Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work - Chapter 247

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Even If I Fall Into a Ghost Story, I Still Have to Go to Work Episode 247

Borrow money from Brown?

And with that money… buy items from the Space Shopping Mall?

“….”

No.

‘It’s not borrowing.’

It’s receiving an ‘advance payment.’

And the meaning of an advance payment is…

[Of course, there won’t be any burdensome debt collection. We’re friends after all!]

[It’s simply a matter of deducting it from your salary when we work together someday. This shouldn’t be emotionally burdensome for you, Noru…]

He’s planning to employ me again.

[So, what do you think?]

….

For now.

“Brown, how are you even here?”

I need to buy time.

I looked at the suited Host sitting on the platform.

“This is a Personal Shopping Space. Other customers shouldn’t be able to enter.”

[Oh my, mass media isn’t a customer but family! Ah, the warm everyday feeling that a TV in the living room provides.]

His gloved hands spread open kindly and politely.

[This Brown is Friend’s family and a part that shares joy and sorrow. Naturally, I participate in shopping together.]

[Do you have doubts? Then let’s ask the Personal Shopper here! Come, explain… Why am I in this place?]

Lizard’s additional comment is heard.

“The relevant intelligence exists as part of the customer’s mental system and has been manifested on-site for smooth shopping proceedings.”

[That’s right! Oh, of course, if Noru coldheartedly refuses to let this pitiful Friend accompany the shopping, I’ll have no choice but to disappear…]

[Would you say such harsh words?]

My head sinks.

‘Brown can now freely speak to me even without the Good Friend doll…’

Just like during the previous Personal Shopping when my contaminations were manifested.

It seems that after the Good Friend doll’s restrictions disappeared, or after re-summoning, some deep connection was definitely formed.

He’s speaking to me even in Segwang Special City where external influence is blocked.

‘Has Brown’s Good Friend personality become completely part of me?’

I can’t be certain. Anyway, I felt basic relief at understanding the situation and analyzed it…

An advance payment?

‘That won’t work.’

Isn’t that a statement premised on my labor? I didn’t want to work at the Talk Show again. The fact that he’d be satisfied if I worked there made me feel even more nauseous…

‘…It seemed like thoughts I don’t want read aren’t being read by Brown.’

I swallowed while looking at the Host sitting in his chair without any agitation, moving his fingers gracefully.

Isn’t there another way? Another way…

Ah!

‘What about asking for the wages I should have received for working as Staff at the Late Night Talk Show back then…’

That won’t work!

I escaped after half-destroying that studio with Sacred Fire Bombardment, so honestly, not presenting me with a bill when we met again might be ‘going easy’ from that Host’s perspective!

‘Then…’

[Take your time thinking about it, Noru. We have plenty of time…]

Whew.

‘Maybe selling organs would be better…’

If my organs are even in a sellable condition. I was holding my throbbing head when I remembered something.

“There’s one more point to check.”

And I turned to Lizard.

“The Space Shopping Mall only accepts currency that actually exists in reality as payment methods, correct?”

“Yes.”

Lizard immediately agrees.

“Only currency that exists in reality and is used on Earth can be used.”

“You mean not just won, but dollars, euros, rupees and such, correct?”

“Yes. Real-time exchange rates based on the solar calendar are applied.”

As expected.

“Brown, did you hear…”

[Oh.]

[The mysterious silver coins that this Brown gives as salary have no monetary value here, so the money I give would be meaningless… Are you thinking that, Noru?]

Ah.

[Haha, surprising such preconceptions is also part of the show’s fun!]

[Let’s see, would you prefer payment in crisp dollar bills or gold? I’ll provide according to your preference. That’s the virtue of a good financier, isn’t it?]

“….”

I looked at Lizard again with a stiff neck.

“Is that, possible?”

“Yes. However, for dollar bills paid by that intelligence, special exchange rates apply, making them much less efficient than regular dollars.”

[Such statements actually encourage luxury consumption. These Swordsmen have unexpected talent for commerce.]

Lizard doesn’t react.

The Host gladly rose from his seat.

[Now, Noru.]

[All obstacles have disappeared.]

“….”

Before I knew it.

The suited Host leaning against his chair was right next to me.

An extended hand.

[Will you receive an advance from this host, from the late night talk show?]

…Wait.

Wait, that’s….

No, but if there’s no problem, surviving is what’s important, so priority-wise it’s right to accept? Stay calm. Let me make the wisest judgment possible here….

[Oh my.]

[Just kidding!]

….

Huh?

[I was just playing a little prank. An advance!]

[That would make Friend feel hurt, wouldn’t it.]

The host’s hand taps my arm neatly, just like when hosting the talk show. As if encouraging a participant.

[My Friend emptied their pockets to prepare a bathtub for my cotton-stuffed body. But if this entertainer of the century only gave Friend a mere advance, that would surely be headline material. So….]

[I’ll give you the payment for this shopping as my goodwill, as a gift. How about it?]

“….”

[You’re receiving my gift. Friend.]

[Oh, what touching friendship!]

I have a strong premonition.

This.

‘If I mess this up, I’m screwed.’

This seems more dangerous than an advance.

The being before me said that advance nonsense to lead to this conclusion. To draw out the psychology of ‘then it’s fine, isn’t it’ when offering it as a gift.

….

But.

“Then. I’ll ask just this once.”

It’s foolish to give up something necessary for survival because of fear.

‘Let’s do this tightrope walk properly.’

“Thank you so much.”

[Don’t mention it!]

[Now, charge the cost to me….]

“But.”

I cut in and interrupted.

“I’d feel too bad receiving it as a gift… I’d like to make it a loan instead. Would that be possible?”

[Hmm?]

Not an advance, but debt.

‘I need to settle this as a money matter.’

An intuition that I shouldn’t leave it as emotional debt or guilt toward some future moment.

“I’ll pay it back within six months.”

I smiled as much as possible. Damn it.

“It’s awkward to make money a gift. When I want something as a gift, I’ll let you know.”

….

After a cold-sweat-inducing silence.

[Very well, Noru!]

…!

[But six months, there’s no need to rush like that. Oh, that’s right…. We have plenty of time, and we’ll continue to be Friends.]

“…Right. Thanks.”

Phew.

‘That worked.’

I forced a smile and added jokingly.

“The interest rate is the legal rate, right?”

[Haha! I couldn’t charge interest to a Friend. I’ll only take the principal.]

“Haha…. Thanks for that too.”

Phew.

Looking at the host patting my shoulder again, I found myself ruminating on the dizzying memories of the Tuesday Talk Show….

But anyway, I was genuinely grateful.

Thanks to this, I could buy it.

[Oho. I’m truly looking forward to seeing what wonderful escape episode Noru will show us with this small item.]

That….

‘I can definitely deliver on that.’

After Brown heard the incomprehensible payment address from Lizard Personal Shopper and took some kind of countermeasures.

“Payment billing has been completed.”

Lizard declared this and handed me the item.

“…Thank you. I’ll see you again.”

“Yes. Dear client.”

And so I finished shopping.

Soon I opened my eyes.

As if I had dozed off briefly and woken up.

“…!”

On the platform that had been deserted during the personal shopping, my companions were now looking at me with expressions that seemed calm yet anxious.

Apparently during the shopping, I must have looked like my soul had left my body.

“Grape Agent.”

“I bought it.”

I held up the item I had purchased with difficulty.

A gleam passed through the eyes of the two agents.

It was….

Something hanging from a rope.

Though it looked like those who had hanged themselves from trees in that foggy waiting room, the atmosphere was completely opposite.

A cute-sized persimmon tree carving.

A somewhat crude fish-shaped folk art piece, tied with white silk thread, swayed gently.

“It’s a misfortune-blocking pollack.”

“Are you ready?”

“Yes!”

Eunhaje brought his hand to his mouth upon hearing his companion’s voice, then lowered it when he realized he had no cigarettes.

The unintentional smoking cessation was getting troublesome, but nothing was more troublesome than this situation.

A situation where they might die.

Somehow trying to attempt an escape with some possibility, he had pooled together anything of value and given it to the youngest member who said “there’s something worth trying.”

Surprisingly, Kim Sol-eum had closed his eyes for a moment, then actually returned with something effective.

“This definitely doesn’t borrow power from other divine sources~. Right, Cheongdong?”

“…Yes.”

And it was exactly the right item too.

What was even more surprising was that he had returned all the money and goods collected from people during this process.

-I found another method and paid with that.

“…”

Whether that could be trusted was something to think deeply about, but first they had to escape before any interrogation could happen.

“Then we’ll depart.”

And now, with all discussions finished, the group was heading toward the platform.

‘And the team lineup…’

Well, it wasn’t bad.

Though everyone was doing their own thing.

The one positioned at the very back was the unpleasant-looking young man from the Disaster Management Bureau.

Was he called ‘Bronze Agent’?

This guy that Eunhaje teased as being old-fashioned was actually quite a decent character.

‘He’s a bit rigid, but that’s often a sign of good nature among those who haven’t been corrupted much by society’s dirty waters.’

Despite clearly having ill feelings toward Baekillmong, he suppressed them while maintaining courtesy and showing empathy, which wasn’t bad. Even now, taking the rear position showed a kind of service spirit.

‘And the government official paired with him…’

Agent Choi.

He was near the front.

“Grape. Be careful.”

Though he pretended to be quite calm, it was obvious he was troubled by falling into this highest-grade ghost story related to the Disaster Management Bureau, and anxious about the many citizens he had to protect.

There seemed to be clear intent to appease Kim Sol-eum, who held an overall neutral position, and subtly guide him.

‘He looks exactly like a detective offering carrots to a delinquent teenager.’

He didn’t know just how amazing a spy persona Noru had created to reach that point, but for now he was just watching. They were fellow smokers after all.

And standing next to him was…

“Oh. The pollack effect is good.”

Assistant Manager Lee Seong-hae.

Well, this one was befitting of Baekillmong’s elite.

In the sense of being somewhat insane but competent.

He sensed that one wrong word could immediately turn her hostile, but well, Eunhaje had enough experience not to be overly conscious of such things.

For now, she was being unusually friendly to all companions.

Especially… to Kim Sol-eum.

“…”

And that Kim Sol-eum was standing at the very front of the group.

Holding the strange carving in the form of a ‘misfortune-blocking pollack’ that he had obtained.

-The pollack carving blocks misfortune for people within five steps until it breaks. Since I purchased it, I’ll carry it as we move.

-Hey~ this kind of thing should normally…

-There’s no ‘normally.’ It’s my item.

-…

‘That brat.’

He knows how to protect his own items.

Probably the competent person’s characteristic judgment that he’d be more comfortable doing it himself was added to that.

His record of fastest promotion and extracting A-grade dream essence from irregular ghost stories hadn’t gone anywhere.

Thus Kim Sol-eum was moving through the fog with the silk thread tied around each finger as if he would absolutely never drop the item.

And.

‘…!’

As he walked between the trees, mold began growing on the misfortune-blocking pollack swaying in his hands.

As if it were rotting.

‘Is that a sign it’s starting to break down?’

Probably when that was completely covered, the trees with hanging corpses would approach again or the strange hallucinations and auditory hallucinations would restart.

The deterioration speed was… faster than expected, but it seemed like it would hold out well until they completed their ‘objective.’

‘Though it seems worse because we touched it once before.’

If they weren’t careful, this time someone might not make it to the stairs in time.

Just as he decided they needed to hurry before that happened.

“Found it.”

“…!”

Bronze Agent, who had been surveying the surroundings with glass-like equipment that finally started working under the misfortune-blocking pollack’s influence, declared.

‘Good.’

Though he had identified candidate locations with his familiarity with subway structures, this was still faster than expected.

“Let’s move.”

The five people moved their legs in unison, rushing along the shortest route.

Their target was right there…

“Over there.”

The transit card charging machine.

-What do you think?

-Seeing that the lights are on and the announcement sounds are working fine, I think there’s a high probability that electrically operated things are still running.

And that guess was correct.

Surprisingly, the screens of the two transit card charging machines sitting alone among the trees were lit up.

“…”

The sound of people quietly catching their breath could be heard.

And in the tension, Eunhaje reached out his hand.

‘Can’t have the guy holding the pollack do it.’

However, he wasn’t holding a transit card. No, even if he had a transit card, expecting it to process by connecting to the card company and withdrawing money would be too much to expect in a ghost story.

They were trying to use a different function of this machine.

Specifically, what was written in the name attached right above the machine.

Single-use Issuing · Transit Card Charging Machine

Single-use transit card issuance.

Five cards.

Thunk.

Thunk.

Thunk.

Fortunately, the machine that swallowed the bills he had inserted successfully spat out five disposable transit cards.

‘It was a gamble whether it would accept cash.’

And fortunately, that gamble had paid off.

Eun Ha-je, who had been the one to insist ‘there’s nothing certain anyway, so we have to take a chance here,’ grinned.

“Let’s move quickly.”

Just in case, after sweeping the change into his pocket, the group quickly moved again following Agent Choi’s signal as he spotted their next destination.

The most important location in this exploration.

The ticket gates.

“….”

In the fog, several ticket gates installed like randomly placed fixtures also had their lights on.

‘Whew.’

Eun Ha-je steadied his breathing and thought.

How could they possibly exorcise this fog-covered insane waiting room without any preparations or equipment?

What the agents called ‘termination’ was currently an impossibly distant goal.

Then ultimately, they had to clear it the Daydream Company way.

And clearing meant….

-Usually, clearing a ghost story means escaping from that location.

-That’s right.

-But we can’t go outside.

Because there was an extremely high probability that it was a hellscape where an extinction-level ghost story had unfolded.

But since this was a station, there was another way to leave, which was….

-In the end, the remaining option is the train.

The subway.

-The train didn’t stop. But there was definitely a condition then.

-…! It was because there were no passengers. Don’t tell me….

-That’s right, Bronze Agent.

“This way is forward.”

Bronze Agent declared after determining the entry and exit direction of the ticket gates. And after exchanging glances, Agent Choi was the first to tap his disposable transit card on the ticket gate and enter.

Beep.

-Let’s see what happens if we’re counted as passengers.

Following him, the other companions also moved through the ticket gates as quickly as possible, one by one with their transit cards. When Kim Sol-eum, who was holding the misfortune blocking charm, moved, it was almost silent.

And when everyone had tapped their cards and entered through the ticket gates.

♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪

A sound began to be heard.

An announcement.

A sound echoing from far away, from the platform.

A train is entering the station.

“….”

Passengers are requested to board safely while observing proper etiquette.

There was no.

Non-stop announcement.

Which meant….

“Run.”

The group began running frantically toward the platform.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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