Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work Novel - Chapter 2

[This station is Resentment, Resentment Station.]

[The door to exit is on the right….]

A suffocating silence hangs in the air of the haunted subway.

I’m contributing to this silence.

Even though I already know this urban legend, if a related YouTube video pops up, I’m startled just by the thumbnail and hit “Not interested” and move on.  And I, such a person, have to survive in this urban legend?

‘Just kill me already….’

That would be a merciful death. I’m too exhausted to even try to figure out what’s going on. I’m pressing my face with both hands, wanting to deny the world.

Then, it happened.

Flicker.

[1st Prize:  Darkness Exploration Record Real Goods Box]

“……?!”

I raised my head.

Following my line of sight, something like a notepad was floating in the air.

I can see it with my eyes open and closed.

Small pieces of paper, looking like a notebook ripped and folded, fluttering around….

“This is…”

Wait. No one else seems to see it.

I immediately shut my mouth.  Standing out in this situation would be foolish.

Instead, I subtly pressed the notepad in front of me with my hand.

Flutter.

Surprisingly, the notepad moved as if unfolding, spitting out a small object.

“……!”

I quickly grabbed it, as if shielding it with my hand.

It was… a popsocket.

A very simple black popsocket. The only unusual thing was an ‘X’ in gold in the center.

But that pattern immediately revealed what this popsocket was.

‘It’s merchandise.’

The merchandise sold at the <Darkness Exploration Record> pop-up store I visited right before I woke up in this strange situation!

One of the goods I bought today.

With trembling hands, I picked up the popsocket.

In the story, its function was….

———————

[Memorial popsocket]

: A C-class item appearing in <Darkness Exploration Record>.

When attached to a smartphone, it displays the text you remember as clear pages.

A level 9 supply item from the Supernatural Disaster Management Agency under the Ministry of Environment.

‘Shows memories as text….’

Then, maybe?

With trembling hands, I removed the adhesive from the popsocket and immediately attached it to my smartphone.

That was the moment.

The text of <Darkness Exploration Record> that I vaguely remembered appeared on my phone screen, clearly formed and framed as pages.

———————

Darkness Exploration Record / Urban Legend

[Welcome to Abyss  Transportation Corporation]

: An urban legend appearing in <Darkness Exploration Record>, Daydream Corporation’s identification code is Qterw-D-16.

Among the early twilight (D) class darkness, it boasts an overwhelmingly difficult escape rate, a crazy urban legend. And the field investigation team that suffers eternally.

The exploration has been recorded up to a total of 56 times.

———————=

“…!”

So this means….

‘The merchandise I bought actually works?’

Come to think of it, the black merchandise box on my lap was gone.

‘Did that merchandise box… transform into that notepad and spit out the merchandise I bought?’

What kind of crazy situation is this?

No, but it’s definitely advantageous to me.

This <Darkness Exploration Record> urban legend world I’ve entered.

Do you know how many internet veterans have fueled their creative desires based on this?  There were literally hundreds of urban legends.

Of course, it’s difficult to instantly recall them in my head like flipping through pages.

Moreover, like a typical urban legend, it doesn’t directly describe survival methods; instead, it makes readers infer by reading the story, making it even harder to deduce the answer in a new situation.

‘But I can check what I read in text form at once.’

If this is possible, the first thing I need to see is….

‘Past escape cases!’

I immediately pulled up the wiki page.

And after breathlessly reading through ‘3.2 Exploration Record’.

“…….”

I quickly deduced.

‘I understand.’

I mean, I found my own answer as to which station to get off at.

But there’s a problem.

“…….”

I turned my head to the people in the same car.

Including me, there are a total of eight young new employees.

People who were panicking at the sight of two people being dismembered were barely regaining their composure and starting a conversation.

“Just now… that Resentment Station thing, it sounds like the kind of resentment… people get angry about, right?”

“Yes…”

“Ha, no cell service, no data… seriously… what in the world…”

“…….”

Right.  The problem is how I’m going to convince these strangers, these people I can’t trust, to get off at the right station.

‘I need to get as many people as possible to get off together.’

I clenched my fist.

Suddenly, I realized the extras who were sacrificed in this creepypasta world were real people too.  Did I feel a noble sense of mission to save their lives?

That… well, humanly speaking, I did feel that way, but it wasn’t my top priority.

What made me most desperate was…

‘I can’t get off alone…!’

That’s right.

Many of the stations here are completely insane.

A station filled with eyeballs, a station plunged in darkness, a station upside down…  I have to walk through all of that?

Just imagining it makes me sweat so much I think I’ll be crawling on all fours.

‘The probability of me fainting and failing to escape… over 90%!’

No. Save me.

‘I have to convince them somehow!’

I opened my mouth to speak, then closed it again.

‘But just blurting out about paranormal phenomena and darkness is stupid.’

Who would want to admit they’re in a situation like a Japanese horror game? They’ll either disbelieve it and scoff, or believe it and panic even more.

‘Slowly… build trust first.’

One person.

If I can convince just one or two people, people are prone to herd mentality, making it easier for them to follow and get off together.

‘Let’s see. Someone who needs help, or someone who shows signs of connection…’

“Ha… this isn’t some YouTube creepypasta, is it?”

Found one!

“Creepypasta… did you say?”

“Ah.”

A woman with short hair and a calm expression nodded, slightly flustered.

“Yes.  I, um, watch creepypastas on YouTube, and this reminds me of one.”

“Could you tell me more about it? This doesn’t seem like a normal situation, and it might be best to share any information we can.”

“It’s not exactly information… but everything feels like a creepypasta.  Suddenly, the lecture hall turns into a subway, and people… die like that.”

Remembering the insane deconstruction show that just happened, her face pales slightly.

I understand. I really want to throw up too.

Let’s just try to erase this from our minds quickly.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I just suddenly…”

“No. I feel the same way.  This unbelievable situation is making me lose my mind.” The woman gave a weak chuckle.

“Hey, you seem to be the most level-headed here.”

She can say that because she hasn’t seen me faint from being level-headed yet.

“Huh?”

And surprisingly, around this time, someone spoke to me first.

There was a very valid reason for it.

“Uh, weren’t you sitting next to me earlier?”

It was a man with curly hair and a rather innocent-looking face.

‘Come to think of it, he was sitting next to me in the lecture hall.’

The new employee didn’t seem to be part of any of the conversations around him. He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing between me and the woman I was talking to, and then extended his hand as if to shake hands.

“My name is Baek Saheon.”

“…!”

For a moment, I almost forgot to shake his hand.

Baek Saheon?

‘That’s a character name.’

———————=

Dark Exploration Records / Daydream  Corporation/ Characters

Baek Saheon

: An employee of Daydream  Corporation appearing in <Dark Exploration Records>.

His final rank was Section Chief, with a total of 106 exploration records, 17 of which are special cases documented on the wiki.

His nickname is Viper.

———————=

He was an employee who had appeared several times in <Dark Exploration Records>.

I looked up at his somewhat frail-looking curly hair and let out a low sound.

‘This person… is Baek Saheon?’

His image seems a bit off.

Regardless, it felt really strange to see, in person, an employee from the creepypasta world I had only seen in text.

Meanwhile, the woman who first mentioned the creepypasta extended her hand.

“Even though the situation is what it is, we should at least introduce ourselves.  My name is Go Youngeun.”

 

It was a name I’d never heard before.  And it meant one of two things: either this was the real name of an employee I didn’t know, who either handled the rumors relatively easily and quit early, or died quickly.

‘Damn…’

There were some named employees whose nicknames or codenames only appeared, but in those cases, their character was so clear that I could understand them immediately.

This felt unsettling. I quickly shook off the afterimage and hid my expression.

“Kim Soleum.”

The handshake ended quickly, and we naturally sat down in the subway seats and continued our conversation.

Meanwhile, it felt like the groups of people were strangely divided.

“Ah, those people… they seem to be trying to talk to the people in the front car somehow?”

“They are.”

In this rumor, movement between cars is forbidden.  Sure enough, they soon gave up their gestures and returned.

“What do we do? We can’t communicate with the front car at all.  And it sounds like a fight broke out up there…”

To the anxious and uneasy people, the station arrival announcement came again.

But this time, the atmosphere of the keyword was different.

[The next station is Euphoria, Euphoria Station.]

“Huh?”

The murmuring people stopped for a moment.

“Euphoria?”

“Uh, Euphoria… isn’t that a rather positive feeling?  Maybe…”

No.

‘I can’t judge this so simply!’

I gritted my teeth, remembering the exploration record I had just read.

First, the theme of the station name changed every time this rumor appeared.

So, finding the exact word, like ‘which station to get off at’ or ‘which station is the answer’, from the examples to escape is impossible.

‘But the tendency can be examined.’

Like this.

———————

Darkness Exploration Record / Rumor/ Welcome to Abyss Transportation Corporation

3.2 Exploration Record (Recorded up to 56)

1. Station names indicated by colors such as red, yellow, and blue.

: 2 people escaped successfully (Attempt: Blue Station)

2. Station names indicated by body parts such as left arm, cornea, and heart.

: Escape failed (Attempt: Cochlea Station)

3. Station names indicated by the names of serial killers such as ■■, ■■■■, ■■■.

: 12 people escaped successfully (Attempt: ■■■■ Station)

4. Station names indicated by years such as 2008, 2012, 2016.

: Escape failed (Attempt: 2024 Station)

5. Station names indicated by diseases such as asthma, stroke, and glaucoma.

: 3 people escaped successfully (Attempt: Cold Station)

[More]

———————

Did you see? Even after 56 cases, there is no relationship between the positive feeling of the station name and the probability of escape.

But here at Euphoria Station, people are about to get off en masse.

[The doors on the left will open….]

This was because the scenery of the arriving platform happened to be bright and pleasant.

‘Damn.’

The people’s mood was clearly shifting to the clean and bright station, like a new station in a new town.

“Ah…!”

“S-should we get off here and look for people?  This place really looks fine…”

People with relieved expressions began to peek towards the door.

No!

‘The number of my companions!’

And my mental state after witnessing that!

‘Damn it.’

I ended up running and blocking the door again.

“…!”

“W-what.”

“Please wait.”

[The screen doors will open.]

“Are you sure?”

“Yes…?”

“Sure?”

“Yes. I’m sure this place is safe. Or at least, that’s my deduction.”

I deliberately looked away.

“I think most of you would agree that this situation is like a rumor.”

Go Youngeun, who caught everyone’s attention with my gaze, was startled but didn’t retract her words.

[The doors will close in 30 seconds. There is no turning back.]

“But whether it’s a rumor or a horror movie, have you ever seen anyone choosing based on luck and feeling and ending up okay?”

“…No, it’s just that,”

“Can you really risk your lives like this without reasoning or deduction?”

The anxious people paused for a moment, but soon burst into anger.

“No, what great deduction have you made?”

“This person keeps saying frustrating things…”

“Just get out of the way! What reasoning, what is this, Golden Bell? Did someone give a hint?”

“Yes.”

“…?”

“I’m giving you a hint.”

I took a deep breath.

And he raised his hand, pointing upwards.

To the digital display on the subway train with speakers.

“The announcement.”

– For a pleasant journey to your final destination, please pay attention to the announcements.

From the beginning, the in-train announcements had kindly announced this fact.

“Isn’t it explicitly telling you to keep focusing on and following the announcements?”

In that sense.

I asked, just as another announcement was added.

[Passengers whose final destination is Euphoria Station must get off according to the announcements.]

“Those whose final destination is Euphoria Station, are you here?”

“…….”

“…….”

People’s movements stopped.

“Well, it’s true, isn’t it?”

“Living wonderfully, that is, happily, is the purpose of life…”

“So, is Euphoria Station your final destination?”

“…….”

“…….”

It seemed everyone felt uneasy.

However, one or two people began to get angry at me.

“No, do we even have a destination? Why are you interfering like this when you don’t even know?”

“If we can’t get off here because of you and can’t escape, will you take responsibility? Will you take responsibility?”

Can I take responsibility?

“Yes.”

“……!”

“Uh…?”

“I will take responsibility.”

That’s an easy question.

‘I was going to escape with them anyway.’

Getting off here would also confirm a wrong answer.  So there’s no chance my answer could be worse than this.

However, it was an unexpected answer, and the other person’s mouth fell open, momentarily stunned.

“…….”

Perhaps my strong response shook them, I could see them struggling.

[The screen doors are closing….]

In the meantime, the doors closed.

“Ah……”

I moved from my seat.  Several people, looking bewildered, clung to the doors.

But no one was angry about not being able to get off anymore.

‘This is… enough.’

I was quite satisfied when…

A desperate shout was heard.

“Hey! Everyone in the front car got off!”

“…!”

Everyone got off?

I immediately looked out the train window.

Not everyone, but about five or six people seemed to have gotten off at once.

“…….”

Phew.

I really didn’t want to see what would happen next.

But I need to see this to argue persuasively, damn it…

I narrowed my eyes, suppressing my curse, and looked vaguely out the window.

“What? They’re running!”

Those who got off seemed determined to move quickly without delay. Five or six figures could be seen running towards the exit and stairs on the platform.

But it was too late.

“Aaack!”

The platform floor boiled up in yellow, and the feet of those running began to sink into the floor as if melting.

“Is that, gold…?”

It was a bizarre sight, as if their lower bodies were turning into gold and sticking to the floor.

The people seemed to be screaming and trying to run, but their speed slowed down…

Finally, only their upper bodies remained, staggering before falling down in front of the stairs.

Even that turned into glittering gold.

The easiest way to become blissful.

“Hick.”

“Hmph.”

[The train is departing from Euphoria Station.]

Inside the departing train car, only the sounds of gasps and sobs from shock echoed.

One of the people who had been trying to get off urgently grabbed me and asked.

“If you’re taking responsibility, can you guarantee that you can find a truly safe place? Yes?”

“Yes.”

I answered firmly.

I couldn’t understand why it suddenly became a given that I would provide the right answer, but the truth is I couldn’t do anything else.

‘I’m going to die, really.’

My legs felt shaky and I was about to collapse…!

The low-resolution replay of people’s lower bodies exploding kept playing in my head, making my stomach churn.

One thing was for sure: even if I survived this, I wouldn’t be sleeping tonight.

Meanwhile, Baek Saheon speaks with admiration.

“Sir, you’re amazing.”

“…Sir?”

“Ah, I tend to call people sir when I meet them.”

Then, he chuckled awkwardly and added,

“There aren’t many people like you these days.  People can’t firmly say yes or no, and use phrases like, ‘In my opinion…’”

 

“…”

“I hope it really turns out well, as you assured me.”

Uh… I appreciate the encouragement, but this isn’t the time for vague pronouncements.

‘If we don’t get a good outcome here, you’re dead too…’

Wait.

No.

I was so busy whining about being scared that I missed something.

‘The fact that the <Darkness Exploration Record> shows Baek Saheon working as an employee means he passed this entrance exam, right?’

Then all I have to do is get Baek Saheon to get off at the station he wants to get off at, right?

Me, and if I can persuade Go Youngeun, that’s three people. If there’s someone who actively agrees and gets off, others are more likely to follow suit.

‘Such an easy method?’

“Mr. Baek Saheon.”

“Yes?”

“Is there a station you want to get off at?  I mean… is there a word that, if a station with that name comes up, you think you should get off?”

“…Uh, suddenly?”

“I want to hear a variety of opinions.”

“Ah.”

Baek Saheon seemed to think for a moment, then shrugged.

“Not really. I don’t know much about this kind of thing.”

“I see.”

I don’t have a particular feeling yet.

I nodded readily.  In any case, this seemed like a pretty good idea, so I’ll keep watching…

Ding-dong.

[Passengers, this is an announcement from Abyss Transportation Corporation for a pleasant journey. Please listen carefully.]

“…!”

The announcement started again.

Everyone stopped talking and immediately looked up.

[From now on, our train will pass through a curved section, so there may be noise and shaking.]

[Please remain seated to prevent accidents.]

No freaking way.

“Everyone, sit down.”

No one objected, and they quickly took their seats.

It was fast enough to justify bringing up the announcement.

Even the person who was throwing a tantrum about getting off a moment ago shut their mouth and was the first to sit down in a nearby seat.

However, it seems not everyone is like that.

“Hey! Front car!”

“Those people…”

In the front car, people were so busy arguing fiercely that they were all standing.

I couldn’t hear the exact words, but it seemed the shouting drowned out the announcement.

I can tell just by looking. They seem to have completely panicked after witnessing people they were with a moment ago die in ways they never could have imagined.

“Shouldn’t we say something?”

“Hey! Can you hear us?!”

“Sit down!”

The new employees sitting close to the front car shouted. But the people in the front car hardly looked, and one person who happened to make eye contact even approached us.

“Sit down!”

“No, don’t come closer, sit…”

Too late.

[Entering the curved section…]

The lights went out.

“…!”

In the darkness, the train began to shake with a tremendous roar.

And overlapping with the roar was a sharp sound.

A scream.

-Aaaaaack!!

-Ack, ah, aack…

The sound of something watery bursting.

Like squeezing ripe grapes tightly, the sound.

It echoed dully.

…As if separated by a single door.

“…”

“…”

The faint sound of the people in this car, who instinctively silenced themselves, breathing shakily could be heard.

And when the lights came on.

-…

Beyond the narrow window of the front door of the train, the sight of the front car was revealed.

Covered in blood and filth.

In that insane state, as if only living things had been put into a shredder and ground up, there were no traces of humans left.

Everyone was dead.

[It is now safe to stand. Thank you for your cooperation.]

The clean announcement contrasted sharply with the panicked sounds of the people, echoing through the train.

“Let me out! Let me out!”

“Hooo, hooo…what is this. What is this…Mom.”

But even in that state, the new employees were trying to keep their mouths shut and muffle their voices, straining to listen to the announcement.

It really has proven to be a matter of life and death!

‘Damn it.’

It’s definitely going in a direction that’s advantageous to my survival, but seeing it become reality is so terrifying that cold sweat is forming on my forehead.

Ignoring my trembling hand as I wipe it, I gritted my teeth.

I can’t look at the front car door anymore.

‘Just think about persuasion, persuasion…’

After a few more stops, when the right answer station arrives, surely people will get off with me…

[Passengers, this is an announcement from Abyss Transportation Corporation for a pleasant ride. Please lend your ears.]

The announcement started again.

“Again?!”

“Hhhhuhk….”

Cutting through the cries of weary passengers, a clean, mechanical voice continues the announcement.

A bizarre story.

[There is a lost item.]

Wait.

I quickly raised my head.

[Those who have found a lost item, please exit at the next station and hand it over to the station staff.]

A familiar case.

‘…other records of escape!’

———————

Darkness Exploration Records / Urban Legends /

/ Welcome to Abyss  Transportation Corporation

3.4 Other Records (Escape)

Documents recording irregular survival successes besides exiting at a station.

Several methods are repeatedly observed. (The most frequent records are ‘temporary stop for train spacing’ and ‘lost item announcement’.)

———————=

An unconditional escape ticket.

Just having the announced lost item allows safe exit!

But….

‘Only one person can escape.’

…In my case, where I can’t go alone, it’s a survival ticket that’s already disqualified.

I clenched both hands.

‘Then, who should I let go?’

No, is letting someone go even the right answer?

And….

[The lost item is ‘a 20-year-old type A adult male’s left eyeball.’]

An unimaginable lost item appeared.