he wants to do it now, and after the man expresses confusion regarding the number's length, the line goes dead. The flyer is revealed to be a recruitment tool for Daydream Inc.'s Namhae Branch, with a note stating 'Hiring Complete.'
In a separate location, Kim Soleum is snapped out of a trance by his supervisor in a bright office. The supervisor mentions 'ghost stories,' causing Soleum a sudden sense of dread and nostalgia. The supervisor also mistakenly identifies the dog character on Soleum's bag as a rabbit. Soleum reflects on his return to normal life one year after the <Dark Exploration Records> incident. He notes how he struggles to treat the supernatural events as mere stories, feeling an unbearable connection to the people he met there.
That night, Soleum experiences a recurring nightmare of the demolished department store basement where the pop-up store once stood. In the dream, he hears the sound of a roulette wheel spinning in the darkness. He wakes up in a cold sweat, realizing the nightmare was more vivid than usual. Driven by a sense of foreboding, he checks the <Dark Exploration Records> website, only to find the page replaced with a message stating: 'The apocalypse arrived. Thank you very much.' While social media users speculate on a site sale, Soleum uses image editing to reveal hidden text on the screenshot. The hidden message reads: 'The apocalypse arrived. Thank you very much. After you returned home. Ireum-nim.'
18:43
2
Chapter 373
Kim Soleum discovers a modified version of the <Dark Exploration Records> website containing a personalized message: "After you returned home, the apocalypse arrived. Thank you very much, Ireum-nim." Soleum realizes the message implies his return is linked to the coming apocalypse and that the wiki's premise—that ghost stories are omens of the end of the world—might be true. Upon investigating the site's management, Soleum finds that all previous operators have resigned, leading him to suspect the wiki itself has become a supernatural phenomenon. Suspecting the pop-up store from his dreams might be real, he decides to investigate by using a technique to bring a real-world object into a dream. He places his <Dark Exploration Records Merch Box> under his pillow and sets an emergency water-bucket trap. He successfully enters the dream, finding himself in the dark basement of the department store where the pop-up store was located. There, he finds the Character Maker vending machine producing a mountain of cracked, bloodstained, and faded ID cards. The machine's screen turns hostile, demanding his ID card and accusing him of lying. Soleum attempts to use
22:41
Chapter 373
Kim Soleum discovers a modified version of the <Dark Exploration Records> website containing a personalized message: "After you returned home, the apocalypse arrived. Thank you very much, Ireum-nim." Soleum realizes the message implies his return is linked to the coming apocalypse and that the wiki's premise—that ghost stories are omens of the end of the world—might be true. Upon investigating the site's management, Soleum finds that all previous operators have resigned, leading him to suspect the wiki itself has become a supernatural phenomenon. Suspecting the pop-up store from his dreams might be real, he decides to investigate by using a technique to bring a real-world object into a dream. He places his <Dark Exploration Records Merch Box> under his pillow and sets an emergency water-bucket trap. He successfully enters the dream, finding himself in the dark basement of the department store where the pop-up store was located. There, he finds the Character Maker vending machine producing a mountain of cracked, bloodstained, and faded ID cards. The machine's screen turns hostile, demanding his ID card and accusing him of lying. Soleum attempts to use
22:41
3
Chapter 374
Kim Soleum awakens in a state of extreme physical weakness and hunger in front of a ritual table at the Daydream Inc. Namhae Branch. He realizes he has been transferred to a branch location that was never detailed in the <Dark Exploration Records> wiki, speculating that his previous assimilation into the world caused him to forget these details. The branch is a grim, prison-like environment characterized by an unsettling, loan-shark-style atmosphere. The facility houses a "Cleanup Team," which he recognizes as a term for disposable employees used as human shields.
While navigating a hallway of workers dressed in ochre uniforms with red identification stickers, Kim Soleum is warned by a speaker that touching his sticker is a rule violation. He eventually reaches his assigned room, Z 999, which is a dilapidated, filthy cell resembling an abandoned prison. Inside, he discovers the corpse of his roommate, Worker Z 993, who appears to have died of a heart attack caused by a ghost story. Desperate for energy, Kim Soleum loots the corpse's pockets, finding chocolate that provides a necessary sugar spike to restore his clarity.
He finds a notebook belonging to the deceased worker. The journal reveals a horrific pattern: the branch recruits desperate people (debtors, addicts) with promises of high pay, only to force them into dangerous tasks like burning wooden dolls, eventually leading to death and a loss of identity (as seen when the worker's number changed from 5/16 to 5/35472). Kim Soleum concludes that the Namhae Branch serves as a high-turnover factory for grinding people up to facilitate early-era Daydream ghost stories. After an announcement for lights out, he realizes he is likely the sole survivor of his room. Calculating based on the notebook's logic, he determines he must endure 14 more days of service to complete a month and gain freedom of movement. He resolves to survive the next two weeks to regain his autonomy and search for others.
17:54
Chapter 374
Kim Soleum awakens in a state of extreme physical weakness and hunger in front of a ritual table at the Daydream Inc. Namhae Branch. He realizes he has been transferred to a branch location that was never detailed in the <Dark Exploration Records> wiki, speculating that his previous assimilation into the world caused him to forget these details. The branch is a grim, prison-like environment characterized by an unsettling, loan-shark-style atmosphere. The facility houses a "Cleanup Team," which he recognizes as a term for disposable employees used as human shields.
While navigating a hallway of workers dressed in ochre uniforms with red identification stickers, Kim Soleum is warned by a speaker that touching his sticker is a rule violation. He eventually reaches his assigned room, Z 999, which is a dilapidated, filthy cell resembling an abandoned prison. Inside, he discovers the corpse of his roommate, Worker Z 993, who appears to have died of a heart attack caused by a ghost story. Desperate for energy, Kim Soleum loots the corpse's pockets, finding chocolate that provides a necessary sugar spike to restore his clarity.
He finds a notebook belonging to the deceased worker. The journal reveals a horrific pattern: the branch recruits desperate people (debtors, addicts) with promises of high pay, only to force them into dangerous tasks like burning wooden dolls, eventually leading to death and a loss of identity (as seen when the worker's number changed from 5/16 to 5/35472). Kim Soleum concludes that the Namhae Branch serves as a high-turnover factory for grinding people up to facilitate early-era Daydream ghost stories. After an announcement for lights out, he realizes he is likely the sole survivor of his room. Calculating based on the notebook's logic, he determines he must endure 14 more days of service to complete a month and gain freedom of movement. He resolves to survive the next two weeks to regain his autonomy and search for others.
17:54
4
Chapter 375
Waking up in a cramped worker breakroom in a trashed physical state, Kim Soleum (Worker Z999) observes a stiff corpse at the end of the room. Morning announcements signal roll call. As workers emerge, Kim notes the presence of a strict hierarchy: X-Group workers are in better condition, while Y and Z groups face mistreatment and contamination symptoms like mumbling or hair being half-burnt. Kim identifies several workers from a previous encounter (X145, X141) who behave arrogantly. During roll call, Kim approaches a featureless Security Team staff member in a hazmat suit to report the death of the previous occupant (Z993). The staff member indifferently points Kim toward a notice stating that medical services must be purchased with cash. Following the roll call, Kim is blindfolded, transported via minecart to a humid, dilapidated facility, and fitted with a locking arm guard. Kim is shoved into a dark containment cell and finds a wooden doll on a chair, marked by burn scars. Kim recalls the diary's warning that the previous worker's task involved setting the doll on fire. A researcher's voice via intercom commands Kim to hit the doll instead of burning it, threatening a points penalty if instructions are not followed. Kim approaches the doll and strikes it.
13:26
Chapter 375
Waking up in a cramped worker breakroom in a trashed physical state, Kim Soleum (Worker Z999) observes a stiff corpse at the end of the room. Morning announcements signal roll call. As workers emerge, Kim notes the presence of a strict hierarchy: X-Group workers are in better condition, while Y and Z groups face mistreatment and contamination symptoms like mumbling or hair being half-burnt. Kim identifies several workers from a previous encounter (X145, X141) who behave arrogantly. During roll call, Kim approaches a featureless Security Team staff member in a hazmat suit to report the death of the previous occupant (Z993). The staff member indifferently points Kim toward a notice stating that medical services must be purchased with cash. Following the roll call, Kim is blindfolded, transported via minecart to a humid, dilapidated facility, and fitted with a locking arm guard. Kim is shoved into a dark containment cell and finds a wooden doll on a chair, marked by burn scars. Kim recalls the diary's warning that the previous worker's task involved setting the doll on fire. A researcher's voice via intercom commands Kim to hit the doll instead of burning it, threatening a points penalty if instructions are not followed. Kim approaches the doll and strikes it.
13:26
5
Chapter 376
In containment cell Qterw-C-348, the protagonist (Worker Z999) is ordered by a researcher to smash a featureless wooden doll. Recognizing the situation as the ghost story "I'll Let You Go Now" (Qterw-C-2554)—where contact leads to hallucinations of drowning and eventual death within seven days—the protagonist complies. To counter the ghost story, the protagonist uses the smashing of the doll as a cover to dig into the dirt floor, burying the broken doll in the hole to disrupt the ritual. Upon exiting, the protagonist uses a slurred, malnourished persona to deceive the researcher, who is more interested in observing the progression of the case than the doll's destruction. The protagonist discovers a Dream Collector (a device for extracting Essence) hidden within the tracking armband provided by the company. Later, in the cafeteria, the protagonist deals with two extortionists (X141 and X145) by using a water bottle to mimic a
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19:25
Chapter 376
In containment cell Qterw-C-348, the protagonist (Worker Z999) is ordered by a researcher to smash a featureless wooden doll. Recognizing the situation as the ghost story "I'll Let You Go Now" (Qterw-C-2554)—where contact leads to hallucinations of drowning and eventual death within seven days—the protagonist complies. To counter the ghost story, the protagonist uses the smashing of the doll as a cover to dig into the dirt floor, burying the broken doll in the hole to disrupt the ritual. Upon exiting, the protagonist uses a slurred, malnourished persona to deceive the researcher, who is more interested in observing the progression of the case than the doll's destruction. The protagonist discovers a Dream Collector (a device for extracting Essence) hidden within the tracking armband provided by the company. Later, in the cafeteria, the protagonist deals with two extortionists (X141 and X145) by using a water bottle to mimic a
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
19:25
6
Chapter 377
In a red-lit containment cell, Kim Soleum observes a wooden doll that has partially emerged from the dirt floor, despite having been buried previously. He identifies the entity as Qterw-C-2554, noting a damaged talisman with inscriptions for 'Sumang-gut,' a ritual for drowning victims. To clear the ghost story without 'terminating' it (the Disaster Management Bureau's method), Kim decides to use the Daydream approach: performing a ritual-like gesture to satisfy the entity's context. He prepares instant rice and beer—mimicking the ritual of providing food—and buries the doll again. As he completes the task, a terrifying drowning victim appears on the ceiling, speaking in reversed audio: 'I hope you die quickly, come here.' The entity attempts to drown him with mud and water, but Kim successfully pours the beer over the burial site, causing the entity to vanish. After the encounter, Kim is summoned by the researcher. He feigns ignorance, claiming he acted simply because the doll 'looked hungry,' a tactic to maintain his image as a lucky, non-threatening worker. This strategy works, as he is granted a special reassignment from the bottom-tier Z-Group to the much better Y-Group. Upon moving into his new Y490-series dorm, which features a living room and separate rooms, he discovers a person collapsed under a sunken sofa. The individual is gasping and clawing at the floor, appearing to be suffering from the side effects of a ghost story. Kim recognizes the man as Jin Nasol, a high-ranking Assistant Manager from Daydream HQ, who should not be in a worker's dormitory.
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21:56
Chapter 377
In a red-lit containment cell, Kim Soleum observes a wooden doll that has partially emerged from the dirt floor, despite having been buried previously. He identifies the entity as Qterw-C-2554, noting a damaged talisman with inscriptions for 'Sumang-gut,' a ritual for drowning victims. To clear the ghost story without 'terminating' it (the Disaster Management Bureau's method), Kim decides to use the Daydream approach: performing a ritual-like gesture to satisfy the entity's context. He prepares instant rice and beer—mimicking the ritual of providing food—and buries the doll again. As he completes the task, a terrifying drowning victim appears on the ceiling, speaking in reversed audio: 'I hope you die quickly, come here.' The entity attempts to drown him with mud and water, but Kim successfully pours the beer over the burial site, causing the entity to vanish. After the encounter, Kim is summoned by the researcher. He feigns ignorance, claiming he acted simply because the doll 'looked hungry,' a tactic to maintain his image as a lucky, non-threatening worker. This strategy works, as he is granted a special reassignment from the bottom-tier Z-Group to the much better Y-Group. Upon moving into his new Y490-series dorm, which features a living room and separate rooms, he discovers a person collapsed under a sunken sofa. The individual is gasping and clawing at the floor, appearing to be suffering from the side effects of a ghost story. Kim recognizes the man as Jin Nasol, a high-ranking Assistant Manager from Daydream HQ, who should not be in a worker's dormitory.
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21:56
7
Chapter 378
Kim Soleum discovers Assistant Manager Jin Nasol in a state of severe disrepair in the Y-Group dorm. She is physically wrecked, with broken nails, scars, and calloused hands, and appears mentally unstable or possessed. After Kim Soleum addresses her by her formal title, she regains a semblance of rationality and recognizes him as "Roe Deer." Jin Nasol is in intense pain, which Kim Soleum temporarily alleviates by giving her a beer. Once stabilized, Jin Nasol reveals that the Namhae Branch is a predatory system where workers' Dream Essence is harvested to provide points to management in a pyramid scheme. She also reveals a staggering fact: three years have passed in this world during Kim Soleum's one-year absence. Despite her trauma, Jin Nasol regains her professional composure, cutting her hair to look neat. She agrees to team up with Kim Soleum to escape the branch. When a group of workers attempts to harass her, she violently suppresses them, prompting Kim Soleum to decide to play the role of her
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
16:43
Chapter 378
Kim Soleum discovers Assistant Manager Jin Nasol in a state of severe disrepair in the Y-Group dorm. She is physically wrecked, with broken nails, scars, and calloused hands, and appears mentally unstable or possessed. After Kim Soleum addresses her by her formal title, she regains a semblance of rationality and recognizes him as "Roe Deer." Jin Nasol is in intense pain, which Kim Soleum temporarily alleviates by giving her a beer. Once stabilized, Jin Nasol reveals that the Namhae Branch is a predatory system where workers' Dream Essence is harvested to provide points to management in a pyramid scheme. She also reveals a staggering fact: three years have passed in this world during Kim Soleum's one-year absence. Despite her trauma, Jin Nasol regains her professional composure, cutting her hair to look neat. She agrees to team up with Kim Soleum to escape the branch. When a group of workers attempts to harass her, she violently suppresses them, prompting Kim Soleum to decide to play the role of her
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
16:43
8
Chapter 379
Daydream Inc. mobilizes over a hundred workers for a special night assignment, which the protagonist recognizes as a high-risk 'Exploration Record' ghost story. The workers are divided into groups of five and led into a pitch-black containment cell. Among the workers is Assistant Manager Jin Nasol, who prepares painkillers in anticipation. Upon entering the darkness, the group finds themselves not in a cell, but on a mountain path. A distributed notice describes a 'Refreshing Courage Test' at Sagyeong Mountain, requiring explorers to collect 43 stamps at various locations, including Sagyeong Lodge and Osaek Mineral Spring. The workers realize they are at a retreat center where a group of students previously died in a mysterious accident. A worker reveals he smuggled a flashlight, which the protagonist realizes is a trap. To prevent disaster, the protagonist physically subdues the worker and screams for everyone to close their eyes before the light is activated. When the light turns on, the workers who were looking at the illumination—including the man with the flashlight—instantly disappear. The protagonist and Jin Nasol, who had closed their eyes, are left alone with the terrified worker. The protagonist deduces the ghost story's identity: 'Let There Be No Light' (Qterw-C-1010), where anyone who turns on a light, or anyone who sees what is illuminated, disappears. He realizes the company intentionally allowed the smuggling to use the workers as a control group. Despite the terror, the protagonist and Jin Nasol decide to proceed with the courage test to find an escape, knowing a horrific situation will soon arise that tempts them to use light.
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
16:33
Chapter 379
Daydream Inc. mobilizes over a hundred workers for a special night assignment, which the protagonist recognizes as a high-risk 'Exploration Record' ghost story. The workers are divided into groups of five and led into a pitch-black containment cell. Among the workers is Assistant Manager Jin Nasol, who prepares painkillers in anticipation. Upon entering the darkness, the group finds themselves not in a cell, but on a mountain path. A distributed notice describes a 'Refreshing Courage Test' at Sagyeong Mountain, requiring explorers to collect 43 stamps at various locations, including Sagyeong Lodge and Osaek Mineral Spring. The workers realize they are at a retreat center where a group of students previously died in a mysterious accident. A worker reveals he smuggled a flashlight, which the protagonist realizes is a trap. To prevent disaster, the protagonist physically subdues the worker and screams for everyone to close their eyes before the light is activated. When the light turns on, the workers who were looking at the illumination—including the man with the flashlight—instantly disappear. The protagonist and Jin Nasol, who had closed their eyes, are left alone with the terrified worker. The protagonist deduces the ghost story's identity: 'Let There Be No Light' (Qterw-C-1010), where anyone who turns on a light, or anyone who sees what is illuminated, disappears. He realizes the company intentionally allowed the smuggling to use the workers as a control group. Despite the terror, the protagonist and Jin Nasol decide to proceed with the courage test to find an escape, knowing a horrific situation will soon arise that tempts them to use light.
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
16:33
9
Chapter 380
Kim Soleum, Assistant Manager Jin Nasol, and a terrified worker (Y463) navigate a dark mountain path toward Fairy Rock. Soleum observes a signpost indicating both Fairy Rock and the Shinmaru Retreat Center, which evokes an unsettling feeling. As they walk, they hear footsteps following them; Soleum suggests it is simply other workers, though the worker is unconvinced. During a tense exchange where Jin Nasol harshly criticizes the worker for his lack of composure, Soleum intervenes to advise more effective communication. The worker attempts to lighten the mood by offering to buy Soleum tteokbokki later, which Soleum inwardly dreads as a potential death flag. Upon reaching a clearing, Soleum's arm is grabbed by something cold and finger-like from behind a large rock; Soleum feigns a slip to avoid alarming the worker. They find the stamp for Fairy Rock on a desk and Soleum stamps their guidebook and their clothing as a precaution. As they proceed, they encounter another team of four workers. Soleum notices the fourth member of this group is a strange entity masquerading as a worker, using a high-pitched, child-like voice. The entity's presence causes immediate chaos; the workers attempt to light a lighter, leading to a violent, gore-filled struggle and a
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
17:12
Chapter 380
Kim Soleum, Assistant Manager Jin Nasol, and a terrified worker (Y463) navigate a dark mountain path toward Fairy Rock. Soleum observes a signpost indicating both Fairy Rock and the Shinmaru Retreat Center, which evokes an unsettling feeling. As they walk, they hear footsteps following them; Soleum suggests it is simply other workers, though the worker is unconvinced. During a tense exchange where Jin Nasol harshly criticizes the worker for his lack of composure, Soleum intervenes to advise more effective communication. The worker attempts to lighten the mood by offering to buy Soleum tteokbokki later, which Soleum inwardly dreads as a potential death flag. Upon reaching a clearing, Soleum's arm is grabbed by something cold and finger-like from behind a large rock; Soleum feigns a slip to avoid alarming the worker. They find the stamp for Fairy Rock on a desk and Soleum stamps their guidebook and their clothing as a precaution. As they proceed, they encounter another team of four workers. Soleum notices the fourth member of this group is a strange entity masquerading as a worker, using a high-pitched, child-like voice. The entity's presence causes immediate chaos; the workers attempt to light a lighter, leading to a violent, gore-filled struggle and a
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
17:12
10
Chapter 381
Inside a mountain lodge, Kim Soleum discovers a suspicious telephone with a speed-dial button labeled "24-hour Professional Call." He considers contacting the Disaster Management Bureau but notices a warning at the bottom of the lodge's flyer: "The Disaster Management Bureau Does Not Distribute Notices In This Format If You See This Phrase Turn Around And Run Away Immediately Hurry." Recognizing this as a trap, Kim Soleum urges the worker they were escorting to leave immediately. The worker, however, had already seen the warning, and Kim Soleum realizes the worker may already be compromised. As they attempt to exit, an entity disguised as a worker attacks, pressing a light switch behind Kim Soleum's back. To avoid the light—which causes anyone who sees it to go missing—Kim Soleum and Assistant Manager Jin Nasol move blindly with their eyes tightly closed. The entity follows them, taunting Kim Soleum and trying to provoke him into looking. Jin Nasol, displaying elite skills, manages to subdue the entity by covering its head with curtains and tying it up, all while blindfolded. After turning off the lodge light to prevent others from seeing it, they navigate the dark path to the Osaek Mineral Spring, the final destination. Upon arrival, Jin Nasol immediately splashes the spring water on her face, driven by a compulsion to test its reported pain-relieving effects. Kim Soleum, noting her uncharacteristic lack of caution, decides not to provoke her. They successfully reach the end of the courage test, heading toward Fairy Rock to collect their prizes.
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17:12
Chapter 381
Inside a mountain lodge, Kim Soleum discovers a suspicious telephone with a speed-dial button labeled "24-hour Professional Call." He considers contacting the Disaster Management Bureau but notices a warning at the bottom of the lodge's flyer: "The Disaster Management Bureau Does Not Distribute Notices In This Format If You See This Phrase Turn Around And Run Away Immediately Hurry." Recognizing this as a trap, Kim Soleum urges the worker they were escorting to leave immediately. The worker, however, had already seen the warning, and Kim Soleum realizes the worker may already be compromised. As they attempt to exit, an entity disguised as a worker attacks, pressing a light switch behind Kim Soleum's back. To avoid the light—which causes anyone who sees it to go missing—Kim Soleum and Assistant Manager Jin Nasol move blindly with their eyes tightly closed. The entity follows them, taunting Kim Soleum and trying to provoke him into looking. Jin Nasol, displaying elite skills, manages to subdue the entity by covering its head with curtains and tying it up, all while blindfolded. After turning off the lodge light to prevent others from seeing it, they navigate the dark path to the Osaek Mineral Spring, the final destination. Upon arrival, Jin Nasol immediately splashes the spring water on her face, driven by a compulsion to test its reported pain-relieving effects. Kim Soleum, noting her uncharacteristic lack of caution, decides not to provoke her. They successfully reach the end of the courage test, heading toward Fairy Rock to collect their prizes.
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17:12
11
Chapter 382
The protagonist and Jin Nasol reach the Fairy Rock Shinmaru Retreat Center. They approach a shabby, massive concrete building that serves as the prize collection point. At the information desk, a hand from a security guard emerges from the darkness to collect their stamps. Jin Nasol draws a 3rd place prize: ebony prayer beads with silver ornaments. The protagonist, using a torn piece of work clothing as a makeshift flyer, submits three stamps. Through deduction, the protagonist hypothesizes that higher prizes are located at the bottom of the prize box because they were placed there first. By reaching deep into the box, the protagonist draws the 1st place prize: Clear Water Opticians black-rimmed glasses with exceptionally clear lenses. After receiving the prize, the protagonist attempts to leave the retreat center area with Jin Nasol, but discovers that they are alone and unable to exit. The protagonist realizes they have been ensnared by the ghost story, likely due to accidentally triggering a light switch after being pushed, which may have caused a change in their state or
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
15:54
Chapter 382
The protagonist and Jin Nasol reach the Fairy Rock Shinmaru Retreat Center. They approach a shabby, massive concrete building that serves as the prize collection point. At the information desk, a hand from a security guard emerges from the darkness to collect their stamps. Jin Nasol draws a 3rd place prize: ebony prayer beads with silver ornaments. The protagonist, using a torn piece of work clothing as a makeshift flyer, submits three stamps. Through deduction, the protagonist hypothesizes that higher prizes are located at the bottom of the prize box because they were placed there first. By reaching deep into the box, the protagonist draws the 1st place prize: Clear Water Opticians black-rimmed glasses with exceptionally clear lenses. After receiving the prize, the protagonist attempts to leave the retreat center area with Jin Nasol, but discovers that they are alone and unable to exit. The protagonist realizes they have been ensnared by the ghost story, likely due to accidentally triggering a light switch after being pushed, which may have caused a change in their state or
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
15:54
12
Chapter 383
Kim Soleum calls the Disaster Management Bureau for rescue, pretending to be a terrified civilian trapped in a ghost story. The agent provides background on the Shinmaru Retreat Center, revealing it was operated by a religious group and closed 17 years ago after dozens of high school students vanished during a test of courage. The agent warns that the students' bodies were later found with crushed skulls and smiling faces. Key safety instructions are given: stay away from the test of courage spot, avoid the retreat center lobby windows, and never touch religious symbols. Amidst the tension, Kim hears a group of people (from X-Group) leaving the center, mistakenly thinking they were safe. After the agent promises to find more information, Kim deduces that the fourth stamp must be in the basement. Kim finds a hidden hatch in a supply cabinet and falls into the basement, which is revealed to be the 'Shinmaeum Monastery'—the former base of the 'Paradise of Love' cult. The basement is filled with a terrifying array of religious icons. While hanging from a broken floorboard, Kim finds and uses the final ink stamp on their sleeve. Immediately, a powerful psychological phenomenon begins, manifesting as beautiful, alluring poetry that urges Kim to turn around and meet their 'lover.' The entity, drawn by the stamp, follows Kim out of the basement and toward the exit. Resisting the hypnotic impulse to look back by biting their own mouth, Kim manages to escape the retreat center and is instantly teleported into a containment cell by the Bureau. Kim survives, realizing the high essence grade of this incident.
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
23:00
Chapter 383
Kim Soleum calls the Disaster Management Bureau for rescue, pretending to be a terrified civilian trapped in a ghost story. The agent provides background on the Shinmaru Retreat Center, revealing it was operated by a religious group and closed 17 years ago after dozens of high school students vanished during a test of courage. The agent warns that the students' bodies were later found with crushed skulls and smiling faces. Key safety instructions are given: stay away from the test of courage spot, avoid the retreat center lobby windows, and never touch religious symbols. Amidst the tension, Kim hears a group of people (from X-Group) leaving the center, mistakenly thinking they were safe. After the agent promises to find more information, Kim deduces that the fourth stamp must be in the basement. Kim finds a hidden hatch in a supply cabinet and falls into the basement, which is revealed to be the 'Shinmaeum Monastery'—the former base of the 'Paradise of Love' cult. The basement is filled with a terrifying array of religious icons. While hanging from a broken floorboard, Kim finds and uses the final ink stamp on their sleeve. Immediately, a powerful psychological phenomenon begins, manifesting as beautiful, alluring poetry that urges Kim to turn around and meet their 'lover.' The entity, drawn by the stamp, follows Kim out of the basement and toward the exit. Resisting the hypnotic impulse to look back by biting their own mouth, Kim manages to escape the retreat center and is instantly teleported into a containment cell by the Bureau. Kim survives, realizing the high essence grade of this incident.
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23:00
13
Chapter 384
Kim Soleum undergoes intense interrogation by a researcher at the Namhae Branch after producing both C-grade and B-grade Dream Essence in a single day. To protect his identity and avoid unwanted scrutiny, Kim Soleum claims he survived only because Assistant Manager Jin Nasol guided him. He successfully retrieves a damaged receiver, which the branch staff dismisses as a useless, non-reactive object, allowing him to keep it. Kim Soleum also retrieves a glasses case that Jin Nasol had previously hidden for him. Following his success, Kim Soleum is reassigned to X-Group, where Jin Nasol is also reassigned. While in the X-Group break room, Kim Soleum manages to use the damaged receiver to establish a connection with Lee Gyeol, a student who is now working part-time answering phones for the Disaster Management Bureau. Lee Gyeol confirms that the Hyunmoo Team 1 agents are safe and provides Kim Soleum with a direct rescue number. As the connection fades, Kim Soleum reflects on the potential contamination from the 'Paradise of Love' entity he encountered and his current lack of protection from the 'Brown' entity. The chapter concludes with Kim Soleum discovering that X-Group has been granted access to the Off-Duty Zone.
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14:30
Chapter 384
Kim Soleum undergoes intense interrogation by a researcher at the Namhae Branch after producing both C-grade and B-grade Dream Essence in a single day. To protect his identity and avoid unwanted scrutiny, Kim Soleum claims he survived only because Assistant Manager Jin Nasol guided him. He successfully retrieves a damaged receiver, which the branch staff dismisses as a useless, non-reactive object, allowing him to keep it. Kim Soleum also retrieves a glasses case that Jin Nasol had previously hidden for him. Following his success, Kim Soleum is reassigned to X-Group, where Jin Nasol is also reassigned. While in the X-Group break room, Kim Soleum manages to use the damaged receiver to establish a connection with Lee Gyeol, a student who is now working part-time answering phones for the Disaster Management Bureau. Lee Gyeol confirms that the Hyunmoo Team 1 agents are safe and provides Kim Soleum with a direct rescue number. As the connection fades, Kim Soleum reflects on the potential contamination from the 'Paradise of Love' entity he encountered and his current lack of protection from the 'Brown' entity. The chapter concludes with Kim Soleum discovering that X-Group has been granted access to the Off-Duty Zone.
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14:30
14
Chapter 385
Kim Soleum settles into new X-Group accommodations, noting the high-quality single bed but feeling unsettled by the fact that his two intended roommates have gone missing. After a brief interaction with a researcher, he decides to use an off-duty zone pass to scout the area for potential items. Upon entering the Off-Duty Zone, he finds a tacky, old-fashioned nightlife district featuring establishments like the Namhae Pub and a Sleep Management Center. The area is strangely unmanned. While walking, Kim is confronted by two aggressive X-Group workers who attempt to exploit his recent rise in social status to extort money, but they are interrupted by older workers. These older workers, who maintain a sense of humanity despite the harsh environment, protect Kim from the thugs and guide him through the area. During the tour, Kim purchases an extremely high-proof vodka from a pub and discovers a highly potent, potentially narcotic painkiller and sleeping pills at the Sleep Management Center, deciding to keep them for emergencies. While exploring the Religious Activity Room, Kim notices an "Authorized Personnel Only" door. He observes that its door handle pattern matches a metal fragment he previously found in the Z-Group breakroom, suggesting a connection between the two areas. He decides to investigate this lead later. That night, after enjoying a comfortable sleep, Kim is abruptly jolted awake by a facility-wide emergency evacuation alert.
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15:07
Chapter 385
Kim Soleum settles into new X-Group accommodations, noting the high-quality single bed but feeling unsettled by the fact that his two intended roommates have gone missing. After a brief interaction with a researcher, he decides to use an off-duty zone pass to scout the area for potential items. Upon entering the Off-Duty Zone, he finds a tacky, old-fashioned nightlife district featuring establishments like the Namhae Pub and a Sleep Management Center. The area is strangely unmanned. While walking, Kim is confronted by two aggressive X-Group workers who attempt to exploit his recent rise in social status to extort money, but they are interrupted by older workers. These older workers, who maintain a sense of humanity despite the harsh environment, protect Kim from the thugs and guide him through the area. During the tour, Kim purchases an extremely high-proof vodka from a pub and discovers a highly potent, potentially narcotic painkiller and sleeping pills at the Sleep Management Center, deciding to keep them for emergencies. While exploring the Religious Activity Room, Kim notices an "Authorized Personnel Only" door. He observes that its door handle pattern matches a metal fragment he previously found in the Z-Group breakroom, suggesting a connection between the two areas. He decides to investigate this lead later. That night, after enjoying a comfortable sleep, Kim is abruptly jolted awake by a facility-wide emergency evacuation alert.
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15:07
15
Chapter 386
An emergency alarm triggers chaos in the facility, causing the protagonist to panic and prepare a backpack. Unlike the protagonist, the resident workers are indifferent, claiming the alarm is a frequent malfunction due to the facility's age. However, Kim Soleum and Jin Nasol find this suspicious, noting that Daydream Inc. would not neglect basic security. The alarm stops, but a Security Team employee arrives to conduct a headcount. Kim Soleum notices a pulsating white string extending from the employee's bodysuit. When questioned, the employee collapses, and the string acts like a hose, sucking the employee's body dry until only an empty uniform remains. The infection spreads rapidly through the hallway as the strings connect people, sucking them dry like mosquitoes. Kim Soleum and Jin Nasol flee to the infirmary, where they find several workers. Kim Soleum suggests the infection is a
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21:27
Chapter 386
An emergency alarm triggers chaos in the facility, causing the protagonist to panic and prepare a backpack. Unlike the protagonist, the resident workers are indifferent, claiming the alarm is a frequent malfunction due to the facility's age. However, Kim Soleum and Jin Nasol find this suspicious, noting that Daydream Inc. would not neglect basic security. The alarm stops, but a Security Team employee arrives to conduct a headcount. Kim Soleum notices a pulsating white string extending from the employee's bodysuit. When questioned, the employee collapses, and the string acts like a hose, sucking the employee's body dry until only an empty uniform remains. The infection spreads rapidly through the hallway as the strings connect people, sucking them dry like mosquitoes. Kim Soleum and Jin Nasol flee to the infirmary, where they find several workers. Kim Soleum suggests the infection is a
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21:27
16
Chapter 387
The protagonist carries a heavy jangdok (jar) containing a mysterious entity through the Off-Duty Zone alongside Assistant Manager Jin Nasol. Upon entering, a mass of white, hose-like strings pursues them. To stall the entity, the protagonist throws a bottle of liquor; the white strings are lured by the liquid but do not consume it. The entity eventually breaches the containment door, threatening to enter the Off-Duty Zone. The pair searches for an "Authorized Personnel Only" door without a doorknob, hoping to use a doorknob fragment the protagonist possesses. During the frantic search, Jin Nasol discovers she has been infected by the white strings; her ring finger becomes limp and eventually melts into a yellowish-red mucus. The protagonist is forced to amputate the finger with a butcher's knife to prevent further infection. The entity inside the jar begins screaming and making bizarre, garbled noises before going silent. As the white strings breach the containment door, the protagonist realizes the "Out of Order" bathhouse (Namhae Hot Springs) has no doorknob and serves as the escape route. As they reach the door, the jangdok's bottom cracks, leaking mucus and attracting the white strings. The protagonist abandons the jar to escape, and both dive through the door into the hidden Authorized Personnel Only area just as it shuts.
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15:34
Chapter 387
The protagonist carries a heavy jangdok (jar) containing a mysterious entity through the Off-Duty Zone alongside Assistant Manager Jin Nasol. Upon entering, a mass of white, hose-like strings pursues them. To stall the entity, the protagonist throws a bottle of liquor; the white strings are lured by the liquid but do not consume it. The entity eventually breaches the containment door, threatening to enter the Off-Duty Zone. The pair searches for an "Authorized Personnel Only" door without a doorknob, hoping to use a doorknob fragment the protagonist possesses. During the frantic search, Jin Nasol discovers she has been infected by the white strings; her ring finger becomes limp and eventually melts into a yellowish-red mucus. The protagonist is forced to amputate the finger with a butcher's knife to prevent further infection. The entity inside the jar begins screaming and making bizarre, garbled noises before going silent. As the white strings breach the containment door, the protagonist realizes the "Out of Order" bathhouse (Namhae Hot Springs) has no doorknob and serves as the escape route. As they reach the door, the jangdok's bottom cracks, leaking mucus and attracting the white strings. The protagonist abandons the jar to escape, and both dive through the door into the hidden Authorized Personnel Only area just as it shuts.
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15:34
17
Chapter 388
Kim Soleum and Jin Nasol enter the Namhae Hot Springs, a run-down bathhouse located within the laborers' Off-Duty Zone. As they navigate the cluttered, dimly lit space, Jin Nasol suffers from severe pain due to a severed finger and her chronic neurological condition caused by a metal fragment in her thalamus. She reveals that she joined Daydream because the company's Dream Essence-based painkillers are the only thing that manages her constant pain, despite their exorbitant cost. Jin Nasol also mentions that the Squad-A Leader went missing following a single manual error.
Finding no visible exit, Kim Soleum uses his 'Black-Framed Glasses' to see the facility in its prosperous past. The glasses reveal a hidden emergency exit behind a wall covered by construction materials. They descend an emergency staircase that leads deeper into the facility rather than outward. They arrive at a central control room that appears derelict and unused in reality, but fully functional through the glasses. Upon attempting to use the glasses to see the room, Kim Soleum suffers intense eye pain and bloody tears, a known side effect.
Despite the pain, Kim Soleum successfully powers on the control system in 'Safe Mode.' He uses the 'Darkness List Search' function and searches for 'white strings.' The system returns a single result: 'Registered Document – No. 3,' an extremely old registration. He opens the document, which contains unexpected information authored by Ho Yuwon.
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16:42
Chapter 388
Kim Soleum and Jin Nasol enter the Namhae Hot Springs, a run-down bathhouse located within the laborers' Off-Duty Zone. As they navigate the cluttered, dimly lit space, Jin Nasol suffers from severe pain due to a severed finger and her chronic neurological condition caused by a metal fragment in her thalamus. She reveals that she joined Daydream because the company's Dream Essence-based painkillers are the only thing that manages her constant pain, despite their exorbitant cost. Jin Nasol also mentions that the Squad-A Leader went missing following a single manual error.
Finding no visible exit, Kim Soleum uses his 'Black-Framed Glasses' to see the facility in its prosperous past. The glasses reveal a hidden emergency exit behind a wall covered by construction materials. They descend an emergency staircase that leads deeper into the facility rather than outward. They arrive at a central control room that appears derelict and unused in reality, but fully functional through the glasses. Upon attempting to use the glasses to see the room, Kim Soleum suffers intense eye pain and bloody tears, a known side effect.
Despite the pain, Kim Soleum successfully powers on the control system in 'Safe Mode.' He uses the 'Darkness List Search' function and searches for 'white strings.' The system returns a single result: 'Registered Document – No. 3,' an extremely old registration. He opens the document, which contains unexpected information authored by Ho Yuwon.
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16:42
18
Chapter 389
Kim Soleum and Assistant Manager Jin Nasol investigate a document authored by Director Ho Yuwon. The document reveals that the Namhae Branch was built atop a pre-existing Darkness (Registration Qterw-A-89). The Darkness causes humans to melt into liquid food, which is then consumed by white, cylindrical tube-like structures. The document reveals a terrifying truth: the Darkness is not just a predator, but a biological process where the facility itself becomes a giant organ and human bodies voluntarily reintegrate into the larger life form. The phenomenon can be temporarily suppressed using sedative gases. Kim Soleum uses the document's author name, Ho Yuwon, and the password hint 'What I do' (interpreted as 'Counselor') to successfully bypass security and restore the facility's system. This unlocks the Facility Management function, granting them access to a bird's-eye view map of the facility via CCTV. The map shows red dots representing human life signs in the workers' hallway and infirmary, but most have been extinguished. Kim Soleum and Jin Nasol realize they are in the central control room. Suddenly, a new emergency alert triggers, and a giant blue dot—representing a non-human entity—appears on the monitor, approaching the control room door where a polite knocking sound is heard.
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16:08
Chapter 389
Kim Soleum and Assistant Manager Jin Nasol investigate a document authored by Director Ho Yuwon. The document reveals that the Namhae Branch was built atop a pre-existing Darkness (Registration Qterw-A-89). The Darkness causes humans to melt into liquid food, which is then consumed by white, cylindrical tube-like structures. The document reveals a terrifying truth: the Darkness is not just a predator, but a biological process where the facility itself becomes a giant organ and human bodies voluntarily reintegrate into the larger life form. The phenomenon can be temporarily suppressed using sedative gases. Kim Soleum uses the document's author name, Ho Yuwon, and the password hint 'What I do' (interpreted as 'Counselor') to successfully bypass security and restore the facility's system. This unlocks the Facility Management function, granting them access to a bird's-eye view map of the facility via CCTV. The map shows red dots representing human life signs in the workers' hallway and infirmary, but most have been extinguished. Kim Soleum and Jin Nasol realize they are in the central control room. Suddenly, a new emergency alert triggers, and a giant blue dot—representing a non-human entity—appears on the monitor, approaching the control room door where a polite knocking sound is heard.
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16:08
19
Chapter 390
Kim Soleum is trapped in a central control room while a malevolent entity, referred to as 'The Lover,' knocks on the door and whispers seductive, contaminating thoughts. Jin Nasol, Assistant Manager, is also present, exhibiting signs of mental contamination as she becomes entranced by the entity's voice. To prevent Jin Nasol from opening the door or harming herself, Soleum struggles with her, eventually causing her to knock herself unconscious to remain 'sane.' Soleum attempts to drown out the entity's voice by activating the facility's emergency alarm. While searching for a way to survive, Soleum discovers the ventilation and door control systems. He contemplates killing the workers in the facility by cutting off oxygen to suffocate the entity, but ultimately decides against it. Instead, he uses the door controls to open all access doors leading to Off-Duty Zones, hoping to lure other entities to clash with the 'Lover.' The plan works; the entity's white, nerve-like tendrils move toward the other opened zones, resulting in chaotic, flesh-tearing sounds. During the chaos, the entity manages to bypass the door as Soleum's mental state wavers, but Soleum uses his special glasses—which only show the past—to negate the entity's visual contamination. He manages to slam the door shut just as the entity reaches him. Soleum survives but is left in a state of emotional collapse. Meanwhile, a researcher at a hidden office discovers that a high-grade (A-Grade) Dream Essence has been collected in the containment zone, potentially by Soleum. The researcher, driven by greed for points, prepares to hide the discovery from an upcoming audit by headquarters personnel, specifically Section Chief Baek Saheon.
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22:00
Chapter 390
Kim Soleum is trapped in a central control room while a malevolent entity, referred to as 'The Lover,' knocks on the door and whispers seductive, contaminating thoughts. Jin Nasol, Assistant Manager, is also present, exhibiting signs of mental contamination as she becomes entranced by the entity's voice. To prevent Jin Nasol from opening the door or harming herself, Soleum struggles with her, eventually causing her to knock herself unconscious to remain 'sane.' Soleum attempts to drown out the entity's voice by activating the facility's emergency alarm. While searching for a way to survive, Soleum discovers the ventilation and door control systems. He contemplates killing the workers in the facility by cutting off oxygen to suffocate the entity, but ultimately decides against it. Instead, he uses the door controls to open all access doors leading to Off-Duty Zones, hoping to lure other entities to clash with the 'Lover.' The plan works; the entity's white, nerve-like tendrils move toward the other opened zones, resulting in chaotic, flesh-tearing sounds. During the chaos, the entity manages to bypass the door as Soleum's mental state wavers, but Soleum uses his special glasses—which only show the past—to negate the entity's visual contamination. He manages to slam the door shut just as the entity reaches him. Soleum survives but is left in a state of emotional collapse. Meanwhile, a researcher at a hidden office discovers that a high-grade (A-Grade) Dream Essence has been collected in the containment zone, potentially by Soleum. The researcher, driven by greed for points, prepares to hide the discovery from an upcoming audit by headquarters personnel, specifically Section Chief Baek Saheon.
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22:00
20
Chapter 391
The protagonist wakes up in his shared room (X-Group, 910s) in the worker district, which is covered in traces of white strings, hoses, and bodily fluids following a recent containment failure. He recalls how he survived the incident by hiding in a corner shop and carrying Assistant Manager Jin Nasol to safety. Daydream Inc. has performed a superficial cleanup but has effectively abandoned the survivors, labeling the incident a 'disinfection commotion caused by parasites' and turning the workers' suspicion toward the protagonist. He realizes the company is likely ignoring the truth of the incident to save costs on memory wiping, choosing instead to treat him as mentally unstable.
He visits Jin Nasol in the emergency medical room, noting she is hospitalized due to a severed finger. Despite her abrasive demeanor, they share a moment of mutual, unspoken gratitude. The protagonist realizes he has gained knowledge of the facility's escape routes via the central system. During lunch, he receives a bill for 'unauthorized occupation and use' of medical supplies, adding to his frustration.
Following a roll call, the company announces a housing relocation for him due to 'rest area maintenance,' moving him to the lower-tier Z990s. He suspects this is a move by the researcher to isolate him from headquarters during an upcoming audit. In the restroom, two workers attempt to bully him, taking advantage of the lack of CCTV. After an initial attempt to play the victim to garner sympathy from management, the protagonist's situation escalates. He violently counterattacks one assailant by strangling him, then stages a self-inflicted injury by slamming his own face into the sink to make it appear he was the victim of a random disturbance. As security arrives, a man in a black goat mask—identified as Supervisor Baek Saheon—enters the scene.
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20:52
Chapter 391
The protagonist wakes up in his shared room (X-Group, 910s) in the worker district, which is covered in traces of white strings, hoses, and bodily fluids following a recent containment failure. He recalls how he survived the incident by hiding in a corner shop and carrying Assistant Manager Jin Nasol to safety. Daydream Inc. has performed a superficial cleanup but has effectively abandoned the survivors, labeling the incident a 'disinfection commotion caused by parasites' and turning the workers' suspicion toward the protagonist. He realizes the company is likely ignoring the truth of the incident to save costs on memory wiping, choosing instead to treat him as mentally unstable.
He visits Jin Nasol in the emergency medical room, noting she is hospitalized due to a severed finger. Despite her abrasive demeanor, they share a moment of mutual, unspoken gratitude. The protagonist realizes he has gained knowledge of the facility's escape routes via the central system. During lunch, he receives a bill for 'unauthorized occupation and use' of medical supplies, adding to his frustration.
Following a roll call, the company announces a housing relocation for him due to 'rest area maintenance,' moving him to the lower-tier Z990s. He suspects this is a move by the researcher to isolate him from headquarters during an upcoming audit. In the restroom, two workers attempt to bully him, taking advantage of the lack of CCTV. After an initial attempt to play the victim to garner sympathy from management, the protagonist's situation escalates. He violently counterattacks one assailant by strangling him, then stages a self-inflicted injury by slamming his own face into the sink to make it appear he was the victim of a random disturbance. As security arrives, a man in a black goat mask—identified as Supervisor Baek Saheon—enters the scene.
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20:52
21
Chapter 392
In a restroom at the Namhae branch, Kim Soleum is confronted by Baek Saheon, a headquarters auditor who recognizes him despite his battered state. Baek Saheon's presence surprises Soleum, who has been surviving as a day laborer for three years since their last meeting. A branch researcher, wearing a protective suit, enters the restroom and is immediately reprimanded by Baek Saheon for failing to identify contamination and for the poor condition of the workers. Baek Saheon threatens the researcher with a transfer to a dangerous Field Exploration squad to assert dominance and eventually orders him to leave so he can speak with Soleum privately. Once alone, Baek Saheon acknowledges Soleum's survival and his recent extraordinary feats, such as obtaining a B-Grade Dream Essence and surviving contact with Darkness. Soleum expresses a desire to leave the branch, but Baek Saheon implies that Soleum's recent activities have made him a person of interest that the company may not let go easily. They discuss the fates of former colleagues from Director Ho's project team; Baek Saheon reveals that most have either resigned or gone missing, hinting at a darker reality. Baek Saheon departs, leaving Soleum determined to escape the branch to search for his missing friends. Meanwhile, the branch researcher, believing Baek Saheon to be an easy target, attempts to deflect his audit questions, unaware that Baek Saheon is actually investigating the branch's mismanagement and the disappearance of employees. The chapter ends with Baek Saheon pressuring the researcher to hand over the zone management plans.
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16:38
Chapter 392
In a restroom at the Namhae branch, Kim Soleum is confronted by Baek Saheon, a headquarters auditor who recognizes him despite his battered state. Baek Saheon's presence surprises Soleum, who has been surviving as a day laborer for three years since their last meeting. A branch researcher, wearing a protective suit, enters the restroom and is immediately reprimanded by Baek Saheon for failing to identify contamination and for the poor condition of the workers. Baek Saheon threatens the researcher with a transfer to a dangerous Field Exploration squad to assert dominance and eventually orders him to leave so he can speak with Soleum privately. Once alone, Baek Saheon acknowledges Soleum's survival and his recent extraordinary feats, such as obtaining a B-Grade Dream Essence and surviving contact with Darkness. Soleum expresses a desire to leave the branch, but Baek Saheon implies that Soleum's recent activities have made him a person of interest that the company may not let go easily. They discuss the fates of former colleagues from Director Ho's project team; Baek Saheon reveals that most have either resigned or gone missing, hinting at a darker reality. Baek Saheon departs, leaving Soleum determined to escape the branch to search for his missing friends. Meanwhile, the branch researcher, believing Baek Saheon to be an easy target, attempts to deflect his audit questions, unaware that Baek Saheon is actually investigating the branch's mismanagement and the disappearance of employees. The chapter ends with Baek Saheon pressuring the researcher to hand over the zone management plans.
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16:38
22
Chapter 393
During roll call, Section Chief Baek Saheon conducts an audit of the workers' corridors, notably lingering by Kim Soleum's room and signaling him via lip movements to not eat the upcoming meal. Following roll call, a special meal is distributed containing tuna mayo rice balls and a suspicious pink liquid soft capsule described as 'parasite medicine' intended as a preventive measure. Kim Soleum, sensing a trap, realizes the medicine is a delivery mechanism for a 'Darkness' and hides the pill instead of swallowing it. During pay distribution, Kim Soleum is pleasantly surprised when the branch security returns the money previously seized via an invalid invoice. Later, in the privacy of his room, Kim Soleum uses his special glasses—a first-place prize—to view the past state of his quarters. The glasses reveal the room was once the former office of Director Ho Yuwon. Through the glasses, Kim Soleum discovers a hidden passage/door behind a dirt wall that leads to an authorized-only area. He realizes the branch has been modified to hide this access. Baek Saheon returns to the room after disabling the CCTVs to confront Kim Soleum, admitting he helped void the invoice. Baek Saheon suspects Kim Soleum is a spy and warns him against investigating the branch, though he remains interested in the glasses. Kim Soleum intends to dig through the dirt wall to access the hidden door. The chapter concludes the following day when Kim Soleum notices the workers' physical scars are mysteriously healing, suggesting the 'medicine' has immediate effects.
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15:40
Chapter 393
During roll call, Section Chief Baek Saheon conducts an audit of the workers' corridors, notably lingering by Kim Soleum's room and signaling him via lip movements to not eat the upcoming meal. Following roll call, a special meal is distributed containing tuna mayo rice balls and a suspicious pink liquid soft capsule described as 'parasite medicine' intended as a preventive measure. Kim Soleum, sensing a trap, realizes the medicine is a delivery mechanism for a 'Darkness' and hides the pill instead of swallowing it. During pay distribution, Kim Soleum is pleasantly surprised when the branch security returns the money previously seized via an invalid invoice. Later, in the privacy of his room, Kim Soleum uses his special glasses—a first-place prize—to view the past state of his quarters. The glasses reveal the room was once the former office of Director Ho Yuwon. Through the glasses, Kim Soleum discovers a hidden passage/door behind a dirt wall that leads to an authorized-only area. He realizes the branch has been modified to hide this access. Baek Saheon returns to the room after disabling the CCTVs to confront Kim Soleum, admitting he helped void the invoice. Baek Saheon suspects Kim Soleum is a spy and warns him against investigating the branch, though he remains interested in the glasses. Kim Soleum intends to dig through the dirt wall to access the hidden door. The chapter concludes the following day when Kim Soleum notices the workers' physical scars are mysteriously healing, suggesting the 'medicine' has immediate effects.
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15:40
23
Chapter 394
Breakfast is distributed to the workers, consisting of sarada bread and banana milk, alongside pink, translucent soft-gel capsules identified by Kim as a Darkness. Kim pretends to swallow a pill while Assistant Manager Jin Nasol observes with intrigue. Workers report rapid physical improvements, including the disappearance of inflammation, parasites, and bruises. Kim suspects the pills might be related to a parasite-based clinical trial, as the workers' improved health seems too convenient during an audit. Over the following days, the effects intensify; workers report disappearing arthritis, scars, and glowing complexions. Kim maintains a neat appearance to avoid suspicion.
When the Off-Duty Zone opens, Kim and a reluctant Jin Nasol enter. The zone is crowded, resembling a night market with various stalls and a long line for fortune-telling. Kim is pulled into a secluded corridor by Baek Saheon. Baek Saheon, an HQ Manager, is collecting testimonies and criticizes the disorganized state of the zone. A tense interaction occurs between Baek Saheon and Jin Nasol, who recognizes him from her former role in the General Team. Baek Saheon accuses Kim of compromising security by sharing information about the pills with Jin Nasol.
Baek Saheon hands Kim a clipboard containing the worker schedule and a 'Labor Experiment Plan.' Kim realizes the pills are not health supplements, but a Darkness known as the 'Beauty Pill' (Qterw-E-112), an E-grade item. The pills improve appearance by altering the body, but their true nature is revealed through the 'Delusion Home Shopping' context: they are actually an 'Instrument Maintenance Product' used by the Choir of Purgatory to maintain human bodies. The most dangerous side effect is that if alcohol is consumed while taking the pills, the true effects manifest during sleep. Upon realizing the horrifying implication of the pills' true purpose, Kim decides to attempt an escape that night.
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16:17
Chapter 394
Breakfast is distributed to the workers, consisting of sarada bread and banana milk, alongside pink, translucent soft-gel capsules identified by Kim as a Darkness. Kim pretends to swallow a pill while Assistant Manager Jin Nasol observes with intrigue. Workers report rapid physical improvements, including the disappearance of inflammation, parasites, and bruises. Kim suspects the pills might be related to a parasite-based clinical trial, as the workers' improved health seems too convenient during an audit. Over the following days, the effects intensify; workers report disappearing arthritis, scars, and glowing complexions. Kim maintains a neat appearance to avoid suspicion.
When the Off-Duty Zone opens, Kim and a reluctant Jin Nasol enter. The zone is crowded, resembling a night market with various stalls and a long line for fortune-telling. Kim is pulled into a secluded corridor by Baek Saheon. Baek Saheon, an HQ Manager, is collecting testimonies and criticizes the disorganized state of the zone. A tense interaction occurs between Baek Saheon and Jin Nasol, who recognizes him from her former role in the General Team. Baek Saheon accuses Kim of compromising security by sharing information about the pills with Jin Nasol.
Baek Saheon hands Kim a clipboard containing the worker schedule and a 'Labor Experiment Plan.' Kim realizes the pills are not health supplements, but a Darkness known as the 'Beauty Pill' (Qterw-E-112), an E-grade item. The pills improve appearance by altering the body, but their true nature is revealed through the 'Delusion Home Shopping' context: they are actually an 'Instrument Maintenance Product' used by the Choir of Purgatory to maintain human bodies. The most dangerous side effect is that if alcohol is consumed while taking the pills, the true effects manifest during sleep. Upon realizing the horrifying implication of the pills' true purpose, Kim decides to attempt an escape that night.
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16:17
24
Chapter 395
Kim Soleum observes a suspicious sorting process at the Namhae Branch, where researchers use breathalyzers and CCTV to separate workers who consumed alcohol from those who did not. Soleum suspects this is a controlled experiment involving the 'Beauty Pill' and alcohol. A man who previously targeted Soleum in the bathroom falsely accuses him of drinking to provoke a confrontation. Despite Jin Nasol's attempt to defend Soleum, the researcher orders Soleum to the 'drank alcohol' group. The researcher mocks Jin Nasol for her former employment at Daydream. Soleum, realizing the danger, tells the researcher he might die tomorrow, causing visible anxiety in the researcher's voice.
The alcohol group is transported to a containment cell under the guise of a 'sleep pattern collection' study. While being fitted with equipment that Soleum identifies as a 'Dream Essence Collector,' the man who attempted to attack him with a metal bar begins to transform. The pill's true effects manifest: the workers' bodies undergo horrific, musical-themed mutations, turning them into living, breathing instruments—the 'Choir of Purgatory.' A rat-headed figure (the Butcher of Melodies) and a procession of animal-headed figures enter the cell to 'tune' the human instruments.
The containment fails, and the cell door opens. Soleum seizes the opportunity to escape, sprinting through the corridors while being chased by both the mutating workers and non-mutated employees. In the chaos, Baek Saheon appears from a ceiling vent and rescues Soleum with a rope, pulling him into the ventilation system. Soleum refuses to help the attacker who grabs his foot as the man transforms. Baek Saheon leads Soleum through the vents toward the worker area, aiming to reach Soleum's room where he previously dug a hole in the dirt wall, hoping to avoid CCTV coverage.
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21:51
Chapter 395
Kim Soleum observes a suspicious sorting process at the Namhae Branch, where researchers use breathalyzers and CCTV to separate workers who consumed alcohol from those who did not. Soleum suspects this is a controlled experiment involving the 'Beauty Pill' and alcohol. A man who previously targeted Soleum in the bathroom falsely accuses him of drinking to provoke a confrontation. Despite Jin Nasol's attempt to defend Soleum, the researcher orders Soleum to the 'drank alcohol' group. The researcher mocks Jin Nasol for her former employment at Daydream. Soleum, realizing the danger, tells the researcher he might die tomorrow, causing visible anxiety in the researcher's voice.
The alcohol group is transported to a containment cell under the guise of a 'sleep pattern collection' study. While being fitted with equipment that Soleum identifies as a 'Dream Essence Collector,' the man who attempted to attack him with a metal bar begins to transform. The pill's true effects manifest: the workers' bodies undergo horrific, musical-themed mutations, turning them into living, breathing instruments—the 'Choir of Purgatory.' A rat-headed figure (the Butcher of Melodies) and a procession of animal-headed figures enter the cell to 'tune' the human instruments.
The containment fails, and the cell door opens. Soleum seizes the opportunity to escape, sprinting through the corridors while being chased by both the mutating workers and non-mutated employees. In the chaos, Baek Saheon appears from a ceiling vent and rescues Soleum with a rope, pulling him into the ventilation system. Soleum refuses to help the attacker who grabs his foot as the man transforms. Baek Saheon leads Soleum through the vents toward the worker area, aiming to reach Soleum's room where he previously dug a hole in the dirt wall, hoping to avoid CCTV coverage.
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21:51
25
Chapter 396
Kim Soleum and Baek Saheon crawl through a ventilation shaft, navigating by sound and instinct. Despite wearing supernatural earplugs provided by Baek Saheon, Kim Soleum begins to hear a surreal, duet-like musical performance—a melody of high-pitched wind instruments and laughter that sounds like a severed sheep's head being played. The earplugs eventually shrivel and turn into a treble clef shape, rendered useless by the melody. As they emerge from the vent into a temporary concrete hallway, they realize they have escaped the containment zone. However, they discover that the containment cell doors in the hallway are wide open. Kim Soleum concludes that the 'Darkness' is opening the doors not by error, but as a gesture of 'welcoming' the audience to a performance. Kim Soleum compares this to an A-rank anomaly they once faced involving a human-head orchestra, noting the scale of this event is much larger.
They reach the worker zone, and Baek Saheon uses a researcher's stolen device to open the doors to the worker rest area, intending to create chaos to facilitate their escape. Kim Soleum proposes using the distraction to save Assistant Manager Jin Nasol, to which Baek Saheon agrees on the condition that Kim Soleum leaves the others behind. Upon reaching the Y490s area, Kim Soleum finds Jin Nasol. To Kim Soleum's horror, Jin Nasol appears unnaturally healthy and glossy-skinned, leading Kim Soleum to realize the worker had actually swallowed the mysterious pills rather than discarding them.
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13:44
Chapter 396
Kim Soleum and Baek Saheon crawl through a ventilation shaft, navigating by sound and instinct. Despite wearing supernatural earplugs provided by Baek Saheon, Kim Soleum begins to hear a surreal, duet-like musical performance—a melody of high-pitched wind instruments and laughter that sounds like a severed sheep's head being played. The earplugs eventually shrivel and turn into a treble clef shape, rendered useless by the melody. As they emerge from the vent into a temporary concrete hallway, they realize they have escaped the containment zone. However, they discover that the containment cell doors in the hallway are wide open. Kim Soleum concludes that the 'Darkness' is opening the doors not by error, but as a gesture of 'welcoming' the audience to a performance. Kim Soleum compares this to an A-rank anomaly they once faced involving a human-head orchestra, noting the scale of this event is much larger.
They reach the worker zone, and Baek Saheon uses a researcher's stolen device to open the doors to the worker rest area, intending to create chaos to facilitate their escape. Kim Soleum proposes using the distraction to save Assistant Manager Jin Nasol, to which Baek Saheon agrees on the condition that Kim Soleum leaves the others behind. Upon reaching the Y490s area, Kim Soleum finds Jin Nasol. To Kim Soleum's horror, Jin Nasol appears unnaturally healthy and glossy-skinned, leading Kim Soleum to realize the worker had actually swallowed the mysterious pills rather than discarding them.
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13:44
26
Chapter 397
In a noisy corridor, Assistant Manager Jin Nasol displays unnaturally healthy skin despite recent hardship. Baek Saheon accuses her of consuming the medicine, arguing that her vague denial implies she took it. Jin Nasol claims she has no memory of it but suspects she might have accidentally taken it with her painkillers. The protagonist realizes he has also likely taken the medicine, noting his own rapid physical healing and a strange new ability to mentally visualize a beautiful melody he heard at the Tuesday Talk Show. He deduces that the administration may have crushed a third pill into the meals to ensure the dosage instructions (three pills over three days) were met, especially since they were encouraged to drink alcohol.
After the protagonist reveals his suspicion and offers to lead them through the central administrative system via the mud wall path—promising Baek Saheon a way to secure audit-worthy results—Baek Saheon reluctantly agrees to follow. As they enter the mud wall, an emergency alert sounds, followed by a haunting, beautiful melody broadcasting through the facility's speakers. The trio destroys the local speaker and escapes into the mud wall, blocking the hole with a cabinet.
Inside the authorized personnel zone, they encounter an eerie, steel-lined corridor filled with the sound of water. Using his memorized maps of the Namhae branch, the protagonist navigates through a series of forks, eventually finding a sealed door with a handwheel. Jin Nasol forces it open, revealing a corridor lined with one-way mirrors. Looking through a window, they see the worker management room, which is being observed from this side. Hidden under a desk, they discover a researcher clutching several cylinders containing a brilliant golden liquid: high-grade Dream Essence.
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17:17
Chapter 397
In a noisy corridor, Assistant Manager Jin Nasol displays unnaturally healthy skin despite recent hardship. Baek Saheon accuses her of consuming the medicine, arguing that her vague denial implies she took it. Jin Nasol claims she has no memory of it but suspects she might have accidentally taken it with her painkillers. The protagonist realizes he has also likely taken the medicine, noting his own rapid physical healing and a strange new ability to mentally visualize a beautiful melody he heard at the Tuesday Talk Show. He deduces that the administration may have crushed a third pill into the meals to ensure the dosage instructions (three pills over three days) were met, especially since they were encouraged to drink alcohol.
After the protagonist reveals his suspicion and offers to lead them through the central administrative system via the mud wall path—promising Baek Saheon a way to secure audit-worthy results—Baek Saheon reluctantly agrees to follow. As they enter the mud wall, an emergency alert sounds, followed by a haunting, beautiful melody broadcasting through the facility's speakers. The trio destroys the local speaker and escapes into the mud wall, blocking the hole with a cabinet.
Inside the authorized personnel zone, they encounter an eerie, steel-lined corridor filled with the sound of water. Using his memorized maps of the Namhae branch, the protagonist navigates through a series of forks, eventually finding a sealed door with a handwheel. Jin Nasol forces it open, revealing a corridor lined with one-way mirrors. Looking through a window, they see the worker management room, which is being observed from this side. Hidden under a desk, they discover a researcher clutching several cylinders containing a brilliant golden liquid: high-grade Dream Essence.
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17:17
27
Chapter 398
Baek Saheon, Kim Soleum, and Assistant Manager Jin Nasol observe high-grade Dream Essence through a glass partition in a research area. Baek Saheon proposes stealing the essence, noting it was originally extracted by Kim Soleum. Jin Nasol agrees to help in exchange for a 20% cut of the point value (estimated at 70,000 points) to buy items from the Welfare Mall. Kim Soleum discovers a two-way radio handset in a hidden wall compartment, allowing them to communicate with the researcher in the adjacent room.
Baek Saheon uses the radio to manipulate the researcher. He pretends to be conducting an audit, instructing the researcher to leave all belongings behind to facilitate an escape. The researcher, driven by greed, initially tries to hide the Dream Essence but eventually complies under Baek Saheon's pressure. Once the researcher leaves the desk and heads toward the supplies room, Baek Saheon reveals he has cut the CCTV feed. The researcher realizes he is being watched through the window, and the three protagonists ambush him. Jin Nasol kicks the researcher, and Kim Soleum's presence causes the man to panic, believing it is a hallucination. Baek Saheon then kills the researcher by striking him in the head with a stone paperweight.
Baek Saheon loots the Dream Essence, and the group flees as an announcement broadcasts that the
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22:43
Chapter 398
Baek Saheon, Kim Soleum, and Assistant Manager Jin Nasol observe high-grade Dream Essence through a glass partition in a research area. Baek Saheon proposes stealing the essence, noting it was originally extracted by Kim Soleum. Jin Nasol agrees to help in exchange for a 20% cut of the point value (estimated at 70,000 points) to buy items from the Welfare Mall. Kim Soleum discovers a two-way radio handset in a hidden wall compartment, allowing them to communicate with the researcher in the adjacent room.
Baek Saheon uses the radio to manipulate the researcher. He pretends to be conducting an audit, instructing the researcher to leave all belongings behind to facilitate an escape. The researcher, driven by greed, initially tries to hide the Dream Essence but eventually complies under Baek Saheon's pressure. Once the researcher leaves the desk and heads toward the supplies room, Baek Saheon reveals he has cut the CCTV feed. The researcher realizes he is being watched through the window, and the three protagonists ambush him. Jin Nasol kicks the researcher, and Kim Soleum's presence causes the man to panic, believing it is a hallucination. Baek Saheon then kills the researcher by striking him in the head with a stone paperweight.
Baek Saheon loots the Dream Essence, and the group flees as an announcement broadcasts that the
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
22:43
28
Chapter 399
After escaping the Namhae Branch, Kim Soleum, Jin Nasol, and Baek Saheon find themselves on the basalt shores of Yongmeori Coast on Jeju Island. Exhausted, the trio rests on the beach. Kim Soleum realizes the branch was located on Jeju Island rather than the mainland. They proceed to distribute items and Dream Essence recovered from the branch. Baek Saheon distributes items and takes a commission on Dream Essence. Kim Soleum chooses a mysterious ring box that bears a pattern similar to the Namhae Branch staff room doorknob. In exchange for his cooperation, Kim Soleum provides Baek Saheon with high-grade Dream Essence recovered from a Dream Collector hidden in his clothing. They retreat to a local restaurant to eat, wearing casual clothes provided by Baek Saheon to blend in. During dinner, Jin Nasol reveals her previous career was similar to a mercenary. Baek Saheon notes that Director Cheong has been missing from the company for six months, suggesting the company's internal control is currently loose, which provides Kim Soleum more freedom of movement. The trio retreats to a guesthouse to sleep. However, Kim Soleum's sleep is violently interrupted by the sensation of choking. He discovers that the Namhae Branch sticker on his neck is turning pitch black, causing painful red veins and a rash to erupt around it. As he struggles to breathe, the text on the sticker begins to change.
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16:30
Chapter 399
After escaping the Namhae Branch, Kim Soleum, Jin Nasol, and Baek Saheon find themselves on the basalt shores of Yongmeori Coast on Jeju Island. Exhausted, the trio rests on the beach. Kim Soleum realizes the branch was located on Jeju Island rather than the mainland. They proceed to distribute items and Dream Essence recovered from the branch. Baek Saheon distributes items and takes a commission on Dream Essence. Kim Soleum chooses a mysterious ring box that bears a pattern similar to the Namhae Branch staff room doorknob. In exchange for his cooperation, Kim Soleum provides Baek Saheon with high-grade Dream Essence recovered from a Dream Collector hidden in his clothing. They retreat to a local restaurant to eat, wearing casual clothes provided by Baek Saheon to blend in. During dinner, Jin Nasol reveals her previous career was similar to a mercenary. Baek Saheon notes that Director Cheong has been missing from the company for six months, suggesting the company's internal control is currently loose, which provides Kim Soleum more freedom of movement. The trio retreats to a guesthouse to sleep. However, Kim Soleum's sleep is violently interrupted by the sensation of choking. He discovers that the Namhae Branch sticker on his neck is turning pitch black, causing painful red veins and a rash to erupt around it. As he struggles to breathe, the text on the sticker begins to change.
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16:30
29
Chapter 400
Kim Soleum experiences severe suffocation caused by a 'worker' sticker on his neck, which functions as a proximity alarm to the Namhae Branch. He is joined by Assistant Manager Jin Nasol, who suffers similar symptoms. Following Jin Nasol's instructions to turn his head away from the sticker to allow a small passage of air, Soleum manages to breathe. Baek Saheon arrives and calls a taxi, transporting the three to the Yongmeori Coast, which is within range of the branch. Once they reach the coast, the constriction vanishes, confirming the sticker's function is to prevent workers from leaving the branch's vicinity. Soleum realizes the Namhae Branch likely implemented these stickers as a cost-effective way to manage runaway workers. To survive, Soleum proposes a risky plan to dig the sticker out of his neck using Dream Essence for regeneration, but he eventually devises a more strategic solution: manipulating Baek Saheon’s audit report to the head office.
Baek Saheon submits a damning audit report that highlights the Namhae Branch's catastrophic failures during the recent containment failure, including massive loss of life, inadequate safety regulations, and embezzlement by the Research Manager. The report is written to spark internal politics between the branch and head office, ensuring the head office investigates the branch immediately. This serves Soleum's goal by creating chaos that allows the cleanup to be neglected. As a result, the report is approved, granting Baek Saheon temporary authority to stay at the branch and manage the cleanup, which provides Soleum and Jin Nasol cover to remain there under his supervision. While wandering the worker zone, Soleum reflects on the high death toll and finds a curious mention of a "white cotton glove" in the recovery logs. Returning to room Z999, he finds a hole in the dirt wall that was overlooked by the cleanup crew. Tucked inside the hole, he discovers a luxurious note addressed to him (
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21:04
Chapter 400
Kim Soleum experiences severe suffocation caused by a 'worker' sticker on his neck, which functions as a proximity alarm to the Namhae Branch. He is joined by Assistant Manager Jin Nasol, who suffers similar symptoms. Following Jin Nasol's instructions to turn his head away from the sticker to allow a small passage of air, Soleum manages to breathe. Baek Saheon arrives and calls a taxi, transporting the three to the Yongmeori Coast, which is within range of the branch. Once they reach the coast, the constriction vanishes, confirming the sticker's function is to prevent workers from leaving the branch's vicinity. Soleum realizes the Namhae Branch likely implemented these stickers as a cost-effective way to manage runaway workers. To survive, Soleum proposes a risky plan to dig the sticker out of his neck using Dream Essence for regeneration, but he eventually devises a more strategic solution: manipulating Baek Saheon’s audit report to the head office.
Baek Saheon submits a damning audit report that highlights the Namhae Branch's catastrophic failures during the recent containment failure, including massive loss of life, inadequate safety regulations, and embezzlement by the Research Manager. The report is written to spark internal politics between the branch and head office, ensuring the head office investigates the branch immediately. This serves Soleum's goal by creating chaos that allows the cleanup to be neglected. As a result, the report is approved, granting Baek Saheon temporary authority to stay at the branch and manage the cleanup, which provides Soleum and Jin Nasol cover to remain there under his supervision. While wandering the worker zone, Soleum reflects on the high death toll and finds a curious mention of a "white cotton glove" in the recovery logs. Returning to room Z999, he finds a hole in the dirt wall that was overlooked by the cleanup crew. Tucked inside the hole, he discovers a luxurious note addressed to him (
Guest access includes first 4 of 36 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
21:04
30
Chapter 401
Kim Soleum prepares for a ritual to invite the Otherworld talk show host using a Silver Serpent Coin and a white cotton glove. He notices his tattoos have vanished, leading him to wonder if his connections to previous worlds will also disappear upon his return home. Exploring Director Ho Yuwon's abandoned office, he discovers a sticky note labeled 'Return Key Card' attached to a chip. He realizes the chip is actually a specialized storage device for a ring box; plugging the chip into the box's groove activates it, granting him a management key card.
Later, during dinner with Baek Saheon and Jin Nasol, Baek Saheon reveals he has no intention of reporting the branch's state to headquarters to avoid interference. He mentions that worker contracts are on a 30-day cycle and could potentially be terminated within two days if they obtain system authorization, which is currently difficult due to the chaotic state of the branch management. Baek Saheon also points out a discrepancy: Jin Nasol claims to have been at the branch for two weeks, but records show she arrived six months ago, suggesting she is hiding something.
Seeking a less dangerous assignment, Kim Soleum requests patrol duties. He is provided with Security Team attire, which allows him access to most areas except the Manager's office. While patrolling the staff area (Sector B-5), he is pursued by a figure dressed in the same Security Team uniform. The figure maintains the exact same distance and pace regardless of Kim Soleum's speed. After hiding in a storage room, Kim Soleum hears strange groans and looks through a small window into Storage B-9. Inside, he sees several people in orange jumpsuits—the survivors of the incident who are scheduled for disposal the following day.
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17:24
Chapter 401
Kim Soleum prepares for a ritual to invite the Otherworld talk show host using a Silver Serpent Coin and a white cotton glove. He notices his tattoos have vanished, leading him to wonder if his connections to previous worlds will also disappear upon his return home. Exploring Director Ho Yuwon's abandoned office, he discovers a sticky note labeled 'Return Key Card' attached to a chip. He realizes the chip is actually a specialized storage device for a ring box; plugging the chip into the box's groove activates it, granting him a management key card.
Later, during dinner with Baek Saheon and Jin Nasol, Baek Saheon reveals he has no intention of reporting the branch's state to headquarters to avoid interference. He mentions that worker contracts are on a 30-day cycle and could potentially be terminated within two days if they obtain system authorization, which is currently difficult due to the chaotic state of the branch management. Baek Saheon also points out a discrepancy: Jin Nasol claims to have been at the branch for two weeks, but records show she arrived six months ago, suggesting she is hiding something.
Seeking a less dangerous assignment, Kim Soleum requests patrol duties. He is provided with Security Team attire, which allows him access to most areas except the Manager's office. While patrolling the staff area (Sector B-5), he is pursued by a figure dressed in the same Security Team uniform. The figure maintains the exact same distance and pace regardless of Kim Soleum's speed. After hiding in a storage room, Kim Soleum hears strange groans and looks through a small window into Storage B-9. Inside, he sees several people in orange jumpsuits—the survivors of the incident who are scheduled for disposal the following day.
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17:24
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