Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work Novel - Chapter 92

Mannequin employees stood in a row, clapping in unison. A fervent response to my intention to buy a ring.

My two classmates who followed me stared blankly at the unfolding situation.

The ring I chose and two humans of suitable value for barter.

Clap clap clap…

The mannequins stopped clapping. Then, as if to proceed with the payment, they all walked towards the two standing behind me…

I raised my hand.

“However, I’d like to change the payment method.”

Halt.

The stopped mannequins looked at me.

Yes, of course, this boutique also accepted humans as barter. And such transactions are still possible.

But why do they take humans?

To get to the fundamental reason…

‘Labor.’

Whether used as a janitor or promoted to become a mannequin like them, it was already described on Wiki.

In other words, they accept human trafficking as barter because it provides definite help in store operations.

Then, besides labor, what else provides ‘definite’ help in store operations?

Just thinking about Daydream Corporation brings something to mind.

‘Raw material supply.’

I reached into my tattoo and took out an item.

 

The most valuable material I had brought.

“I’d like to pay with this.”

A gold bar.

“…!”

My classmates behind me were visibly shaken by the sudden appearance of this symbol of capitalism in this bizarre setting.

Honestly, after clicking “Purchase All” at the alien shop, my balance was dangerously low, so I was hesitant to spend this…

‘I’m glad I went to Jongno and got this.’

Gold and silver are staple materials even in urban legends.

Unlike silver, which is mainly used for exorcism, gold has a slightly more versatile image. It is often symbolized as desire or a mystical price, making it suitable for use anywhere.

Therefore…

“Is this acceptable payment?”

One mannequin with a more formal uniform approached me. And after bowing deeply to the small gold bar…

Politely and respectfully, it extended both hands.

‘…Yes!’

It worked.

I had even considered running away as a worst-case scenario, but this was a very good situation.

I dropped the gold bar into the mannequin’s hand. The mannequin slowly backed away, then came back out from behind the glass counter with the ring, more elaborately packaged.

It presented the silver ring I purchased, placed on a velvet cushion with a strange snake pattern.

‘…Is the cushion part of the set?’

Since there was no reaction to taking it, I immediately put it away in my tattoo.

Next, two other mannequins came forward, each carrying a rectangular velvet box.

Both boxes looked identical, but contained different items.

The left one was an elegant, classic pouch; inside, through a slightly open mouth, were upside-down coins visible.

‘Change!’

Additional exchange income.

It was immediately apparent that it was a much larger amount than what I received at the butcher shop. Furthermore, the coins were large and thick. They were clearly of a different denomination.

‘I should take all of this, right?’

Already feeling relieved, I looked to the other side.

Inside the box held by the other mannequin were… hmm, small sundry goods that are hard to call accessories.

It’s difficult to determine if they are meant to be worn, and I wouldn’t risk guessing whether or not they had mental defense effects.

It seems they’re trying to promote something before giving me the change.

‘The versatile currency is still better.’

…That was my thought when…

An item caught my eye among the sundry goods.

A small ribbon hair tie.

The material was unknown, but the dark brown cord was glossy and looked luxurious.

“…….”

Hmm.

“Can I take that too?”

I pointed to the hair tie.

The mannequins clapped again, removed half of the change from the pouch, and politely offered it to me.

“Thank you.”

I took the well-packaged items and stored them in my tattoo.

“Hey, I’ve been thinking about this since before… that ability looks amazing! What kind of equipment are you using?”

“Yes.”

I looked at Kang Yihak, who was grinning.

Did she not realize that I could have trafficked my classmates, including myself?

‘Hoo…, let’s try one more time.’

I tried one more time, to avoid being seen as a ‘crazy guy’ and getting into a fight.

I stared intently at Kang Yihak and said this:

“I’m curious.”

“Yes?”

“If you sell one sentient being, how much gold can you get in return?”

After a short silence.

“Huh? Why are you thinking about such an unprofitable idea~ Haha!”

Kang Yihak laughed heartily.

“Taking out a kidney or cornea would get you a few more gold bars.”

“…..”

Is this a normal person’s way of thinking?

No matter how I thought about it, it wasn’t. So I gave up arguing.

It’s getting really scary now…!

‘I have to endure until I get out of this bizarre situation.’

Instead, I decided to offer a bribe to my colleagues.

“Please accept this.”

“Oh…?”

I divided the change in my pocket into three and shared it with my colleagues.

“I’m lending it to you. If you use it, repay me in gold, and if you don’t use it until we leave, I’ll take it back.”

“Th, thank you…”

Jang Heoun bowed his head first.

No, I figured Kang Yihak was a crazy person I couldn’t approach, but I don’t understand why Jang Heoun is so calm.

‘What happened to him in the Finishing Team…?’

Clearly, at the start, I thought ‘It’ll be a reliable exploration with normal colleagues!’, but I’ve come too far, I even miss Baek Saheon.

‘That guy only did predictable things, so it was at least convenient…’

Here, I’m just taking a bath in cold sweat.

Meanwhile, I quickly stopped Kang Yihak from picking up a coin to examine its surface.

“Don’t look too closely.”

“Yes~”

Kang Yihak mumbled in a slightly dazed voice.

“As expected, gold… never fails.”

“…..”

“Ms. Horse, isn’t it dangerous to jump to conclusions?”

Jang Heoun quietly said.

“There are many things more precious than gold in this world.”

“Haha, um, Mr. Buffalo. As a colleague, I’ll give you a tip. What do you think is the most valuable use of a wish?”

“Yes? …Saving people, benefiting the world… isn’t it?”

“Oh, come on~ There are so many people in the world, why say such a thing! It’s a more efficient choice to keep producing something more scarce and valuable!”

Kang Yihak said, spreading her hands wide.

“It’s the Midas touch!”

“….!”

What?

“…A touch that turns everything into gold, you say? From Greek mythology?”

“Yes! As expected of our Koreans~ You’re so well-versed in Greek and Roman mythology!”

Kang Yihak chuckled.

“Of course, I don’t intend to ask for everything I touch to turn into gold. I’ve considered a body part that won’t interfere with daily life~”

“…..”

Surprisingly, Jang Heoun’s eyes turned cold.

Just like during the new employee orientation, when he was covered in blood and asked about the wish.

“…Then just receive 10 billion or 100 billion won in your bank account.”

But Kang Yihak was relentless.

“Yes? Why would you waste a one-time wish? Even the win becomes worthless if this country collapses. But gold!”

The one wearing the Horse mask leaned towards Jang Heoun.

“Gold never falls.”

“….!”

“Even diamonds, dollars, and all the currencies in the world will collapse, but gold has never deviated from the upward macroscopic graph, a perfect capital, you know?”

“…..”

“Let’s hear it. Our class top student, the fastest promotion to section chief, and breaking the record for the fastest point accumulation… Supervisor Deer, you agree with me, right? Yes?”

Kang Yihak shouted.

“No, there’s no need to listen~ So you must have brought gold! I just saw it. That gold becomes an item!”

I finally understood.

“Gold is money, and money is power. In human society!”

Kang Yihak had no ulterior motive.

‘This person… is just obsessed with money…!’

Of course, people usually want to make money, but it’s extremely rare to see someone act like they’re going to sell their soul and weigh it. I was overwhelmed.

Perhaps the heartless nature and the ‘commercial district’ environment influenced her to appear even crazier, but this seems to be her truer and more honest heart.

Before entering the urban legend, even under his amiable demeanor, that’s what she was thinking.

‘…Dangerous.’

As soon as I leave this urban legend, let’s not get involved…!

But for now, he calmly folded his arms.

“I understand. I hope you make a lot of money.”

“Hahaha, yes!!”

Let’s escape this store first.

I refused the employees’ farewell, saying, “I’ll look around a little more and go back on my own.”

And as soon as the employees returned to their work, their hands waving, I quickly ran out through the back door.

‘Phew.’

A dark back alley with doors lined up close together.

To think this strange place would give me a moment of relief.

‘Once I achieve my objective, I’ll quickly find a relatively safe and easy-to-walk alley and cover the remaining steps there.’

Before the alley gets any narrower.

Fortunately, thanks to easily surpassing a thousand steps at the boutique, a new alley appeared smoothly.

Don’t give up your body!

Remaining steps: 3999

The alley that appeared between the doors was similar in width to this back alley, but it was much better.

“It feels strangely heartwarming, doesn’t it?”

At least, the light from the electric pole was dimly twinkling.

A night where the starlight is visible. Each store has signs and yellow light shining from inside.

‘It’s strangely nostalgic….’

With an atmosphere like a small alleyway between houses in an old downtown area, it was a scenery that was good for relaxing.

But if I let my guard down, I might get caught by a store’s solicitation and disappear or go crazy.

“I know this place!”

Confirmed deadly alleys so far:

12. Old Shopping Arcade

It was frequently mentioned in the manual and appeared quite often in the employees’ exploration records, and it was a relatively safe alley.

And…

It was also my destination.

“Let’s move to the next alley.”

“Yes!”

We entered the heartwarming small alley.

There were almost no people.

Perhaps that’s why, like a Christmas or New Year’s Eve night, it had a mysterious feeling…

I walked with my colleagues, passing by the small, modest shops on both sides.

Then I stopped in front of one shop.

“…….”

It was a stationery store.

Even though it’s called a stationery store, it only sold some school supplies and toys that students would like, the kind of neighborhood stationery store that sells much more snacks.

It looked like the kind of store that sold tteokbokki and junk food in front of schools in the 2000s.

I looked at the stall. In place of the odeng and tteokbokki, there were stacks of buckwheat jelly with strange lotus patterns…

And the sign above it.

Sweet Stationery

‘Found it.’

The store that sells chocolate bars with my likeness on the wrapper.

‘Phew.’

I’m nervous now that I’m actually here.

I looked around at my colleagues…

“Roe Deer.”

Aaah!

I almost jumped into the air…!

When I managed to hold back and turned my head, I saw a white lizard’s head staring blankly at me from within the shadow of an electric pole next to the store.

…Team Leader!

“How many steps are left?”

I looked back and forth between the stationery store and the lizard, then suddenly came to my senses.

“Were you… waiting for us here?”

“Yes. How many steps are left?”

“…We have about 3900 steps left. Are you almost finished with your 10,000 steps, Team Leader?”

“Yes. I judged that this alley has the highest probability of encountering other explorers who entered together. So I’ve been waiting with 500 steps remaining.”

He must have guessed that I would appear at this stationery store.

After all, the reason I entered this urban legend was because of the new snack spotted at this stationery store.

‘I thought my heart was going to fall out!’

But getting a long answer was really good. The lizard’s rating as a superior kept fluctuating between falling and rising.

Then, Kang Yihak spoke up.

“Wow, that’s really reassuring, Team Leader! Oh, then, to fill our steps, would it be okay if we went into the next store for a bit?”

The next store pointed to by my colleague was a place selling miscellaneous goods knitted with yarn, a place that already had purchase records in the manual.

Moreover, Kang Yihak also shook the coin she had received earlier to emphasize.

The lizard looked at my colleague with red eyes.

“Do you have this place’s currency?”

“Yes sir! Supervisor Soleum saved us!~ He’s truly amazing. Team D members are all so capable, I have so much to learn from them. Haha!”

“I see.”

The lizard spoke quickly.

“Go in pairs. Any actions that violate the manual are forbidden. Do not stay for more than 10 minutes, and exit through the alley.”

“Yes sir!”

“Ah, uh…yes.”

Kang Yihak hurriedly dragged Jang Heoun to a shop selling gloves and mufflers.

Hmm. It seemed that this alley was relatively less dangerous according to the exploration records, and because it was a shop, Ijaheon sent them there like that.

It worked out well in the end.

‘I can enter the destination without having to share the ‘secret’, that’s good.’

“…….”

I stood in front of the stationery store’s glass door.

Section Chief Lee Jaheon followed behind.

“We will enter.”

“Yes.”

*Ting*.

I stepped into the stationery store.

To see the ‘Good Kid Chocolate Bar’.