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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) · 151–180
151
Chapter 151
Kim Soleum enters a low-grade Darkness characterized by classic horror elements. The entry requirements for this specific ghost story involve a sealed 40-cubic-meter room containing an analog clock, triggered by a specific knocking rhythm on a Wednesday. Kim Soleum and Squad Leader Lee Jaheon enter a company-built break room. Inside, they meet two employees from C-squad, Supervisor Dolphin (wearing a dolphin mask), and Assistant Manager Leopard. Kim Soleum notes the unsettling atmosphere, realizing that in such Darknesses, one or more explorers are often replaced by ghosts who mimic human behavior with subtle, uncanny deviations. During a group introduction, the employees begin clapping cheerfully, but Kim Soleum realizes with horror that they are all clapping with the backs of their hands. Assistant Manager Leopard approaches him, questioning why he isn't joining in.
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6:31
Chapter 151
Kim Soleum enters a low-grade Darkness characterized by classic horror elements. The entry requirements for this specific ghost story involve a sealed 40-cubic-meter room containing an analog clock, triggered by a specific knocking rhythm on a Wednesday. Kim Soleum and Squad Leader Lee Jaheon enter a company-built break room. Inside, they meet two employees from C-squad, Supervisor Dolphin (wearing a dolphin mask), and Assistant Manager Leopard. Kim Soleum notes the unsettling atmosphere, realizing that in such Darknesses, one or more explorers are often replaced by ghosts who mimic human behavior with subtle, uncanny deviations. During a group introduction, the employees begin clapping cheerfully, but Kim Soleum realizes with horror that they are all clapping with the backs of their hands. Assistant Manager Leopard approaches him, questioning why he isn't joining in.
Guest access includes first 48 of 478 audio chapters. Sign in for Free access.
6:31
152
Chapter 152
Kim Soleum struggles to maintain a normal facade while surrounded by ghosts. He pretends he missed the clapping timing to avoid suspicion. The horror escalates when Supervisor Dolphin begins banging her head against the floor repeatedly, claiming she is chasing a bug, only to resume normal conversation after her skull is visibly crushed. Kim Soleum eats kimbap provided by Lee Jaheon to survive the 24-hour duration. The uncanny valley intensifies when Assistant Manager Leopard removes his shoes, only to reveal that his 'feet' are actually hands, which he then uses to stand on and walk around the room. Despite the terror, Kim Soleum manages to assist the hand-footed Leopard with coffee. The tension peaks when the ghost of Dolphin leans in close, asking to 'share' Kim Soleum's eyeballs, which she claims to see under his mask. Kim Soleum relies on the internal guidance of Braun to maintain his composure.
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6:12
Chapter 152
Kim Soleum struggles to maintain a normal facade while surrounded by ghosts. He pretends he missed the clapping timing to avoid suspicion. The horror escalates when Supervisor Dolphin begins banging her head against the floor repeatedly, claiming she is chasing a bug, only to resume normal conversation after her skull is visibly crushed. Kim Soleum eats kimbap provided by Lee Jaheon to survive the 24-hour duration. The uncanny valley intensifies when Assistant Manager Leopard removes his shoes, only to reveal that his 'feet' are actually hands, which he then uses to stand on and walk around the room. Despite the terror, Kim Soleum manages to assist the hand-footed Leopard with coffee. The tension peaks when the ghost of Dolphin leans in close, asking to 'share' Kim Soleum's eyeballs, which she claims to see under his mask. Kim Soleum relies on the internal guidance of Braun to maintain his composure.
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6:12
153
Chapter 153
Kim Soleum decides to mitigate his terror by focusing his attention on Lee Jaheon, treating the interaction as a way to pass the time and avoid the more erratic ghosts. He engages the ghost of Lee Jaheon in a conversation about strength and personal development. The ghost provides surprisingly logical, albeit dry, advice, suggesting Kim focus on his innate strengths like creativity and decision-making rather than raw physical power. The ghost also promises to introduce Kim to an item that can be used as a parent for crafting special equipment. Kim uses this 'interview' to keep the ghost occupied and avoid the hand-standing C-squad ghosts. He survives the long night by pretending to doze off and playing word games with Braun. At 3 a.m., the Darkness ends. Kim, exhausted and traumatized, realizes that Lee Jaheon was not a ghost, as the real Lee Jaheon is awake and perfectly fine. The lizard-like leader explains that he wasn't a ghost; he simply thought clapping with the backs of the hands was a new popular trend.
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7:22
Chapter 153
Kim Soleum decides to mitigate his terror by focusing his attention on Lee Jaheon, treating the interaction as a way to pass the time and avoid the more erratic ghosts. He engages the ghost of Lee Jaheon in a conversation about strength and personal development. The ghost provides surprisingly logical, albeit dry, advice, suggesting Kim focus on his innate strengths like creativity and decision-making rather than raw physical power. The ghost also promises to introduce Kim to an item that can be used as a parent for crafting special equipment. Kim uses this 'interview' to keep the ghost occupied and avoid the hand-standing C-squad ghosts. He survives the long night by pretending to doze off and playing word games with Braun. At 3 a.m., the Darkness ends. Kim, exhausted and traumatized, realizes that Lee Jaheon was not a ghost, as the real Lee Jaheon is awake and perfectly fine. The lizard-like leader explains that he wasn't a ghost; he simply thought clapping with the backs of the hands was a new popular trend.
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7:22
154
Chapter 154
Following the encounter with the C-squad ghosts, Kim Soleum smooths over his awkward behavior with Lee Jaheon through flattery. While parting ways with the C-squad, Kim Soleum learns from Supervisor Lee Seonghae (Dolphin) and Assistant Manager Kang Dojun (Leopard) that the elite units (A, B, and C) are difficult to contact via the company directory, which explains why he was misled regarding the Salmon Market. Supervisor Dolphin reveals that many promising recruits have been 'phished' via messages from a user named 'K.LEE' with a Hawaii beach profile, suggesting a company employee might be running a secondhand market for items from the Darknesses. Kim Soleum notes the company's tendency to disregard human casualties. After the meeting, Lee Jaheon recommends that Kim Soleum visit the 'Fox Counseling Room' to recover from psychological contamination, but Kim Soleum declines due to a dangerous, unwritten side effect associated with the facility. Kim Soleum returns home to rest, feeling a sense of relief to have the day off.
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6:34
Chapter 154
Following the encounter with the C-squad ghosts, Kim Soleum smooths over his awkward behavior with Lee Jaheon through flattery. While parting ways with the C-squad, Kim Soleum learns from Supervisor Lee Seonghae (Dolphin) and Assistant Manager Kang Dojun (Leopard) that the elite units (A, B, and C) are difficult to contact via the company directory, which explains why he was misled regarding the Salmon Market. Supervisor Dolphin reveals that many promising recruits have been 'phished' via messages from a user named 'K.LEE' with a Hawaii beach profile, suggesting a company employee might be running a secondhand market for items from the Darknesses. Kim Soleum notes the company's tendency to disregard human casualties. After the meeting, Lee Jaheon recommends that Kim Soleum visit the 'Fox Counseling Room' to recover from psychological contamination, but Kim Soleum declines due to a dangerous, unwritten side effect associated with the facility. Kim Soleum returns home to rest, feeling a sense of relief to have the day off.
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6:34
155
Chapter 155
Kim Soleum returns to his officetel to rest, finding comfort in talking to Braun. He discovers that the Alien Shop has undergone a renewal and launched a new, visually hideous homepage. Despite the poor design, Kim Soleum is excited by the 'Grand Reopening Sale.' He identifies several high-value items, including 'Wrapper 12B357나' (armor) and 'Nostalgia Candy' (recovery item), noting that the site uses an algorithm to suggest similar items. After calculating his available funds—approximately 150 million won—he decides to purchase the entire inventory list. The total cost comes to 134,133,329 won.
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5:37
Chapter 155
Kim Soleum returns to his officetel to rest, finding comfort in talking to Braun. He discovers that the Alien Shop has undergone a renewal and launched a new, visually hideous homepage. Despite the poor design, Kim Soleum is excited by the 'Grand Reopening Sale.' He identifies several high-value items, including 'Wrapper 12B357나' (armor) and 'Nostalgia Candy' (recovery item), noting that the site uses an algorithm to suggest similar items. After calculating his available funds—approximately 150 million won—he decides to purchase the entire inventory list. The total cost comes to 134,133,329 won.
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5:37
156
Chapter 156
After completing the purchase, a spatial rift opens and a delivery box is placed down by a tentacled entity. Kim Soleum is rewarded with a 'Space Shopping Mall VIP' card. He begins unboxing the items: 'Happy Maker' (a rapid-acting painkiller auto-injector), 'Wrapper 12B357나' (an armor-like buffering material), 'Nostalgia Candy' (an emergency recovery tool), and the 'Necronomicon' (a terrifying, skin-bound book of forbidden knowledge). Finally, he unboxes 'We Can Help!', a red button that, upon translation by Braun, is revealed to be an 'Emergency Escape' device. Kim Soleum stores all items in his arm tattoo inventory. Before he can sleep, he receives a message from Go Youngeun informing him that the regular personnel transfer notices have been posted, meaning the vacancy in D-squad is being filled.
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7:20
Chapter 156
After completing the purchase, a spatial rift opens and a delivery box is placed down by a tentacled entity. Kim Soleum is rewarded with a 'Space Shopping Mall VIP' card. He begins unboxing the items: 'Happy Maker' (a rapid-acting painkiller auto-injector), 'Wrapper 12B357나' (an armor-like buffering material), 'Nostalgia Candy' (an emergency recovery tool), and the 'Necronomicon' (a terrifying, skin-bound book of forbidden knowledge). Finally, he unboxes 'We Can Help!', a red button that, upon translation by Braun, is revealed to be an 'Emergency Escape' device. Kim Soleum stores all items in his arm tattoo inventory. Before he can sleep, he receives a message from Go Youngeun informing him that the regular personnel transfer notices have been posted, meaning the vacancy in D-squad is being filled.
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7:20
157
Chapter 157
Kim Soleum meets a new D-squad supervisor, a bespectacled man who is condescending and views Kim as a mere rookie despite his rapid promotion. The new employee warns Kim that the work is dangerous, noting that previous staff members lost their hands or became contaminated. Kim observes the empty desk once belonging to Supervisor Park Minseong, noting how quickly the company cleared his belongings. The new employee is soon joined by Yoon Johoon, a new squadmate who fails at small talk and immediately expresses disdain for the squad leader, Lee Jaheon, calling him 'mentally not all there' and comparing him to a 'free AI.' After Yoon Johoon disappears for a long restroom break, Kim finds comfort in a mental conversation with Braun. Later, Lee Jaheon conducts a briefing for an upcoming mission into an undetermined grade Darkness. He explains that the entry method involves reading a specific text file on a full moon night and falling asleep to wake up in Sekwang Technical High School. Kim realizes with a sense of irony that he is the original author of this specific ghost story, recorded as Exploration Record #13.
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5:12
Chapter 157
Kim Soleum meets a new D-squad supervisor, a bespectacled man who is condescending and views Kim as a mere rookie despite his rapid promotion. The new employee warns Kim that the work is dangerous, noting that previous staff members lost their hands or became contaminated. Kim observes the empty desk once belonging to Supervisor Park Minseong, noting how quickly the company cleared his belongings. The new employee is soon joined by Yoon Johoon, a new squadmate who fails at small talk and immediately expresses disdain for the squad leader, Lee Jaheon, calling him 'mentally not all there' and comparing him to a 'free AI.' After Yoon Johoon disappears for a long restroom break, Kim finds comfort in a mental conversation with Braun. Later, Lee Jaheon conducts a briefing for an upcoming mission into an undetermined grade Darkness. He explains that the entry method involves reading a specific text file on a full moon night and falling asleep to wake up in Sekwang Technical High School. Kim realizes with a sense of irony that he is the original author of this specific ghost story, recorded as Exploration Record #13.
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5:12
158
Chapter 158
Kim prepares to enter the Sekwang Technical High School Darkness. He attempts to open the required text file, 'Within the Shadow of Darkness.txt,' but finds it contains only a single sentence followed by unreadable gibberish. Kim decides to use a guaranteed entry method known from mid-to-late exploration records. He visits his roommate, Baek Saheon, to gauge how much information other employees have. Baek Saheon reveals that a rumor is circulating that items obtained in the Darkness can be brought back to the real world and that the location is considered 'profitable' and safe. Kim decides to 'extort' information by pretending to be a senior, eventually providing Baek Saheon with a specific tip: placing a high school graduation photo with a profile under one's pillow to guarantee entry. Kim proves his honesty by showing Baek Saheon his own high school photo. Kim then prepares his own entry by carefully arranging essential items under his pillow in a 'Tetris' fashion, including Braun, who finds the position cramped but tolerable. Kim falls asleep and successfully enters the Darkness, waking up in a dim classroom wearing a school uniform. He realizes he is surrounded by confused civilians who have also been pulled into the dream. As Kim approaches the door, he nearly drops a plush keychain, realizing that his Silver Serpent Coin and Braun have not transitioned with him, leaving him only with a harmless plush doll.
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5:57
Chapter 158
Kim prepares to enter the Sekwang Technical High School Darkness. He attempts to open the required text file, 'Within the Shadow of Darkness.txt,' but finds it contains only a single sentence followed by unreadable gibberish. Kim decides to use a guaranteed entry method known from mid-to-late exploration records. He visits his roommate, Baek Saheon, to gauge how much information other employees have. Baek Saheon reveals that a rumor is circulating that items obtained in the Darkness can be brought back to the real world and that the location is considered 'profitable' and safe. Kim decides to 'extort' information by pretending to be a senior, eventually providing Baek Saheon with a specific tip: placing a high school graduation photo with a profile under one's pillow to guarantee entry. Kim proves his honesty by showing Baek Saheon his own high school photo. Kim then prepares his own entry by carefully arranging essential items under his pillow in a 'Tetris' fashion, including Braun, who finds the position cramped but tolerable. Kim falls asleep and successfully enters the Darkness, waking up in a dim classroom wearing a school uniform. He realizes he is surrounded by confused civilians who have also been pulled into the dream. As Kim approaches the door, he nearly drops a plush keychain, realizing that his Silver Serpent Coin and Braun have not transitioned with him, leaving him only with a harmless plush doll.
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5:57
159
Chapter 159
Kim Soleum provides Baek Saheon with the specific ritual to guarantee entry into the Sekwang Technical High School Darkness: placing a high school graduation photo with a written profile under one's pillow. To prove the method works, Kim shows Baek Saheon his own high school photo. Kim then prepares for his own entry by carefully packing essential items under his pillow, including Braun, who complains about the cramped position. Kim falls asleep and successfully transitions into the Darkness. He wakes up in a dim, shadowy classroom wearing a school uniform that resembles his own, though the school name is scratched out. He finds himself surrounded by various civilians who have also been pulled into the dream, all of whom are confused and panicking about their sudden transformation into high schoolers. Kim observes a student sitting perfectly still like a wax mannequin, wearing a 'Sekwang Technical High School' name tag. As Kim moves toward the classroom door to secure an exit, he nearly drops a small plush keychain. He realizes with dismay that his Silver Serpent Coin—the item used to summon Braun—has not followed him; instead, he is left with a mere plush doll, leaving him without his 'Good Friend' in the Darkness.
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6:22
Chapter 159
Kim Soleum provides Baek Saheon with the specific ritual to guarantee entry into the Sekwang Technical High School Darkness: placing a high school graduation photo with a written profile under one's pillow. To prove the method works, Kim shows Baek Saheon his own high school photo. Kim then prepares for his own entry by carefully packing essential items under his pillow, including Braun, who complains about the cramped position. Kim falls asleep and successfully transitions into the Darkness. He wakes up in a dim, shadowy classroom wearing a school uniform that resembles his own, though the school name is scratched out. He finds himself surrounded by various civilians who have also been pulled into the dream, all of whom are confused and panicking about their sudden transformation into high schoolers. Kim observes a student sitting perfectly still like a wax mannequin, wearing a 'Sekwang Technical High School' name tag. As Kim moves toward the classroom door to secure an exit, he nearly drops a small plush keychain. He realizes with dismay that his Silver Serpent Coin—the item used to summon Braun—has not followed him; instead, he is left with a mere plush doll, leaving him without his 'Good Friend' in the Darkness.
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6:22
160
Chapter 160
Inside the 'In the Shadow of Darkness' ghost story, Kim Soleum and a group of civilians find themselves transformed into high school students at Sekwang Technical High School. A mannequin-like student stands frozen by the back door. After a school announcement and a brief blackout caused by automatic curtains, a person is found dead with a twisted neck. The group realizes the 'student' mannequin moves only when unobserved. Panic ensues as more people are brutally killed—one shattered below the chest and another impaled on a desk. A female student entity blocks the front door, smiling. As the group attempts to run past the entities, the hallway fills with screams, and the remaining survivors are left in a suffocating silence.
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6:22
Chapter 160
Inside the 'In the Shadow of Darkness' ghost story, Kim Soleum and a group of civilians find themselves transformed into high school students at Sekwang Technical High School. A mannequin-like student stands frozen by the back door. After a school announcement and a brief blackout caused by automatic curtains, a person is found dead with a twisted neck. The group realizes the 'student' mannequin moves only when unobserved. Panic ensues as more people are brutally killed—one shattered below the chest and another impaled on a desk. A female student entity blocks the front door, smiling. As the group attempts to run past the entities, the hallway fills with screams, and the remaining survivors are left in a suffocating silence.
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6:22
161
Chapter 161
Kim Soleum attempts to coordinate the panicked survivors, but they descend into chaos, deciding to attack the mannequin student with improvised weapons. Kim Soleum is silenced by Agent Ryu Jaekwan, a Disaster Management Bureau agent who has also been pulled into the ghost story. Ryu Jaekwan provides survival protocols: keep eyes on the mannequin, blink alternately, lower heads during blackouts, and remain silent, as the entities are sensitive to sound. He explains that the only way to 'wake up' properly is to die while in possession of the mannequin's name tag; otherwise, one faces 'undesirable effects.' As the group attacks the mannequin, Kim Soleum spots a group of Daydream Inc. employees wearing animal masks and business suits passing by the hallway. Ryu Jaekwan warns Kim Soleum to avoid these 'unethical psychopaths' from the pseudo-corporation.
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7:52
Chapter 161
Kim Soleum attempts to coordinate the panicked survivors, but they descend into chaos, deciding to attack the mannequin student with improvised weapons. Kim Soleum is silenced by Agent Ryu Jaekwan, a Disaster Management Bureau agent who has also been pulled into the ghost story. Ryu Jaekwan provides survival protocols: keep eyes on the mannequin, blink alternately, lower heads during blackouts, and remain silent, as the entities are sensitive to sound. He explains that the only way to 'wake up' properly is to die while in possession of the mannequin's name tag; otherwise, one faces 'undesirable effects.' As the group attacks the mannequin, Kim Soleum spots a group of Daydream Inc. employees wearing animal masks and business suits passing by the hallway. Ryu Jaekwan warns Kim Soleum to avoid these 'unethical psychopaths' from the pseudo-corporation.
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7:52
162
Chapter 162
The group's attack succeeds in temporarily 'killing' the mannequin student, but this triggers a school-wide funeral announcement for 'Lee Wonyool.' As the lights flicker, the classroom becomes a scene of carnage with multiple corpses. Kim Soleum uses a piece of paper left by Baek Saheon to steal a portable emergency flashlight from a wall mount, preparing for future blackouts. Ryu Jaekwan moves aggressively toward the entities to retrieve their name tags. He successfully tears the name tag from the staring student at the front door and collects the tag from the 'dead' student by the back door. Kim Soleum realizes the gravity of this action: by stealing the name tags, the agent has ensured the student entities will relentlessly pursue them until death.
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5:08
Chapter 162
The group's attack succeeds in temporarily 'killing' the mannequin student, but this triggers a school-wide funeral announcement for 'Lee Wonyool.' As the lights flicker, the classroom becomes a scene of carnage with multiple corpses. Kim Soleum uses a piece of paper left by Baek Saheon to steal a portable emergency flashlight from a wall mount, preparing for future blackouts. Ryu Jaekwan moves aggressively toward the entities to retrieve their name tags. He successfully tears the name tag from the staring student at the front door and collects the tag from the 'dead' student by the back door. Kim Soleum realizes the gravity of this action: by stealing the name tags, the agent has ensured the student entities will relentlessly pursue them until death.
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5:08
163
Chapter 163
Kim Soleum follows the agent into a classroom, where he successfully snatches a name tag from a frozen student entity. Beneath the entity, Kim discovers a survivor who is weeping and injured. Kim decides to help the survivor by dropping the name tag on the floor, allowing the person to grab it. This act ensures the survivor can wake up safely from the nightmare. As they exit the classroom and move down the corridor, the agent expresses confusion that the entities are not chasing them, eventually deducing that the survivor's presence or the name tag's use has diverted them. The agent praises Kim for prioritizing safety, but Kim reveals he no longer has the name tag. Kim's true intention is revealed: he is following a specific plan from 'Exploration Record #13' to clear the nightmare without physically dying, which requires performing a specific action without possessing a name tag to earn a higher-grade Dream Essence reward.
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4:59
Chapter 163
Kim Soleum follows the agent into a classroom, where he successfully snatches a name tag from a frozen student entity. Beneath the entity, Kim discovers a survivor who is weeping and injured. Kim decides to help the survivor by dropping the name tag on the floor, allowing the person to grab it. This act ensures the survivor can wake up safely from the nightmare. As they exit the classroom and move down the corridor, the agent expresses confusion that the entities are not chasing them, eventually deducing that the survivor's presence or the name tag's use has diverted them. The agent praises Kim for prioritizing safety, but Kim reveals he no longer has the name tag. Kim's true intention is revealed: he is following a specific plan from 'Exploration Record #13' to clear the nightmare without physically dying, which requires performing a specific action without possessing a name tag to earn a higher-grade Dream Essence reward.
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4:59
164
Chapter 164
Kim Soleum contemplates the risks of dying without a name tag, which would result in being dragged back to the nightmare every new moon. He attempts to suggest parting ways with the agent to regain his autonomy and eventually join a larger group, but the agent refuses. Instead, the agent reveals his intention to 'humanely execute' Kim once he obtained a name tag, but now offers Kim a temporary position as an agent for the remainder of the investigation. To verify Kim's honesty, the agent provides a 'truth-inducing candy' (a piece of Bureau equipment). Kim reluctantly consumes it to avoid suspicion. In return, the agent provides Kim with an agent identification badge and a specialized exorcism pistol that uses multicolored glass beads as ammunition. Kim realizes he is now effectively playing the role of a Disaster Management Bureau agent, equipped with standard-issue gear.
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5:26
Chapter 164
Kim Soleum contemplates the risks of dying without a name tag, which would result in being dragged back to the nightmare every new moon. He attempts to suggest parting ways with the agent to regain his autonomy and eventually join a larger group, but the agent refuses. Instead, the agent reveals his intention to 'humanely execute' Kim once he obtained a name tag, but now offers Kim a temporary position as an agent for the remainder of the investigation. To verify Kim's honesty, the agent provides a 'truth-inducing candy' (a piece of Bureau equipment). Kim reluctantly consumes it to avoid suspicion. In return, the agent provides Kim with an agent identification badge and a specialized exorcism pistol that uses multicolored glass beads as ammunition. Kim realizes he is now effectively playing the role of a Disaster Management Bureau agent, equipped with standard-issue gear.
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5:26
165
Chapter 165
As Kim and the agent move through the hallway, they encounter three student entities: two blood-drenched students and one pristine, motionless student. The entities advance only when the flashlight beam is off, freezing in place when illuminated. A system announcement declares the death of student Park Chae-ah, followed by a moment of silence. During the tension, a bloodstained hand reaches from the floor to grab Kim's ankle, narrowly avoiding a fatal encounter. The agent explains that the students' aggression decreases once a floor is cleared and suggests heading to the fifth floor (the auditorium) to fulfill the mission objective. Kim recalls warnings from 'Exploration Record #12' stating that the fifth floor is extremely dangerous. To prepare, Kim suggests exploring the third and fourth floors for key items like student records or lab equipment. The agent agrees, noting that the Bureau's analysis also suggests the nightmare has a game-like structure. The chapter ends with the agent asking Kim to choose a codename for his temporary role.
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6:04
Chapter 165
As Kim and the agent move through the hallway, they encounter three student entities: two blood-drenched students and one pristine, motionless student. The entities advance only when the flashlight beam is off, freezing in place when illuminated. A system announcement declares the death of student Park Chae-ah, followed by a moment of silence. During the tension, a bloodstained hand reaches from the floor to grab Kim's ankle, narrowly avoiding a fatal encounter. The agent explains that the students' aggression decreases once a floor is cleared and suggests heading to the fifth floor (the auditorium) to fulfill the mission objective. Kim recalls warnings from 'Exploration Record #12' stating that the fifth floor is extremely dangerous. To prepare, Kim suggests exploring the third and fourth floors for key items like student records or lab equipment. The agent agrees, noting that the Bureau's analysis also suggests the nightmare has a game-like structure. The chapter ends with the agent asking Kim to choose a codename for his temporary role.
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6:04
166
Chapter 166
Kim Soleum and Agent Bronze (Ryu Jaekwan) ascend to the third floor of Sekwang Technical High School. They observe that the hallway is clean and classroom doors are sealed with chains and padlocks, a standard Daydream Inc. safety measure to render student entities inactive. While crawling to avoid detection, a scream triggers a frantic rattling of doorknobs by the students. They reach the Second-Year Faculty Office, which is also heavily secured. Agent Bronze uses specialized Bureau equipment to unlock the door. Inside, they discover a tense standoff between Daydream Inc. employees in animal masks and Disaster Management Bureau agents armed with translucent pistols. Both groups are fighting over a single item: the Fountain Pen of Second-Year Student ■■■. Recognizing the potential for conflict, Kim Soleum decides to side with the Bureau agents to ensure his own survival, despite his internal reluctance to betray his coworkers. He stands beside Agent Bronze, much to the surprise of the Daydream employees, specifically Baek Saheon and Jang Heo-un, who recognize him.
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5:58
Chapter 166
Kim Soleum and Agent Bronze (Ryu Jaekwan) ascend to the third floor of Sekwang Technical High School. They observe that the hallway is clean and classroom doors are sealed with chains and padlocks, a standard Daydream Inc. safety measure to render student entities inactive. While crawling to avoid detection, a scream triggers a frantic rattling of doorknobs by the students. They reach the Second-Year Faculty Office, which is also heavily secured. Agent Bronze uses specialized Bureau equipment to unlock the door. Inside, they discover a tense standoff between Daydream Inc. employees in animal masks and Disaster Management Bureau agents armed with translucent pistols. Both groups are fighting over a single item: the Fountain Pen of Second-Year Student ■■■. Recognizing the potential for conflict, Kim Soleum decides to side with the Bureau agents to ensure his own survival, despite his internal reluctance to betray his coworkers. He stands beside Agent Bronze, much to the surprise of the Daydream employees, specifically Baek Saheon and Jang Heo-un, who recognize him.
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5:58
167
Chapter 167
Baek Saheon, an employee in a goat mask, observes the standoff from the Daydream side. He is irritated by the crowd and plans to use the chaos to steal the fountain pen. He is shocked to see Kim Soleum standing with the Bureau agents, equipped with a badge and pistol. Jang Heo-un (in a bison mask) is visibly stunned and nearly calls out Kim's name, but Kim quickly interrupts him with a fake, authoritative lecture about the dangers of possessing supernatural items. Kim's performance is so convincing that even the Bureau agents praise his ability to speak with authority. Baek Saheon realizes that Kim might be a Bureau spy and feels threatened. To create chaos and steal the pen, Baek Saheon uses a specialized explosive device hidden in his shoe (a three-color pen) to fire at Kim's head. He intends to frame someone else for the attack. Kim, having read about Baek's equipment on a wiki, easily dodges the projectile, but the explosion successfully creates a smoke-filled distraction.
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6:31
Chapter 167
Baek Saheon, an employee in a goat mask, observes the standoff from the Daydream side. He is irritated by the crowd and plans to use the chaos to steal the fountain pen. He is shocked to see Kim Soleum standing with the Bureau agents, equipped with a badge and pistol. Jang Heo-un (in a bison mask) is visibly stunned and nearly calls out Kim's name, but Kim quickly interrupts him with a fake, authoritative lecture about the dangers of possessing supernatural items. Kim's performance is so convincing that even the Bureau agents praise his ability to speak with authority. Baek Saheon realizes that Kim might be a Bureau spy and feels threatened. To create chaos and steal the pen, Baek Saheon uses a specialized explosive device hidden in his shoe (a three-color pen) to fire at Kim's head. He intends to frame someone else for the attack. Kim, having read about Baek's equipment on a wiki, easily dodges the projectile, but the explosion successfully creates a smoke-filled distraction.
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6:31
168
Chapter 168
The explosion from Baek Saheon's device causes massive chaos. In the smoke and noise, Baek Saheon successfully steals the fountain pen and flees. The commotion attracts the student entities, leading to a violent outbreak. A system announcement declares a death (Kim Sora), triggering a five-second blackout. Amidst the blood and gore, Kim Soleum realizes the situation is a death trap and decides to escape. He exits the office and encounters Agent Bronze, who is fighting Jang Heo-un. The agent hands Kim a pair of handcuffs to help restrain Jang. Instead, Kim uses the handcuffs to bind both Jang Heo-un and the agent together with a silver chain. Kim then drags the restrained duo up the stairs to escape the carnage. As they ascend, Kim begins crafting an elaborate, emotional lie to explain his actions to the glaring Agent Bronze.
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5:44
Chapter 168
The explosion from Baek Saheon's device causes massive chaos. In the smoke and noise, Baek Saheon successfully steals the fountain pen and flees. The commotion attracts the student entities, leading to a violent outbreak. A system announcement declares a death (Kim Sora), triggering a five-second blackout. Amidst the blood and gore, Kim Soleum realizes the situation is a death trap and decides to escape. He exits the office and encounters Agent Bronze, who is fighting Jang Heo-un. The agent hands Kim a pair of handcuffs to help restrain Jang. Instead, Kim uses the handcuffs to bind both Jang Heo-un and the agent together with a silver chain. Kim then drags the restrained duo up the stairs to escape the carnage. As they ascend, Kim begins crafting an elaborate, emotional lie to explain his actions to the glaring Agent Bronze.
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5:44
169
Chapter 169
Kim Soleum ascends the stairs of a nightmare school, leading a restrained Disaster Management Bureau agent. To repair his image and avoid being blacklisted, Kim Soleum uses a truth-inducing caramel to convince the agent that he has no malicious intent toward the Bureau or its intelligence. He reveals his 'Silver Heart' to demonstrate his honesty. After the agent agrees not to cause a commotion, Kim Soleum removes the gag and returns his confiscated equipment, though he keeps the agent partially restrained for safety. Kim Soleum then dons his 'Roe Deer' mask, revealing his identity as a Daydream Inc. new hire. Jang Heo-un (Mr. Buffalo) apologizes to Kim Soleum, vouching for his kindness to the agent. As they reach the fourth floor, the atmosphere shifts; the hallway is dark, and dozens of third-year student entities are standing in the halls, staring directly at them.
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4:58
Chapter 169
Kim Soleum ascends the stairs of a nightmare school, leading a restrained Disaster Management Bureau agent. To repair his image and avoid being blacklisted, Kim Soleum uses a truth-inducing caramel to convince the agent that he has no malicious intent toward the Bureau or its intelligence. He reveals his 'Silver Heart' to demonstrate his honesty. After the agent agrees not to cause a commotion, Kim Soleum removes the gag and returns his confiscated equipment, though he keeps the agent partially restrained for safety. Kim Soleum then dons his 'Roe Deer' mask, revealing his identity as a Daydream Inc. new hire. Jang Heo-un (Mr. Buffalo) apologizes to Kim Soleum, vouching for his kindness to the agent. As they reach the fourth floor, the atmosphere shifts; the hallway is dark, and dozens of third-year student entities are standing in the halls, staring directly at them.
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4:58
170
Chapter 170
The group navigates the fourth floor, where student entities are rooted in place but can be frozen by eye contact. Jang Heo-un attempts to be useful by watching the rear, but the group enters a pitch-black section. Suddenly, Kim Soleum's flashlight flickers and dies. Jang Heo-un realizes too late that the light was actually Kim Soleum's flashlight failing. Kim Soleum is revealed to be bleeding heavily from a wound in his abdomen, caused by a student's reaching hand. The emergency flashlight's effective illumination time has expired. The agent and Jang Heo-un help Kim Soleum into a nearby classroom. Despite his injury, Kim Soleum releases the agent from his restraints. The agent, moved by the situation, shoves a spare nametag into Kim Soleum's jacket to help him, despite Kim's insistence that he is fine.
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5:02
Chapter 170
The group navigates the fourth floor, where student entities are rooted in place but can be frozen by eye contact. Jang Heo-un attempts to be useful by watching the rear, but the group enters a pitch-black section. Suddenly, Kim Soleum's flashlight flickers and dies. Jang Heo-un realizes too late that the light was actually Kim Soleum's flashlight failing. Kim Soleum is revealed to be bleeding heavily from a wound in his abdomen, caused by a student's reaching hand. The emergency flashlight's effective illumination time has expired. The agent and Jang Heo-un help Kim Soleum into a nearby classroom. Despite his injury, Kim Soleum releases the agent from his restraints. The agent, moved by the situation, shoves a spare nametag into Kim Soleum's jacket to help him, despite Kim's insistence that he is fine.
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5:02
171
Chapter 171
Inside the classroom, a philosophical debate ensues between the agent and Kim Soleum regarding Daydream Inc. The agent expresses disgust at the company's disregard for human life and questions the validity of 'wish tickets.' Kim Soleum defends the system, explaining that wish tickets are omnipotent tools for personal desires rather than world-altering magic. Kim Soleum tells the agent to leave and instructs Jang Heo-un to stay safe. Jang Heo-un, unable to leave Kim to die, secretly slips a spare nametag into Kim's pocket before departing with the agent. Once they are gone, Kim Soleum reveals his true plan: he consumes an 'eyeball candy'—an emergency recovery item. The candy heals his wounds and restores his body to its peak state from the last ten years. Having successfully faked his death to secure freedom and repair his reputation, Kim Soleum retrieves a heavy-duty flashlight from a wrist tattoo and steps back into the hallway.
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5:21
Chapter 171
Inside the classroom, a philosophical debate ensues between the agent and Kim Soleum regarding Daydream Inc. The agent expresses disgust at the company's disregard for human life and questions the validity of 'wish tickets.' Kim Soleum defends the system, explaining that wish tickets are omnipotent tools for personal desires rather than world-altering magic. Kim Soleum tells the agent to leave and instructs Jang Heo-un to stay safe. Jang Heo-un, unable to leave Kim to die, secretly slips a spare nametag into Kim's pocket before departing with the agent. Once they are gone, Kim Soleum reveals his true plan: he consumes an 'eyeball candy'—an emergency recovery item. The candy heals his wounds and restores his body to its peak state from the last ten years. Having successfully faked his death to secure freedom and repair his reputation, Kim Soleum retrieves a heavy-duty flashlight from a wrist tattoo and steps back into the hallway.
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5:21
172
Chapter 172
Kim Soleum navigates the fourth floor of Sekwang Technical High School, wearing 'armor' purchased from an alien store to protect his vital areas. He moves cautiously to avoid the mannequin-like students occupying the hallway. Reflecting on his knowledge of the ghost story, he realizes he doesn't need the scattered informational items because he already knows the truth behind the school's state and the nature of the 'students.' His goal is to obtain the key item required for a highest-grade clear. He descends to the third floor, which is a gruesome scene of mutilated corpses. He locates his target: a severely injured, bleached-haired student entity in the faculty office. Kim Soleum carries the student like a heavy sack to the infirmary. He recalls the twelfth exploration log, which noted that an injured colleague was placed on a bed in the infirmary, leading to a massacre. Kim Soleum suspects the previous explorer left a clue: if an explorer places a real Sekwang Technical High School student on a bed instead of a colleague, the outcome might change. He enters the infirmary, where two beds are already occupied by shadows.
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5:50
Chapter 172
Kim Soleum navigates the fourth floor of Sekwang Technical High School, wearing 'armor' purchased from an alien store to protect his vital areas. He moves cautiously to avoid the mannequin-like students occupying the hallway. Reflecting on his knowledge of the ghost story, he realizes he doesn't need the scattered informational items because he already knows the truth behind the school's state and the nature of the 'students.' His goal is to obtain the key item required for a highest-grade clear. He descends to the third floor, which is a gruesome scene of mutilated corpses. He locates his target: a severely injured, bleached-haired student entity in the faculty office. Kim Soleum carries the student like a heavy sack to the infirmary. He recalls the twelfth exploration log, which noted that an injured colleague was placed on a bed in the infirmary, leading to a massacre. Kim Soleum suspects the previous explorer left a clue: if an explorer places a real Sekwang Technical High School student on a bed instead of a colleague, the outcome might change. He enters the infirmary, where two beds are already occupied by shadows.
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5:50
173
Chapter 173
Kim Soleum places the injured student entity on the only empty bed in the infirmary and covers him with a blanket. He exits, waits, and re-enters to find the student has been magically treated with bandages and gym clothes. Kim Soleum discovers a clean Sekwang Technical High School uniform in a drawer. He leaves a note saying he is borrowing it and replaces it with the uniform. After changing into the borrowed uniform, he receives a written reply in the drawer asking for his grade and class. He writes down the profile he prepared, and the world plunges into darkness. The bleached-haired student, now sitting up, taps his shoulder and writes a reply: 'Transfer student, huh? Tough luck.' Kim Soleum exits the infirmary into a dark world where he can see clearly. He notices the name tag he dropped is now glowing. He encounters 'monsters' from Class 2-7 that appear as glitched, pixelated, decaying humanoids. These creatures are actually the previous explorers. Because he is wearing the uniform with the student's permission, he is now recognized as a student of Sekwang Technical High School, allowing him to navigate the school without being targeted by the 'fear of the pursued' mechanics.
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5:54
Chapter 173
Kim Soleum places the injured student entity on the only empty bed in the infirmary and covers him with a blanket. He exits, waits, and re-enters to find the student has been magically treated with bandages and gym clothes. Kim Soleum discovers a clean Sekwang Technical High School uniform in a drawer. He leaves a note saying he is borrowing it and replaces it with the uniform. After changing into the borrowed uniform, he receives a written reply in the drawer asking for his grade and class. He writes down the profile he prepared, and the world plunges into darkness. The bleached-haired student, now sitting up, taps his shoulder and writes a reply: 'Transfer student, huh? Tough luck.' Kim Soleum exits the infirmary into a dark world where he can see clearly. He notices the name tag he dropped is now glowing. He encounters 'monsters' from Class 2-7 that appear as glitched, pixelated, decaying humanoids. These creatures are actually the previous explorers. Because he is wearing the uniform with the student's permission, he is now recognized as a student of Sekwang Technical High School, allowing him to navigate the school without being targeted by the 'fear of the pursued' mechanics.
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5:54
174
Chapter 174
Kim Soleum reflects on how his thirteenth exploration log—which suggested that wearing a school uniform allows one to be treated as a student—transformed the ghost story from a simple 'fear of the pursued' narrative into a complex, story-driven experience. He feels a sense of belonging as a student, which intensifies his rejection of the 'glitched' explorer monsters. He decides to head to the fourth floor, noting that students rarely leave their assigned floors. Upon reaching the fourth floor, he finds the once-lifeless students are now lively and chatting. He realizes that if he speaks with his normal voice, he will face a penalty (implied death/unconsciousness). He approaches a group of seniors near a storage room. Using a written note to claim he was sent to fetch a ladder, he successfully interacts with them. One student provides him with a set of keys, allowing him to unlock the '4F Storage' room, a location only students can access.
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5:25
Chapter 174
Kim Soleum reflects on how his thirteenth exploration log—which suggested that wearing a school uniform allows one to be treated as a student—transformed the ghost story from a simple 'fear of the pursued' narrative into a complex, story-driven experience. He feels a sense of belonging as a student, which intensifies his rejection of the 'glitched' explorer monsters. He decides to head to the fourth floor, noting that students rarely leave their assigned floors. Upon reaching the fourth floor, he finds the once-lifeless students are now lively and chatting. He realizes that if he speaks with his normal voice, he will face a penalty (implied death/unconsciousness). He approaches a group of seniors near a storage room. Using a written note to claim he was sent to fetch a ladder, he successfully interacts with them. One student provides him with a set of keys, allowing him to unlock the '4F Storage' room, a location only students can access.
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5:25
175
Chapter 175
Kim Soleum explores a storage room in Sekwang Technical High School, successfully obtaining a 'Name Tag Decoration' (an azalea-themed brooch). He verifies the school's layout against his exploration records, carefully avoiding the fifth floor. Suddenly, a deafening, glitched cacophony of voices—the sound of explorers—hits him, triggering an overwhelming urge to eliminate the noise. He suppresses this impulse and encounters a student immobilized on the floor being watched by a masked, pixelated monster.
Meanwhile, Go Youngeun, an agent, observes the scene. She has been escorting civilians who are now dead, noting that the Dream Essence Collector only refills when nametags are obtained. She is exhausted and ready to wake up when she spots a student who looks unmistakably like Kim Soleum. Fearing he has been 'corrupted' into a student monster, she approaches him. Kim Soleum uses a timed flashlight to temporarily blind her as a trap. As her vision clears, she sees Kim Soleum staring at an A4 sheet of paper on the floor, which contains written communication.
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7:15
Chapter 175
Kim Soleum explores a storage room in Sekwang Technical High School, successfully obtaining a 'Name Tag Decoration' (an azalea-themed brooch). He verifies the school's layout against his exploration records, carefully avoiding the fifth floor. Suddenly, a deafening, glitched cacophony of voices—the sound of explorers—hits him, triggering an overwhelming urge to eliminate the noise. He suppresses this impulse and encounters a student immobilized on the floor being watched by a masked, pixelated monster.
Meanwhile, Go Youngeun, an agent, observes the scene. She has been escorting civilians who are now dead, noting that the Dream Essence Collector only refills when nametags are obtained. She is exhausted and ready to wake up when she spots a student who looks unmistakably like Kim Soleum. Fearing he has been 'corrupted' into a student monster, she approaches him. Kim Soleum uses a timed flashlight to temporarily blind her as a trap. As her vision clears, she sees Kim Soleum staring at an A4 sheet of paper on the floor, which contains written communication.
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7:15
176
Chapter 176
Kim Soleum, unable to speak or hear normally due to the ghost story's gimmick, communicates with Go Youngeun by writing on the floor. He explains the true nature of the ghost story: Sekwang Technical High School is a real school devoured by a horror game called 'Within the Shadow of Darkness.' He explains that the students' inability to speak or move is due to the game's lack of voice acting and the fact that the main game hasn't officially started. He reveals that he has obtained a student uniform to become a participant in the game.
Go Youngeun is initially concerned about the danger of participating in the game but ultimately decides to trust Kim Soleum. Before she departs to avoid suspicion from other students, Kim Soleum asks her a specialized question regarding the location of human organs to complete his 'clear preparations.' Go Youngeun answers his questions, verifying his mental state, and then leaves him to continue his mission.
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5:48
Chapter 176
Kim Soleum, unable to speak or hear normally due to the ghost story's gimmick, communicates with Go Youngeun by writing on the floor. He explains the true nature of the ghost story: Sekwang Technical High School is a real school devoured by a horror game called 'Within the Shadow of Darkness.' He explains that the students' inability to speak or move is due to the game's lack of voice acting and the fact that the main game hasn't officially started. He reveals that he has obtained a student uniform to become a participant in the game.
Go Youngeun is initially concerned about the danger of participating in the game but ultimately decides to trust Kim Soleum. Before she departs to avoid suspicion from other students, Kim Soleum asks her a specialized question regarding the location of human organs to complete his 'clear preparations.' Go Youngeun answers his questions, verifying his mental state, and then leaves him to continue his mission.
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5:48
177
Chapter 177
Following Go Youngeun's departure, a school broadcast announces the start of the graduation ceremony, signaling the beginning of the 'Within the Shadow of Darkness' storyline. The atmosphere shifts from a school setting to an oppressive horror game environment, complete with 8-bit background music. Kim Soleum rushes to the third-year faculty office and hides inside a locker.
While hiding, he witnesses a masked, pixelated monster (an explorer) approaching his locker. Suddenly, the 'teacher'—the game's primary entity—appears. A massive metal plate slams down, bisecting the masked explorer. As the glitch disappears, the body reverts to that of a human: a bespectacled supervisor from the D-squad. The teacher drags the lifeless body away. Realizing that the only way to truly 'clear' the game is to reach the ending, Kim Soleum resolves to face the final boss. He applies a tomato tree design tattoo sticker to his neck, preparing for the battle ahead.
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5:26
Chapter 177
Following Go Youngeun's departure, a school broadcast announces the start of the graduation ceremony, signaling the beginning of the 'Within the Shadow of Darkness' storyline. The atmosphere shifts from a school setting to an oppressive horror game environment, complete with 8-bit background music. Kim Soleum rushes to the third-year faculty office and hides inside a locker.
While hiding, he witnesses a masked, pixelated monster (an explorer) approaching his locker. Suddenly, the 'teacher'—the game's primary entity—appears. A massive metal plate slams down, bisecting the masked explorer. As the glitch disappears, the body reverts to that of a human: a bespectacled supervisor from the D-squad. The teacher drags the lifeless body away. Realizing that the only way to truly 'clear' the game is to reach the ending, Kim Soleum resolves to face the final boss. He applies a tomato tree design tattoo sticker to his neck, preparing for the battle ahead.
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5:26
178
Chapter 178
Kim Soleum uses a tomato tree tattoo sticker on his neck, which he hopes will paralyze his fear-processing center. While he doubts its efficacy against terrifying memories, the sticker's true effect is an overflow of adrenaline and a bizarre perception that transforms all frightening objects into tomatoes. Stepping out of his locker, he ascends to the fifth floor of the school, which is a grotesque landscape of graduation album pages, pulsing flesh, and tomato-shaped human heads. He reaches the auditorium, the site of the final chapter. Using a 'Nametag Ornament' to bypass the 'graduates only' restriction, he enters and finds hundreds of melted, eyeless students fused to their chairs. Kim Soleum ascends the stage and declares the graduation ceremony open. This triggers a massive, horrific transformation of the auditorium and summons the 'teacher'—a massive, stitched-together humanoid silhouette composed of school supplies. Kim Soleum prepares for the confrontation by injecting a potent painkiller and consuming Nostalgia Candies. As the teacher tears through the metal doors, Kim Soleum prepares to face the final challenge.
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6:31
Chapter 178
Kim Soleum uses a tomato tree tattoo sticker on his neck, which he hopes will paralyze his fear-processing center. While he doubts its efficacy against terrifying memories, the sticker's true effect is an overflow of adrenaline and a bizarre perception that transforms all frightening objects into tomatoes. Stepping out of his locker, he ascends to the fifth floor of the school, which is a grotesque landscape of graduation album pages, pulsing flesh, and tomato-shaped human heads. He reaches the auditorium, the site of the final chapter. Using a 'Nametag Ornament' to bypass the 'graduates only' restriction, he enters and finds hundreds of melted, eyeless students fused to their chairs. Kim Soleum ascends the stage and declares the graduation ceremony open. This triggers a massive, horrific transformation of the auditorium and summons the 'teacher'—a massive, stitched-together humanoid silhouette composed of school supplies. Kim Soleum prepares for the confrontation by injecting a potent painkiller and consuming Nostalgia Candies. As the teacher tears through the metal doors, Kim Soleum prepares to face the final challenge.
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6:31
179
Chapter 179
The 'teacher' enters the auditorium, a grotesque silhouette of stitched-together educators and school supplies. Kim Soleum, fueled by adrenaline and the tomato-perception, engages in a brutal struggle. He is severely mutilated, losing his right hand, left foot, and both legs, yet he remains unphased by the pain due to the tattoo's effects. He uses a glass handgun to fire at the teacher, though it provides little damage. Despite his horrific injuries, he clings to the microphone stand with his remaining limbs. As the graduation music ends, Kim Soleum shouts, 'Congratulations on your graduation!' This triggers a holographic flower shower that causes the teacher to melt away and the auditorium to return to a peaceful state. The liberated students flee toward freedom, achieving the 'Graduation of Liberation' ending. Kim Soleum collects a large amount of golden Dream Essence. As he begins to fade into sleep, he experiences a moment of terrifying cognitive dissonance, realizing he is having intrusive thoughts that sound like the 'teacher' and feeling an unnatural comfort toward the 'Good Friend' (Braun). He eventually wakes up in his bed, realizing the contamination was receding just in time, and finds Braun safe under his pillow.
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6:24
Chapter 179
The 'teacher' enters the auditorium, a grotesque silhouette of stitched-together educators and school supplies. Kim Soleum, fueled by adrenaline and the tomato-perception, engages in a brutal struggle. He is severely mutilated, losing his right hand, left foot, and both legs, yet he remains unphased by the pain due to the tattoo's effects. He uses a glass handgun to fire at the teacher, though it provides little damage. Despite his horrific injuries, he clings to the microphone stand with his remaining limbs. As the graduation music ends, Kim Soleum shouts, 'Congratulations on your graduation!' This triggers a holographic flower shower that causes the teacher to melt away and the auditorium to return to a peaceful state. The liberated students flee toward freedom, achieving the 'Graduation of Liberation' ending. Kim Soleum collects a large amount of golden Dream Essence. As he begins to fade into sleep, he experiences a moment of terrifying cognitive dissonance, realizing he is having intrusive thoughts that sound like the 'teacher' and feeling an unnatural comfort toward the 'Good Friend' (Braun). He eventually wakes up in his bed, realizing the contamination was receding just in time, and finds Braun safe under his pillow.
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6:24
180
Chapter 180
The morning after the ghost story, Kim Soleum prepares for work, carrying the A-grade Dream Essence and several 'Hù' (protection) glass beads—physical rewards brought from the dream into reality. He converses with Braun, who is relieved to have survived being used as a pillow. Upon arriving at the office, Kim Soleum meets Section Chief Lee Byeongjin. They discuss the Field Exploration Team's mission. Kim Soleum realizes a chilling truth: the newly assigned supervisor, Yoon Johoon, was eliminated by the 'teacher' in the dream and has been completely erased from reality, as if he never existed. This suggests the ghost story has the power to manipulate reality by deleting people. Kim Soleum wonders if he is the only one who remembers because of his direct witness or the Nostalgia Candy. The chapter ends with Kim Soleum showing his shimmering golden Dream Essence collector to Lee Byeongjin to have its grade estimated.
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6:59
Chapter 180
The morning after the ghost story, Kim Soleum prepares for work, carrying the A-grade Dream Essence and several 'Hù' (protection) glass beads—physical rewards brought from the dream into reality. He converses with Braun, who is relieved to have survived being used as a pillow. Upon arriving at the office, Kim Soleum meets Section Chief Lee Byeongjin. They discuss the Field Exploration Team's mission. Kim Soleum realizes a chilling truth: the newly assigned supervisor, Yoon Johoon, was eliminated by the 'teacher' in the dream and has been completely erased from reality, as if he never existed. This suggests the ghost story has the power to manipulate reality by deleting people. Kim Soleum wonders if he is the only one who remembers because of his direct witness or the Nostalgia Candy. The chapter ends with Kim Soleum showing his shimmering golden Dream Essence collector to Lee Byeongjin to have its grade estimated.
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6:59
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