Chapter 40.2

Chapter 40.2

‘Let’s just pretend I didn’t hear that.’

I took a deep breath and accepted the manual Assistant Manager Eun handed me.

...Reading this would mean entering the high-grade Darkness.

‘...Let’s mentally prepare.’

I read it all in one go.

+++

Greetings.

You are currently viewing a manual summarizing information about our exhibition’s previous visitors.

+++

“......!”

+++

Before proceeding, we would like to inform you that you have been invited to a very special exhibition.

+++

“......”

A chill ran down my spine.

‘I’m screwed.’

My eyes squeezed shut.

In my mind, a wiki page automatically flashed before me.

========================

Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story

[Manor of the Blind]

: A ghost story featured in <Dark Exploration Records>

: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-B-666

Greetings, dear guest. This text was written to invite you to a marvelous exhibition.

To ensure a smooth journey, once you’ve read this, no matter where you go, you will arrive at our exhibition.

Visitation records indicate a total of up to 106 previous attendees in this document.

Additionally, any attempts to record information about this ghost story are altered into the format of an invitation sent by the exhibition itself.

It is an honor to extend this invitation.

========================

A prime example of an informational contamination ghost story registered in the <Dark Exploration Records>.

The kind of viral sensation on video platforms that draws hundreds of thousands of views!

‘The Eyeball Collector.’

“......”

With a trembling heart, I looked back at the manual.

There it was—the exact line I had expected to see.

+++

To ensure a smooth journey, once you’ve read this, no matter where you go, you will arrive at our exhibition.

+++

And, just as it said, it happened.

“Hah.”

As I stepped back, I realized the texture of the floor beneath my feet had changed.

From the matte office tiles to the glossy, old marble.

Thuk.

Slowly, I raised my head.

Before me stood a massive mansion, so silent I could hear the flickering of candle flames.

The twilight and the glow of candles illuminated the grand, ancient interior in a reddish-golden hue.

Numerous displays cast faint outlines in the shadows...

“......”

Assistant Manager Eun Haje was nowhere to be seen.

But I didn’t do anything foolish, like call out for her.

Instead, I slowly backed away.

Then, I hid in a corner.

‘...Huu.’

Maybe it was because this was still the early stages of exploration.

‘In that case, wouldn’t the earlier phases of this exploration be recorded in the <Dark Exploration Records>?’

“......”

I pulled out my smartphone, dimmed the screen brightness to its lowest setting, and lay down to scroll quickly through the <Dark Exploration Records>.

And then...

‘Found it.’

========================

From the seventeenth visitor record:

This record documents an invitation extended by Daydream Inc. to thirty-four employees from the Field Exploration Team.

Seven of them returned home safely.

========================

This was it.

I was now part of this record, one of the thirty-four people who had entered during the seventeenth iteration.

And I was likely the thirty-fifth person.

‘...Only seven made it back safely.’

I was about to cross-reference the manual and the <Dark Exploration Records> for more detailed information when—

Creeeeeak.

“......”

From a distance, I began to hear a sound.

The slow, grinding noise of a moving machine.

And then—

Aaaaahhh! Why, why is it chasing us...!! Get away, get awaaaay!!!

Screams, accompanied by frantic footsteps.

“......”

Thud thud! Thud! Creeeak, thud! Rat-a-tat-tat, creeeak, thud!

The sound of something pounding against the marble floor grew closer.

Cold sweat trickled down my cheek.

Help us, no— NOOOO!!

Let us out, let us ouuuut...!!

The pounding of fleeing footsteps echoed louder, joined by panicked cries. The sound was right on the verge of reaching me.

At least ten or more people seemed to be running.

Behind them, a heavy mechanical noise pursued with deliberate, suffocating persistence.

Screeeeeech.

Thump.

A drop of cold sweat fell from my chin.

“......”

‘Maybe just one person.’

In the throes of extreme deliberation, I leaned out of the vent.

Swiftly, I grabbed the back of one of the fleeing individuals and yanked them toward me.

“......!”

Practically lifting them into the air, I hauled them into the vent and forced them to crouch down with me.

‘This space can fit one more person, just barely.’

If they were from the Field Exploration Team, the odds of them being a liability were relatively low.

“Hah.”

Fortunately, the trembling person seemed to grasp the situation and immediately fell silent.

They seemed quick-witted... wait a second.

“......!”

“......!!”

‘Baek Saheon.’

My roommate from the company dorm.

Wearing a goat mask, Baek Saheon swallowed hard as he crouched in the vent, staring straight at me.

I had just saved this punk’s life.