NOVEL NEXT Chapter 47
[!DOCTYPE html]
<html>
<head>
[meta charset=”UTF-8″]
</head>
The presence outside the door continued to press the doorbell.
Ding-dong… Ding-dong…
The bell rang at regular intervals, like subway signals. Every three seconds, with mechanical precision, it chimed. Through the sound of the bell, Narae’s familiar voice seeped through.
Normally, her voice was always brusque and arrogant, but this time it was different. It sounded as if a recorded message was being played back—somewhere between mechanical and emotionless tone. Even her speech carried subtle echoes.
Cold sweat trickled down my back. The hand in my pocket trembled. The mouth on my left palm moved restlessly, as if craving something. I could draw this thing into the void through a blood vessel, but…
“No.”
I couldn’t move rashly without knowing what grade this doppleganger belonged to.
As far as I knew, doppleganger horror stories ranged from D-class to A-class. In the world of horror stories where danger increased proportionally with rank, this was too reckless a gamble.
I ultimately chose silence.
I held my breath and moved away from the door. My heartbeat thundered so loudly that I feared it could be heard outside.
Bang-bang-bang!
This time, the sound of knocking echoed. The dull thuds of fists hitting the door shook the air inside the room. Dust fell from the ventilation grille above the door.
“Senior, I really need to talk to you. Please open the door.”
Narae’s voice grew sharper. The mechanical tones became more pronounced, sounding as though multiple voices overlapped. Her voice lacked natural resonance.
‘This isn’t definitely Narae.’
When I didn’t respond, footsteps were heard in the corridor. At first, they seemed to pace around, then gradually faded away.
Moonlight seeped through the window. Afraid someone might see me from outside, I drew the curtains. I turned off all the lights in the room and muted my phone, trying to minimize any noise.
‘Let’s just hold out until morning.’
In the silent room, only the ticking of the clock resonated regularly. Tick, tick, tick. It sounded like someone was counting time.
I lay down on the bed, waiting for dawn. But due to the tension, I soon fell asleep. Thankfully, it was a deep sleep without nightmares.
When I opened my eyes, it was morning. Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the window. It was an ordinary morning scene, yet last night’s memory came vividly to mind.
I looked around. The room was no different than usual. It was eerily quiet, making me wonder if last night had been a dream.
But when I slightly opened the front door, the scattered footprints outside confirmed it had been real.
I immediately turned on my phone and accessed the Horror Story Gallery. With trembling fingers, I wrote a post.
-[Title] Doppleganger horror story popped up; what do I do? Sb
-[Author]: White Night
-Content: While I was on vacation from the Catastrophe Foundation, I apparently helped investigate some horror stories and even mingled with colleagues. So, I waited at work to catch the creature, but it didn’t show up like me, having Nosstradamus’ eye. Last night, it even came to my house disguised as a colleague. I managed to pretend I wasn’t home, but how do I defeat this thing?
As soon as I posted, Cryptid’s comment appeared. As usual, it was sharp analysis.
[Cryptid]: Since you didn’t receive any mental attacks upon meeting, it seems this isn’t the Seoul Catalogue variant. Its deliberate avoidance suggests it’s not a classical doppleganger either. Judging by its ability to freely change appearance but inability to break through doors, its physical specs seem human-level. However, given its intent to kill you, it resembles CTP-4444.
Instantly, the serum’s effect brought information about CTP-4444 to mind.
———————
[The Thing]
#Foundation Code: CTP-4444.
##Rank: B.
###Description:
CTP-4444 is a mutated lifeform discovered in a parallel universe. Its original form remains unknown, but it possesses the ability to perfectly replicate other lifeforms’ cellular structures.
###Characteristics:
– CTP-4444 analyzes the DNA of organisms it comes into contact with and creates perfect replicas within hours.
– Once replicated, CTP-4444 shows a tendency to eliminate the original regardless of method.
– It perfectly mimics the memories, speech patterns, and behavioral traits of the victim.
– Under stress, it tends to revert to its original form, revealing grotesque deformities.
###Discovery Circumstances:
[Data deleted] Discovered during parallel-world experiments at the research facility. Initially disguised as one researcher, leading to the entire lab being quarantined.
###Containment Procedures:
1. CTP-4444 must be stored in a cryogenic chamber below -40°C.
2. All personnel approaching the containment area must undergo mandatory bio-scanning.
3. Internal containment areas are monitored 24/7 via thermal cameras.
4. Employees showing suspicious behavior must be isolated and examined immediately.
###Incident Record:
Incident 44-A: [Data deleted] Three researchers died after infection by CTP-4444. All contacts were subsequently eliminated using flamethrowers.
###Research Records:
Excerpt from Researcher Interview:
“It… perfectly deceived us. Dr. Kim acted normally, but when his skin split open… [Data deleted].”
———————
CTP-4444. A shapeshifting entity from a parallel universe that kills the original to take its place—a concept straight out of a horror story.
Once the identity of the opponent became clear, a plan to counter it quickly emerged.
I quickly thanked Cryptid and entered the Dalant Shop. I purchased a 300,000 Dalant one-time-use multi-dimensional replicator and a 150,000 Dalant Pocket Inferno Lighter.
‘One-time-use Multi-Dimensional Replicator Type-C’
-Rank: C
-Price: 300,000D
-Description: A special device that transmits identical objects from a parallel world to reality. Originally developed for military purposes, it was scrapped due to a fatal flaw where duplicates annihilate each other into Menger sponge-like forms upon contact. Currently traded secretly among collectors for acquiring rare items. Entering target information into the keyboard sends the duplicate object from the parallel world in approximately three minutes. However, once used, the core component ‘Multi-Dimensional Crystal’ is destroyed, rendering it unusable. Duplicate objects must never come into contact with the original, as the resulting annihilation can cause significant collateral damage.
‘Pocket Inferno Lighter’
-Rank: C
-Price: 150,000D
-Description: A high-performance portable flame generator developed by Prometheus Lab. Though resembling a regular lighter, it emits flames at 1,500 degrees Celsius up to three meters when ignited. Commonly purchased by adventurers to protect themselves from dangerous creatures or harsh weather. Special fuel lasts for approximately 100 uses but cannot be recharged, necessitating disposal once depleted. Separate safety training is required for civilian use.
First, I used the multi-dimensional replicator to duplicate my left eye. Carefully, I placed the replicated eyeball in a saline-filled case. This was part of my plan to exploit the fact that duplicates from the parallel world would annihilate upon contact with the original.
‘Now the preparations are complete.’
I changed into my suit and headed to the office. It was earlier than usual. Considering the 24-hour cooldown period of Nostradamus’ Eye, the doppleganger was likely already there.
The morning commute subway was bustling as usual. Although it might be paranoia, it occurred to me that one of the passengers could be the doppleganger chasing me. Cold sweat poured down as I arrived at the company.
My suspicions were correct.
I spotted another version of myself talking with Kang Hana at her cubicle.
It was a perfect replica of me. Even the knot on the necktie matched the way I usually tie it.
“Hey, long time no see, Doppleganger.”
As I waved and spoke, the creature’s eyes widened in surprise. The startled expression was evident.
“…What?”
It probably thought I wouldn’t come to the office after yesterday’s scare. However, that surprised look quickly turned into a confident smile.
With a shrug, the doppleganger said to the bewildered Kang Hana,
“Well, doesn’t matter. I’ll just kill him and be done with it.”
Its voice was cold, devoid of any emotion. I smirked and replied,
“Coincidence. I was thinking the same thing.”
Then, I took the duplicated eyeball from the case. The black pupil gleamed ominously under the fluorescent light.
And I threw the eyeball towards the doppleganger’s head.
In an instant.
The replicated eyeball touched the doppleganger’s left head.
Kwaang!
Simultaneously, the annihilation phenomenon occurred.
The creature’s left head exploded into a Menger sponge-like form.
Employees passing through the hallway gathered one by one at the sudden loud explosion.
A blow that would have killed an ordinary person many times over. But true to form as a horror entity, it didn’t die.
Black liquid began to flow from the torn left side of its head, wriggling like a living organism trying to restore its original shape. Black flesh masses crawled toward each other, intertwining.
While stroking the ruptured left side of its face with its index finger, the creature muttered,
“This guy…”
For the first time, emotion crept into its voice. Anger.
Indeed, fitting for a B-class horror story—it wasn’t going down easily.
I pulled out the Pocket Inferno Lighter from my pocket. Flames at 1,500 degrees should surely melt this monster.
I said to the creature charging towards me,
“Let’s finish this for real.”
[!– Slider main container –]
</html>