Chapter 10.2

Chapter 10.2

‘...Does the company’s list of ‘Darkness’ extend much further than I thought?’

Cold sweat trickled down my neck.

But my superiors were relaxed.

“Our department just happens to get assigned a lot of TV-related ghost stories.”

“Oh, yeah, every team has its specialty.”

Then, Assistant Manager Eun sent me a PDF file, claiming it was the answer sheet for the ‘Tuesday Quiz Show’.

“For now, just memorize that answer sheet and skim through the exploration manual again. When the squad leader arrives in the afternoon, we’ll head out.”

“Got it.”

I obediently nodded.

Supervisor Park kindly added more advice.

“Oh, should I give you a physical copy of the manual too, just in case? You’ll need to take notes.”

“Oh, no need. I’ve memorized it all.”

With my Memorial Popsocket, having a physical copy would just be extra baggage.

“You memorized it all...?”

“Yes.”

“...So, notes!”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, nothing.”

Supervisor Park gave me a knowing look, then nodded his head.

“The squad leader is going to like you a lot.”

“......??”

Well, it seemed to be a compliment, so I let it slide.

For the record, the squad leader of Team D was still out on a field assignment but was expected to return this afternoon.

‘I’ll be meeting them soon enough.’

But then, an hour later...

“Hold on a sec. Our squad leader—I mean, the section chief—he’s still out on a field assignment... what? No, that’s ridiculous.”

Assistant Manager Eun, who had been on the phone, frowned deeply as she hung up.

“Are these people out of their minds? Saying we have three people now, so we can make it a trio—what a joke...”

“Really? Are you serious?”

“Yeah. Seems like it...”

Assistant Manager Eun glanced at me.

Oh.

‘Is it because of the convenience store ghost?’

Because I cleared the F-Class Darkness by myself using an unusual method, higher-ups probably thought, ‘Oh, so this one can handle a full load.’

Looks like the consequence of pocketing that 20 million won solo is showing up here.

Not because they’re annoyed I took the money.

“It’s the end of the month.”

“Ahh.”

Watching my two superiors murmur to each other, I started to piece it together.

‘There must be some issue with the department’s performance numbers.’

I wasn’t sure, but it looked like they needed to meet some sort of ‘quota’ by lunchtime, and now they figured the new recruit could pull their weight.

Assistant Manager Eun made a decision after a brief moment of consideration.

“Roe, did you memorize that?”

Ah, the quiz show answers... wait.

‘If I say I memorized everything, does that mean I’m going in?’

The TV-headed figure released my hand and joyfully spun around, spreading their arms wide.

[Audience!]

A roar of applause filled the air, but the glaring lights obscured the audience’s figures, making them hard to see.

Soon, I realized I was standing on a brightly colored podium.

‘This must be the contestant’s spot for the quiz show.’

It wasn’t terrifying enough to make me faint.

Actually, if I just thought of it as a quirky quiz show hosted by someone wearing a TV mask, it gave me a surprising sense of calm.

‘Compared to the horrors of the eye-plucking subway and the convenience store ghost, this feels almost pleasant.’

Yes, I could handle this. I felt like I could calmly think things through.

After adjusting my mask, I surveyed the situation.

[Is it your first time at a talk show, folks? Oho, then don’t forget to cheer! Your excitement is everything to this show!]

The TV-headed host was busy hyping up the audience, trying to raise the energy in the room. They were likely the host of the show.

‘So, this ‘Tuesday Quiz Show’ must be a segment of some larger talk show.’

The set’s vibe, the house band providing background music, the audience setup, and the host’s energetic performance—it all felt like a classic American talk show.

‘A bit old-fashioned, though.’

......

Wait.

‘Think again.’

An old American talk show.

A quiz segment.

The contestant already knowing the answers.

This...

......

......

I recognized these keywords.

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※ CAUTION ※

Disclaimer : By reading this document, you accept full responsibility for any fear, hallucinations, ■■, or ■■■■ that may arise. Daydream Inc. (Ltd.) is not liable for any damages.

Please proceed after signing.

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This isn’t just D-Class.

This... this ghost story...

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Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story

[Chorus of the Sacrificial Lambs]

: A ghost story featured in <Dark Exploration Records>

: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-A-104.

: A-Class Darkness.

The catalyst of the reclassification disaster that led to countless casualties.

Official record of survivors: None.

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“......”

[3, 2, 1... And now, the show begins!]

No way.