Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work - Chapter 318

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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 318

A plainly dressed man in his early thirties was excitedly talking on the phone in his studio apartment.

“Yeah, yeah, I got into Daydream, you know? Yeah, I just applied as a test.”

He had applied to the Additional Recruitment Notice that Daydream Corporation suddenly posted, and ended up making it all the way to the final round and getting accepted.

And now he was pretending it was nothing while calling all sorts of people to brag about it.

Especially subtly to friends who had worse academic backgrounds than him and still hadn’t found jobs.

‘What? My eyes looked unfocused so I should prepare well for the interview?’

But look at the results!

“Well, I somehow ended up getting this job, but it’s kind of disappointing too. Huh? I didn’t get a chance to try various places. Unlike you.”

The thrilling pleasure of putting down competitors who were inferior to him.

He was excited enough thinking about how the other person would ruminate on this conversation later and have their self-esteem lowered.

The Baekil-mong New Researcher felt a thrill-like pleasure inside as he ran his mouth.

“You should have applied too. Huh? You did apply? I didn’t know. Sorry. Next time we meet, I’ll buy you a driiiink!!”

Suddenly.

Thud.

Something black fell from the air.

And immediately grabbed the researcher’s neck.

“…!!”

It was a Black Silhouette.

‘Wh, where from?’

There was definitely no corridor or space in the ceiling where something like that could have been. Even when he rolled his eyes to look at the ceiling, there were no traces of anything.

But how?

“Shh.”

The Black Silhouette brought a gloved hand up to its own face wearing a Black Mask.

And whispered very quietly and slowly.

‘Hang up the phone.’

Gulp.

“I’m, han, hanging up… See you later!”

Click.

The hand slowly moves down from the face of the New Researcher who hastily hung up the phone.

But the hand gripping his neck remained in place.

That pressure.

‘F, fuck…’

A robber?

Into his frozen mind filled with all sorts of speculation and pessimistic future predictions, and his temples breaking out in cold sweat, a leisurely voice penetrated.

“Hello.”

“….”

“I greeted you but got no response.”

“Ah, hello….”

The New Researcher who had been frantically racking his brain swallowed and said this.

“I, I don’t have much money, but if you let me go, right now, I’ll take out a loan immediately and transfer it to your account….”

“What are you talking about. Do I look like a robber to you?”

You do look like one!

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry! May I ask why you came in here….”

“I am… well.”

The sound of laughter can be heard.

“Let’s say I’m your daily guardian angel.”

“….”

He’s crazy.

He really was a Crazy Bastard. This went wrong. He’s definitely a Serial Killer psychopath.

But the more shocking words came next.

“Hm? Park Kyung-hwan.”

“…!!”

“You received your doctorate in Bioinformatics and just graduated from Graduate School. In the process, you stole a Friend’s thesis topic from the same Laboratory and presented it first.”

An exposure that turned his mind completely white.

“That, that….”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t come here to interrogate you about that.”

Tap.

The Intruder lifted the Hand that had been pressing down on the Researcher’s face.

Silver was glinting there.

“I told you to stay still.”

Soon a suppressed scream echoed through the Studio Apartment.

* * *

[That was quite a thrilling Interrogation. Friend! It was more like a spy scene than when you went among those poor Civil Servants, so very interesting!]

Rather than espionage… wasn’t it closer to robbery and Threatening….

‘Trespassing and Threatening….’

I felt like I was smoothly falling into crime, but honestly I didn’t feel that sorry about it.

It’s probably because I know what that person will do after joining the company.

Park Kyung-hwan Researcher

How should I put it, if Gwak Je-gang is the type who commits crazy acts based on curiosity, that guy is the type who does harsh things to the Field Investigation Team or Civilians based on the superiority complex of office work.

You could say similar things happen to what the Cleanup Team goes through.

Records of cruelly treating the weak, making one feel disgusted and heart race.

‘Well, that’s just how Daydream researchers are…’

I was grateful that it made me feel less sorry about it.

I looked at the part of ‘Park Kyung-hwan Researcher’ that I had carefully cut off.

Specifically… his fingernails.

‘Ugh…’

Of course, I don’t have a hobby of cutting other people’s nails either. But I cut them off because I needed them.

They’re body parts necessary to replace Park Kyung-hwan and become a temporary researcher.

‘And the fact that Park Kyung-hwan is a new employee is actually good.’

The advantages of having no seniority are as follows:

1. There aren’t many people who know him well.

2. There are few opportunities to meet superiors.

This means that even when I switch places as a temporary researcher, the possibility of someone suspecting me… or meeting special teams or superiors who could see through my identity is extremely low.

For example, Director Cheong.

‘When would a new employee meet a director except for the initial greeting after joining?’

I was only called in because I stood out too much from all the acrobatics I did to collect Welfare Mall points.

…Though I met him unintentionally after that too.

And eventually ended up signing that crazy contract to work permanently in the Security Team.

“…”

It naturally comes to mind.

I thought deeply about my Security Team Employment Contract that Director Cheong had taken.

‘That contract.’

I don’t need it anymore.

That’s a fact that even makes me feel somewhat refreshed.

Now I can maintain my condition. Even without the identity of being in the Security Team, I could exist well without both my body and mind collapsing.

I gripped the person’s hand tightly.

‘The problem is that saying “So I’ll resign” won’t work.’

Because it’s a permanent contract.

‘Actually, it seems more like restraint than a contract…’

[Hmm, would it be alright if this Brown gave you some advice?]

Hm?

‘…Sure. What is it?’

[Originally, laws and rules can be pushed aside by more powerful priorities.]

Swish.

A sound like the finger parts of luxurious white cloth gloves being rubbed came from the stuffed doll.

As if raising an index finger.

[If there were regulations more powerful than your rude superior’s contract, wouldn’t the contract naturally become void?]

So.

‘Push out the contract with another rule?’

[Exactly! For instance, you could draft another employment contract. Oh, with a more powerful and wonderful workplace, and employer!]

‘…Like Brown’s Late Night Talk Show and the Great Host?’

[Oh my! I wouldn’t decline that example!]

Yes. I somehow expected you to say that, Host….

But a somewhat different idea came to mind.

‘Another rule.’

Flash, an idea lit up like a light bulb turning on… but this seems like a method I can only use when that moment comes.

‘I’ll keep it for now.’

Good.

For now, let’s start with the ‘Baekillmong Dream Essence machine theft’ operation.

‘I’ve gathered all the necessary items.’

With my rapidly spinning mind, I completed the daily researcher infiltration plan.

And so, one week later.

I found myself standing in front of the Baekillmong Corporation main building entrance at 8:10 AM, just like before.

“….”

However, there was one thing different from before.

My outfit.

‘Phew.’

I was wearing a white lab coat.

-Don’t people usually change into lab coats after going inside?

-Everyone’s a bit excited… Yes, anyway, more than half of the new hire colleagues actually wear them to work. During the probation period!

Recalling the friendly conversation with the researcher, I entered the main building.

The appearance of a plain-looking researcher wearing horn-rimmed glasses.

“Good morning, Researcher Park.”

Exactly like Park Kyung-hwan Researcher’s appearance.

“Good morning.”

As I answered the front desk staff as usual, inside my lab coat pocket was a small tool that gleamed silver.

Its head was shaped like a rodent’s snout.

Field Mouse Nail Clippers

An item derived from the folktale that ‘a field mouse that eats fingernails and toenails discarded by humans will shapeshift and appear as that person.’

When using these nail clippers, if there are ‘cut nails’ inside them, the nails cause the body to mutate into the appearance of the nail’s original owner.

The mutation lasts about half a day per nail.

If you meet the original owner of the nails while in this state, both parties will feel intense murderous intent toward each other, leading to various murder and assault incidents.

In other words, I used the researcher’s nail to shapeshift into the researcher’s appearance.

‘I quickly grabbed it because it seemed like it would have been sold quite cheaply on Delusional Home Shopping.’

Looking at the situation, it seems like it was an excellent choice.

…Though it is disgusting that someone else’s nail is attached to the tip of my nail.

‘Phew.’

And…

-Yes. Go straight ahead and check the facility with the electronic pad attached.

-That… Um. I’ve seen it before…

I had learned and understood the structure of the main building and annex, as well as the locations of dream devices, from people who had worked at Daydream Company for a long time.

Of course, among them, the ones who know best about the Research Team’s work and movement patterns are…

‘Naturally, the same Research Team members.’

And two of them are currently alive and in Segwang Special City.

While maintaining a connection with me.

-Noru! Over here!

I recalled the letter from the researchers that Lee Seong-hae had delivered to me.

That’s right. This entry into Segwang Special City was carried out by a team of three Daydream employees without me.

It was a considerate measure in case I might receive another shock upon entering Segwang Special City, which could disturb my recovered state.

‘And in this gap, I’m going to hack the machine.’

Lee Seong-hae, who was one of those three people, gladly became my information carrier. It was something to be grateful for.

Not only that, but he also informed me about the condition of other people and the station.

-Deputy Manager Eun Ha-je and the Agent safely arrived at the train! And…

-There’s no place called Scale Courthouse at Morning Station. There’s just an old waiting room there?

‘…’

The Disaster Management Bureau’s courthouse seems to have been terminated.

‘Then, I can visit the Joyful Research Institute at that station…’

Not only that, but I might also be able to see other traces of the Disaster Management Bureau branch office.

I decided to plan for the next entry.

And recalling the contents of the letter sent by the researchers, I pressed the elevator button and boarded.

‘Anyway, since I announced it as ‘my will,’ Gwak Je-gang can’t write nonsense in this response or subtly try to trap me.’

And I recall the contents of the letter that was the reason I chose today.

-Research Team New Members have a probationary period to see what kind of work they’ll be doing instead of orientation. Well, don’t they give you work that’s quite different from what you expected? An adjustment period is necessary!

The Field Investigation Team also ends up doing work completely different from expectations, but there’s no adjustment or anything – they just throw you into ghost stories.

‘Somehow that pisses me off…’

Anyway, those who ended up researching ‘ghost stories’ that had little relevance to their major subjects have time to systematically experience what the Research Team does, one thing at a time.

So today is exactly…

The day to observe potion production.

The day to definitely access the Baekil-mong potion manufacturing equipment.

-F-first, they said to gather on the 20th floor and then move from there!

Cross-verification of the researchers’ testimonies confirmed it was certain.

‘I did well to come early on purpose.’

After looking around the quiet lobby once, I was about to press the close button while riding the elevator alone.

But at that moment.

“Wait a moment!”

Someone came running toward the elevator.

I obediently pressed the open button for them. It was also to avoid standing out by frantically hitting the close button repeatedly.

But I was slightly flustered when I saw the person entering.

“…Thank you.”

It was Baek Sa-heon.

He checked my rank with my gown and the employee ID card hanging around my neck, then nodded with a corporate smile and casually pressed a floor button.

‘This bastard really works hard at company life.’

To think he was coming out this early before work hours. I guess he wasn’t promoted to section chief for nothing.

Ding.

The elevator doors closed and it quietly began to ascend.

And I looked at Baek Sa-heon while quickly turning my head.

‘He’ll recognize me.’

That eye patch.

It’s not just once or twice that he’s figured out my identity with the Reverse Eyes item under that eye that’s still wearing a medical eye patch.

‘Hmm.’

Rather than having him recognize me later and make a fuss that ruins the work, wouldn’t it be better to give him a subtle hint now so he handles things well?

I eventually looked at Baek Sa-heon and opened my mouth.

“Sa-heon.”

“…Yes?”

He’s only showing light surprise about how I know his name.

But surely he’s cursing inwardly about how a mere new employee is calling a higher-ranking person by name so casually. I know your personality…

So I deliberately set the mood and quietly opened my mouth.

More subtly but shockingly.

‘Let’s see.’

Talk show stories would be too direct.

Since this is Daydream, even if there are wiretapping devices, they won’t guess it’s ‘Kim Sol-eum’, but something that would be shocking to Baek Sa-heon… Yes.

This is it.

“It’s unfortunate what happened to the village, but I’m glad that Sa-heon seems to be safely living his company life without much impact.”

“…!!”

This should be enough for him to understand.

Who else would know your background, make such meaningful remarks, and suddenly appear in various forms?

‘Now, quickly lift that eye patch to check and let’s wrap this up.’

I glanced at the elevator floor numbers while watching him.

Sure enough, Baek Sa-heon reflexively raised his hand to his eye patch and lifted the cloth, but…

‘…Huh?’

The eye beneath the eye patch was closed.

‘Did he leave the item behind?’

Why? With his personality, he wouldn’t do that.

No, this means I just revealed my identity meaninglessly. My mouth felt bitter.

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

I prepared to get off.

‘If he roughly guesses my identity, he should have the sense to keep quiet about it.’

So this ends here…

“…Agent?”

Huh?

“That’s right, isn’t it.”

Seeing my reaction, Baek Sa-heon’s face filled with confidence, as if he had misunderstood something.

“You are one, aren’t you.”

Wait a minute.

Seeing the strange vitality appearing on Baek Sa-heon’s face, I realized there was some communication error.

‘How does that lead to the conclusion of Disaster Management Bureau agent?’

That’s…

“You kept asking about our company, and it turns out you were doing this kind of work.”

…

Yeah, no.

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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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