It Seems I Must Go to Work Even After Falling into a Horror Story Chapter 004

One person managed to escape from the horror story.

However, with their eyes gouged out.

“Phew….”

“Did you hear that sound?”

But unlike the last few times, the passengers were neither horrified nor sympathetic; they seemed tired and scared.

‘Is this the language of violence without persuasion?’

The train car was momentarily chaotic as people checked on the individual attacked by Baek Sa-heon.

[This station is Hatred, Hatred Station.]

“What nonsense about hatred…”

“Ha.”

The announcement only deepened the somber mood.

Ko Yeong-eun, who had been concerning herself with the newbie clutching their left eye, stood up, her face a little gloomy.

“I think that person has sustained serious corneal damage… it’s concerning…”

“Are you a medical professional?”

“No. I only studied that in university… I ended up changing majors and never took the national exam, so I’m just dabbling.”

With a sigh, Ko Yeong-eun sat down cross-legged on the floor.

[The screen door is now opening.]

The train door opened, but people merely glanced and hesitated to move. They only looked outside with wary eyes.

And simultaneously, they stared at me.

It seemed they might be checking if I was going to suggest we leave this place.

‘It’s reassuring they’re aware of me.’

I worried that Baek Sa-heon would heighten mutual suspicion, but instead, a common enemy had appeared, which eased the tension.

The chaotic situation seemed to have raised expectations for the next words from someone who had previously spoken confidently.

That someone would be me.

I wondered if they might even delegate the decision-making authority of the station to me…

“Uh, you’re… feeling pressured, right?”

“…?”

Ko Yeong-eun said with a troubled expression.

“People keep trying to rely on you.”

Isn’t that a compliment…?

“Everyone’s scared and anxious, so I hope you don’t feel too ashamed. Ah, I’m sorry.”

Am I the one who’s anxious and scared while trying to incite the others…?

“I’ve been trying to think of something too…”

Er, anyway, all opinions are welcome.

“What kind of thoughts have you had?”

“Well, regarding what you mentioned earlier, about the ‘final destination,’ I’ve been pondering.”

Ko Yeong-eun lowered her voice.

“If we consider the final destination for a person… is it death?”

“…!”

“That’s how it is, isn’t it? The end of a human life… No matter how you think about it, I can’t help but associate it with that. When similar words come up, I wonder if we should get off.”

Oh.

“But then is it just… dying peacefully? I can’t bring myself to say that.”

“Definitely, that’s a compelling point.”

“R-really?”

“Yes. However…”

I trailed off.

And I smiled without realizing.

“…?”

This was because I caught a glimpse of the name of the next station on the display.

“What is a destination, to begin with?”

“Y-yeah?”

“The dictionary says that a destination refers to a task to be realized or a direction to move towards.”

And the theme of this train is quite intuitive.

Sit down, look for lost items.

The directions are straightforward, and if you just follow them, you’ll be safe.

Even those who got off at the wrong station met their end in an incredibly intuitive manner.

In other words, I approach the expression ‘final destination’ in a similar manner.

“The destination this train refers to means a point that I have not realized or reached yet.”

When you consider this, the criteria for choosing a station becomes quite simple.

– Things I lack.

This brings the escape cases into clearer view.

———————=

1. Station names marked in colors like red, yellow, and blue: Escape successful for 2 people (Blue Station).

2. Station names marked with body parts like left arm, cornea, and heart: Escape failed (Attempt: Cochlea Station).

3. Station names marked with serial killer names: Escape successful for 12 people (■■■■ Station).

4. Station names marked with years like 2008, 2012, and 2016: Escape failed (Attempt: 2024 Station).

5. Station names marked with diseases like asthma, stroke, and glaucoma: Escape successful for 3 people (Attempt: Cold Station).

———————=

At Blue Station, those who got off without any blue on their bodies or possessions must have escaped.

And it’s understandable why there are more escapees at stations marked with serial killer names.

No one was that serial killer, after all; almost every station was the right answer.

‘Conversely, at stations with body parts, the probability of one lacking a body part is lower, so that would lead to escape failure.’

The same logic applies to stations marked with years. 2024 is a year the passengers have all lived through, hence the failure.

With this reasoning in mind, the station we need to get off at becomes evident.

– Emotions I lack.

“…So we must choose an emotion that we absolutely do not feel right now.”

“Pardon?”

This part is getting complicated.

‘Most people experience joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure.’

Unless you’re a person lacking in some emotion. It’s extraordinarily challenging to choose a station. Even if there are differences in intensity, everyone feels them.

So…

An emotional state that isn’t expressed in intensity.

‘It’s a concept that exists, but it’s exceedingly challenging to fully encounter it.’

This is what we need to select.

[This station is Tranquility, Tranquility.]

The announcement comes on.

It’s easy to think that a common emotion has appeared as a station name again. In fact, we often use the phrase, “That person is very tranquil,” in our daily conversations.

But…

‘It’s a phrase frequently used when guessing someone else’s state.’

Very few people would describe themselves as tranquil.

No wonder really.

In dictionary terms, tranquility means ‘having no worries or concerns in one’s heart.’

But can a person truly be without any worries or concerns?

‘The probability of that…’

Is almost nonexistent.

Especially in extreme situations like this.

“This station is the correct choice.”

“…!”

“I’m getting off here.”

I said confidently, without hesitation.

I immediately stood up. The people hesitated and then stood up to look at me.

“Y-you’re getting off here?”

“Yes.”

Then I approached the injured newbie and helped them to stand.

“I’ll assist you.”

“Ah, th-thank you….”

As I guided the injured person toward the door, the crowd unconsciously followed. There was no turning back now.

We’re all leaving together.

‘Good.’

If I can slip through the crowd for an exit…

[The screen door opens.]

But outside, it’s a sea of blood.

“……”

No… This crosses the line, no, fk, what the…

‘Help me.’

“Kim Sol-eum?”

Ko Yeong-eun almost hid behind me.

The last shred of dignity as a member of society was blocking me.

Instead, I craned my neck, looking back at the crowd.

“Is this… really okay?”

“Yes.”

Of course it is.

But no persuasive words came to mind to convince anyone to get off.

In fact, I didn’t want to get off myself.

I wish someone would convince me that it’s okay to stay inside. Please.

“…Um! I really think it’s right to get off.”

Huh?

Ko Yeong-eun?

“You’re the only one among us who’s confident in your opinion right now. Everyone’s scared, yet you’re staying calm on your own.”

Me?

“That person earlier threw a fit to get off by themselves… I want to hear the opinion of the good person who is at least trying.”

Then Ko Yeong-eun bravely stepped out the door.

The rusted platform flickered ominously, and liquid dripped from the exposed pipes instead of water.

Blood dripped onto Ko Yeong-eun’s shoulder. Ha, ha…

“Kim Sol-eum?”

“……”

“Please don’t worry. I believe in you! Let’s go!”

The injured person I was supporting encouraged me.

They probably thought I was hesitating to consider their will. I was starting to get confused about whether I was grateful or resentful myself.

Either way, thanks to them, I naturally followed Ko Yeong-eun out the door. The confused crowd filed out behind us.

I was relieved that I didn’t end up being the last one to leave.

It’s easy to overlook, but the scariest position is actually standing at the very back…

‘…Ha.’

At this point, I found myself wanting to cut ties with my own self.

“Shall we go up the stairs?”

“Yes.”

Even in the midst of this, Ko Yeong-eun shouted towards another compartment that was still open.

“Hey! Everyone get off! This is the right place!”

I’m not sure how effective it was. There were probably many who grew wary and refused to get off…

‘But still, if even one more person gets off because they heard that, it means saving that person.’

It’s somewhat admirable.

No, I’m trying to devote all my attention to that feeling of admiration…

Choosing to support the injured person was indeed a brilliant decision. Just when my nerves were dispersing and stress was creeping in, I found myself instinctively being restrained.

I would recommend this to every coward.

Of course, there wouldn’t be many who would end up in such a f*ed-up situation!

“Ugh….”

“Let’s walk.”

I tried my hardest not to look around as I walked among the people.

I spotted the stairs.

‘With things stuck all over like talismans…’

Realizing that everything wasn’t in a normal state sent chills up my spine…

‘Let’s concentrate only on the sensation of going up.’

One step.

Another step.

I walked silently.

Soon, my vision began to ripple…

[Congratulations, rookie employees!]

Before I knew it, we had returned to the lecture hall.

“…!!”

Bright lights.

Modern and comfortable, spacious indoors.

As reality returned, a giant screen flashed a clear message before me.

: Congratulations. You have been officially hired by Abyss Transportation Company’s Field Exploration Team.

“Ha…”

“Ah!!”

Those who escaped with me sank to the ground, as if their legs gave out.

I turned my head and counted the heads.

One, two. Three… seven.

All remaining people in the compartment.

‘I survived.’

From the horror story “Welcome to Abyss Transportation Company,” seven out of ten people in the same compartment escaped.

[Now, there will be a gift presentation ceremony!]