Chapter 34.1

Chapter 34.1

Sangun-nim.

One of the most eerie and unsettling stories from <Darkness Exploration Records>.

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It appears similar to the Korean internet urban legend about the Jangsanbeom, but this tale carries an even stronger shamanistic and eerie undertone.

A ghost, presumably having perished from the tiger known as Sangun-nim, resides in a haunted painting that constantly changes its appearance, pursuing victims and attempting to lure them away.

As one of the stories of the <Darkness Exploration Records> that went viral in the first half of 20XX, there were countless reports of readers feeling sick or unnerved just from reading it.

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It was exactly as described.

Even as someone who’s generally fine reading about horror tales, this story left an oddly disturbing, lingering feeling in me as well, making me pause multiple times while reading.

The familiarity of this tale, similar to a known urban legend, added to its unnerving closeness.

I’m sure everyone has heard of it at least once.

‘A person devoured by a tiger becomes a ghost and returns to visit their loved ones...’

Also known as the changgwi.

This ghost must find another victim to pass on its role before its soul can move on to the afterlife—a chilling tale, indeed.

‘It’s disturbing to even think about it.’

However, if one thinks logically, there is a way to survive.

‘At C-Class, it’s still a grade with standard escape records.’

While it’s certainly challenging, it’s not impossible to escape this Darkness.

The issue is... the method is bizarre and forces the victim to make unfair choices, causing mental suffering and overwhelming pressure, as though their breath were being squeezed out.

It’s the kind of tale that horror lovers immerse themselves in, enjoying the shivers it evokes.

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Exploration Record #03

A man in his fifties downloaded a landscape painting from the internet, said to bring good fortune in one’s career.

Already lured in and dragged here by the changgwi.

Several times that its calls were responded to.

Talismans, nearly depleted.

This was the kind of description you’d find in the final, desperate moments at the end of a lengthy Exploration Record where everyone was already on the verge of death.

Meaning, we’re cornered at the very edge.

‘This is driving me insane.’

I raked my hand through my hair.

– Are you in a tough spot, Friend?

It’s more than just tough. I feel like I’m drowning in cold sweat.

– Oh dear. Could it be because of that unwelcome guest who visited earlier? Uninvited guests are always unpleasant, especially in places where they’re not wanted.

– That’s why I’d like to offer you some advice. Would that be alright?

What?

I looked down at my pocket.

– Allow me to dim the light for you, Mr. Roe Deer!

– That way, you can quietly leave this place without drawing anyone’s attention.

“......!”

I remembered the incredible ability that this plushie showed at the theme park—the strange power that erased my presence, allowing me to move without getting caught by the blue mascot.

– If you quietly exit through that door and head home, you’ll avoid this tiring situation... it doesn’t get any better than that, does it?

“......”

I had a high probability of deducing the correct escape route based on the <Darkness Exploration Records>. So, if I could avoid being detected by the changgwi, I might actually get out of this creepypasta easily!

‘But...’

Isn’t that a one-person-only solution?