Chapter 28.3

Chapter 28.3

– But no matter how you look at it, it seems like they were struck with a can!

That’s what I’m saying.

I nodded, as if just realizing something.

“Oh... This can is aluminum.”

“So what?”

“Typically, cans are made of steel.”

A frown.

“Why would canned goods be made from aluminum, like a drink can...? Hmm, could it be...?”

– Intriguing...

I intentionally paused for dramatic effect.

“A plot hole?”

Rattle.

At that moment, the cans around me began to tremble slightly.

But I ignored it and continued muttering to myself.

“That’s certainly possible. After all, we encounter drink cans more often than canned food, so it wouldn’t be too surprising if someone accidentally used the wrong material and labeled it as aluminum...”

– Hoooh...

But then.

I stopped talking and gave a small, mocking laugh.

“But, heyyy. No way.”

“...Soleum-ssi?”

“Anyone could look it up with a quick search—no one would make such a basic mistake. Tricks are the most crucial part of any work of the mystery genre. They shouldn’t be so sloppy.”

– Hahaha!

“When you think about it, a murder happening in a canning factory with a can as the weapon is way too predictable, don’t you think?”

I actually meant this.

“It lacks freshness and surprise... A writer with any sense wouldn’t try to pass this off as their big plot twist.”

– Oh, I agree!

The space began to shake more violently.

“Honestly, this is so poorly done...”

I finished with a bored tone.

“Even an amateur wouldn’t write something this sloppy these days.”

Boom!

After a brief pause—

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Cans exploded all around us.

“What’s happening?!”

The space seemed to weep as it melted away, dripping like tears from all the ruptured cans.

And then, everything vanished.

Just before the last remnants disappeared, there was the sound of someone sobbing, their cry filled with agony...

The next moment—

We found ourselves back in the familiar, luxurious lounge on the company’s 15th floor.

Covered in exploded canned meat.

“......”

“......”

“We... got out.”

For the first time, A-squad’s leader faltered, visibly shaken.

* * *

“......??”

“You... thought that?”

“Yes. A story loses its meaning if its foundation crumbles.”

I nodded.

“So I undermined its plausibility, causing the story to collapse and freeing us. That’s all.”

“......”

“......”

Their faces were blank, as if processing what I’d just said.

“You inferred all that not just from the surroundings, but also from our conversation and behavior...?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Not really.

The truth is, I benchmarked off the exploration logs.

– The setting suddenly collapsed, transporting them to a different story (continued in Exploration Record #22). Testimonies indicate that crying, whimpering sounds were heard.

Apparently, just mocking the failed story had shattered its mental stability enough for it to reassemble itself into a different story.

I figured that if I just steadily dismantled its logic and insulted its creator’s self-esteem, the whole thing would unravel, new story and all.

‘And it worked.’

Yay.

Just then, A-squad’s leader looked at me and slowly spoke.

“You explain this... very casually, Soleum-ssi.”

Whoops.

“Well, it’s not exactly the standard method. You could call it a shortcut, if you’d like.”

Did I step on her toes?

I quickly added, dropping my head apologetically to show remorse. Hopefully, it would look genuine enough.

“Of course, I’m prepared to accept any reprimands.”

Yes, please, just let it be a scolding.

I waited quietly, ready for the next wave of workplace harassment.

But instead...

Clap, clap, clap...

Applause?

I looked up to see A-squad’s leader, her teal duck mask now removed, gazing at me with a mix of surprise and satisfaction.

“You follow rules and orders. But you don’t shy away from unconventional means.”

Excuse me?

“Very good. That’s exactly the type of person we’re looking for.”

Me?

“Soleum-ssi. You pass.”

“What—”

“There’s a vacancy on A-squad. You know that, right?”

At that moment, I understood.

‘Oh.’

This wasn’t workplace harassment.

It was a test.

“How about you fill that position officially?”

“......!!”

My god.

This was a recruitment test for A-squad!