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Got Dropped in a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work
Secretiv_Sorceress · saltgoblin & I_Love_Kim_Soleum
Completed
Horror
4.9
478 chapters
973 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.
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I'm an Infinite Regressor, But I've Got Stories to Tell
Audio chapters (478) · 91–120
91
Chapter 91
Baek Saheon struggles with the decision of whether to stay with his unpredictable roommate, Kim Soleum, amidst a bizarre mansion. Saheon reflects on the absurd rumors regarding Kim's 'monstrous rookie' status, suspecting his success stems from a deranged mindset rather than mere skill. Kim Soleum observes Saheon's shift from formal to casual speech and maintains a nonchalant attitude. When Saheon asks about their destination, Kim explains that the exhibition treats them as guests rather than intruders, which is why it collects 'admission fees' in the form of human eyes. Saheon, remembering how Kim once casually revealed his own missing eye, feels a sense of dread. Despite Saheon's attempts to manipulate or persuade Kim to stick together for safety, Kim admits he only wants to stay together for the 'dopamine' of unpredictability. Kim then reveals he is communicating with Braun, a plush rabbit keychain. Kim decides to keep Saheon around as a buffer against the fear of being alone, while Saheon realizes he must act 'crazy' to survive alongside Kim.
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7:24
Chapter 91
Baek Saheon struggles with the decision of whether to stay with his unpredictable roommate, Kim Soleum, amidst a bizarre mansion. Saheon reflects on the absurd rumors regarding Kim's 'monstrous rookie' status, suspecting his success stems from a deranged mindset rather than mere skill. Kim Soleum observes Saheon's shift from formal to casual speech and maintains a nonchalant attitude. When Saheon asks about their destination, Kim explains that the exhibition treats them as guests rather than intruders, which is why it collects 'admission fees' in the form of human eyes. Saheon, remembering how Kim once casually revealed his own missing eye, feels a sense of dread. Despite Saheon's attempts to manipulate or persuade Kim to stick together for safety, Kim admits he only wants to stay together for the 'dopamine' of unpredictability. Kim then reveals he is communicating with Braun, a plush rabbit keychain. Kim decides to keep Saheon around as a buffer against the fear of being alone, while Saheon realizes he must act 'crazy' to survive alongside Kim.
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7:24
92
Chapter 92
Kim Soleum navigates the eye-plucking exhibition alongside Baek Saheon, whom he views as a 'human trash' archetype. Kim reveals his escape strategy is based on the 17th entry of the manual, noting that the exhibition's 'ushers' are actually mechanical steam dolls that only possess information about their specific areas. To find the exit, one must reach the specific area where the exit is located, risking being turned into a human slug by the time they arrive. They encounter an antique elevator with an incomprehensible guide panel. Kim uses Braun to translate the panel, discovering that the mansion consists of seven floors above ground and 7,221 floors below ground. This revelation shifts the nature of the ghost story from a simple trap to cosmic horror, as explorers often descend into the basement in a desperate, madness-inducing search for an exit. Kim realizes that while the scale is vast, multiple exits exist and can be found through careful mapping.
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5:10
Chapter 92
Kim Soleum navigates the eye-plucking exhibition alongside Baek Saheon, whom he views as a 'human trash' archetype. Kim reveals his escape strategy is based on the 17th entry of the manual, noting that the exhibition's 'ushers' are actually mechanical steam dolls that only possess information about their specific areas. To find the exit, one must reach the specific area where the exit is located, risking being turned into a human slug by the time they arrive. They encounter an antique elevator with an incomprehensible guide panel. Kim uses Braun to translate the panel, discovering that the mansion consists of seven floors above ground and 7,221 floors below ground. This revelation shifts the nature of the ghost story from a simple trap to cosmic horror, as explorers often descend into the basement in a desperate, madness-inducing search for an exit. Kim realizes that while the scale is vast, multiple exits exist and can be found through careful mapping.
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5:10
93
Chapter 93
Kim Soleum decides to descend toward Basement 1 via the staircase rather than the elevator. Despite the repetitive, looping decor of the mansion, they eventually reach a point where the stairs disappear. Kim leads them toward the 'Main Exhibition Hall,' specifically an exhibit titled 'The Power of Emotion.' Upon entering, they are met with a horrific sight: a wall of Baroque-style frames containing human mouths that scream in a synchronized, musical medley. On the floor, 'human slugs'—victims who have been repeatedly charged fees—writhe in agony. As an usher machine approaches to collect bodies, Kim and Saheon hide in a vent. Saheon, displaying his characteristic lack of empathy, questions if the corpses have value as payment. Kim internally notes that while the exhibition charges for non-essential parts like eyes or mouths, other parts like brains are likely also valued, though he refuses to tell Saheon, fearing the man would suggest using corpses as literal currency.
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5:55
Chapter 93
Kim Soleum decides to descend toward Basement 1 via the staircase rather than the elevator. Despite the repetitive, looping decor of the mansion, they eventually reach a point where the stairs disappear. Kim leads them toward the 'Main Exhibition Hall,' specifically an exhibit titled 'The Power of Emotion.' Upon entering, they are met with a horrific sight: a wall of Baroque-style frames containing human mouths that scream in a synchronized, musical medley. On the floor, 'human slugs'—victims who have been repeatedly charged fees—writhe in agony. As an usher machine approaches to collect bodies, Kim and Saheon hide in a vent. Saheon, displaying his characteristic lack of empathy, questions if the corpses have value as payment. Kim internally notes that while the exhibition charges for non-essential parts like eyes or mouths, other parts like brains are likely also valued, though he refuses to tell Saheon, fearing the man would suggest using corpses as literal currency.
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5:55
94
Chapter 94
After the usher machines disappear, masked members of the Field Exploration Team emerge from hiding. Baek Saheon suggests using rookies as bait to encounter monsters, but Kim Soleum retorts that they already have bait, causing Baek Saheon to vow to find someone else to use as bait as well. Kim Soleum encounters Go Yeongeun, a new hire, hiding in the exhibition hall. She reveals she has lost an ear to the machines, which demanded 'ear instead of eye,' and has been fitted with a strange artificial replacement. Go Yeongeun attempts to find an exit via a window, but Kim Soleum warns her that the mansion's records state the exhibition has no windows, and exiting through one might lead to a non-real space. They realize they are on the first floor but cannot be certain a door exists, as the mansion's logic is unpredictable. The group, now including a wary Go Yeongeun and an exasperated Baek Saheon, moves toward a staircase leading to the basement.
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5:54
Chapter 94
After the usher machines disappear, masked members of the Field Exploration Team emerge from hiding. Baek Saheon suggests using rookies as bait to encounter monsters, but Kim Soleum retorts that they already have bait, causing Baek Saheon to vow to find someone else to use as bait as well. Kim Soleum encounters Go Yeongeun, a new hire, hiding in the exhibition hall. She reveals she has lost an ear to the machines, which demanded 'ear instead of eye,' and has been fitted with a strange artificial replacement. Go Yeongeun attempts to find an exit via a window, but Kim Soleum warns her that the mansion's records state the exhibition has no windows, and exiting through one might lead to a non-real space. They realize they are on the first floor but cannot be certain a door exists, as the mansion's logic is unpredictable. The group, now including a wary Go Yeongeun and an exasperated Baek Saheon, moves toward a staircase leading to the basement.
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5:54
95
Chapter 95
The group descends into the basement (B1), where the mansion's aesthetic shifts from brass to a darker, more avant-garde bronze. They discover a luxurious visitor's lounge containing armchairs, tables, and a fireplace. Kim Soleum decides to use the lounge to craft an escape tool, as the 'prohibited' rules regarding open flames and eating in the exhibition hall might be more lenient here. He produces an 'Easy and Fast Candle Making Kit' from the 'Cheerful Research Institute,' which features instructions written in dark red ink. Kim Soleum explains that the kit creates a supernatural item. Go Yeongeun is bewildered by Kim Soleum's expertise and suspects his skill is tied to his 'Wish Ticket.' Kim Soleum begins a ritual, laying out a black paper with a crayon-drawn candle outline and using cards to determine the item's attributes. He instructs Go Yeongeun and Baek Saheon to flip cards to set the item's properties.
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5:43
Chapter 95
The group descends into the basement (B1), where the mansion's aesthetic shifts from brass to a darker, more avant-garde bronze. They discover a luxurious visitor's lounge containing armchairs, tables, and a fireplace. Kim Soleum decides to use the lounge to craft an escape tool, as the 'prohibited' rules regarding open flames and eating in the exhibition hall might be more lenient here. He produces an 'Easy and Fast Candle Making Kit' from the 'Cheerful Research Institute,' which features instructions written in dark red ink. Kim Soleum explains that the kit creates a supernatural item. Go Yeongeun is bewildered by Kim Soleum's expertise and suspects his skill is tied to his 'Wish Ticket.' Kim Soleum begins a ritual, laying out a black paper with a crayon-drawn candle outline and using cards to determine the item's attributes. He instructs Go Yeongeun and Baek Saheon to flip cards to set the item's properties.
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5:43
96
Chapter 96
Go Yeongeun and Baek Saheon flip cards to determine the candle's attributes: Go Yeongeun draws a card of 'Honor' (blue figure with a star), and Baek Saheon draws a card of 'Restriction' (grinning mouth and cage). Kim Soleum flips ten more cards (Confusion, Healing, etc.) before selecting a final card featuring a golden gear and black heart. He burns the chosen cards, spreads the ashes over the paper candle drawing, and notes it needs 30 minutes to set. Suddenly, a massive spider-like machine with glowing eyes emerges, forcing the trio to flee. Baek Saheon suggests offering the unfinished candle as payment to the machine, but Kim Soleum refuses, noting the exhibition theme is 'civilization and history' and the item is not yet ready. They run back into the main exhibition hall, which is now a terrifying installation called 'Glistening Gaze,' where the walls are entirely covered in human eyeballs. As the machine advances, Braun's voice echoes in Kim Soleum's mind, offering to use 'Lights Out' to erase his presence, which would leave the others to be mutilated as a distraction. Kim Soleum reflects that since the candle required three people, Baek Saheon is now expendable.
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6:22
Chapter 96
Go Yeongeun and Baek Saheon flip cards to determine the candle's attributes: Go Yeongeun draws a card of 'Honor' (blue figure with a star), and Baek Saheon draws a card of 'Restriction' (grinning mouth and cage). Kim Soleum flips ten more cards (Confusion, Healing, etc.) before selecting a final card featuring a golden gear and black heart. He burns the chosen cards, spreads the ashes over the paper candle drawing, and notes it needs 30 minutes to set. Suddenly, a massive spider-like machine with glowing eyes emerges, forcing the trio to flee. Baek Saheon suggests offering the unfinished candle as payment to the machine, but Kim Soleum refuses, noting the exhibition theme is 'civilization and history' and the item is not yet ready. They run back into the main exhibition hall, which is now a terrifying installation called 'Glistening Gaze,' where the walls are entirely covered in human eyeballs. As the machine advances, Braun's voice echoes in Kim Soleum's mind, offering to use 'Lights Out' to erase his presence, which would leave the others to be mutilated as a distraction. Kim Soleum reflects that since the candle required three people, Baek Saheon is now expendable.
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6:22
97
Chapter 97
In the dark basement, Kim Soleum realizes the Usher Machine is approaching to collect a fee. He observes the machine's grotesque, spider-like humanoid form and its eight gas lamps. To save himself, Kim Soleum pushes Baek Saheon aside, hoping the machine's attention shifts. Baek Saheon and Go Youngeun flee toward the door. Kim Soleum remains to interrogate the machine, attempting to find the exit by asking questions about its specific zone. He discovers that guests from the first basement floor are ushered to an upper floor, meaning the exit is on the ground level. As the machine prepares to extract his eyes, a second machine arrives. The second machine's form collapses to reveal Supervisor Park Minseong, who has used a camouflage item to disguise himself as an Usher Machine to rescue Kim Soleum.
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6:30
Chapter 97
In the dark basement, Kim Soleum realizes the Usher Machine is approaching to collect a fee. He observes the machine's grotesque, spider-like humanoid form and its eight gas lamps. To save himself, Kim Soleum pushes Baek Saheon aside, hoping the machine's attention shifts. Baek Saheon and Go Youngeun flee toward the door. Kim Soleum remains to interrogate the machine, attempting to find the exit by asking questions about its specific zone. He discovers that guests from the first basement floor are ushered to an upper floor, meaning the exit is on the ground level. As the machine prepares to extract his eyes, a second machine arrives. The second machine's form collapses to reveal Supervisor Park Minseong, who has used a camouflage item to disguise himself as an Usher Machine to rescue Kim Soleum.
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6:30
98
Chapter 98
Kim Soleum follows Park Minseong to the ground floor. Park explains he used a camouflage item to mimic an Usher Machine. They ascend to a golden corridor where the first floor is in chaos due to Usher Machines hunting employees. Park instructs Kim Soleum not to look back, emphasizing the need to focus on survival and point collection. They reach a location that appeared to be a window, but Park reveals it is actually a terrace door that slides downward. Upon stepping onto the hexagonal terrace, they encounter Assistant Manager Eun Haje and Squad Leader Lee Jaheon. The D-squad leaders are discussing an escape plan: tying a rope to the terrace railings to explore the outer walls of the exhibition space. Kim Soleum realizes the 'window' was actually a door, confirming the literal nature of the exploration records.
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5:19
Chapter 98
Kim Soleum follows Park Minseong to the ground floor. Park explains he used a camouflage item to mimic an Usher Machine. They ascend to a golden corridor where the first floor is in chaos due to Usher Machines hunting employees. Park instructs Kim Soleum not to look back, emphasizing the need to focus on survival and point collection. They reach a location that appeared to be a window, but Park reveals it is actually a terrace door that slides downward. Upon stepping onto the hexagonal terrace, they encounter Assistant Manager Eun Haje and Squad Leader Lee Jaheon. The D-squad leaders are discussing an escape plan: tying a rope to the terrace railings to explore the outer walls of the exhibition space. Kim Soleum realizes the 'window' was actually a door, confirming the literal nature of the exploration records.
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5:19
99
Chapter 99
Kim Soleum attempts to convince the D-squad leaders to let him find the other rookies by lying that one of them holds a powerful escape item. Eun Haje dismisses the idea, explaining that the rookies were considered expendable 'company expenses' meant to facilitate the collection of high-quality materials from this A-grade zone. Kim Soleum ignores the cynicism and spends 20 minutes searching the basement. He finds Baek Saheon in a vent and Go Youngeun in an exhibition hall. He instructs them to support his lie about the escape item and gives Go Youngeun a drawing of a candle to use as evidence. They reunite at the terrace just before the 20-minute deadline. Lee Jaheon demands an explanation of the item within 200 seconds. Kim Soleum steps forward to claim the item can deceive the Usher Machines.
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5:16
Chapter 99
Kim Soleum attempts to convince the D-squad leaders to let him find the other rookies by lying that one of them holds a powerful escape item. Eun Haje dismisses the idea, explaining that the rookies were considered expendable 'company expenses' meant to facilitate the collection of high-quality materials from this A-grade zone. Kim Soleum ignores the cynicism and spends 20 minutes searching the basement. He finds Baek Saheon in a vent and Go Youngeun in an exhibition hall. He instructs them to support his lie about the escape item and gives Go Youngeun a drawing of a candle to use as evidence. They reunite at the terrace just before the 20-minute deadline. Lee Jaheon demands an explanation of the item within 200 seconds. Kim Soleum steps forward to claim the item can deceive the Usher Machines.
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5:16
100
Chapter 100
Kim Soleum, Go Yeongeun, and Baek Saheon prepare to use a specialized item to navigate the exhibition. Kim Soleum reveals a sketch of a candle that transforms into a physical, heavy purple wax candle. However, he discovers a precaution in the manual: the item is designed for 'modern Earthlings' and cannot be used by non-human intelligences, making Kim Soleum—a non-native—uncertain of his eligibility. He entrusts the candle to Go Yeongeun, the most socially reliable member. Upon lighting it, the candle manifests the keywords [Honor], [Interference], and [Deceit], granting Go Yeongeun the blessing 'Impersonator of Nobility.' This effect allows her to appear as an 'honorable being' (a guest who has paid in full) to the hostile usher machines. Kim Soleum instructs the group to stay behind her to remain within the candle's protective radius and warns her not to stare too closely at the flame. As they ascend to the fourth floor, they encounter a spider-like usher machine. Due to the candle's blessing, the machine treats Go Yeongeun with respect, shining a light at her feet and allowing the group to pass through the hallway without incident.
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6:13
Chapter 100
Kim Soleum, Go Yeongeun, and Baek Saheon prepare to use a specialized item to navigate the exhibition. Kim Soleum reveals a sketch of a candle that transforms into a physical, heavy purple wax candle. However, he discovers a precaution in the manual: the item is designed for 'modern Earthlings' and cannot be used by non-human intelligences, making Kim Soleum—a non-native—uncertain of his eligibility. He entrusts the candle to Go Yeongeun, the most socially reliable member. Upon lighting it, the candle manifests the keywords [Honor], [Interference], and [Deceit], granting Go Yeongeun the blessing 'Impersonator of Nobility.' This effect allows her to appear as an 'honorable being' (a guest who has paid in full) to the hostile usher machines. Kim Soleum instructs the group to stay behind her to remain within the candle's protective radius and warns her not to stare too closely at the flame. As they ascend to the fourth floor, they encounter a spider-like usher machine. Due to the candle's blessing, the machine treats Go Yeongeun with respect, shining a light at her feet and allowing the group to pass through the hallway without incident.
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6:13
101
Chapter 101
The group continues their descent, using the candle's blessing to trick the usher machines into believing they are legitimate guests. Go Yeongeun successfully navigates the third floor. However, they encounter a desperate man crawling on the floor, clutching at Go Yeongeun's leg. The man is identified as the leader of R-squad, a middle-aged office worker with telescopic lenses replacing his eyes. He is in a pathetic, broken state and begs Go Yeongeun to rescue him, promising high-level equipment in exchange. He even attempts to threaten the group by suggesting he might shake the candle to extinguish the flame. Go Yeongeun reveals that the leader had previously abandoned her during a machine attack. Baek Saheon and Kim Soleum suggest that killing the man might be a pragmatic 'Plan B' to provide payment for future survival, but Go Yeongeun refuses to participate in such cruelty. She instead kicks the leader into a shadowy corner to hide him from the machines and continues the descent. The chapter ends with the group moving toward the lower floors, feeling that the end is near.
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6:18
Chapter 101
The group continues their descent, using the candle's blessing to trick the usher machines into believing they are legitimate guests. Go Yeongeun successfully navigates the third floor. However, they encounter a desperate man crawling on the floor, clutching at Go Yeongeun's leg. The man is identified as the leader of R-squad, a middle-aged office worker with telescopic lenses replacing his eyes. He is in a pathetic, broken state and begs Go Yeongeun to rescue him, promising high-level equipment in exchange. He even attempts to threaten the group by suggesting he might shake the candle to extinguish the flame. Go Yeongeun reveals that the leader had previously abandoned her during a machine attack. Baek Saheon and Kim Soleum suggest that killing the man might be a pragmatic 'Plan B' to provide payment for future survival, but Go Yeongeun refuses to participate in such cruelty. She instead kicks the leader into a shadowy corner to hide him from the machines and continues the descent. The chapter ends with the group moving toward the lower floors, feeling that the end is near.
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6:18
102
Chapter 102
The group reaches the first floor, but a logical contradiction arises. While the usher machine on the basement floor indicated that visitors go *upstairs*, the machine on the ground floor indicates that visitors go *downstairs*. This contradiction causes confusion and fear, leading Go Yeongeun to wonder if an exit even exists. Kim Soleum reassures her, noting that the existence of an 'exit record' in the Daydream Inc. files proves someone has successfully escaped. They decide to head back to the basement to investigate directly. Baek Saheon suggests they might be missing something, prompting Kim Soleum to consider unconventional ideas. They brainstorm potential locations for the exit, such as a secret space or a hidden floor between the basement and ground levels. Kim Soleum concludes that the exit is likely in plain sight but obscured by their own biases or cultural assumptions. He then proposes a new direction: they must climb to the top floor to find the true exit.
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5:57
Chapter 102
The group reaches the first floor, but a logical contradiction arises. While the usher machine on the basement floor indicated that visitors go *upstairs*, the machine on the ground floor indicates that visitors go *downstairs*. This contradiction causes confusion and fear, leading Go Yeongeun to wonder if an exit even exists. Kim Soleum reassures her, noting that the existence of an 'exit record' in the Daydream Inc. files proves someone has successfully escaped. They decide to head back to the basement to investigate directly. Baek Saheon suggests they might be missing something, prompting Kim Soleum to consider unconventional ideas. They brainstorm potential locations for the exit, such as a secret space or a hidden floor between the basement and ground levels. Kim Soleum concludes that the exit is likely in plain sight but obscured by their own biases or cultural assumptions. He then proposes a new direction: they must climb to the top floor to find the true exit.
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5:57
103
Chapter 103
Kim Soleum, Go Youngeun, and Baek Saheon reach the top of the mansion. Kim Soleum deduces that the mansion's seven floors are numbered 0F to 6F based on cultural differences in floor counting, explaining why they reached the 'top' at the sixth floor. They descend to the first floor and discover a hidden, elegant lobby (0F) containing the main entrance/exit. Go Youngeun decides to help Kim Soleum find his superiors despite the dwindling candle wax. Baek Saheon initially attempts to leave through the exit but hesitates, staying with the group. Braun (the plushie) reveals a new ability: he can now broadcast Kim Soleum's voice to everyone on the same floor, effectively turning Kim Soleum into a loudspeaker. Kim Soleum uses this to broadcast instructions regarding the exit and the spiral staircase to all survivors in the mansion.
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6:27
Chapter 103
Kim Soleum, Go Youngeun, and Baek Saheon reach the top of the mansion. Kim Soleum deduces that the mansion's seven floors are numbered 0F to 6F based on cultural differences in floor counting, explaining why they reached the 'top' at the sixth floor. They descend to the first floor and discover a hidden, elegant lobby (0F) containing the main entrance/exit. Go Youngeun decides to help Kim Soleum find his superiors despite the dwindling candle wax. Baek Saheon initially attempts to leave through the exit but hesitates, staying with the group. Braun (the plushie) reveals a new ability: he can now broadcast Kim Soleum's voice to everyone on the same floor, effectively turning Kim Soleum into a loudspeaker. Kim Soleum uses this to broadcast instructions regarding the exit and the spiral staircase to all survivors in the mansion.
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6:27
104
Chapter 104
In the terrace room, Park Minseong and Eun Haje wait anxiously for Kim Soleum. Lee Jaheon remains stoic by the door. Suddenly, Kim Soleum's voice broadcasts through the mansion, providing clear instructions: the exit is at 0F, and survivors must descend to where the bronze glow turns to brass and use the spiral staircase. Lee Jaheon hears the announcement and decides to act. Meanwhile, on the stairs, Kim Soleum continues his broadcast to all floors to maximize survival chances. Baek Saheon criticizes Kim Soleum for 'wasting points' by helping others, but Kim Soleum dismisses this, noting that helping others creates a better professional impression and allows him to observe reactions.
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6:27
Chapter 104
In the terrace room, Park Minseong and Eun Haje wait anxiously for Kim Soleum. Lee Jaheon remains stoic by the door. Suddenly, Kim Soleum's voice broadcasts through the mansion, providing clear instructions: the exit is at 0F, and survivors must descend to where the bronze glow turns to brass and use the spiral staircase. Lee Jaheon hears the announcement and decides to act. Meanwhile, on the stairs, Kim Soleum continues his broadcast to all floors to maximize survival chances. Baek Saheon criticizes Kim Soleum for 'wasting points' by helping others, but Kim Soleum dismisses this, noting that helping others creates a better professional impression and allows him to observe reactions.
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6:27
105
Chapter 105
Kim Soleum, Go Youngeun, and Baek Saheon descend the stairs. Go Youngeun's hearing aid fails, making communication difficult. As they reach the first floor, an usher machine drags a corpse past them. Suddenly, Go Youngeun trips over a discarded item, causing her to fall and the candle to fly toward Baek Saheon. The usher machine attacks, targeting their eyes with needles. Lee Jaheon intervenes, using a piece of the terrace doorknob to deflect the attack, but this causes 'exhibition property damage,' making all usher machines in the zone aggressively target them. A chaotic chase ensues as multiple survivors, having heard the broadcast, join the group. Amidst the frantic running and machine attacks, the group reaches the spiral staircase. They sprint through the doors of the 0F lobby and escape the Darkness. Kim Soleum collapses in the real world on the 31st floor of the company, receiving a 'Dark Exploration Records Real Merch Box' notification.
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7:02
Chapter 105
Kim Soleum, Go Youngeun, and Baek Saheon descend the stairs. Go Youngeun's hearing aid fails, making communication difficult. As they reach the first floor, an usher machine drags a corpse past them. Suddenly, Go Youngeun trips over a discarded item, causing her to fall and the candle to fly toward Baek Saheon. The usher machine attacks, targeting their eyes with needles. Lee Jaheon intervenes, using a piece of the terrace doorknob to deflect the attack, but this causes 'exhibition property damage,' making all usher machines in the zone aggressively target them. A chaotic chase ensues as multiple survivors, having heard the broadcast, join the group. Amidst the frantic running and machine attacks, the group reaches the spiral staircase. They sprint through the doors of the 0F lobby and escape the Darkness. Kim Soleum collapses in the real world on the 31st floor of the company, receiving a 'Dark Exploration Records Real Merch Box' notification.
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7:02
106
Chapter 106
Chaos erupts in the meeting room as news spreads that twenty employees have returned alive from a high-risk Darkness. While some executives initially hope for a high-survival A-Class achievement, the mood deflates when the Dream Essence Collector is rated B-Class. Kwak Jaekang, a researcher, observes the incompetence of the leadership, noting that the survival rate is actually staggering given that B-Class Darknesses typically have a civilian survival rate below 2%. He notes the company's lack of structure and the influence of Director Ho's people. Amidst the discussions of investigation and rewards, it is revealed that one employee played a pivotal role by broadcasting the escape method to everyone. In the medical bay, Kim Soleum is woken from his rest to receive news from Assistant Manager Eun Haje: he is being promoted to Supervisor, marking the fastest record in the company's history.
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5:55
Chapter 106
Chaos erupts in the meeting room as news spreads that twenty employees have returned alive from a high-risk Darkness. While some executives initially hope for a high-survival A-Class achievement, the mood deflates when the Dream Essence Collector is rated B-Class. Kwak Jaekang, a researcher, observes the incompetence of the leadership, noting that the survival rate is actually staggering given that B-Class Darknesses typically have a civilian survival rate below 2%. He notes the company's lack of structure and the influence of Director Ho's people. Amidst the discussions of investigation and rewards, it is revealed that one employee played a pivotal role by broadcasting the escape method to everyone. In the medical bay, Kim Soleum is woken from his rest to receive news from Assistant Manager Eun Haje: he is being promoted to Supervisor, marking the fastest record in the company's history.
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5:55
107
Chapter 107
Kim Soleum processes his sudden promotion to Supervisor, which occurred only sixty days after his employment. Assistant Manager Eun Haje explains that the promotion is due to him saving twenty-six people, including civilians. The promotion is officially announced on the company intranet the next day. Kim Soleum consults Jin Nasol, who confirms the promotion was inevitable due to his performance. Feeling like a 'Mary Sue' character, Kim Soleum worries about being discovered as a coward and fears being sent to the Research Team for experiments. He decides to adopt a strategy of appearing 'competent and exceptional' to justify his high-value status and potentially secure safer missions. He then decides to open his 'Dark Exploration Records Real Merch Box' to further build his character.
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5:30
Chapter 107
Kim Soleum processes his sudden promotion to Supervisor, which occurred only sixty days after his employment. Assistant Manager Eun Haje explains that the promotion is due to him saving twenty-six people, including civilians. The promotion is officially announced on the company intranet the next day. Kim Soleum consults Jin Nasol, who confirms the promotion was inevitable due to his performance. Feeling like a 'Mary Sue' character, Kim Soleum worries about being discovered as a coward and fears being sent to the Research Team for experiments. He decides to adopt a strategy of appearing 'competent and exceptional' to justify his high-value status and potentially secure safer missions. He then decides to open his 'Dark Exploration Records Real Merch Box' to further build his character.
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5:30
108
Chapter 108
Kim Soleum opens his merch box to reveal the 'Silver Heart,' a badge of character that grants influence proportional to one's altruistic actions. Having saved more than twelve lives, he now qualifies to use it. He plans to use the badge to bolster his persona as a remarkable and capable employee. Following this, he is informed of a bonus reward: a C-grade Regeneration Potion, which can regrow lost limbs. He meets Go Youngeun and Baek Saheon during a photo op for the bonus ceremony. Go Youngeun, whose hearing has not yet returned, receives a C-grade Regeneration Potion as well. She decides to test the potion immediately by drinking it.
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5:42
Chapter 108
Kim Soleum opens his merch box to reveal the 'Silver Heart,' a badge of character that grants influence proportional to one's altruistic actions. Having saved more than twelve lives, he now qualifies to use it. He plans to use the badge to bolster his persona as a remarkable and capable employee. Following this, he is informed of a bonus reward: a C-grade Regeneration Potion, which can regrow lost limbs. He meets Go Youngeun and Baek Saheon during a photo op for the bonus ceremony. Go Youngeun, whose hearing has not yet returned, receives a C-grade Regeneration Potion as well. She decides to test the potion immediately by drinking it.
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5:42
109
Chapter 109
Go Yeongeun uses a low-class regeneration potion to regrow her ears, which were lost during a recent B-Class Darkness event. She notes that the hearing feels even better than before, though Kim Soleum worries that such easy regeneration might make employees reckless regarding physical injuries. Baek Saheon remains somber, staring at his own regeneration potion for a lost eye, though he refuses Kim's advice to use it. Go Yeongeun expresses deep gratitude to Kim for his bravery in fighting the usher machine and lying about the candle to protect them. Kim dismisses her thanks, feeling guilty about being the only one promoted, while Go Yeongeun advises him to be less kind in a corporate environment to avoid being taken lightly. After they part, Kim is approached by Squad Leader Lee Jaheon (the lizard), who confronts him about his previous lies regarding the candle. Kim explains he lied to persuade others to use their escape items, and to his surprise, Lee Jaheon reacts with a slight smile, stating that intent and outcome are what matter. Kim then consults Braun, who confirms the squad leader appears physically intact. Lee Jaheon informs Kim that as a newly promoted supervisor, he now has access to specific facilities: the Security Team Rentals Warehouse, the Annex for equipment customization, and the Fox Counseling Office. Furthermore, Kim is assigned to manage an F-Class Darkness. Lee Jaheon offers Kim a choice of three candidates, acting as a responsible leader. Kim chooses one of the three objects, despite Braun's apparent distaste for one of the options.
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6:45
Chapter 109
Go Yeongeun uses a low-class regeneration potion to regrow her ears, which were lost during a recent B-Class Darkness event. She notes that the hearing feels even better than before, though Kim Soleum worries that such easy regeneration might make employees reckless regarding physical injuries. Baek Saheon remains somber, staring at his own regeneration potion for a lost eye, though he refuses Kim's advice to use it. Go Yeongeun expresses deep gratitude to Kim for his bravery in fighting the usher machine and lying about the candle to protect them. Kim dismisses her thanks, feeling guilty about being the only one promoted, while Go Yeongeun advises him to be less kind in a corporate environment to avoid being taken lightly. After they part, Kim is approached by Squad Leader Lee Jaheon (the lizard), who confronts him about his previous lies regarding the candle. Kim explains he lied to persuade others to use their escape items, and to his surprise, Lee Jaheon reacts with a slight smile, stating that intent and outcome are what matter. Kim then consults Braun, who confirms the squad leader appears physically intact. Lee Jaheon informs Kim that as a newly promoted supervisor, he now has access to specific facilities: the Security Team Rentals Warehouse, the Annex for equipment customization, and the Fox Counseling Office. Furthermore, Kim is assigned to manage an F-Class Darkness. Lee Jaheon offers Kim a choice of three candidates, acting as a responsible leader. Kim chooses one of the three objects, despite Braun's apparent distaste for one of the options.
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6:45
110
Chapter 110
Kim Soleum returns to the office with his regeneration potion and his newly assigned Darkness. His superiors, including Supervisor Park Minseong, are shocked to see the F-Class Darkness, noting it is particularly dangerous because it deals with the future. Kim explains he chose it because it offers overtime pay for the required nighttime management. Kim officially registers the Darkness, identified as Qterw-F-2073, under his employee ID. A few days later, during a night shift at the company annex, Kim performs the monthly management ritual. He enters the isolation room and retrieves 'The Dilemma,' a pair of mystical tarot cards. The cards function by presenting two potential future events based on Major Arcana themes, and the user must choose one. To exploit a loophole in the F-Class rules, Kim performs a 'reversed reading' by approaching the table from the opposite side. He flips the cards to reveal 'The Moon' in a reversed orientation. While the standard Moon symbol represents uncertainty and madness, the reversed version suggests the resolution of uncertainty and clarity. Kim concludes that having a Darkness that can provide certainty in an unpredictable world is a valuable asset. As he finishes the reading, he hears a loud explosion coming from the direction of the storage area for other Darknesses. Fearing a management failure or incident, Kim immediately opens the heavy iron door and runs toward the sound.
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7:03
Chapter 110
Kim Soleum returns to the office with his regeneration potion and his newly assigned Darkness. His superiors, including Supervisor Park Minseong, are shocked to see the F-Class Darkness, noting it is particularly dangerous because it deals with the future. Kim explains he chose it because it offers overtime pay for the required nighttime management. Kim officially registers the Darkness, identified as Qterw-F-2073, under his employee ID. A few days later, during a night shift at the company annex, Kim performs the monthly management ritual. He enters the isolation room and retrieves 'The Dilemma,' a pair of mystical tarot cards. The cards function by presenting two potential future events based on Major Arcana themes, and the user must choose one. To exploit a loophole in the F-Class rules, Kim performs a 'reversed reading' by approaching the table from the opposite side. He flips the cards to reveal 'The Moon' in a reversed orientation. While the standard Moon symbol represents uncertainty and madness, the reversed version suggests the resolution of uncertainty and clarity. Kim concludes that having a Darkness that can provide certainty in an unpredictable world is a valuable asset. As he finishes the reading, he hears a loud explosion coming from the direction of the storage area for other Darknesses. Fearing a management failure or incident, Kim immediately opens the heavy iron door and runs toward the sound.
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7:03
111
Chapter 111
This chapter serves as a technical record and continuation of the previous events. It provides the formal documentation for Kim Soleum's assigned Darkness, Qterw-F-2073, titled 'The Dilemma.' The record specifies that the Darkness consists of two black cards that, when flipped at midnight, reveal Major Arcana themes that will come true in the near future. The summary of the previous chapter's events is integrated into the narrative flow, detailing Kim's successful use of a 'reversed reading' to select 'The Moon' card. By choosing the reversed Moon, Kim aims to gain the ability to resolve uncertainty and gain clarity in his future actions. The chapter concludes with Kim reacting to a sudden, violent sound—an explosion—originating from the storage area where other Darknesses are kept. He abandons his post to investigate the potential emergency.
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7:16
Chapter 111
This chapter serves as a technical record and continuation of the previous events. It provides the formal documentation for Kim Soleum's assigned Darkness, Qterw-F-2073, titled 'The Dilemma.' The record specifies that the Darkness consists of two black cards that, when flipped at midnight, reveal Major Arcana themes that will come true in the near future. The summary of the previous chapter's events is integrated into the narrative flow, detailing Kim's successful use of a 'reversed reading' to select 'The Moon' card. By choosing the reversed Moon, Kim aims to gain the ability to resolve uncertainty and gain clarity in his future actions. The chapter concludes with Kim reacting to a sudden, violent sound—an explosion—originating from the storage area where other Darknesses are kept. He abandons his post to investigate the potential emergency.
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7:16
112
Chapter 112
Kim Soleum exits the annex after witnessing a black-clad staff member pinning down shattered fragments of a Darkness's medium. He notices the staff member's leg briefly appearing as a cloven hoof in a reflection. Seeking to monetize his inventory, Kim checks the Salmon Market and finds a buyer, BlueFriend, looking for paranormal food. Two days later, Kim meets BlueFriend at Gwanghwamun Station to sell two Alice Picnic Set cookies. Although the buyer notes they aren't quite the high-grade items they were looking for, Kim negotiates a sale for half price and provides extra cookies as a gesture of goodwill. After the transaction, the buyer asks how Kim acquires his items, but Kim refuses to answer. Before departing, the buyer provides Kim with a direct emergency hotline number for the Disaster Management Bureau. Kim notes the tension between Daydream Inc. and the government but secures the cash and the contact information.
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7:12
Chapter 112
Kim Soleum exits the annex after witnessing a black-clad staff member pinning down shattered fragments of a Darkness's medium. He notices the staff member's leg briefly appearing as a cloven hoof in a reflection. Seeking to monetize his inventory, Kim checks the Salmon Market and finds a buyer, BlueFriend, looking for paranormal food. Two days later, Kim meets BlueFriend at Gwanghwamun Station to sell two Alice Picnic Set cookies. Although the buyer notes they aren't quite the high-grade items they were looking for, Kim negotiates a sale for half price and provides extra cookies as a gesture of goodwill. After the transaction, the buyer asks how Kim acquires his items, but Kim refuses to answer. Before departing, the buyer provides Kim with a direct emergency hotline number for the Disaster Management Bureau. Kim notes the tension between Daydream Inc. and the government but secures the cash and the contact information.
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7:12
113
Chapter 113
Kim Soleum returns to the company dorm to find Baek Saheon in a state of panic. Baek Saheon has accidentally triggered a ghost story by possessing a cursed, humming cassette tape that was supposedly an heirloom. Braun (the plushie) taunts Kim, stating that Kim is now part of the sacrifice selection process. Kim attempts to flee the dorm and boards a city bus, but Baek Saheon follows him. During the bus ride, Baek Saheon reveals the tape was a family heirloom intended to reverse dire situations, but Kim criticizes his failure to have it inspected by the company. As the bus continues to drive without stopping at scheduled stops, the atmosphere shifts, and the humming from the tape begins to manifest through the bus radio, signaling that the ghost story has taken hold.
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5:30
Chapter 113
Kim Soleum returns to the company dorm to find Baek Saheon in a state of panic. Baek Saheon has accidentally triggered a ghost story by possessing a cursed, humming cassette tape that was supposedly an heirloom. Braun (the plushie) taunts Kim, stating that Kim is now part of the sacrifice selection process. Kim attempts to flee the dorm and boards a city bus, but Baek Saheon follows him. During the bus ride, Baek Saheon reveals the tape was a family heirloom intended to reverse dire situations, but Kim criticizes his failure to have it inspected by the company. As the bus continues to drive without stopping at scheduled stops, the atmosphere shifts, and the humming from the tape begins to manifest through the bus radio, signaling that the ghost story has taken hold.
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5:30
114
Chapter 114
The city bus transforms into a rickety, old-fashioned vehicle, and the driver begins humming the same melody as the cursed tape. The bus arrives at 'Horizon Mountain Lodge,' a grand mountain villa. Baek Saheon realizes the cursed tape has reappeared in his pocket despite him throwing it away. Kim identifies the situation as a 'Disaster'—a government-isolated ghost story titled 'And Then There Was One,' a closed-circle mystery where participants are guaranteed to face casualties. Kim realizes that unlike Daydream Inc.'s Darknesses, this is a high-stakes scenario managed by the Bureau. As Kim prepares to enter the lodge to face the situation, a person on a bicycle arrives. Kim is shocked to recognize the newcomer as the same masked buyer from the Salmon Market transaction earlier that day.
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5:35
Chapter 114
The city bus transforms into a rickety, old-fashioned vehicle, and the driver begins humming the same melody as the cursed tape. The bus arrives at 'Horizon Mountain Lodge,' a grand mountain villa. Baek Saheon realizes the cursed tape has reappeared in his pocket despite him throwing it away. Kim identifies the situation as a 'Disaster'—a government-isolated ghost story titled 'And Then There Was One,' a closed-circle mystery where participants are guaranteed to face casualties. Kim realizes that unlike Daydream Inc.'s Darknesses, this is a high-stakes scenario managed by the Bureau. As Kim prepares to enter the lodge to face the situation, a person on a bicycle arrives. Kim is shocked to recognize the newcomer as the same masked buyer from the Salmon Market transaction earlier that day.
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5:35
115
Chapter 115
Kim Soleum and Baek Saheon arrive at a mountain lodge in a forest. They are joined by a secondhand market buyer, a civil servant from Seoul City Hall, a married couple, three university students from a hiking club, and a middle-aged man. The group consists of nine people in total. Baek Saheon attempts to probe the civil servant for information but is silenced by Kim Soleum, who warns him that revealing their identity as Disaster Management Bureau employees could be dangerous. Kim Soleum maintains a facade of being a sick office worker, communicating via a notepad to avoid speaking. The civil servant reveals he is a public servant but omits his specific role in the Bureau. The group settles into the lodge, unaware that they are trapped in a 'ghost story' scenario where a serial killer is expected to emerge.
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5:17
Chapter 115
Kim Soleum and Baek Saheon arrive at a mountain lodge in a forest. They are joined by a secondhand market buyer, a civil servant from Seoul City Hall, a married couple, three university students from a hiking club, and a middle-aged man. The group consists of nine people in total. Baek Saheon attempts to probe the civil servant for information but is silenced by Kim Soleum, who warns him that revealing their identity as Disaster Management Bureau employees could be dangerous. Kim Soleum maintains a facade of being a sick office worker, communicating via a notepad to avoid speaking. The civil servant reveals he is a public servant but omits his specific role in the Bureau. The group settles into the lodge, unaware that they are trapped in a 'ghost story' scenario where a serial killer is expected to emerge.
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5:17
116
Chapter 116
The group notices a large, gold-framed painting in the living room containing disturbing, foreshadowing text about animals being slaughtered. The lodge caretaker, a figure in a tattered hoodie with a refined accent, enters. He reveals that the guests are all carrying ivory-colored cassette tapes. He explains the 'inheritance exchange' rule: the late master of the lodge promised to trade his possessions for these tapes. The guests are told they can exchange their tapes for treasures after a three-day deliberation period. Greed replaces the group's initial skepticism, especially after a student asks about inheriting the entire lodge. The caretaker clarifies that the order of exchange is determined by the number of cassette tapes held, giving the university students an advantage. The group becomes lively and optimistic about the potential windfall.
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5:23
Chapter 116
The group notices a large, gold-framed painting in the living room containing disturbing, foreshadowing text about animals being slaughtered. The lodge caretaker, a figure in a tattered hoodie with a refined accent, enters. He reveals that the guests are all carrying ivory-colored cassette tapes. He explains the 'inheritance exchange' rule: the late master of the lodge promised to trade his possessions for these tapes. The guests are told they can exchange their tapes for treasures after a three-day deliberation period. Greed replaces the group's initial skepticism, especially after a student asks about inheriting the entire lodge. The caretaker clarifies that the order of exchange is determined by the number of cassette tapes held, giving the university students an advantage. The group becomes lively and optimistic about the potential windfall.
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5:23
117
Chapter 117
A landslide buries the roads, trapping the group inside the lodge. Kim Soleum realizes the narrative archetype of the situation: a serial killer will emerge, believing they are inheriting a murderer's legacy. Kim Soleum approaches the civil servant on the veranda. Using his notepad, Kim Soleum asks if the man is the cookie buyer and if the situation is supernatural. The civil servant admits he is a government agent and warns Kim Soleum that a killer is among them, noting that similar murders have occurred here before. He advises Kim Soleum to stay in groups and never open doors while alone. Kim Soleum retreats to his room and finds two decorative axes in the wardrobe. Deciding to take a proactive approach to survival, Kim Soleum grabs one of the axes, intending to strike first against the killer.
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6:13
Chapter 117
A landslide buries the roads, trapping the group inside the lodge. Kim Soleum realizes the narrative archetype of the situation: a serial killer will emerge, believing they are inheriting a murderer's legacy. Kim Soleum approaches the civil servant on the veranda. Using his notepad, Kim Soleum asks if the man is the cookie buyer and if the situation is supernatural. The civil servant admits he is a government agent and warns Kim Soleum that a killer is among them, noting that similar murders have occurred here before. He advises Kim Soleum to stay in groups and never open doors while alone. Kim Soleum retreats to his room and finds two decorative axes in the wardrobe. Deciding to take a proactive approach to survival, Kim Soleum grabs one of the axes, intending to strike first against the killer.
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6:13
118
Chapter 118
Baek Saheon remains hyper-vigilant in the Horizon Mountain Lodge, attempting to gauge Kim Soleum's unpredictable nature to ensure his own survival. He suspects Kim Soleum's decision to save him was merely for entertainment. While Baek Saheon contemplates approaching Kim Soleum, he is startled by Kim Soleum appearing in the dark hallway, wielding an axe. Baek Saheon wonders if Kim Soleum's warnings about serial killers were actually predictions. Meanwhile, a couple discovers a horrific scene in the kitchen hearth: the charred, partially burned remains of a person's feet still wearing sneakers. The group, including students and a middle-aged driver, gathers in panic. The victim is identified as the eye-patched office worker. As the group realizes the phones are dead and the caretaker has vanished, they discover the road is blocked by a landslide. Amidst the chaos, a small analog cassette player in the kitchen emits a rhythmic humming sound. One student finds an ivory-colored tape inside the player, which the pale-faced office worker notes appears to be the same type of tape Baek Saheon possessed, signaling the start of a nightmare.
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5:00
Chapter 118
Baek Saheon remains hyper-vigilant in the Horizon Mountain Lodge, attempting to gauge Kim Soleum's unpredictable nature to ensure his own survival. He suspects Kim Soleum's decision to save him was merely for entertainment. While Baek Saheon contemplates approaching Kim Soleum, he is startled by Kim Soleum appearing in the dark hallway, wielding an axe. Baek Saheon wonders if Kim Soleum's warnings about serial killers were actually predictions. Meanwhile, a couple discovers a horrific scene in the kitchen hearth: the charred, partially burned remains of a person's feet still wearing sneakers. The group, including students and a middle-aged driver, gathers in panic. The victim is identified as the eye-patched office worker. As the group realizes the phones are dead and the caretaker has vanished, they discover the road is blocked by a landslide. Amidst the chaos, a small analog cassette player in the kitchen emits a rhythmic humming sound. One student finds an ivory-colored tape inside the player, which the pale-faced office worker notes appears to be the same type of tape Baek Saheon possessed, signaling the start of a nightmare.
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5:00
119
Chapter 119
The survivors, unable to use phones or find a signal, rely on snacks and a sense of group security, though tension is high. The pale-faced office worker, visibly shaken by his colleague's death, offers a chocolate bar to a student but is rebuffed. One student, feeling unnerved, goes to the backyard to find his smoking friends. Upon entering a storage shed, he discovers a gruesome scene: his friends have been processed through a construction-grade grinding machine, leaving only shredded flesh, blood, and bone. As he vomits in terror, the rhythmic humming from the cassette tape begins again. The student bolts back into the lodge, screaming that he is throwing his tape away to the others before locking himself in his room. He attempts to stay alert with a jackknife, but as he leans against a wall, the door of a lacquered wardrobe in his room creaks open.
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5:46
Chapter 119
The survivors, unable to use phones or find a signal, rely on snacks and a sense of group security, though tension is high. The pale-faced office worker, visibly shaken by his colleague's death, offers a chocolate bar to a student but is rebuffed. One student, feeling unnerved, goes to the backyard to find his smoking friends. Upon entering a storage shed, he discovers a gruesome scene: his friends have been processed through a construction-grade grinding machine, leaving only shredded flesh, blood, and bone. As he vomits in terror, the rhythmic humming from the cassette tape begins again. The student bolts back into the lodge, screaming that he is throwing his tape away to the others before locking himself in his room. He attempts to stay alert with a jackknife, but as he leans against a wall, the door of a lacquered wardrobe in his room creaks open.
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5:46
120
Chapter 120
The next morning, the student is found dead, his body grotesquely bloated from an allergic reaction. The hiking club is wiped out, leaving only four survivors: a couple, the pale-faced office worker, and a middle-aged man. The middle-aged man, panicking about inheritance and ghosts, runs outside only to be swept away by a landslide. The husband of the remaining couple discovers an ornate golden frame with a cryptic poem: 'The rabbit bakes in the kitchen / The deer is caught in the backyard / The pigeon is fattened in the bedroom / The lamb is sliced in the living room.' He realizes the poem predicts the murders and shouts a warning to the office worker. Suddenly, the husband is silenced. The office worker (revealed to be Kim Soleum) regains consciousness in a dark basement, gagged and bound, staring at a severed head on a silver tray. Kim Soleum, dressed in black sweats and wearing bloodied gloves, holds an axe. He clinically discusses the alleviation of pain through screaming before swinging the axe. The chapter ends with Kim Soleum noting that three people remain.
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5:03
Chapter 120
The next morning, the student is found dead, his body grotesquely bloated from an allergic reaction. The hiking club is wiped out, leaving only four survivors: a couple, the pale-faced office worker, and a middle-aged man. The middle-aged man, panicking about inheritance and ghosts, runs outside only to be swept away by a landslide. The husband of the remaining couple discovers an ornate golden frame with a cryptic poem: 'The rabbit bakes in the kitchen / The deer is caught in the backyard / The pigeon is fattened in the bedroom / The lamb is sliced in the living room.' He realizes the poem predicts the murders and shouts a warning to the office worker. Suddenly, the husband is silenced. The office worker (revealed to be Kim Soleum) regains consciousness in a dark basement, gagged and bound, staring at a severed head on a silver tray. Kim Soleum, dressed in black sweats and wearing bloodied gloves, holds an axe. He clinically discusses the alleviation of pain through screaming before swinging the axe. The chapter ends with Kim Soleum noting that three people remain.
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5:03
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