Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work [Novel] Chapter 1 - Chapter 1 is available as a full text chapter. Published May 16, 2026 and updated July 15, 2026.
Translator: Nox
Even if I fall into a ghost story, I still have to go to workChapter 1
Have you ever been completely obsessed with something?
I mean, beyond just thinking 'this is fun,' have you ever been so deeply impressed that you spent extra time and money on it?
You know how it is.
Watching the director's cut of a movie, buying the artbook for a game, paying for previews of a webtoon, going to a singer's concert...
If you go a step further, buying derivative merchandise could be another example.
Yes, what people call 'goods.'
Figures, slogans, badges, plushies...
I can state with certainty that I had never spent money on such things in my life.
Until now.
This is a department store.
The wildly successful pop-up store had already finished distributing waiting tickets the moment the department store opened at 10:00 AM.
And I was one of those who received a ticket.
“The 2:30 PM slot, we will help you enter now!”
“Ah, finally!”
“Hey, let’s go, quick.”
The bright-eyed teenagers standing next to me ran toward the staff with excited faces.
‘2:30... right.’
I stood in line, pulling my hat down as far as possible.
However, I could hear whispering from behind.
“Huh...”
“Is he a reseller?”
“Isn't he a professional scalper?”
“…….”
It felt unfair, but it was understandable.
In this line, I was the only adult male who looked like an office worker!
‘Sigh...’
I groaned inwardly while looking at the entrance of the pop-up store.
[Welcome, Investigator who has come into the darkness.]
‘This is driving me crazy.’
The theme featured various monster caricatures and occult elements on a black and red background, with symbols of corporations, religions, and the government intersecting.
It was truly a world-building style designed to target the hearts of teenagers.
Even the title was a piece of work.
[Prophecy of the End: Records of Darkness Exploration]
Hah...
I barely managed to suppress the urge to cover my eyes with one hand.
‘Why did I have to start reading this at work...’
.
It’s a very hot internet ghost story universe lately.
You know, those collective intelligence open-source universes where people can participate and create stories as they please.
At first, it seemed to be a small spin-off from a famous ghost story that spread among students, but after meeting the Whetube algorithm, its influence reportedly exploded like crazy.
‘Records of exploring various supernatural phenomena called .’ Ghost stories with that concept.
Eventually, it became an independent wiki with thousands of recorded stories, which is how it caught my eye.
‘...Since it was text-based, it was so easy to read at the office.’
And they say anything is fun at work as long as it’s not work.
I fell deep into this universe, to the point where I eventually even created and uploaded a ghost story myself...
How did it come to this? Is my dopamine-deprived corporate life really the problem?
Moreover, the scale of this thing was something else.
‘I didn't think it would get this big.’
It’s now a massive IP reigning over Whetube, practically the "President of Middle Schoolers."
Naturally, corporations jumped on it to generate profit.
And this pop-up store is a part of that.
‘I mean, even so, this wiki had a "Recommended for ages 15 and up" tag on it.’
Why are there only kids here?
Hearing the whispers behind me is giving me a massive reality check, but...
“I’m sure he’s a scalper...”
“Hey, hey, he might be buying something for his nephew or cousin... let’s not be like that.”
No. I’m keeping it for myself.
...Actually, I came last week too, but the goods I wanted sold out right in front of me, so I visited again...
I even used a day of my annual leave.
‘At least last week there was a woman around my age.’
I happened to get a weekday afternoon slot where the only other adults are parents who followed their kids. I feel so ashamed I want to run away, but let’s endure it.
‘No, I don’t even know why I’m trying to endure this...’
Anyway, I entered the store following the staff's guidance.
The fact that the staff didn't seem fazed was my only consolation.
“Whoa!”
“Hey, it looks so real.”
Amidst the exclamations of middle schoolers, I saw the interior of the pop-up store, which was quite elaborately decorated, like a theme park.
And there were even kind classifications for the exhibition themes.
[Baegil-mong Corporation]
[Supernatural Disaster Management Agency]
[The Cult of Nameless Brilliance]
In this ghost story universe, there are three giant factions—Corporation, Government, and Religion—each trying to observe and secure supernatural phenomena... or so the setting goes.
‘At first, there were only ghost stories about the government's Disaster Management Agency, but I guess it turned out like this because so many people got excited and joined in.’
Anyway, this pop-up store seems to have gathered only the things that became hot topics on the internet.
Lumping everything together to release popular characters and ghost story items made it feel like a blatant cash-grab pop-up, but the quality was decent nonetheless.
‘Right. When else would I ever come to a place like this...’
Ignoring the stares, I quickly grabbed the items I intended to buy.
Since I had already bought most of what I wanted last week, it was a relief that there weren't many popular items among the things I picked up. The suspicious glares labeling me a reseller disappeared.
“Would you like to purchase an L-sized eco-bag to carry your items? It’s 5,000 won.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
I successfully finished checking out, but I couldn't leave the pop-up store immediately and was hesitating.
I turned my head to look at the space next to the counter where people were gathered in a line.
[Roulette Event]
: Create your own Darkness Exploration Record character.
That.
I saw it last week too, but I couldn't bring myself to stand in line and participate, so I went home...
‘I heard this pop-up ends tomorrow.’
It was a moment of intense conflict over whether it was okay to exchange this for my social dignity.
The staff member who had just finished their shift change at the counter looked at me, smiled, and spoke.
“The roulette event is only until today! Would you like to participate?”
“...Yes.”
Thank you.
Truly, thank you. Staff member...
“Great! Then please come this way! Ah, stand here...”
The staff member nimbly led me to the line in front of a giant black roulette wheel, and thanks to that, I naturally stood at the end of the line.
The line moved faster than expected.
Soon, I was at the very front and received a button that looked like a walkie-talkie.
“Then we’ll start with the Lucky Roulette first! Please stop it with the button whenever you like.”
Whirrr.
The roulette board began to spin with an artificial sound effect.
Rankings and prizes were visible in each slot.
Goods I had already purchased, exhibition items not for sale, and even random Bluetooth earphones...
Of course, the prize for the largest slot, 7th place, was just a small notepad or something. I’ll probably land on that.
But it was fine. At least I didn't have to leave without even participating.
‘Let’s not expect much.’
I thought so even as I carefully pressed the button the staff gave me.
Rattle, rattle... click.
However, my black roulette slowed down and... surprisingly, stopped here.
A single, thin golden slot.
[1st Place]
: Darkness Exploration Record Real Goods Box
“...!”
“Heol! Congratulations!”
Is this... for real?
“Whoa, crazy!”
“I’m so jealous, ah, I’m dying of envy.”
The area became noisy with screams, exclamations, and voices mixed with jealousy from behind.
“Wow, the 1st place finally came out on the day before the pop-up ends!”
The staff member seemed even more excited as they ran behind the roulette and returned with a large, plastic-wrapped box.
The black box, with a giant symbol engraved in silver foil, looked like a fairly well-made product in its own right.
I barely managed to take the box without my hands trembling.
“...Thank you.”
Quickly... I need to leave quickly and slap my face or something. Is this reality?
I tried to leave the pop-up store right away, but the staff member caught me.
“Ah! We’re giving out on-site custom goods, I just need your name!”
My name? My personal information has long since become public property after portal sites were hacked anyway. The important thing is just getting this home safely...!
“It’s Kim Sol-eum.”
“Okay! Sol-eum, just a moment.”
The staff member quickly operated a black vending machine that looked like a 3D printer next to the roulette.
Perhaps made specifically for the pop-up store, there was an explanatory text on top.
[Darkness Exploration Record Character Maker]
Ah. Is that the subtitle that was attached to the roulette event?
...‘Create your own Darkness Exploration Record character.’
It truly couldn't be more tailored to teenagers' tastes...
“Please enter your name here.”
“...Yes.”
Holding the goods box tightly with one hand, I quickly typed my name into the vending machine's pad.
The black vending machine made a rather noisy and eerie music box sound, performing a flashy show of turning gears.
Then it spat out a small object.
Click.
I picked up the familiar-looking item.
It was... an employee ID card.
[Baegil-mong Corporation]
Employee Kim Sol-eum
Field Exploration Team
“Wow! It’s Baegil-mong Corporation. One of the three most famous factions in our !”
“…….”
Yes. I know.
To put it simply, it’s the corporate cliché that does business with supernatural phenomena.
And among them, the Field Exploration Team is...
‘It’s a department like a suicide squad.’
A group like the Red Shirts in a certain SF drama. They’re the ones who get ground up whenever they go in to explore a supernatural phenomenon.
Of course, thanks to that, many named characters were also part of this Field Exploration Team.
“Wow! A Field Exploration Team ID card. I’m really looking forward to seeing what kind of activities Employee Kim Sol-eum will perform in the world!”
“Yes, thank you...”
I felt like my hands and feet were curling up in cringe, but I endured it.
‘At least it’s not a government agency or a cult ID card.’
It was rather a relief that it was a corporate ID card.
It was a bit embarrassing, but the staff member seemed to have developed an immunity from saying it so much, remaining calm like a typical worker in a capitalist society.
Anyway, receiving this ID card seemed to be the end of the roulette event.
“Thank you.”
I groaned as I looked at the ID card with my name printed on it.
‘This... I should tuck this away somewhere out of sight.’
No matter what, it seemed my cringe tolerance couldn't handle this any further.
In the meantime, the staff member asked excitedly.
“Do you like it? You’ll cherish it, right?”
“Yes.”
“Liar.”
……?
I looked up, thinking I had misheard.
Grin.
The staff member suddenly looked at me, their mouth stretching into a wide smile.
The corners of their mouth unnaturally lengthened upward, as if they would reach their ears...
“…?”
At that moment.
Dizziness suddenly washed over my head.
“…!”
The noise of the pop-up store vanished.
My vision surged dizzily as if covered in black paint, flickering red and blue.
And when the dizziness finally subsided.
I never dreamed... that the world would have completely changed.
[Welcome to all of you who have joined Baegil-mong Corporation!]
“…!?”
Before I knew it, I was looking at a central podium from the corner of some large lecture hall.
And.
Waaaaah!!
With a roar of cheers, firework effects exploded on the large beam projector PPT on the podium.
[New Employee Orientation]
While young professionals in suits politely clapped and cheered, a person who looked like the host flipped through the PPT with a beaming smile.
It was, by all appearances, a new employee orientation event for a large corporation.
Faces filled with the happiness of finally breaking through the employment barrier were flushed with pride and nervousness.
[Our new employees, who have joined us after overcoming a competition of 145:1, have every right to be proud! Haha! Now, we will begin the new employee orientation!]
“…….”
What is this?
I tried to step back, faltering.
But I realized I was sitting in a chair.
I was dressed in a suit. It was the outfit I had worn for a client meeting in the evening, but coincidentally, it looked similar to the ‘new employees’ filling this lecture hall.
Meanwhile, the goods box I received from the roulette event was sitting quietly on my lap.
“Excuse me, where did you get that? Is the company giving those out?”
“…….”
I couldn't even respond to the question from the new employee sitting next to me.
[You are the chosen successful candidates!]
[In fact, among those recruited through this new employee announcement, we have gathered only very special individuals here in Lecture Hall Room A for this orientation!]
[Congratulations! You have passed the aptitude test and been assigned to the Special Team, .]
“Assignments are out already?”
“Field Exploration Team? Is there such a place in Baegil-mong Corporation?”
“Field exploration at a pharmaceutical company...?”
“Uh, somehow it sounds like a place where people get exiled? Is it a branch office, not the headquarters? Are they just trying to lure us with sweet talk...”
Whispers hidden from the host could be heard from all directions, but I didn't even have the luxury to focus on them.
It was because I recognized the familiar company name and team name.
Baegil-mong Corporation.
Field Exploration Team.
......Like a bolt of lightning, a page from the wiki comes to mind.
-----
[Field Exploration Team] (Baegil-mong Corporation)
: One of the five teams under the Development Department of Baegil-mong Corporation, a giant faction appearing in .
The ill-fated team often referred to as the so-called "Suicide Squad."
But thanks to that, it's fun for people who write ghost stories.
-----
‘Wait a minute.’
...This is the original ghost story of the pop-up store I just participated in.
If so, what happens next is...
-----
A crazy department that filters out permanent employees by making them undergo a death survival right from the recruitment orientation.
It is also a consistently popular subject for wiki entries because it serves as a reminder of what happens when ordinary people attempt darkness exploration.
-----
“……!”
“Uh, what, what are you...”
I immediately kicked back my chair and stood up.
Regardless of the situation, I intended to run outside.
But it was already too late.
[However, before the formal hiring, there is a short probationary period. It’s not long! It will be conducted as an absolute evaluation to judge only your practical aptitude.]
[Of course, for each individual's evaluation to be properly conducted, active participation is essential, right? We will catch all free riders!]
Bang, bang-bang-bang.
The doors of the lecture hall closed one after another.
‘Dammit!’
In the meantime, the naive new employees, who still thought was just a large pharmaceutical company, still hadn't grasped the situation.
And so, while about a hundred new employees listened intently to the host, the host shouted brightly and energetically.
[Now, let’s begin!]
With that cheerful voice.
The lights in the lecture hall went out.
“…?”
“Huh?”
Perhaps thinking they were preparing to play a video or something, the new employees were still only slightly puzzled.
It was understandable.
‘They couldn't have expected such a crazy thing to happen right after getting a job.’
For instance.
The surrounding scenery suddenly changing to the inside of a desolate subway train.
[Passengers, thank you for using Abyss Transit Corporation today.... Our train does not stop.]
[For a pleasant journey to your final destination, please listen to the announcements.]
An announcement with a strange name I've never heard in my life comes on.
“……!?”
“Wha- what is this!?”
The new employees, who were sitting in a row on the subway seats in their suits as if the lecture hall had been moved as is, jumped up.
They had every reason to be flustered.
“Excuse me?”
“Is this like VR? Did we actually move?”
Still, it seemed many of the people who were in the lecture hall earlier were still there. Perhaps because of that, they felt somewhat relieved, and complacent reactions were the mainstream.
They were peeking around the subway looking for traces of the company, or searching for someone who looked like the event host or a company official.
And soon, they grasped the situation in their own way.
“There are other people in the front car! The door... uh, the door won't open, though?”
“Is it some kind of new technology?”
I closed my eyes tightly and then opened them, feeling like I was about to break into a cold sweat.
Because I already realized what ghost story this was in my head.
-----
[Welcome to Abyss Transit Corporation]
: A ghost story appearing in .
A crazy ghost story that boasts an overwhelming escape difficulty alone among the D-grade Darknesses written in the early stages.
And the eternally suffering Field Exploration Team.
Exploration has been recorded up to a total of ■■ times.
-----
.
As you can tell at a glance, it's a ghost story themed around the Korean subway.
-Waking up to find yourself inside a subway after falling asleep. It feels like the way home from work, but strange station names begin to be heard...
An intro like that.
Since the prey of the ghost story was the broad criterion of ‘someone who has commuted by subway,’ most office workers were applicable, which had the effect of making the reader even more chilled.
“…….”
‘And this ghost story is... Darkness under the jurisdiction of Baegil-mong Corporation.’
Apparently, with this ghost story, Baegil-mong Corporation intended to ‘filter’ the new employees. ......Damn it!
“Is it like an escape room?”
“I mean, why would a pharmaceutical company that makes hair loss pills give an escape room to new sales recruits...”
It was then.
[This stop is Sorrow, Sorrow Station.]
“…!”
“Sor...row?”
The first announcement came out.
I held my breath and turned my head.
[The doors are on your right....]
Clunk.
The train stops.
[The screen doors are opening.]
The doors open.
It’s like any other day in daily life, but.
[The doors will close in 30 seconds. There is no turning back.]
[Passengers whose final destination is Sorrow Station must get off according to the announcement.]
A familiar voice speaks kindly, mixing strange words and phrases into the announcement.
However, people tend to rationalize by finding something to be relieved about.
“Look outside! It’s just a subway station!”
It was exactly as said.
The appearance of the platform was clearly revealed outside the train doors. It looked a bit dark and damp, but anyway, it looked like an ordinary subway station.
At that, two or three people headed for the door, brightening up.
Ah, damn it.
“I think it’s better not to go out.”
“Pardon?”
This is driving me crazy. I spoke quickly, suppressing a sigh.
“You heard them say Sorrow Station just now. Where would such a station be in Korea? It sounds strange to anyone.”
“Ah...”
“Um, I think this person is right. Why don't you watch the situation a bit more...”
One quick-witted person chimed in with my words. It was the new employee who had been sitting next to me.
Perhaps because of that, the people who were about to leave hesitated even more.
“But still...”
“Hey, the doors are closing!”
However, at the sound of the doors closing, a few people who were in a hurry impulsively ran out...
It’s over.
[The doors are closing.]
“Ah!”
“I couldn't get off. Ah, f*ck.”
Seeing the ‘people who got off’ waving their hands on the platform, those who couldn't get off sighed as if disappointed.
Some even glanced at me and muttered curses under their breath.
I understand. In a strange and bizarre situation, they probably just wanted to run away without thinking.
But the thing is.
“Uh, uh?”
“That...”
A grotesque sight unfolds.
As the people who went out to the platform turned around to move,
Suddenly, countless silver droplets sprouted from the platform ceiling and pillars and poured over their heads.
Patter, patter, patter.
It was like giant tears.
However, the countless silver droplets poured onto the human bodies like molten iron, creating a terrible sound of rupture.
Screams. Screams. Convulsions.
Silence.
Blood mixed with silver liquid splashed onto the glass windows.
[The train is departing from Sorrow Station.]
The last view outside the window.
“…….”
In front of the screen doors, which were drenched in filth and blood, only the mangled remains of the new employees were left behind.
Wriggling.
“Aaaaah!”
“Ugh!”
It was the end for those who chose the wrong answer.
[For a pleasant journey to your destination, please listen to the announcements.]
Among the people shrunken with fear, screams and shouts finally began to smear the air.
‘It’s started.’
I closed my eyes tightly.
I fell into a ghost story?
I don't know how I ended up like this, but... I seem to have definitely become a new employee in a company team within a ghost story.
And in a team with a very high mortality rate at that.
‘Is this for real?’
Right. To be honest, I might be in a more advantageous position than the other new employees.
After all, haven't I read this entire ghost story wiki?
-----
3.2 Exploration Records
(Recorded up to ■■ times)
-----
It means I remember it quite in detail up to roughly this level.
And looking only up to here, I seem like a typical munchkin protagonist.
I could imagine myself looking cool as I escape from this situation with the taste of absolute superiority in information after being possessed into a world I like, right?
Do you think I could feel a bit confident at the thought of monopolizing fortuitous encounters and items from now on?
That could be the case.
But there’s a problem, one problem.
A very decisive problem.
‘......I can't watch scary things, f*ck!’
That’s right.
The point is that I... am a coward.
Text is fine. I can read it with interest.
But I’m a coward who can't stand it from the moment it becomes visualized.
And not just any coward, but a coward to the point of being teased like a dog among my friends!
-Is it for real that Sol-eum's crush asked him to watch a horror movie and he refused because he couldn't?-
-Lolololololol-
-F*ck, Sol-eum, your name is "Soreum" (Goosebumps), but you can't watch horror movies? Lmao-
-Man, even the crush who came would run away lol-
Lol-
You wanna die?-
-Sorry.
-Sorry.
A coward to the point that even when reading ghost stories at the office in broad daylight, if a scary background image or BGM flows, I turn off the data and only let the text show!
A long-term resident of the Coward's Shelter who couldn't even put a single image in the ghost story I submitted!
“…….”
I covered my eyes with both hands.
I, already, am screwed......
