Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work Novel - Chapter 69

Who would have ever imagined such a thing?

 

Being trapped in a confined space with three ghosts impersonating humans, forced to sit still and break out in a cold sweat.

 

Even worse…

 

Having to pretend as if nothing is amiss.

 

‘…I mustn’t show anything.’

 

Even if everyone except me in front of my eyes is clapping with a bright smile.

 

No, not people…

 

Ghosts.

 

Clap clap clap clap clap clap

 

‘I, mustn’t, show anything.’

 

Then, glancing at me, they ask:

 

“Why aren’t you clapping?”

 

“…….”

 

Oh my god.

 

I barely managed to lift my hands without trembling.

 

And…

 

Clap clap clap.

 

I placed one hand neatly on top of the other, making a small sound.

 

Then, the youngest, looking around cautiously, gave a slightly awkward laugh.

 

“…I was startled, I missed the timing. I’m a little embarrassed.”

 

“…….”

 

Please.

 

Please let it pass.

 

“Oh~ it’s okay!”

 

“Hey, Assistant Manager Leopard, that’s pressure too. Don’t make yourself disliked by a capable new employee, sit down.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

The Leopard employee… or rather, the ‘something’ impersonating that employee, shrugged as told and sat down.

 

‘Phew…’

 

But the relief was short-lived.

 

Thump thump thump thump thump thump.

 

The Dolphin employee suddenly dropped her head to the floor.

 

And started headbutting the side.

 

Without a change in expression.

 

“Th-there’s a bug, a bug, I can’t catch the bug…”

 

Thump thump thump thump thump thump.

 

“…But they say no other creatures can enter this darkness, aren’t you mistaken?”

 

“Ah.”

 

The Dolphin employee stopped headbutting.

 

Her long hair was disheveled, and their skull was crushed.

 

“I see. Thank you, Roe Deer Supervisor.”

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

And then, she calmly continued her conversation with the Leopard associate next to her, as if nothing happened.

 

“…….”

 

Even if I faint… will I disappear?

 

I’m going crazy.

 

‘How can everyone except me be replaced…!’

 

I wish I had just lost consciousness and been replaced, and woken up tomorrow morning.

 

“Roe Deer, eat.”

 

“Ah. Thank you very much, Foreman…”

 

Meanwhile, the ghost in the Section Chief Lizard disguise… no, let’s not think about that. Section Chief Lee Jaheon offered me some food.

 

Kimbap from a pretty delicious snack bar near the company.

 

‘I have to endure almost 24 hours here until tomorrow morning, so I have to eat.’

 

A rational decision. Except for the fact that if I put anything in my mouth right now, I’ll probably get a stomachache or throw up…

 

‘Ugh.’

 

“Oh, how about we share? We brought some things too.”

 

Two people from Team C took out sandwiches.

 

I responded reflexively.

 

“I should have prepared something, but I was in no position to do so, and only received things. I’m truly sorry and grateful.”

 

“Hey, newbie, don’t worry about seniority or anything like that. It doesn’t seem like the Manager here minds either, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

To the Lizard’s monosyllabic response, the Leopard associate gave a sly smile with a thumbs-up.

 

“Wow~ that’s nice. Our team’s foreman is like that too. Roe Deer, you know that Mandarin Duck foreman from Team A, right? He’s a way better person than that guy.”

 

Oh.

 

“…He must be a wonderful person for you two to admire so much.”

 

“Kind of, right? He used his vacation request to take time off… well, I wish he hadn’t resigned.”

 

Without reacting to the complaints about the Team A foreman, I smoothly turned the conversation with only praise.

 

Actually, since they’re ghosts, I don’t need to do this… no, I’ll keep doing this.

 

‘Forget it, forget it…’

 

While doing this, it feels less like a ghost story and more like having a conversation with higher-ups from related departments who are in the same group at some workshop…

 

Of course, it didn’t last long.

 

It was right after the meal. The Leopard associate yawned and stood up.

 

“Ah, since we have to be here all day… I’ll take my shoes off. Is that alright?”

 

“Huh? Shouldn’t you have brought slippers like me?”

 

“Ah, what can you do if you don’t have them? My socks are clean.”

 

The Leopard associate said casually to the Dolphin supervisor, trying to take off their shoes.

 

‘That’s right, even if they suddenly stand on the table and do a tap dance, I shouldn’t be surprised…’

 

Instead of feet, there were hands.

 

Hands that had been crumpled inside the shoes, struggling to curl up, came out and stuck to the floor.

 

“…….”

 

Ah, I’ll get some more coffee while I’m up. Everyone wants more, right?

 

Suddenly.

 

Assistant Manager Leopard stood on his head.

 

Hands attached to his feet waved above.

 

Thud… Thud.

 

A company employee walking backward.

 

“Supervisor Roe Deer.”

 

A scream was suppressed.

 

“Yes, Assistant Manager Leopard.”

 

“Could you help me move the coffee? I can’t see properly for some reason. Uh, uh?”

 

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

 

His upside-down body kept bumping into the drawer where the coffee was placed.

 

“No, it’s not because you’re the youngest, you’re just sitting close. Sorry for going back on my word.”

 

Sh-Shit.

 

“Yes, of course.”

 

I jumped up and went next to the Assistant Manager Leopard.

 

Thinking about it, being next to a ghost with a crushed skull might be better than being next to an upside-down ghost.

 

Right?

 

Right??

 

– This is quite interesting! Are you aiming for the uncanny valley effect?

 

– It’s an amusing performance, Mr. Roe Deer. Let’s enjoy it to the fullest!

To the fullest?

 

Enjoy?

 

‘I want to praise myself just for not closing my eyes!…’

 

Enjoying it is too difficult a request for me!

 

“Now, let’s move it.”

 

“Yes.”

 

I handed one cup of coffee to each of the hands attached to his feet, and I also carried two cups and put them on the table.

 

I’m proud of myself for not shaking my hands or spilling the coffee.

 

The problem is, with the coffee being refilled, we’ve really started a conversation.

 

“Now,”

 

Supervisor Dolphin smiled brightly with one side of her skull caved in.

 

“How about we take turns boasting about our clearly visible darkness? Honestly, without that kind of fun, it’s hard to work here!”

 

Assistant Manager Leopard waved his hand.

 

“Hey, what if a ghost hears that and does something crazy? Let’s just talk about, you know, our favorite foods.”

 

“Ah, okay. That too.”

 

“…….”

 

It was true.

 

Even discussing the ghost substitution itself as a conversation topic wouldn’t cause any strange incidents.

 

However, this process has a very high probability of leading to questioning who is a ghost, so it’s not recommended.

 

But you’re all ghosts.

 

“I like crispy outside, soft inside. Like eggplant tempura, you know?”

 

“Oh, I see. I prefer things that burst when you chew them. Like eyeballs?”

 

Whizz.

 

A dolphin employee shoved her face in front of my nose.

 

“Roe Deer, do you have eyeballs? It seems like you do… Did you bring them in your mask? We’re sharing, right? Let’s share.”

 

Aaaaaaaaaack!!

 

“I didn’t bring them to eat.”

 

I politely pretended to fold my hands under the table to hide my trembling.

 

“And we have similar tastes in food. I also think texture is important.”

 

“Oh~ Comrade!”

 

The ghost imitating Supervisor Dolphin laughed brightly.

 

“Supervisor Roe Deer must not be a ghost. They even talk about food normally.”

 

Wow.

 

‘I can’t do this anymore.’

 

If I continue this conversation, I’m going to scream. Definitely.

 

– Oh dear, it seems Mr. Roe Deer is sensitive to the uncanny valley effect! A good reacting audience is always welcome, but it’s a pity how things turned out….

– Don’t worry. Just having Braun here is a great comfort, isn’t it? Your friend is right here!

 

…Wait a minute.

 

Right.

 

‘Braun is right.’

 

– A great host’s words are always appropriate to the situation!

 

That’s right. What I’m experiencing is a situation where the fear stemming from the uncanny valley is maximized.

 

‘The fear of seeing something that looks human but isn’t.’

 

In an ordinary break room, witnessing my coworkers suddenly and calmly displaying bizarre and alien appearances brings an immense chill.

 

Adding to that the fact that I’m the only human makes me feel extreme, insane fear.

 

‘Then….’

 

Let me look to the side.

 

Lizard is stuffing a package of sand biscuits into his mouth.

 

“…….”

 

“…….”

 

It’s not particularly scarier!

 

Even if he flicks his tongue, grins while walking backward, or gets up, shakes his head, and dances crazily while calmly engaging in ordinary conversation, it would be the same.

 

Because it was already scary!

 

Because it already looked like a Lizard!

 

Uncanny valley or whatever, there’s nothing more to feel.

 

“I’m going with the manager no matter what.”

 

Finally, a solution appeared.

 

I suppressed my cold sweat and naturally turned to face the lizard team leader.

 

As if I had something urgent I wanted to ask.

 

“Section Chief Lee Jaheon.”

 

And I actually did have something I wanted to ask.

 

According to the <Dark Exploration Record>, in this ghost story, “the ghost is identical to its original in all aspects, including appearance, personality, and character.”

 

In other words, if I casually ask something without it seeming unnatural, there’s a high probability of getting the same answer as the ‘original’.

 

Unless it suddenly starts acting like a ghost, that is.

 

‘Then I might be able to ask more casually.’

 

Because it’s not the real person.

 

I pulled my chair closer, as if I had something to talk about frankly with a colleague.

 

I tried to create an atmosphere where other ghosts couldn’t intrude, and it seemed to work well enough.

 

Then I asked.

 

“I haven’t had the opportunity to have this kind of conversation during work, so… would it be alright if I asked you a few things now?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Thank you. It’s just that… I was curious how you’re so strong.”

 

“I see.”

 

Fortunately, Lee Jaheon didn’t seem displeased.

 

“It’s a result of a combination of innate factors and acquired learning.”

 

“…….”

 

A universal answer that worked for any question!

 

It was like seeing the top student in class answering the question of how they got such good grades with, “I have a good head and studied hard”…

 

‘I want to hear more details, though.’

 

If it were someone else, it would have been a sign of refusal, but since it’s the Section Chief Lizard, I’m not sure.

 

In the end, I forced a slightly embarrassed smile and replied.

 

“Is that so? I asked because I want to become stronger. Without items or contamination.”

 

“Maintain a high-protein diet and do both aerobic and anaerobic exercises.”

 

“…If I do that, will I become as strong as you?”

 

“No.”

 

“…….”

 

I mean, I can generate a strength appropriate to my build.

 

I almost glared at my superior with a look of incredulity.

 

“…If you have any advice on this matter, I’d like to hear it.”

 

“Yes. Roe Deer has other strengths, so cultivate those instead.”

 

The lizard said monotonously.

 

“There are no individuals who excel in all aspects. Don’t waste resources on inefficient and unnecessary things. Utilize others.”

 

…Wait a minute.

 

“Does that mean that when I need strength, you’ll take on that role, so I should focus on developing my other strengths?”

 

“Yes.”

 

The lizard nodded.

 

“Roe Deer’s strengths are his ideas and judgment.”

 

“…Thank you.”

 

Really.

 

‘Should I say that this is a high evaluation?’

 

It’s certainly better than just pushing it all onto the subordinates.

 

‘But it’s a little disappointing.’

 

Should I probe a bit further?

 

After some deliberation, I found a weakness and exploited it.

 

“But we also enter the darkness separately. Having strong physical strength is a common and effective method, so I think it would be necessary for me, even when alone.”

 

“I see.”

 

The lizard stared blankly into space for a moment, as if deep in thought, before confirming.

 

“I will introduce you to an item.”

 

“…!”

 

Jackpot!

 

“Does it enhance physical strength?”

 

“Similar. Use it as a parent item when crafting specialized equipment.”

 

“…! Thank you.”

 

I was just thinking about strengthening my specialized equipment or increasing the number of them.

 

‘At least I got something out of this.’

 

Getting something even while sweating bullets in a ghost-filled ghost story… Wait.

 

Come to think of it, this lizard sitting in front of me is also a ghost, not Lee Jaheon himself.

 

‘Is this promise valid?’

 

I was momentarily taken aback, but then I remembered the manual.

 

People who have been replaced by ghosts indirectly remember what happened in an enclosed space.

 

Given Section Chief Lee Jaheon’s personality, the probability of him keeping his word was extremely high.

 

‘That’s settled.’

 

Phew.

 

It feels good to achieve something.

 

‘Now, let’s endure the terror with this sense of accomplishment…’

 

I pretended to stretch, trying to avoid looking at the two ghosts from Team C who had started to look at me upside down with grinning faces.

 

I no longer cared who, Lee Kangheon, introduced me to the Salmon Market.

‘Let’s clear my mind….’

I avoided conversations with ghosts by endlessly chattering trivialities to the lizard.

The lizard supervisor ghost, due to my constant talking, couldn’t do anything useless and just endlessly answered.

‘I learned the meaningful information that the supervisor prefers beef to pork….’

– Friend, this isn’t even an interview, let alone small talk; it’s a terribly boring amateur autobiography investigation….

I know, but I can’t help it, Braun….

After even that ran dry, I pretended to be sleepy, closed my eyes, and spent the remaining time playing the last word game with Braun.

Whatever nonsense I heard, I consistently replied, ‘I’m tired… I’m sorry, but could we continue our conversation after I leave?’

‘It’s 3 AM, please.’

I felt like I was bathing in cold sweat, but at least no emergency suddenly occurred.

Thus, clinging to Braun in my pocket, those precarious few hours passed like a thousand years.

“…….”

“…….”

Click.

Finally, I saw the break room door open.

I stayed up all night….

“……It’s done.”

It’s done, you guys!

I did it!!

I wanted to get up and punch the air with my hazy mind.

‘I’m crying.’

This was almost the first time I endured ghost-type horror all alone without being able to shorten the time….

How should I put it, it felt like overcoming my limits.

‘I want to praise myself…….’

I staggered to my feet.

It was fortunate that no one knew I was such a person who even struggled with D-rank….

“Roe Deer.”

“…!?”

Wh-what…?

When I turned my head, I saw the lizard with wide-open eyes.

He looked perfectly fine as if he hadn’t stayed up all night…wait a minute.

‘……?’

He’s awake?

“S-supervisor.”

“There’s no need to wait for Team C to wake up. Go home.”

With ghost-seeing eyes, I looked at the lizard standing perfectly fine.

And I turned my head to see the members of Team C asleep.

“…….”

“…….”

No way.

“Last night…weren’t you a ghost…?”

“I wasn’t.”

“…You clapped your hands together using the back of your hands!?”

“?”

The lizard tilted his head, then answered as if he had realized something.

“I thought it was a trendy action.”

“…….”

Ah.

Aaaaaah!