Chapter 45.1

Chapter 45.1

“Is... is it really okay for us to go by ourselves? Is this the right way?”

“It should be fine.”

Probably.

Understanding the omitted words, Go Yeongeun swallowed a scream.

After persuading his superiors, Kim Soleum had taken his two fellow new hires with him to ‘use’ the item and left the terrace.

‘He probably said that to make it sound logical.’

Since he had claimed one of them owned the item, it only made sense for that person to take the lead.

...Although, being lumped together with Baek Saheon under the umbrella term ‘us’ felt a bit unsettling.

‘Still, he’s unusually quiet right now.’

But for the moment, what lay ahead concerned him far more.

“Then I’ll take out the candle.”

Yes!

Go Yeongeun returned the paper Kim Soleum had given her, and he unfolded it. What happened next was astonishing.

A cylindrical, heavy chunk of pale purple wax rolled into his hand.

It was a real candle.

“......!”

The outline drawn with crayon remained imprinted on its surface, like a stamped pattern, revealing its transformation from a mere sketch into reality.

‘...Whoa.’

Kim Soleum momentarily forgot the situation, marveling at the sight.

Knowing what they planned to do with the candle only heightened his anticipation.

“Please wait a moment.”

Taking a deep breath, he pulled out a lighter and attempted to ignite the candle’s wick.

Fwoosh.

The flame brushed the wick...

And nothing happened.

“......”

“......”

Why... isn’t it lighting?

Kim Soleum even demonstrated his bizarre ability to flick a coin in midair, summoning a third hand to try igniting it, but to no avail.

“...Ah.”

As if recalling something, Kim Soleum hastily retrieved the candle kit’s instructions and skimmed them.

“Is there a problem?”

“......”

He lowered the instructions with a strangely dry expression.

“No, I don’t think so.”

But he knew the problem.

At the bottom of the chaotic, dark-red scribbled manual, in the section labeled ‘Precautions for Use and Handling’, one particular note stood out:

Go Yeongeun nodded slowly.

Though tension gripped her shoulders, she managed to regain her composure.

That was her specialty.

“You mentioned the exit is on the upper floors. So, starting from the middle—on the fourth floor—makes the most sense. It reduces the number of possibilities.”

“Yes, good plan.”

Their steps began to echo.

The thought of what lay ahead sent shivers down her spine, but Go Yeongeun clenched her teeth.

Here she was, probably the most timid of them all, tasked with holding the candle.

‘I have to do my best.’

Little did she know, the most cowardly of their group was right behind her!

Step, step.

Their footsteps reverberated through the brass-lit hall. As they ascended toward the fourth floor, no sounds of the usher machines could be heard.

But it wasn’t reassuring.

Because their destination was...

“Found it.”

It was right in front of the usher machine.

“......”

The new hires from <Daydream Inc.>, who had reached the fourth floor, followed the sound of the machine until they finally located the usher responsible for the hallway.

Screeeech.

“Hey, if you run out of the candle’s range now, it’ll chase after you.”

“You think I don’t know that?”

The cold exchange between Kim Soleum and Baek Saheon sent a chill down Go Yeongeun’s spine. It felt like the needle-like components of the machine might move at any moment to gouge out her eyes...

But swallowing her fear, Go Yeongeun stepped forward.

One step at a time.

Each step closer caused the reflection of the machine in the candlelight to waver. Standing before the grotesque spider-shaped machine, Go Yeongeun gave a slight nod.

“Hello.”

Screeech—

The usher machine moved. Its eight needle-like legs raised into the air... then slowly settled around its body in a neat formation. The machine lifted its head and respectfully shone a gaslight near Go Yeongeun’s feet.

“......!”

It worked.

Go Yeongeun swallowed hard. The candle’s blessing was successfully working for her. The blessing to impersonate an honorable being.

– The first card determines the purpose of the effect, the second dictates the method, and the third reveals its essence.

– When combined properly, it creates a deception targeting something honorable to hinder others...

– This ability is likely related to impersonation or trickery.

Right now, Go Yeongeun was impersonating the most appropriate ‘honorable being’ for this scenario.

The most favorable target for the usher machine.

A guest who had paid in full!