Chapter 48.3

Chapter 48.3

I had no idea what requirement I had fulfilled in the exhibition to unlock it, but I reached for the glowing black notepad and lightly touched it, stretching as I did.

Click.

A clear sound accompanied the small, lightweight object, still in its plastic packaging, as it fell into my hand.

“......”

Shining silver, it was shaped like a small shield with the word ‘CHARGE’ embossed in elegant calligraphy.

It’s...

A badge.

‘Ah.’

I understood immediately.

The condition I’d fulfilled was... ‘good deeds’.

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Dark Exploration Records / Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau

/ Items

Silver Heart

Wearers earn the reverence of others proportional to their cumulative altruistic actions.

Strongly influenced by the creator’s belief that ‘it is socially most efficient for altruistic individuals to gain power’.

Item Usage Qualification(s) : Must have saved 12 or more lives in a supernatural disaster.

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This so-called ‘badge of character’.

It was an item produced and distributed by the Disaster Management Bureau.

It had exploded in popularity after a legendary performance in the exploration records of a sealed ghost story involving a train explosion.

Its unique properties were part of what made it stand out.

As the description suggests, it was an item exclusively for good people. It allowed altruists to wield influence within a group.

‘The fact that I now qualify for this is... overwhelming.’

It felt like too much responsibility.

While this item was generally used in heartwarming ways, there was that one time it led to a catastrophic disaster of utterly insane proportions.

‘That’s how it always goes with creepypasta universes.’

Whenever enough goodwill accumulates, something horrifying inevitably slips in to raise the stakes.

In the past, there were records of this badge being distributed to exceptionally kind civilians, but over time, it became strictly regulated and only loaned to government employees under tight rules.

I remember watching the wiki updates happen in real time.

What does this mean?

It means that at this point, no one would ever predict a Daydream Inc. employee using the ‘Silver Heart’.

‘Which is why I can actually use it.’

“Not even the exclusive equipment for section chiefs has this kind of ability. This is a company specialty. Its point value? About 10,000.”

Assistant Manager Eun grinned and gave me a pat on the back.

“You’ll find it handy someday. Our line of work is dangerous, after all. Isn’t it great to know you can get your arms, legs, eyes, or nose back if you lose them?”

Honestly, ma’am, you didn’t have to put it quite like that...

“And one more thing—it might be disappointing, or it might be good news. Wanna hear?”

“Yes?”

“You’re not the only one getting it.”

* * *

“Soleum-ssi!”

“Hello.”

I waved to Go Yeongeun, who had called out to me. Baek Saheon was sitting next to her.

The company had gathered the three of us for a photo op as part of the bonus reward ceremony. It was the first time I’d seen them since the escape.

You’d think Baek Saheon and I would see each other all the time, being roommates, right? But lately, he’s been holed up in his room.

Thanks to that, I’ve been enjoying the living room TV with Braun in peace.

“Have you been resting well? Are you feeling alright?”

“I’m fine. How about you, Go Yeongeun-ssi...”

As I spoke, I realized something.

Go Yeongeun was focusing intently on my lips, trying to read them as I spoke.

“My hearing... hasn’t returned yet.”

“......”

As expected.

At least the rental auditory device she’d been using automatically deactivated upon leaving the exhibition, so there was no worry about exhibition staff chasing after her.

And in her hands was the bonus reward the company had just given her.

When she opened the ornate box, adorned with gold embossing and mural-like decorations, it revealed a beautifully wax-sealed glass bottle.

Inside the glass, the light green liquid shimmered like new spring leaves.

: Daydream Potion :

Regeneration

C (excellent)

It was a C-grade regeneration potion.

Go Yeongeun held the glass bottle aloft, her eyes filled with a mix of hope, uncertainty, and anticipation.

“Well then, I’ll go ahead and try it right now.”

“Please do.”

Go Yeongeun opened the Regeneration Potion and downed it in one go.