Chapter 42.1

Chapter 42.1

Step, step.

I was quietly walking through an exhibition that plucked out human eyes.

And next to me was someone who perfectly fit the ‘human trash’ archetype in a horror story.

‘I really wish Baek Saheon would just keep quiet and act like a human totem.’

On the way here, I’d seen horrifying shadows crawling on the floor a few times from a distance. Each time, I couldn’t be more thankful to have someone with me...

‘As long as I don’t let my guard down. That’s the key.’

Braun spoke to me in a tone that suggested he was amused.

– Mr. Roe Deer, this fellow talks in such an interesting way. It’s almost like he’s someone else entirely.

‘Do you hate it?’

– Not at all! It’s utterly fascinating. It’s as though he’s created a more exaggerated... persona for the sake of a show.

Hm. That’s a fair point.

– So, is leaving this magnificent exhibition your ultimate goal?

That’s correct.

And...

‘I’ve already made my escape plan.’

I’d confirmed that this exploration was recorded as the seventeenth entry in the <Dark Exploration Records>, so I based my escape strategy on that case.

I’d even decided which of my items to use.

– Oh!

– But is it necessary to use the word ‘escape’? Wouldn’t it be easier to just grab any staff member and ask them to guide you to the exit? They’d surely oblige politely!

That’s where the problem begins.

‘The staff in this exhibition are machines.’

The kind with spider-like legs that swing ominously.

– Hmm. And?

‘And each machine only knows information about its designated area.’

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Each area of this exhibition is equipped with an usher for the convenience of visitors.

While some past visitors referred to these ushers as ‘monsters’, they are, in fact, vintage mithril automated-kiosk steam dolls, a model from Imperial Year 62627.

Though their memory units are somewhat limited to information about their specific areas, they are historical and meaningful artistic artifacts.

Even knowing this, I swallowed involuntarily.

‘Does it mention anything about the exit?’

– Unfortunately, no! It mostly describes the floors and their exhibitions.

– Oh, and by the way, you’re currently on the second floor. ...Ah, wait a moment. There’s also a description of this mansion’s history!

“......!”

This was information not included in the <Dark Exploration Records>.

‘Keep going.’

– Of course, Friend!

– This is the grand estate of a most noble... and refined collector. Through their charitable spirit, they’ve dedicated this endless exhibition to sharing their art and philosophy.

– Furthermore, this historic mansion is composed of seven floors above ground... and 7,221 floors below ground.

“......”

Wait.

What?

‘Below ground... 7,221 floors?’

– That’s correct. Hmm, it seems they’ve been collecting for quite a long time!

I froze.

‘...I already knew there was a basement.’

It wasn’t described at first.

The early exploration records of this ghost story, <Manor of the Blind>, detailed lucky escapes from the ground floors or the deaths of those who couldn’t get out.

Those records drew readers in, sparking popularity.

As the records expanded and the world of the story grew, some explorer inevitably made a discovery.

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The 23rd record is a testimony left by a visitor who entered the basement floors via the elevator.

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The existence of the basement floors.

From then on, records detailed people descending into the basement after failing to find a way out on the floors above ground.

The relentless descent in search of an exit—down and further down—conveyed an overwhelming, chilling fear.

At this point, the ghost story became categorized as cosmic horror.