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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) · 121–150
121
Chapter 121
On the final morning at the Horizon Mountain Lodge, the civil servant (an agent of the Disaster Management Bureau) wakes to find the living room covered in blood and a pentagram made of severed body parts. An unconscious woman, the wife of one of the lodge's guests, lies on a sofa. The agent, dressed in a black raincoat and wielding a large butcher knife, prepares to fulfill his role as the designated serial killer. He reflects on the chaos of the past three days: his intended target was already dead in a stove, and he discovered shredded remains of students in the backyard, realizing someone else had been preemptively killing victims. As he prepares to strike the woman, Kim Soleum interrupts him from the second-floor railing. Kim reveals that the agent does not need to kill anyone because the 'murders' were staged. Kim explains that the 'corpses' were actually preserved body parts from the lodge's basement used to create a psychological illusion of death. Kim notes that while some deaths (an allergy and a landslide) were real, they were caused by individuals who were criminals. The agent, realizing Kim is not a typical civilian, listens as Kim explains the plan to manipulate the 'inheritance fight' through fear rather than actual bloodshed.
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6:15
Chapter 121
On the final morning at the Horizon Mountain Lodge, the civil servant (an agent of the Disaster Management Bureau) wakes to find the living room covered in blood and a pentagram made of severed body parts. An unconscious woman, the wife of one of the lodge's guests, lies on a sofa. The agent, dressed in a black raincoat and wielding a large butcher knife, prepares to fulfill his role as the designated serial killer. He reflects on the chaos of the past three days: his intended target was already dead in a stove, and he discovered shredded remains of students in the backyard, realizing someone else had been preemptively killing victims. As he prepares to strike the woman, Kim Soleum interrupts him from the second-floor railing. Kim reveals that the agent does not need to kill anyone because the 'murders' were staged. Kim explains that the 'corpses' were actually preserved body parts from the lodge's basement used to create a psychological illusion of death. Kim notes that while some deaths (an allergy and a landslide) were real, they were caused by individuals who were criminals. The agent, realizing Kim is not a typical civilian, listens as Kim explains the plan to manipulate the 'inheritance fight' through fear rather than actual bloodshed.
Guest access includes first 48 of 478 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
6:15
122
Chapter 122
Kim Soleum explains his elaborate ruse to the agent: he used preserved body parts from the basement and assisted by Baek Saheon to stage gruesome crime scenes, such as charred legs in the stove and meat in the backyard, to trick the victims and the agent. Kim reveals that the guests were all criminals—an adulterous couple, bullying perpetrators, and a child predator—making them eligible for the Bureau's 'Scales of Malice' conscription. The agent, though weary, accepts Kim's explanation that the others are still alive. When the agent asks for Kim's identity, Kim claims to be someone who simply gets swept up in such situations. As they converse, the lodge caretaker returns through the kitchen door, signaling the approach of the Disaster's conclusion.
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5:46
Chapter 122
Kim Soleum explains his elaborate ruse to the agent: he used preserved body parts from the basement and assisted by Baek Saheon to stage gruesome crime scenes, such as charred legs in the stove and meat in the backyard, to trick the victims and the agent. Kim reveals that the guests were all criminals—an adulterous couple, bullying perpetrators, and a child predator—making them eligible for the Bureau's 'Scales of Malice' conscription. The agent, though weary, accepts Kim's explanation that the others are still alive. When the agent asks for Kim's identity, Kim claims to be someone who simply gets swept up in such situations. As they converse, the lodge caretaker returns through the kitchen door, signaling the approach of the Disaster's conclusion.
Guest access includes first 48 of 478 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
5:46
123
Chapter 123
The lodge caretaker enters and formally announces the end of the three-day period, inviting the guests to exchange their cassette tapes for the inheritance of the lodge. Kim Soleum, having successfully used the fear of staged murders to manipulate the situation, watches as the 'wife' wakes up screaming and flees. Kim holds six cassette tapes, including Baek Saheon's, giving him priority for the exchange. Kim realizes that if he accepts the lodge, the cycle of the Disaster will simply restart, bringing new victims. To break the cycle and respect his humanity, Kim proposes a unique exchange: instead of inheriting the lodge, he wants to exchange one cassette tape for the employment contract of the lodge caretaker. This move aims to transfer the caretaker's contract to himself and terminate the current cycle, effectively ending the phenomenon. The caretaker, surprised, admits that while theoretically possible, the new employer must meet specific qualifications.
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6:11
Chapter 123
The lodge caretaker enters and formally announces the end of the three-day period, inviting the guests to exchange their cassette tapes for the inheritance of the lodge. Kim Soleum, having successfully used the fear of staged murders to manipulate the situation, watches as the 'wife' wakes up screaming and flees. Kim holds six cassette tapes, including Baek Saheon's, giving him priority for the exchange. Kim realizes that if he accepts the lodge, the cycle of the Disaster will simply restart, bringing new victims. To break the cycle and respect his humanity, Kim proposes a unique exchange: instead of inheriting the lodge, he wants to exchange one cassette tape for the employment contract of the lodge caretaker. This move aims to transfer the caretaker's contract to himself and terminate the current cycle, effectively ending the phenomenon. The caretaker, surprised, admits that while theoretically possible, the new employer must meet specific qualifications.
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6:11
124
Chapter 124
Kim Soleum engages in a final negotiation with the Mountain Lodge Caretaker to exchange six cassette tapes for the original contract. To ensure success, Kim uses the Silver Heart badge to enhance his persuasiveness, though he notes the caretaker's non-human nature. The caretaker clarifies that inheriting 'employment authority' is symbolic and does not grant practical control over him. Upon completing the exchange, the contract document—a piece of red-wax-sealed hanji paper—ignites and transforms into a vertical tattoo on Kim's forearm, positioned near his existing mascot tattoo. The caretaker then vanishes, leaving the blood-soaked lodge and a civil servant behind. As the weather clears, Kim prepares to depart, hoping to avoid investigation by leaving the aftermath to the government. However, the civil servant approaches him with a serious inquiry, asking if Kim has ever considered a career shift.
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6:12
Chapter 124
Kim Soleum engages in a final negotiation with the Mountain Lodge Caretaker to exchange six cassette tapes for the original contract. To ensure success, Kim uses the Silver Heart badge to enhance his persuasiveness, though he notes the caretaker's non-human nature. The caretaker clarifies that inheriting 'employment authority' is symbolic and does not grant practical control over him. Upon completing the exchange, the contract document—a piece of red-wax-sealed hanji paper—ignites and transforms into a vertical tattoo on Kim's forearm, positioned near his existing mascot tattoo. The caretaker then vanishes, leaving the blood-soaked lodge and a civil servant behind. As the weather clears, Kim prepares to depart, hoping to avoid investigation by leaving the aftermath to the government. However, the civil servant approaches him with a serious inquiry, asking if Kim has ever considered a career shift.
Guest access includes first 48 of 478 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
6:12
125
Chapter 125
The civil servant attempts to recruit Kim into the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau, citing job stability and institutional protection. Kim, desperate to avoid being labeled a 'person of interest,' feigns ignorance of his true capabilities and claims he only acted to help a friend. The civil servant identifies Kim's Silver Heart badge, noting it is a Bureau-recognized tool that only 'good people' can use. Kim lies, claiming he inherited it from his family. Though the recruitment fails, the civil servant provides Kim with a direct work number for future emergencies and promises to keep his identity confidential. After the civil servant departs on a bicycle, Kim walks down the mountain with Baek Saheon. Baek Saheon, despite being saved, remains defensive and ungrateful. Kim reflects on the exhaustion of his job and the bizarre nature of the 'ghost story' world.
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7:38
Chapter 125
The civil servant attempts to recruit Kim into the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau, citing job stability and institutional protection. Kim, desperate to avoid being labeled a 'person of interest,' feigns ignorance of his true capabilities and claims he only acted to help a friend. The civil servant identifies Kim's Silver Heart badge, noting it is a Bureau-recognized tool that only 'good people' can use. Kim lies, claiming he inherited it from his family. Though the recruitment fails, the civil servant provides Kim with a direct work number for future emergencies and promises to keep his identity confidential. After the civil servant departs on a bicycle, Kim walks down the mountain with Baek Saheon. Baek Saheon, despite being saved, remains defensive and ungrateful. Kim reflects on the exhaustion of his job and the bizarre nature of the 'ghost story' world.
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7:38
126
Chapter 126
As Kim and Baek Saheon descend the mountain, Baek Saheon reluctantly admits he ruined Kim's weekend and promises to transfer three days' worth of salary. Kim notes that while time flowed differently in the ghost story, the date remained the same. Kim reflects on the civil servant's comment regarding the 'Silver Heart' and 'cassette tape' inheritance routes, implying Baek Saheon is officially recognized as a criminal. Upon returning to Daydream Inc., Kim is approached by Lee Byeongjin, who congratulates him on his rapid promotion and mentions rumors that Director Ho is interested in him for a confidential project. Shortly after, Kim learns from Eun Haje that he is being transferred out of his current squad to maintain the three-person quota, as his new rank as a supervisor makes him an extra member. Kim feels a sense of unease regarding the sudden reassignment.
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5:31
Chapter 126
As Kim and Baek Saheon descend the mountain, Baek Saheon reluctantly admits he ruined Kim's weekend and promises to transfer three days' worth of salary. Kim notes that while time flowed differently in the ghost story, the date remained the same. Kim reflects on the civil servant's comment regarding the 'Silver Heart' and 'cassette tape' inheritance routes, implying Baek Saheon is officially recognized as a criminal. Upon returning to Daydream Inc., Kim is approached by Lee Byeongjin, who congratulates him on his rapid promotion and mentions rumors that Director Ho is interested in him for a confidential project. Shortly after, Kim learns from Eun Haje that he is being transferred out of his current squad to maintain the three-person quota, as his new rank as a supervisor makes him an extra member. Kim feels a sense of unease regarding the sudden reassignment.
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5:31
127
Chapter 127
Kim Soleum learns that Assistant Manager Eun Haje is planning to resign after accumulating nearly 170,000 points—enough to purchase a high-tier magical potion rather than a 500,000-point wish ticket. Supervisor Park Minseong reacts dramatically to the news, noting that many employees aim for resignation. Squad Leader Lee Jaheon confirms that Kim Soleum will likely remain in D-squad until the next personnel announcement. Following the discussion, the squad prepares for a new mission: exploring a C-class 'Darkness' involving a spider-themed ghost story in a commercial building. Kim Soleum analyzes the manual and realizes the 'Darkness' is actually a 'misunderstood' ghost story—a wholesome, low-fear phenomenon that Daydream Inc. misclassified as dangerous. To maximize the benefits of this gentle experience, Kim Soleum uses his lunch break to purchase an expensive item, intending to use it for a specific purpose within the story.
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7:51
Chapter 127
Kim Soleum learns that Assistant Manager Eun Haje is planning to resign after accumulating nearly 170,000 points—enough to purchase a high-tier magical potion rather than a 500,000-point wish ticket. Supervisor Park Minseong reacts dramatically to the news, noting that many employees aim for resignation. Squad Leader Lee Jaheon confirms that Kim Soleum will likely remain in D-squad until the next personnel announcement. Following the discussion, the squad prepares for a new mission: exploring a C-class 'Darkness' involving a spider-themed ghost story in a commercial building. Kim Soleum analyzes the manual and realizes the 'Darkness' is actually a 'misunderstood' ghost story—a wholesome, low-fear phenomenon that Daydream Inc. misclassified as dangerous. To maximize the benefits of this gentle experience, Kim Soleum uses his lunch break to purchase an expensive item, intending to use it for a specific purpose within the story.
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7:51
128
Chapter 128
Kim Soleum travels to a desolate commercial district in the Seoul suburbs with Assistant Manager Eun Haje and Supervisor Park Minseong to investigate the C-class Darkness. The location is a commercial building that triggers strange phenomena during the golden hour. Park Minseong warns of disturbing records, specifically citing an incident where an employee was injured after being startled by sounds from a 'dog-friendly' café. Kim Soleum realizes the 'scary' elements are actually benign; the 'Darkness' is simply a space where old shops operate normally and 'eject' people once business hours end. After receiving a walkie-talkie, Kim Soleum enters the building alone. He navigates the warped space, following specific rules regarding the elevator to reach a hidden basement level. After circling a parking garage three times, he discovers the entrance to a small, hidden shop: the Moonlight Tattoo Shop.
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6:05
Chapter 128
Kim Soleum travels to a desolate commercial district in the Seoul suburbs with Assistant Manager Eun Haje and Supervisor Park Minseong to investigate the C-class Darkness. The location is a commercial building that triggers strange phenomena during the golden hour. Park Minseong warns of disturbing records, specifically citing an incident where an employee was injured after being startled by sounds from a 'dog-friendly' café. Kim Soleum realizes the 'scary' elements are actually benign; the 'Darkness' is simply a space where old shops operate normally and 'eject' people once business hours end. After receiving a walkie-talkie, Kim Soleum enters the building alone. He navigates the warped space, following specific rules regarding the elevator to reach a hidden basement level. After circling a parking garage three times, he discovers the entrance to a small, hidden shop: the Moonlight Tattoo Shop.
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6:05
129
Chapter 129
Kim Soleum enters the Moonlight Tattoo Shop, a modest establishment that uses artificial moonlight to illuminate a central chair. The shop owner, a confident woman with neck tattoos, explains that they do not accept cash, only 'payments in kind'—specifically items related to the sea. Kim Soleum presents a box of extremely expensive, high-quality Akoya white-green pearls, which the owner accepts with visible joy. After the transaction, Kim Soleum is presented with a booklet of designs. While basic designs are cheap, his high-value offering grants him access to the 'Royal Special Premium' tier, featuring stunning, complex artwork. He chooses a tiny dolphin silhouette. Although the tattoo disappears the next morning, the process 'absorbs' the design into the person, granting them special abilities; after receiving the dolphin tattoo, Kim Soleum discovers he has suddenly become an expert swimmer.
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5:46
Chapter 129
Kim Soleum enters the Moonlight Tattoo Shop, a modest establishment that uses artificial moonlight to illuminate a central chair. The shop owner, a confident woman with neck tattoos, explains that they do not accept cash, only 'payments in kind'—specifically items related to the sea. Kim Soleum presents a box of extremely expensive, high-quality Akoya white-green pearls, which the owner accepts with visible joy. After the transaction, Kim Soleum is presented with a booklet of designs. While basic designs are cheap, his high-value offering grants him access to the 'Royal Special Premium' tier, featuring stunning, complex artwork. He chooses a tiny dolphin silhouette. Although the tattoo disappears the next morning, the process 'absorbs' the design into the person, granting them special abilities; after receiving the dolphin tattoo, Kim Soleum discovers he has suddenly become an expert swimmer.
Guest access includes first 48 of 478 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
5:46
130
Chapter 130
Kim Soleum visits the Moonlight Tattoo Shop, a rare and benevolent ghost story, seeking a way to overcome his natural cowardice. He brings his plush doll, Braun, who receives a luxurious spa treatment from the tattooist. Kim browses a booklet of designs and asks for something related to courage. The tattooist recommends a rustic design of a tree bearing bright red tomatoes. When Kim attempts to get the tattoo, the tattooist refuses due to his existing ghost story markings (the Blue Dragon mascot and Lodge Caretaker tattoos). However, she offers a 'cover-up' service that enhances existing tattoos rather than hiding them. Kim decides to enhance the Lodge Caretaker tattoo to expand his utility, choosing to leave the Blue Dragon tattoo untouched due to emotional resonance. He trusts the professional and allows the tattooist to use a large, moonlight-powered machine. The process is soothing rather than painful. The resulting tattoo features a deep blue night sky with a full moon and shimmering stars. To test the new tattoo, the tattooist places a pearl against it, and the pearl sinks into the skin, revealing that the enhancement has granted Kim a small, two-foot-cube subspace inventory connected to the 'gap' in the tattoo.
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5:38
Chapter 130
Kim Soleum visits the Moonlight Tattoo Shop, a rare and benevolent ghost story, seeking a way to overcome his natural cowardice. He brings his plush doll, Braun, who receives a luxurious spa treatment from the tattooist. Kim browses a booklet of designs and asks for something related to courage. The tattooist recommends a rustic design of a tree bearing bright red tomatoes. When Kim attempts to get the tattoo, the tattooist refuses due to his existing ghost story markings (the Blue Dragon mascot and Lodge Caretaker tattoos). However, she offers a 'cover-up' service that enhances existing tattoos rather than hiding them. Kim decides to enhance the Lodge Caretaker tattoo to expand his utility, choosing to leave the Blue Dragon tattoo untouched due to emotional resonance. He trusts the professional and allows the tattooist to use a large, moonlight-powered machine. The process is soothing rather than painful. The resulting tattoo features a deep blue night sky with a full moon and shimmering stars. To test the new tattoo, the tattooist places a pearl against it, and the pearl sinks into the skin, revealing that the enhancement has granted Kim a small, two-foot-cube subspace inventory connected to the 'gap' in the tattoo.
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5:38
131
Chapter 131
Kim Soleum reflects on his existing tattoos: a Latin text from the Blue Dragon mascot and a Chinese text from the Lodge Caretaker contract. He chooses to enhance the latter to increase his functional abilities, viewing the subspace as a practical 'inventory.' Braun explains that the subspace is roughly a two-foot cube and notes that its connection to the original murderous lodge is uncertain. The tattooist completes the work using a large, steampunk-style machine powered by moonlight. After the procedure, Kim discovers he can physically reach into the 'gap' of the tattoo to retrieve items, such as the pearl. This new ability allows him to carry items secretly and provides a vacuum-sealed environment where food does not spoil, though time-sensitive items like clocks behave strangely. Kim realizes the enhanced tattoo itself will disappear the next morning, but the subspace ability remains permanent.
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5:22
Chapter 131
Kim Soleum reflects on his existing tattoos: a Latin text from the Blue Dragon mascot and a Chinese text from the Lodge Caretaker contract. He chooses to enhance the latter to increase his functional abilities, viewing the subspace as a practical 'inventory.' Braun explains that the subspace is roughly a two-foot cube and notes that its connection to the original murderous lodge is uncertain. The tattooist completes the work using a large, steampunk-style machine powered by moonlight. After the procedure, Kim discovers he can physically reach into the 'gap' of the tattoo to retrieve items, such as the pearl. This new ability allows him to carry items secretly and provides a vacuum-sealed environment where food does not spoil, though time-sensitive items like clocks behave strangely. Kim realizes the enhanced tattoo itself will disappear the next morning, but the subspace ability remains permanent.
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5:22
132
Chapter 132
Kim Soleum leaves the Moonlight Tattoo Shop, which reverts to a vacant space once he exits. Before leaving, the tattooist gives him three temporary 'tomato tree' tattoo stickers that can grant him temporary courage. Kim stores these in his new subspace. Three weeks pass as Kim settles into a routine with the D-squad, accumulating points and using his inventory for convenience. As the regular personnel announcement approaches, the atmosphere in the office turns eerie and tense. Assistant Manager Eun Haje informs Kim of an upcoming B-class Darkness scheduled in three days. She notes that the mission is unique and dangerous: it is a 'luck-based death game' where, upon entry, one person is guaranteed to die through completely random chance. Kim prepares for the high-stakes mission, holding his temporary stickers as talismans.
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5:30
Chapter 132
Kim Soleum leaves the Moonlight Tattoo Shop, which reverts to a vacant space once he exits. Before leaving, the tattooist gives him three temporary 'tomato tree' tattoo stickers that can grant him temporary courage. Kim stores these in his new subspace. Three weeks pass as Kim settles into a routine with the D-squad, accumulating points and using his inventory for convenience. As the regular personnel announcement approaches, the atmosphere in the office turns eerie and tense. Assistant Manager Eun Haje informs Kim of an upcoming B-class Darkness scheduled in three days. She notes that the mission is unique and dangerous: it is a 'luck-based death game' where, upon entry, one person is guaranteed to die through completely random chance. Kim prepares for the high-stakes mission, holding his temporary stickers as talismans.
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5:30
133
Chapter 133
Kim Soleum reflects on the nature of ghost stories and the upcoming B-class Darkness mission involving a 'Russian roulette' mechanism. The mission is characterized by a random 1-in-12 chance of instant death upon entry, a rule that has remained consistent through 37 previous attempts. Assistant Manager Eun Haje notes that while the death rate is high, it is considered reasonable for a B-class scenario. Kim Soleum experiences unease regarding the lack of information and the randomness of the danger, contemplating whether to quit, but ultimately decides that investigating alone would be foolish. He returns to the office to study the manual, finding no loopholes or exceptions to the random selection rule. He learns that squad leaders are excluded from this deployment to prevent 'priority confusion' regarding sacrifices. During the afternoon, Section Chief Lee Byeongjin approaches Kim Soleum privately, suggesting he speak to Director Ho to secure an exclusion from the mission based on his talent. Kim Soleum realizes that accepting such preferential treatment would be a social trap, potentially leading to him being ostracized by his peers for being selfish. He decides to play by the rules and maintain his professional reputation.
Guest access includes first 48 of 478 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
7:05
Chapter 133
Kim Soleum reflects on the nature of ghost stories and the upcoming B-class Darkness mission involving a 'Russian roulette' mechanism. The mission is characterized by a random 1-in-12 chance of instant death upon entry, a rule that has remained consistent through 37 previous attempts. Assistant Manager Eun Haje notes that while the death rate is high, it is considered reasonable for a B-class scenario. Kim Soleum experiences unease regarding the lack of information and the randomness of the danger, contemplating whether to quit, but ultimately decides that investigating alone would be foolish. He returns to the office to study the manual, finding no loopholes or exceptions to the random selection rule. He learns that squad leaders are excluded from this deployment to prevent 'priority confusion' regarding sacrifices. During the afternoon, Section Chief Lee Byeongjin approaches Kim Soleum privately, suggesting he speak to Director Ho to secure an exclusion from the mission based on his talent. Kim Soleum realizes that accepting such preferential treatment would be a social trap, potentially leading to him being ostracized by his peers for being selfish. He decides to play by the rules and maintain his professional reputation.
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7:05
134
Chapter 134
Kim Soleum contemplates the social consequences of seeking an executive's intervention to avoid the mission, concluding that it would be seen as selfishness and could ruin his workplace dynamics. He returns to the manual and identifies a potential loophole: the rules specify 'humans' as explorers, but do not account for other sentient beings. He decides to attempt to bypass the 'human' designation by using a disguise. He consults Braun, who offers to provide a mask that can grant a new identity. To empower Braun, Kim Soleum decides to give the plushie a 'bath' using his own blood. He pricks his arm with a kitchen knife, allowing approximately 500mL of blood to drip into a checkered bathtub. He then uses a company wound-healing potion to seal the arterial wound. The blood transforms the water into a fragrant, wood-scented bath solution. Braun enters the tub and emerges feeling rejuvenated, his voice more vibrant and his physical form appearing more luxurious, complete with a small fabric tag remnant on his neck. Kim Soleum notes that the blood loss was more significant than he initially intended, but the result was a successful 'rejuvenation' for Braun.
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8:00
Chapter 134
Kim Soleum contemplates the social consequences of seeking an executive's intervention to avoid the mission, concluding that it would be seen as selfishness and could ruin his workplace dynamics. He returns to the manual and identifies a potential loophole: the rules specify 'humans' as explorers, but do not account for other sentient beings. He decides to attempt to bypass the 'human' designation by using a disguise. He consults Braun, who offers to provide a mask that can grant a new identity. To empower Braun, Kim Soleum decides to give the plushie a 'bath' using his own blood. He pricks his arm with a kitchen knife, allowing approximately 500mL of blood to drip into a checkered bathtub. He then uses a company wound-healing potion to seal the arterial wound. The blood transforms the water into a fragrant, wood-scented bath solution. Braun enters the tub and emerges feeling rejuvenated, his voice more vibrant and his physical form appearing more luxurious, complete with a small fabric tag remnant on his neck. Kim Soleum notes that the blood loss was more significant than he initially intended, but the result was a successful 'rejuvenation' for Braun.
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8:00
135
Chapter 135
Braun critiques the bath solution Kim Soleum created, describing it as a 'blend' that shares components with the contaminated ginseng. Kim Soleum briefly worries if he is experiencing paranormal contamination, but Braun reassures him that he is not about to transform into something else. After the bath, Braun emerges feeling as though he has returned to his 'prime,' with a sharper, more articulate voice. Kim Soleum observes a small fabric tag remnant on the back of Braun's neck, suggesting a recovery of his original form. Kim Soleum then asks Braun for a favor: to use his mask ability on others. Kim Soleum travels to an abandoned kindergarten to meet his squad for the mission. His teammates, including Assistant Manager Eun Haje and Supervisor Park Minseong, express extreme anxiety and mention that various lucky charms and countermeasures have failed to bypass the 'fair' selection process. As the squad prepares for the deployment, Kim Soleum pulls Braun out of his pocket to reveal his plan for a countermeasure.
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6:13
Chapter 135
Braun critiques the bath solution Kim Soleum created, describing it as a 'blend' that shares components with the contaminated ginseng. Kim Soleum briefly worries if he is experiencing paranormal contamination, but Braun reassures him that he is not about to transform into something else. After the bath, Braun emerges feeling as though he has returned to his 'prime,' with a sharper, more articulate voice. Kim Soleum observes a small fabric tag remnant on the back of Braun's neck, suggesting a recovery of his original form. Kim Soleum then asks Braun for a favor: to use his mask ability on others. Kim Soleum travels to an abandoned kindergarten to meet his squad for the mission. His teammates, including Assistant Manager Eun Haje and Supervisor Park Minseong, express extreme anxiety and mention that various lucky charms and countermeasures have failed to bypass the 'fair' selection process. As the squad prepares for the deployment, Kim Soleum pulls Braun out of his pocket to reveal his plan for a countermeasure.
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6:13
136
Chapter 136
Kim Soleum enters a B-class ghost story, 'English Kindergarten,' alongside Assistant Manager Eun Haje. Upon entry, the dilapidated kindergarten transforms into a pristine, modern facility. Braun, Kim's plush doll companion, is unexpectedly selected as the 'Hangman' (the sacrifice) due to a black noose hologram appearing around his neck. However, Braun uses his unique status as a ghost story resident to refuse participation, arguing that he is an interviewer, not a teacher. This refusal causes the ghost story to redirect the noose to a new target: Assistant Manager Eun Haje. Eun Haje, having accepted her fate, instructs Kim on her automatic point purchases and warns him to stay sharp. The game begins as an old-fashioned TV screen announces the start of a 'Hangman' word-guessing game, and the noose around Eun Haje's neck jerks taut, lifting her into the air.
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6:11
Chapter 136
Kim Soleum enters a B-class ghost story, 'English Kindergarten,' alongside Assistant Manager Eun Haje. Upon entry, the dilapidated kindergarten transforms into a pristine, modern facility. Braun, Kim's plush doll companion, is unexpectedly selected as the 'Hangman' (the sacrifice) due to a black noose hologram appearing around his neck. However, Braun uses his unique status as a ghost story resident to refuse participation, arguing that he is an interviewer, not a teacher. This refusal causes the ghost story to redirect the noose to a new target: Assistant Manager Eun Haje. Eun Haje, having accepted her fate, instructs Kim on her automatic point purchases and warns him to stay sharp. The game begins as an old-fashioned TV screen announces the start of a 'Hangman' word-guessing game, and the noose around Eun Haje's neck jerks taut, lifting her into the air.
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6:11
137
Chapter 137
The 'Hangman' game proceeds with the TV host explaining the rules: participants must guess letters to complete an 8-letter word representing Eun Haje's identity. The game is designed to exert extreme psychological pressure. Kim Soleum decides to attempt a strategy of calling Section Chief Lee Jaheon to destroy the gallows, hoping to buy time. A desperate staff member enters the room, shouting at Eun Haje. Because the Hangman is an exception to the rules, the staff member is allowed to swear and vent frustration. Eun Haje, maintaining a cynical attitude, teases the staff member and eventually whispers a hint to Kim: her job four years ago was a reporter. Kim guesses the letter 'R' (the initial for Reporter), which successfully fills a blank on the screen. However, as a consequence of the correct guess, Eun Haje's left foot vanishes into thin air, signaling that the execution process has begun.
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6:28
Chapter 137
The 'Hangman' game proceeds with the TV host explaining the rules: participants must guess letters to complete an 8-letter word representing Eun Haje's identity. The game is designed to exert extreme psychological pressure. Kim Soleum decides to attempt a strategy of calling Section Chief Lee Jaheon to destroy the gallows, hoping to buy time. A desperate staff member enters the room, shouting at Eun Haje. Because the Hangman is an exception to the rules, the staff member is allowed to swear and vent frustration. Eun Haje, maintaining a cynical attitude, teases the staff member and eventually whispers a hint to Kim: her job four years ago was a reporter. Kim guesses the letter 'R' (the initial for Reporter), which successfully fills a blank on the screen. However, as a consequence of the correct guess, Eun Haje's left foot vanishes into thin air, signaling that the execution process has begun.
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6:28
138
Chapter 138
The game continues with a hint regarding Eun Haje's last mode of transportation. The staff member attempts to guess 'S' (for Subway), but fails. As punishment, a holographic black booklet merges with his face, branding him. Eun Haje warns Kim that accumulating three such penalties will lead to permanent contamination, trapping a person in the ghost story forever. Kim reflects on his interaction with Braun, realizing the doll's internal conflict between being a 'good friend' and a 'ghost story resident.' Kim struggles with the realization that the manual offers no loophole to save the Hangman; the rules are absolute. Supervisor Park Minseong enters the room, revealing he is a returning participant who has been trapped here for two years after attempting to save a Hangman previously. Park, visibly shaken and contaminated, becomes a vital source of information for Kim, who demands accurate answers to navigate the situation.
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7:16
Chapter 138
The game continues with a hint regarding Eun Haje's last mode of transportation. The staff member attempts to guess 'S' (for Subway), but fails. As punishment, a holographic black booklet merges with his face, branding him. Eun Haje warns Kim that accumulating three such penalties will lead to permanent contamination, trapping a person in the ghost story forever. Kim reflects on his interaction with Braun, realizing the doll's internal conflict between being a 'good friend' and a 'ghost story resident.' Kim struggles with the realization that the manual offers no loophole to save the Hangman; the rules are absolute. Supervisor Park Minseong enters the room, revealing he is a returning participant who has been trapped here for two years after attempting to save a Hangman previously. Park, visibly shaken and contaminated, becomes a vital source of information for Kim, who demands accurate answers to navigate the situation.
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7:16
139
Chapter 139
Kim Soleum interrogates Supervisor Park Minseong regarding the 35th round of the Hangman Darkness, learning that previous attempts to include new hires resulted in chaos, penalties, and deaths. Soleum realizes he can use this historical precedent to exploit a loophole, but he needs his transformation ability, which requires an hour of rest. To buy time, Soleum approaches the nine employees in the playroom and proposes a high-stakes bet: if anyone guesses more letters in the Hangman puzzle than him, he will use his 2,000 points to buy them any custom equipment they desire. This offer, combined with his reputation as a heroic rookie, successfully distracts the employees, turning the game into a chaotic, competitive struggle of sabotage and greed. Meanwhile, Assistant Manager Eun Haje remains suspended in the game, losing limbs as the puzzle progresses. Soleum and Park Minseong exit the playroom to begin their actual plan, leaving the employees to stall the game's progression.
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6:30
Chapter 139
Kim Soleum interrogates Supervisor Park Minseong regarding the 35th round of the Hangman Darkness, learning that previous attempts to include new hires resulted in chaos, penalties, and deaths. Soleum realizes he can use this historical precedent to exploit a loophole, but he needs his transformation ability, which requires an hour of rest. To buy time, Soleum approaches the nine employees in the playroom and proposes a high-stakes bet: if anyone guesses more letters in the Hangman puzzle than him, he will use his 2,000 points to buy them any custom equipment they desire. This offer, combined with his reputation as a heroic rookie, successfully distracts the employees, turning the game into a chaotic, competitive struggle of sabotage and greed. Meanwhile, Assistant Manager Eun Haje remains suspended in the game, losing limbs as the puzzle progresses. Soleum and Park Minseong exit the playroom to begin their actual plan, leaving the employees to stall the game's progression.
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6:30
140
Chapter 140
Kim Soleum formalizes the bet: anyone who guesses more letters than him wins his points. He justifies the bet to the employees as a way to gather data to make the manual safer, a claim that earns him begrudging respect and participation. Eun Haje, observing from her suspended position, realizes Soleum is intentionally stalling. She reveals to Soleum that as the 'Hangman,' she is exempt from penalties for certain actions, though her mobility is limited. Soleum plans to use this loophole to maximize their survival chances. Soleum and Park Minseong move into the kindergarten hallway, where Soleum calculates that the employees' natural selfishness and tendency to sabotage each other will easily stretch the game's duration to over an hour. They arrive at the center of the kindergarten, where they see the grotesque remains of Eun Haje's severed leg and foot on a stage, signaling the start of their final attempt to save her.
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7:36
Chapter 140
Kim Soleum formalizes the bet: anyone who guesses more letters than him wins his points. He justifies the bet to the employees as a way to gather data to make the manual safer, a claim that earns him begrudging respect and participation. Eun Haje, observing from her suspended position, realizes Soleum is intentionally stalling. She reveals to Soleum that as the 'Hangman,' she is exempt from penalties for certain actions, though her mobility is limited. Soleum plans to use this loophole to maximize their survival chances. Soleum and Park Minseong move into the kindergarten hallway, where Soleum calculates that the employees' natural selfishness and tendency to sabotage each other will easily stretch the game's duration to over an hour. They arrive at the center of the kindergarten, where they see the grotesque remains of Eun Haje's severed leg and foot on a stage, signaling the start of their final attempt to save her.
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7:36
141
Chapter 141
The Hangman game reaches its climax after over an hour of stalling. The employees, having sabotaged each other, finally complete the word. The game reveals a dark truth: the word is 'Betrayer,' exposing Eun Haje's past as a reporter who betrayed her team and caused deaths through a false report. The Darkness uses this to teach a 'moral' about punishing workplace betrayers. As the truth is revealed, the 'contaminated' kindergarten teachers—monstrous entities that were once people—begin to descend upon the stage. Soleum and Park Minseong prepare for a strike. Park Minseong uses his 'Mimic Scarf,' which has been soaked in a powerful drink enhancer to maximize its camouflage properties. The scarf allows him to perfectly disguise himself as one of the kindergarten teachers. As the disguise holds, Soleum prepares to act, aiming to seize the single chance they have to rescue Eun Haje.
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5:32
Chapter 141
The Hangman game reaches its climax after over an hour of stalling. The employees, having sabotaged each other, finally complete the word. The game reveals a dark truth: the word is 'Betrayer,' exposing Eun Haje's past as a reporter who betrayed her team and caused deaths through a false report. The Darkness uses this to teach a 'moral' about punishing workplace betrayers. As the truth is revealed, the 'contaminated' kindergarten teachers—monstrous entities that were once people—begin to descend upon the stage. Soleum and Park Minseong prepare for a strike. Park Minseong uses his 'Mimic Scarf,' which has been soaked in a powerful drink enhancer to maximize its camouflage properties. The scarf allows him to perfectly disguise himself as one of the kindergarten teachers. As the disguise holds, Soleum prepares to act, aiming to seize the single chance they have to rescue Eun Haje.
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5:32
142
Chapter 142
Kim Soleum attempts to move toward the stage to facilitate Braun's ability and provide a distraction for Supervisor Park Minseong. However, he is confronted by the terrifying presence of the ■■ Kindergarten teachers, non-human entities whose smiling faces and constant gazes trigger intense mental contamination and fear. Kim Soleum struggles to maintain rationality, realizing that fear accelerates his contamination. He manages to take slow, deliberate steps toward the stage, ignoring the unsettling whispers of the teachers. Braun provides encouragement via telepathic/auditory communication, praising Kim Soleum's boldness and past performance as the 'MVP.' As Kim Soleum reaches the edge of the platform, the system announces the start of the execution phase, prompting Assistant Manager Eun Haje to step onto the platform.
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3:54
Chapter 142
Kim Soleum attempts to move toward the stage to facilitate Braun's ability and provide a distraction for Supervisor Park Minseong. However, he is confronted by the terrifying presence of the ■■ Kindergarten teachers, non-human entities whose smiling faces and constant gazes trigger intense mental contamination and fear. Kim Soleum struggles to maintain rationality, realizing that fear accelerates his contamination. He manages to take slow, deliberate steps toward the stage, ignoring the unsettling whispers of the teachers. Braun provides encouragement via telepathic/auditory communication, praising Kim Soleum's boldness and past performance as the 'MVP.' As Kim Soleum reaches the edge of the platform, the system announces the start of the execution phase, prompting Assistant Manager Eun Haje to step onto the platform.
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3:54
143
Chapter 143
The execution of the Hangman begins. Assistant Manager Eun Haje is guided by black holographic ropes toward a scaffold. In a coordinated maneuver, Supervisor Park Minseong—disguised as a teacher—passes Eun Haje and slips a Snow White Mountain Mini Apple into her mouth. As the execution proceeds, Braun performs a 'stage trick' by switching the visual of the severed head with a severed hand, deceiving the observers. The rope pulls upward, and a body part falls; Kim Soleum catches it, only to see it vanish. The game ends, and Kim Soleum reveals the plan: the apple induced a 'death-like sleep,' allowing Eun Haje's body to be recognized as a corpse and successfully ejected from the ghost story. While other staff members dismiss the event, Kim Soleum remains focused on the success of the loophole. Supervisor Park Minseong, having failed to guess a letter and having stepped onto the stage, receives a penalty: he must read the handbook aloud for ten minutes before being dragged away.
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7:05
Chapter 143
The execution of the Hangman begins. Assistant Manager Eun Haje is guided by black holographic ropes toward a scaffold. In a coordinated maneuver, Supervisor Park Minseong—disguised as a teacher—passes Eun Haje and slips a Snow White Mountain Mini Apple into her mouth. As the execution proceeds, Braun performs a 'stage trick' by switching the visual of the severed head with a severed hand, deceiving the observers. The rope pulls upward, and a body part falls; Kim Soleum catches it, only to see it vanish. The game ends, and Kim Soleum reveals the plan: the apple induced a 'death-like sleep,' allowing Eun Haje's body to be recognized as a corpse and successfully ejected from the ghost story. While other staff members dismiss the event, Kim Soleum remains focused on the success of the loophole. Supervisor Park Minseong, having failed to guess a letter and having stepped onto the stage, receives a penalty: he must read the handbook aloud for ten minutes before being dragged away.
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7:05
144
Chapter 144
The penalty for Park Minseong escalates; because he failed to guess letters and stepped on the stage, he accumulates three penalties and is designated a 'permanent trainee' of the ■■ Kindergarten. His body undergoes grotesque contortions as he is forced to read the handbook. As the other participants flee the room to avoid being trapped, Kim Soleum remains behind to attempt a rescue of the now-transformed Park Minseong. Park Minseong has been completely overwritten by the story, appearing as a teacher in a beige apron with a brand on his forehead. He is no longer himself, but a smiling, compliant employee. Park Minseong invites Kim Soleum to join him in the 'Sprout Class,' claiming he can no longer leave because he has 'finished reading the handbook.' Kim Soleum, realizing the danger of the permanent contamination, maintains a facade of politeness and declines the invitation, using the excuse of returning borrowed items to distance himself from the transformed supervisor.
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6:47
Chapter 144
The penalty for Park Minseong escalates; because he failed to guess letters and stepped on the stage, he accumulates three penalties and is designated a 'permanent trainee' of the ■■ Kindergarten. His body undergoes grotesque contortions as he is forced to read the handbook. As the other participants flee the room to avoid being trapped, Kim Soleum remains behind to attempt a rescue of the now-transformed Park Minseong. Park Minseong has been completely overwritten by the story, appearing as a teacher in a beige apron with a brand on his forehead. He is no longer himself, but a smiling, compliant employee. Park Minseong invites Kim Soleum to join him in the 'Sprout Class,' claiming he can no longer leave because he has 'finished reading the handbook.' Kim Soleum, realizing the danger of the permanent contamination, maintains a facade of politeness and declines the invitation, using the excuse of returning borrowed items to distance himself from the transformed supervisor.
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6:47
145
Chapter 145
Kim Soleum attempts to escape the contaminated kindergarten by tricking the 'teacher' version of Supervisor Park Minseong into following him to the entrance. As they walk, Kim Soleum experiences psychological contamination, briefly considering the idea of becoming a 'perfect teacher' and reading the handbook. Upon reaching the entrance, Kim Soleum uses his tattoo's subspace to forcibly cram the teacher-form of Park Minseong into the tattoo. During the struggle, the teacher's hand grips Kim Soleum's arm with unnatural strength, causing him to use a blood-sucking knife to cut his own flesh to break free. After successfully containing Park Minseong, Kim Soleum exits the abandoned building into the sunlight, finding Assistant Manager Eun Haje collapsed on the ground with a missing hand. Kim Soleum calls the Security Team to report the rescue of a contaminated employee and then passes out.
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4:57
Chapter 145
Kim Soleum attempts to escape the contaminated kindergarten by tricking the 'teacher' version of Supervisor Park Minseong into following him to the entrance. As they walk, Kim Soleum experiences psychological contamination, briefly considering the idea of becoming a 'perfect teacher' and reading the handbook. Upon reaching the entrance, Kim Soleum uses his tattoo's subspace to forcibly cram the teacher-form of Park Minseong into the tattoo. During the struggle, the teacher's hand grips Kim Soleum's arm with unnatural strength, causing him to use a blood-sucking knife to cut his own flesh to break free. After successfully containing Park Minseong, Kim Soleum exits the abandoned building into the sunlight, finding Assistant Manager Eun Haje collapsed on the ground with a missing hand. Kim Soleum calls the Security Team to report the rescue of a contaminated employee and then passes out.
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4:57
146
Chapter 146
Kim Soleum wakes up in a Security Team isolation room, restrained by red yarn with silver bells. He identifies the yarn as a 'contamination-suppression equipment' that temporarily reverts a subject to their healthiest past state. Sergeant J3 (Jay) informs him that since Kim Soleum was the only one present, he is presumed contaminated. Kim Soleum maintains his sanity and convinces Jay that he is actually containing a contaminated employee within his tattoo. Despite Jay's skepticism, Kim Soleum reaches into his tattoo and pulls out the 'teacher' version of Park Minseong. The sudden emergence causes the suppression yarn to snap and Kim Soleum's previous wounds to bleed profusely. The teacher-form of Park Minseong briefly experiences a mental breakdown, realizing he is no longer in the kindergarten, before Jay uses a sedative to knock Kim Soleum out again.
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6:09
Chapter 146
Kim Soleum wakes up in a Security Team isolation room, restrained by red yarn with silver bells. He identifies the yarn as a 'contamination-suppression equipment' that temporarily reverts a subject to their healthiest past state. Sergeant J3 (Jay) informs him that since Kim Soleum was the only one present, he is presumed contaminated. Kim Soleum maintains his sanity and convinces Jay that he is actually containing a contaminated employee within his tattoo. Despite Jay's skepticism, Kim Soleum reaches into his tattoo and pulls out the 'teacher' version of Park Minseong. The sudden emergence causes the suppression yarn to snap and Kim Soleum's previous wounds to bleed profusely. The teacher-form of Park Minseong briefly experiences a mental breakdown, realizing he is no longer in the kindergarten, before Jay uses a sedative to knock Kim Soleum out again.
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6:09
147
Chapter 147
Kim Soleum wakes up to find he has been sedated and his wounds bandaged. The suppression equipment has successfully reverted Park Minseong to his original state (wearing a black suit and mask) and bound him in the corner. Jay informs Kim Soleum that Park Minseong's contamination was 'Gloom-level' (B-class). Kim Soleum, feeling drained, is escorted out of the isolation area by Security Team staff. He passes through a corridor filled with the terrifying sounds of other contaminated employees in isolation rooms. At the facility counter, he retrieves his belongings, including a mangled suit jacket containing Braun (the plushie). Braun expresses indignation at the poor treatment. Finally, Kim Soleum is met by Lee Jaheon (Chief Lizard), who informs him that he is being taken to the infirmary to see Assistant Manager Eun Haje. Kim Soleum reports that Park Minseong has also been retrieved, and Lee Jaheon concludes that everyone has survived.
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6:14
Chapter 147
Kim Soleum wakes up to find he has been sedated and his wounds bandaged. The suppression equipment has successfully reverted Park Minseong to his original state (wearing a black suit and mask) and bound him in the corner. Jay informs Kim Soleum that Park Minseong's contamination was 'Gloom-level' (B-class). Kim Soleum, feeling drained, is escorted out of the isolation area by Security Team staff. He passes through a corridor filled with the terrifying sounds of other contaminated employees in isolation rooms. At the facility counter, he retrieves his belongings, including a mangled suit jacket containing Braun (the plushie). Braun expresses indignation at the poor treatment. Finally, Kim Soleum is met by Lee Jaheon (Chief Lizard), who informs him that he is being taken to the infirmary to see Assistant Manager Eun Haje. Kim Soleum reports that Park Minseong has also been retrieved, and Lee Jaheon concludes that everyone has survived.
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6:14
148
Chapter 148
Following the rescue of Assistant Manager Eun Haje, Kim Soleum gains significant recognition within Daydream Inc. for his unprecedented ability to rescue a contaminated colleague immediately after contamination. Despite the unusual nature of the event, his actions are framed by colleagues as a combination of quick thinking and luck, protecting him from scrutiny. Kim is granted a ten-day paid leave, during which he spends most of his time watching TV and reflecting on his growing reputation for 'unconventional clears' and 'benevolence.' After three days, Kim visits Eun Haje in the hospital. She has recovered physically thanks to a Snow White Mountain Apple, though she has permanently lost her left hand. Kim offers a C-grade regeneration potion, but Eun Haje refuses it, advising him to save such items for life-threatening emergencies. She warns him that the Darkness will present far worse challenges than losing a limb. Kim realizes that while his career is building, the emotional weight of the job and the loss of his squadmates is beginning to settle in.
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5:57
Chapter 148
Following the rescue of Assistant Manager Eun Haje, Kim Soleum gains significant recognition within Daydream Inc. for his unprecedented ability to rescue a contaminated colleague immediately after contamination. Despite the unusual nature of the event, his actions are framed by colleagues as a combination of quick thinking and luck, protecting him from scrutiny. Kim is granted a ten-day paid leave, during which he spends most of his time watching TV and reflecting on his growing reputation for 'unconventional clears' and 'benevolence.' After three days, Kim visits Eun Haje in the hospital. She has recovered physically thanks to a Snow White Mountain Apple, though she has permanently lost her left hand. Kim offers a C-grade regeneration potion, but Eun Haje refuses it, advising him to save such items for life-threatening emergencies. She warns him that the Darkness will present far worse challenges than losing a limb. Kim realizes that while his career is building, the emotional weight of the job and the loss of his squadmates is beginning to settle in.
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5:57
149
Chapter 149
Eun Haje presents Kim with a premium item: 'Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Outstanding),' a 170,000-point venom used for silent, agonizing remote revenge. She reveals she has already used the first vial of the set to exact vengeance on a corrupt second-generation politician. Eun Haje recounts her past as a journalist who was forced to switch careers after attempting to expose a politician's crimes, which led to the deaths of her informants. She explains her philosophy of respecting the dead rather than trying to bring them back, and her decision to leave the D-squad. She encourages Kim to rely on his squad leader, Lee Jaheon, and to be proud of his ability to save Park Minseong. After their handshake, Kim returns to work following his leave, only to find Eun Haje's desk cleared. He realizes he is now the last remaining member of the D-squad.
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7:35
Chapter 149
Eun Haje presents Kim with a premium item: 'Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Outstanding),' a 170,000-point venom used for silent, agonizing remote revenge. She reveals she has already used the first vial of the set to exact vengeance on a corrupt second-generation politician. Eun Haje recounts her past as a journalist who was forced to switch careers after attempting to expose a politician's crimes, which led to the deaths of her informants. She explains her philosophy of respecting the dead rather than trying to bring them back, and her decision to leave the D-squad. She encourages Kim to rely on his squad leader, Lee Jaheon, and to be proud of his ability to save Park Minseong. After their handshake, Kim returns to work following his leave, only to find Eun Haje's desk cleared. He realizes he is now the last remaining member of the D-squad.
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7:35
150
Chapter 150
Kim Soleum returns to the office and is greeted by Squad Leader Lee Jaheon. Kim maintains a professional demeanor to avoid suspicion regarding his emotional state or performance. He notes that the 'alien shop' is currently under maintenance for redecorating. Lee Jaheon informs Kim that he will be deployed to a D-class Darkness mission involving a 'Ghost Story' scenario. The mission is an emergency deployment because the C-squad is currently diving into a Darkness with only two members, violating the standard three-person minimum. Kim feels a sense of dread as he realizes the mission is time-sensitive and the entry window is closing. Lee Jaheon provides a manual for the mission, noting a 97% survival rate. Kim attempts to request thirty minutes of preparation time, but Lee Jaheon denies the request, stating they must move out immediately.
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6:47
Chapter 150
Kim Soleum returns to the office and is greeted by Squad Leader Lee Jaheon. Kim maintains a professional demeanor to avoid suspicion regarding his emotional state or performance. He notes that the 'alien shop' is currently under maintenance for redecorating. Lee Jaheon informs Kim that he will be deployed to a D-class Darkness mission involving a 'Ghost Story' scenario. The mission is an emergency deployment because the C-squad is currently diving into a Darkness with only two members, violating the standard three-person minimum. Kim feels a sense of dread as he realizes the mission is time-sensitive and the entry window is closing. Lee Jaheon provides a manual for the mission, noting a 97% survival rate. Kim attempts to request thirty minutes of preparation time, but Lee Jaheon denies the request, stating they must move out immediately.
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6:47
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