Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work - Chapter 329

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

Even If I Fall Into a Ghost Story, I Still Have to Go to Work Episode 329

 

A suffocating silence flows.

 

In front of me is Lizard.

 

Who thinks of me as a cult lackey… well, situationally speaking, that’s an accurate description.

 

“….”

 

“….”

 

This won’t do!

 

“Big brother~”

 

I smiled brightly and spoke while rubbing my hands together like a sycophant again.

 

“I’m sorry. You look so much like our Manager… would it be okay if I called you Manager? Nice to meet you. Since we’ve met like this, it must be fate. You’re curious about Cotton-filled Body?”

 

“No, I’m not…”

 

“What a wonderful idea! Please come this way!”

 

And just like a cult kidnapping people on the street, I dragged Lizard between Car 2 and Car 3…

 

[Friend!]

 

Ahhhhh!

 

“Wait a moment, wait a moment…”

 

I pretended to carefully place Brown in the velvet box while switching it with another doll, and put the real ‘Good Friend’ in my pocket.

 

[A body double for me? Oh, I hope that cotton doll fully enjoys this excessive honor!]

 

Phew.

 

Once we moved more than one car away from Car 1, the bustling crowd thinned out.

 

Occasionally, shelter residents who couldn’t sleep and were contemplating whether to join the dopamine party in the front car cast curious glances at us, but when we entered between the cars, they didn’t follow and disappeared.

 

Clunk.

 

I entered the small corridor between Car 2 and Car 3, and as soon as I closed the door, I slumped down in place.

 

“…Manager.”

 

This is really exhausting…

 

“Grape.”

 

“When it’s just us, you can call me Noru…”

 

Let’s stop with the nickname that reminds me of grape seed oil…

 

“Yes.”

 

Anyway, embarrassment is embarrassment, but being glad to see someone is being glad to see someone.

 

“Did you just enter Segwang City this time? I mean, um. So I’m asking about the reason for your entry.”

 

“Yes.”

 

And an explanation followed.

 

To summarize, after several days of me being stuck on this train and not coming out, Director Ho apparently threw a fit saying he needed to deploy another team to extract information.

 

“I received a request to confirm what the previous entry team is currently doing in the exploration area and report back.”

 

Hmm. I understood.

 

It’s been quite rare for me to stay away from Segwang Special City for such a long period. It’s understandable that they’d be curious.

 

“So you came directly by train to visit?”

 

“No. I first visited Midnight Station to assess the situation.”

 

Ah!

 

“You visited the Body Casino.”

 

Come to think of it, I heard from Hae-geum Agent that she would contact me once things were sorted out, but I wonder if it’s still ongoing?

 

“Were there any unusual circumstances?”

 

“Yes. The Body Casino has suspended operations.”

 

“…!”

 

Incredible.

 

But at the same time, there were brain cells in my head shouting ‘I knew it, just as I thought!’

 

‘It seemed suspicious from the moment Hae-geum Agent confidently requested two people and took them away.’

 

Indeed, entrusting the casino to her was the right choice! I smiled with satisfaction and prepared to listen carefully to the details.

 

I figured she probably cleaned out the entire casino so thoroughly that it couldn’t hold on and had to close down on its own…

 

“They received a business suspension order.”

 

…?

 

“Who… issued such an order?”

 

“Unknown.”

 

I was almost speechless.

 

“Could you tell me the detailed circumstances so I can make some guesses?”

 

“Yes. The three personnel deployed continued gambling for half a day after entering the Body Casino, each acting independently.”

 

Lee Ja-heon continued his explanation in his characteristically monotone manner, but the content itself was like a scenario from some crazy gambling hall movie.

 

“They got caught trying to manipulate slot machines?”

 

“While watching a dealer and another visitor play, they stabbed that person’s hand with a knife?”

 

“…They incited gambling addicts to bet coins separately on who would win or lose, like Sports Toto… you’re saying. Taking a commission.”

 

“…An addict who pushed them aside and tried to take over the table saying ‘the energy is good’… yes, I understand. You’re saying the life or death status of that addict is unknown….”

 

I just… could sense the subjects.

 

‘Kang I-hak… Jin Na-sol….’

 

And I realized.

 

Hae-geum Agent…!

 

‘She took the other employees… to draw aggro.’

 

A money-crazed person and a ruthless person – both seemed like personnel who would cause tremendous interactions with the casino.

 

What exactly was Hae-geum Agent aiming for in that chaos…

 

Lizard also quickly provided an answer to that question.

 

“At the same time, the exploration personnel corresponding to the team manager found blueprints inside the casino.”

 

Blueprints?

 

“This refers to the blueprints of the casino that operated near that station before it transformed into darkness.”

 

…!

 

-Midnight Station’s ██City Royal Casino is no longer exclusively for foreigners. Passengers who wish to visit can enjoy the machines at the casino anytime.

 

That was definitely what it was called.

 

‘Then that would certainly be a hint.’

 

Since we’re getting information from the source of the ghost story.

 

“Was this an attempt to find the secret space of the Body Casino through existing blueprints?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Oh!

 

“Then you must have found some kind of breakthrough through that secret space.”

 

Lee Ja-heon answered expressionlessly.

 

“We used it as evidence to report illegal operations.”

 

“….”

 

“Under current law, facilitating secret VIP gambling in secret spaces not shown on blueprints is illegal.”

 

Ah.

 

“The Investigation Staff emphasized that since the gambling hall was located in a national facility, it constituted a violation warranting business suspension, showed their government official ID, and stated that a business prohibition order was also possible.”

 

Agent…!

 

‘So that’s where you displayed your gambler’s instincts…!’

 

And it seemed to have worked brilliantly.

 

“The entities that appeared to be casino dealers showed confused reactions, then sent all personnel outside the casino and closed the doors.”

 

“….”

 

“Afterwards, we directly confirmed that a sign reading ‘Under Renovation’ was posted in front of the casino door at that station.”

 

They closed to avoid the audit…

 

It was a strategy guide that penetrated the nature of ghost stories being dominated by concepts and rules.

 

‘And it’s really the kind of creative thinking only a government official could come up with…’

 

I couldn’t close my mouth as I accepted the results in admiration. This was truly an exploration that would be recorded as an ‘irregular’ in the Darkness Investigation Records.

 

Wait a minute.

 

“But that person issued the business suspension order.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then why did you say you don’t know who did it?”

 

“We were unable to confirm the specific identity of that Team Manager.”

 

Ah…

 

I just nodded at the familiar taste of Lizard.

 

“?”

 

Anyway, all the exploration personnel safely exited the casino, but Hae-geum Agent remained at the station, saying she would observe whether there were any other abnormal phenomena at the casino.

 

‘…She was going to call me after confirming it was completely safely secured.’

 

Additionally, it was probably also to gain time to explore and examine this Underground Segwang Special City a bit more.

 

And after observing for about two days, she asked Lee Ja-heon, who appeared at the station, to relay her message and left.

 

That’s how everyone on that team returned to reality.

 

“Among them, Pony Supervisor is currently hospitalized at Fox Counseling Room receiving contamination treatment.”

 

“….”

 

That person… seems to always receive contamination treatment whenever money is involved, but I must be mistaken….

 

Anyway, so that means Midnight Station where the Body Casino was located is now empty.

 

‘I should hurry and go there.’

 

Relief settled in my heart as things worked out well. I nodded with a genuine smile.

 

“Thank you for letting me know.”

 

“Yes.”

 

It was just when the atmosphere was about to become somewhat warm.

 

“Noru.”

 

“Yes?”

 

Manager Lee Ja-heon was looking at the pink rabbit doll’s ears that had naturally slipped out of my pocket as I sat down.

 

I broke out in a slight cold sweat.

 

“Is this the ‘perfect rabbit doll’ that the protesters on the train are claiming?”

 

I suppose that would be the case….

 

[Oh, friend. If the conversation is over, shall we return to the field site? Aren’t the audience waiting for you and me!]

 

[Of course, I hope you won’t give this ignorant swordsman a chance to lay hands on my cotton-stuffed body. His gaze is lecherous.]

 

But instead of grabbing the rabbit doll’s ears, Manager Lee Ja-heon spoke in a dry tone.

 

“Evacuate.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“The current train situation is dangerous. Please evacuate outside first and then re-enter.”

 

“Wait a moment.”

 

I said while pressing my forehead.

 

“It might look a bit dangerous because of the noisy atmosphere right now, but it’s not really a dangerous situation….”

 

It’s just… like a rabbit doll enthusiast march….

 

It was when I was thinking that solemnly.

 

A soft voice echoed from my pocket.

 

-Teacher. If it’s not inconvenient for you, would it be alright if I joined the conversation too?

 

Hm?

 

I took out a silver coin from my pocket. It was the coin inhabited by the ‘Counselor’, Ho Yu-won’s previous personality and Juror No. 1.

 

I looked back at Lizard.

 

“…Can you hear this?”

 

“Yes.”

 

I see….

 

Then it should be fine to speak comfortably.

 

“Yes, please go ahead.”

 

-Thank you.

 

A gentle voice speaks to me.

 

-Teacher. I’ve been watching your actions closely over the past few days.

 

-You were trying to create a fun atmosphere in a way that would cause minimal harm to people, right? Like a festival.

 

Well, fun wasn’t exactly my intention…

 

Anyway, it was true that I was trying to cause a disturbance with minimal damage, so I nodded.

 

-That’s an admirable intention.

 

-But Teacher. Have you ever heard this? Before the modern era, the most popular and common festival was execution ceremonies.

 

…!

 

[Good heavens, are they trying to teach my friend something they might not know? How perplexing. An expert in that very field is always right there beside my friend.]

 

[The public always seeks stimulation and entertainment. Would execution ceremonies be any different? My friend already knows this well…]

 

-Of course. That was just an opening to start the conversation. I thought it would be good to talk about the important role of these execution festivals…

 

-It’s community solidarity.

 

I reflexively cast my gaze through the window between cars toward the inner compartment.

 

Train Shelter Residents were gathered together, conversing with excited or joyful faces.

 

Tension, pleasure, focus.

 

Dopamine.

 

Solidarity.

 

-When interesting stimulation appears in a boring, suffocating, isolated daily life, people easily become immersed.

 

-And people who share the same experience become closer to each other.

 

“….”

 

-And then they want more stimulating, aggressive experiences. Pleasure that’s just for us.

 

-Like… punishing bad people who aren’t one of us.

 

A person who received the Rabbit Doll mark proudly shakes hands with the Rabbit Doll Worship Cult members and carefully fondles their badge.

 

Then they raised their middle finger toward the Engineer’s Seat. People try to stop them but end up giggling and laughing along.

 

-Even if it looks very enjoyable on the surface, I hope you don’t forget that there’s always the danger of it escalating to extremes.

 

“….”

 

[Oh, this is becoming difficult to listen to any longer.]

 

Sharp and eloquent words pour out smoothly like cream along with a sigh.

 

[Now… let me ask this trace of plague who claims to be a counselor, gathered here today.]

 

[Let’s think about it ourselves. Is an attitude that tries to instill guilt in a client over something that hasn’t even happened yet truly befitting of a counselor? I don’t think so!]

 

-…!

 

[Moreover, you’re pushing overly conservative remarks as established truth. But isn’t content more thrilling and enjoyable precisely because it has danger?]

 

[A true entertainer must be able to walk the tightrope between danger and stimulation. Those advantages and disadvantages are like two sides of the same coin!]

 

I feel the sensation of gloved hands patting my shoulders encouragingly.

 

[If you’ll permit me, let me speak as an expert. Friend! This Brown does not agree with that counselor’s words. You are providing very enjoyable entertainment to the public.]

 

[Who knows? If you hadn’t done this, they might have really used old-fashioned festivals like execution ceremonies as entertainment!]

 

-That’s a statement based on the values you pursue professionally as a host, so I understand that.

 

-But I hope you’ll also take the opportunity to reflect on what I’ve said, if you get the chance.

 

[How persistent!]

 

Please, let’s stop this.

 

“For now…”

 

I said while rubbing my forehead.

 

“I understand what you’re both trying to tell me. I’ll be careful.”

 

[Oh my, friend!]

 

I chose an effective method and ended up with a cult, but it flowed unexpectedly absurdly and warmly, almost making me lose tension.

 

‘Right.’

 

To think this happened purely for entertainment.

 

That might actually be more dangerous.

 

“So, counselor, you’re saying this atmosphere could change unpredictably in the future?”

 

-My current diagnosis is that it probably won’t last long, with high probability.

 

In a way, it was only natural.

 

After all, it’s too easy for thoughts and ideas to become distorted in an isolated survival shelter.

 

Hmm.

 

“I understand. Then it’s become even clearer.”

 

-Pardon?

 

“Anyway, since this situation is something I caused, I need to take responsibility and see it through to a moderate and positive conclusion.”

 

That was the plan from the beginning anyway, so I’ll just do it faster.

 

That’s what I need to do.

 

I declared solemnly.

 

“First, I’ll quickly ride the mood while it’s funny and deal with it.”

 

The counselor fell silent, then asked.

 

-Deal with what…?

 

“The train conductor.”

 

-What?

 

[Oh!]

 

Now that I have an ally, I can move up the plan.

 

Wait for me, engineer’s seat.

 

I’m going in right now.

 

-Teacher?

 

Thank you for the advice, counselor.

 

And I looked at my cheat key.

 

“Manager. Would it be possible for you to accompany me for a moment?”

 

* * *

 

I returned to Car 1 together with Manager Lee Ja-heon.

 

Fortunately, when I insisted again, Manager Lee Ja-heon decided to help me with just today’s work instead of kicking my butt and sending me outside the train.

 

“Distributor!”

 

On Manager Lee Ja-heon’s chest was a rabbit-shaped badge made from cut golden tape, just like the other people…

 

“He’s staying in Car 8, and he says he was impressed after seeing Cotton-filled Body’s perfect form…!”

 

“Oh!”

 

Fortunately, there wasn’t yet an atmosphere of displeasure or rejection toward outsiders from the train.

 

‘Though I don’t know what will happen after tonight ends.’

 

Right.

 

I’ll finish harmoniously during this crazy “Do you believe in Rabbit?” atmosphere, and clean up these people’s rabbit enthusiast tendencies before they transform into a mad cult.

 

I made a firm resolution and stepped forward to the front of Car 1.

 

And as if there were no seats available, I sat with my back against the door right in front of the engineer’s seat door.

 

Waiting for the signal…

 

“Everyone! The representative is now going to share the contents of the dream he had!”

 

“Oh!”

 

In front of Car 2, people gathered around the Representative who had just woken up and appeared to share his amusement park dream story.

 

‘I put in a particularly interesting advertisement today.’

 

I included gift shop shopping in the advertisement.

 

And around the Representative, who was excited by the shopping dopamine, a rabbit doll merchandise lucky draw had begun from the lottery box I had entrusted earlier.

 

“Everyone, please take one!”

 

The people gathered in Car 1 of the train shelter all flocked over there for the additional dopamine. Even those who were still wary stared in that direction for different reasons.

 

Then, an artificial situation that would have been absolutely impossible in the usual train shelter was momentarily created.

 

A timing when all gazes watching the engineer’s seat were temporarily eliminated.

 

“….”

 

Manager Lee Ja-heon very quietly reached his hand back and grabbed the lock on the engineer’s seat.

 

He didn’t particularly need any unlocking technique.

 

Because Manager Lizard had acted like Manager Lizard.

 

Click.

 

The door opened with an incredibly small sound.

 

‘Phew.’

 

Thank you.

 

I silently expressed my gratitude to Manager Lee Ja-heon with eye contact and head movements, then carefully entered the engineer’s cabin.

 

And quickly closed the door.

 

Now Manager Lee Ja-heon would guard the front, so I could work with peace of mind….

 

“Kuuuuu….”

 

The conductor was asleep.

 

Perhaps feeling anxious, he held a pole in one hand and canned food in the other.

 

And in front of the engineer’s control cabin, crumpled notebook paper with numerous people’s names written on it was attached.

 

Judging by the X marks next to each name, it seemed like a list of people he had kicked out when they didn’t suit his taste.

 

…Most of them were probably dead.

 

‘How thoughtful.’

 

Thanks to that, my head became even cooler.

 

The engineer’s cabin had a musty, stale smell, as if ventilation was poor overall.

 

‘I can’t give that bastard a chance to wake up and scream.’

 

I very carefully approached him, knocked away the conductor’s pole, and grabbed his neck.

 

And simultaneously covered his mouth.

 

“…!!”

 

“Shh.”

 

I whispered to the conductor who had woken up startled and was about to struggle in panic.

 

“Please be quiet…. I’m holding a knife. I don’t want to use this to silence someone.”

 

The knife story was a lie.

 

“~!!”

 

However, the conductor, who didn’t know this fact, nodded frantically, but I didn’t trust this human.

 

“You can hear it outside, can’t you?”

 

I paused to let the train conductor listen to the sounds from outside, filled with cheers, laughter, and shouts.

 

And after waiting for him to listen and savor it sufficiently, I spoke.

 

“Everyone’s excited… Maybe even if they saw you die, they’d find it entertaining and wonder what’s happening.”

 

“…!”

 

Of course, I don’t really intend to do it…

 

However, based on what the ‘Counselor’ said, it was a truth with a high probability of actually happening. And if that became a trigger, there was also a high chance of a real ‘cult-style execution.’

 

‘Then it would really become rapid cult transformation.’

 

In other words, it meant that me doing this would actually help the train conductor’s lifeline.

 

But it was important that the train conductor didn’t know this fact.

 

“Will you stay quiet?”

 

“Mmph.”

 

The train conductor nodded desperately. Sweat, saliva, and tears got on my hand too.

 

“I understand. But please promise me. I don’t want to use more force unnecessarily either.”

 

“Mmph.”

 

I confirmed the train conductor’s reaction clearly, and only after being certain he wouldn’t suddenly scream did I remove my hand.

 

And looking into the trembling eyes of the train conductor, I said.

 

“Tell me everything you know about this train.”

 

His eyes trembled.

 

I had been thinking.

 

‘How can I quickly extract information one-on-one without getting into an argument with this person.’

 

So I had already thought of the most efficient, comprehensive words that would extract maximum efficiency when talking one-on-one with this human.

 

Something like this.

 

“…!!”

 

In front of him, I magically pulled out a piece of clothing from my wrist and changed my outer garment.

 

The Disaster Management Bureau jacket.

 

The agent uniform with the fox patch that Juror No. 1 had left behind.

 

And I spoke in a calm tone.

 

“I came here knowing that this train was created by the Chogae Agent.”

 

I looked at the train conductor whose eyes were trembling rapidly upon seeing the agent uniform and said.

 

“So please answer honestly. I will find a way to escape from here somehow.”

 

And so the human-type information threshing machine began to operate.

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