I had already experienced it firsthand several times before, how most of the ghost stories handled by the Disaster Management Bureau result in fatalities.
Because for something to be registered as a supernatural disaster, there must be human casualties.
In that sense, tasks that allow you to act as a bureau agent while staying a step removed from actual harm… can seem very appealing. I mean, I get it. But still.
"Wait, so… I'm supposed to drive at an ungodly hour… with a ghost in the passenger seat?"
"Yes."
"..."
You've got to be kidding me.
"Don't worry. No driver has ever died."
"..."
"At worst, there have been mild heart attacks or brief loss of consciousness. You won't need any major mental preparation."
Oh, I will, actually.
I almost turned to stare at Agent Bronze in betrayal and disbelief, but managed to hold it in.
'Wait a second.'
…If I blatantly say I'm scared right now, won't I just be told to quit? I already complained once to get out of the Dispatch & Rescue Unit. If I do it again, Agent Bronze—who already seems a bit awkward around me—might just sigh in relief and encourage me to switch careers altogether.
'No way!'
That'd be the worst possible route for a spy.
So I changed strategies.
"Um, but… I'm not in a condition to drive."
"..."
Lowering my head and playing the part of the pitiful rookie, I glanced at my empty right arm.
Yes.
'They wouldn't actually make someone drive with one arm… right?!' Unless someone had trained that way from the start, how the hell is a person supposed to drive with a ghost, at 2 a.m., after suddenly losing an arm?!
This should naturally get me reassigned to something else, but…
"That won't be an issue."
...
"Pardon me?"
Agent Bronze looked at me with a faint smile—the first I'd seen in days.
"It's time you receive treatment for your arm."
Ah.
Thinking about it now, it made perfect sense.
The bureau wasn't stupid enough to just throw someone with one arm behind the wheel.
Before starting this task, it was only natural they'd do something about my missing right arm.
'Should I laugh or cry?'
Honestly, I kinda wanna cry.
Thanks to that, though, I finally got to enter the main facilities of the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau with Agent Bronze.
'I can't believe I'm actually getting to do this.'
"This way."
"Yes…!"
I followed Agent Bronze, not into the bustling city hall where civil servants were hard at work, but instead around the back, down the narrow alley between City Hall and the Seoul Library.
The shadows of both buildings made the path dim.
As we walked past the unmanned library book return kiosk at the rear of the Seoul Library…
'Here.'
A glass walkway connecting the two buildings stretched overhead. Stepping beneath that bridge…
Shiiing.
The metal badge I wore gleamed and reflected faintly onto the narrow flowerbed beneath the library window.
And then, a door that had not been visible revealed itself.
"…!!"
The flowerbed widened and deepened, and a hidden space emerged. A clean, opaque glass door with a nameplate.
[ Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau ]
"Please enter."
And so, in the narrow path between Seoul City Hall and the Seoul Library —where countless pedestrians passed by without noticing, we entered the hidden headquarters of the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau through that secret door.
For the record, it was an automatic door.
'Whoa.'
And inside… surprisingly, it looked just like a typical government office. A slightly aged interior, with people of various ages in business attire walking around doing their jobs.
Though, the conversations being exchanged were anything but ordinary.
"How many people died?"
"Fifteen."
"What the hell's going on at Dobong District lately? That damn haunted phone booth just won't stop…"
Everyone was moving in a hurry.
And occasionally, strange lights or shadows followed behind them, Perfectly capturing the eerie public-institution atmosphere of this ghost story world.
"The bureau's main facilities are located underground. They say it's much harder to hide things above ground."
"I see…"
I stepped into the elevator with Agent Bronze.
It looked like a typical, moderately outdated modern elevator, But instead of buttons for floors, there was a keypad input system.
'Probably so people can't easily tell how many underground floors there are…'
[07]
Agent Bronze quickly entered the code.
"The Equipment Management Unit is on B7."
We got off at Basement Level 7, which had the exact same layout as B1, and went straight to the door at the end of the hall.
[Supernatural Equipment Registration Room]
As we entered, a middle-aged civil servant seated alone in the small office looked up and greeted us with recognition.
"Ah, Agent Bronze! Just in time, the senior in your team was asking… Oh, is this the new recruit?"
"…Yes. That's right."
"Hello…! I go by Agent Grapes..."
"Ahaha, I see. Nice to meet you! I'm Oh Jeong-hye, administrative officer in the Equipment Management Division. I'm not a field agent, so I don't have a codename."
The middle-aged officer smiled and led me and Agent Bronze deeper inside. She opened a door that looked like a display case made of old wood in a deep hue… revealing shelves stretching far inward like a warehouse.
"…!"
"Now then, what you'll be issued today, Agent Grapes…" Her voice gradually faded behind me, and the warehouse ahead grew darker.
"This one!"
Twinkle.
Something glinted, like moonlight hitting glass.
I looked at the item on the nearest shelf.
A worn and cracked glass lantern.
But so delicately crafted that light shimmered through the fine glasswork. And at its center, a pale blue flame flickered wildly as if it had noticed me.
"This dokkaebi flame just came in today. It's full of energy! Says it's super excited to help you."
Oh my god.
This turned out to be the coolest, most anticipated method possible.
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau / Items
Dokkaebi Flame Lantern
A glass lantern imbued with a will-o'-wisp, consecrated with sacred energy over a hundred days.
Usually inhabited by a mischievous yet kind spirit, the wisp cools itself and trains while residing within.
The item adapts to the user and follows them as a natural accessory, sometimes even serving as a substitute limb.
When compatibility is high, the user can access several of the dokkaebi flame's playful tricks.
Usage Condition : Available only to Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau civil servants who have received authorization for its use.
========================
"Would you like to try it now?"
With a trembling left hand, I carefully accepted the glass lantern. In that moment, the glass collapsed.
"...!"
The shattered transparent lantern reassembled my missing right arm with a crisp sound, like piecing together ice shards.
Then, as the dokkaebi flame enveloped it…
"It worked!"
…my arm transformed into a normal, intact one.
I moved it.
…It responded perfectly.
No pain at all.
'Wow.'
Of all phenomena categorized as ghost stories, this one was among the warmest and most comforting I'd ever encountered.
It feels more like something from a folktale or legend.
I flexed my right hand. It moved by my will but still felt strangely cool and soft.
Then, suddenly, my right thumb shot up on its own.
"…?!"
"Ah, it's got a bit of a mischievous streak. But that'll probably help you on the job. Haha!"
"…Yes, ma'am."
So this is what even civil servants become like after being immersed in the ghost story world…
And so, I filled the void of my right arm with the spiritual energy of a dokkaebi flame.
Of course, it wasn't permanent.
"We didn't personalize it with your birth sign or perform a dedicated consecration ritual, so it'll revert to a lantern after three days. When that happens, just come back for a recharge."
Yeah, I figured as much. They wouldn't hand over a custom-made, official dokkaebi flame lantern to a rookie right off the bat.
What I got was probably more like a shared, general-purpose item than the real thing that lets you use proper dokkaebi tricks.
'If they handed these out freely, the bureau would be OP and collapse the balance in the Dark Exploration Records.'
"You must want a custom version made, right? That requires a full consecration ritual, which you can't get with this temporary issue. You'd have to pass a dokkaebi's trials, too… Goodness, it's powerful but no easy task."
That kind of treatment was reserved for aces or team leaders within the bureau anyway.
'Having a reason to use a healing potion mid-mission will be helpful, though.'
At any rate, I bowed my head and thanked the two supervising officers who helped me complete the issuance paperwork.
"Thank you very much."
"Oh, no need for that."
And the administrative officer from the Equipment Management Division gave me a tip with a wink over her glasses.
"Agent Bronze has never gone this far to take care of a rookie before."
"…!"
"He always works himself to the bone without showing it. He's admirable, but sometimes it's a bit sad to watch… I'm glad to see he's getting along well with you."
"Ah, thank… you."
"Don't mention it."
…Whether we were really getting along or not, I wasn't sure. But after spending time with him today, he definitely seemed more courteous and attentive than I'd expected.
Maybe he'd had time to sort out his thoughts while I was hospitalized?
'Maybe he decided he should treat me decently, even if it's uncomfortable, since he kind of owes me his life.'
Either way, I was genuinely grateful.
On our way back, Agent Bronze had said this to me.
– It may take time, but someday… let's find you a personalized dokkaebi flame of your own, too.
– …Thank you, sir.
It was honestly kind of fascinating. I couldn't help but wonder what form mine would take.
'If I can use a dokkaebi's tricks too, escaping ghost stories might become way easier.'
Of course, the odds of that happening were low. My spy assignment would likely end before then. And frankly, it'd be better for me if it did. But it was still a fun thought.
…Even if it felt extremely strange to have a right arm that wasn't really mine.
...And even if I was now stuck waiting until dawn to serve as a ghost's personal cabbie.
'Save me.'
I endured the wait in silence, suppressing my groan.
Now that I had both arms, I couldn't wheedle myself out of driving.
'Guh, hiic…'
Time passed mercilessly, and at last… the moment came.
2:00 a.m.
Darkness loomed over the Express Bus Terminal Station. Of course, it also had to be drizzling.
The regular operation hours of public transportation had long since ended, the crowds had vanished, and silence settled in.
Only a few taxis like mine were parked in a row, taking advantage of the night surcharge and the absence of other transport options.
"..."
I gripped the steering wheel tightly.
Three civilians were trapped and unable to escape after seeing a ghost in the restroom near Express Bus Terminal Station. At around 12:45 a.m., they were safely rescued and returned to reality.
Now, if the ghost is safely returned to its original location, the supernatural phenomenon will conclude.
And the person tasked with 'safely returning the ghost to its original location'… was me.
'Agent Bronze said he'll be waiting at the destination.'
Huu…
Alone in the silent car, I took a deep breath.
Although the ghost has already lost its chosen offering, it cannot cause direct harm to the driver. However, various strange phenomena may occur inside the vehicle. Do not panic and respond calmly.
Now, let me explain the vehicle assigned to you.
And that's how I ended up in this four-seater taxi with at least two number 8s on its license plate.
As I was sitting in that very car, I could barely hold it together behind the wheel.
The ghost will check the license plate at the taxi stand, then board the vehicle assigned to you.
Eventually.
From the looming darkness outside, a long-haired figure appeared, peering into the windshield.
She was… bowing her head low, staring at the license plate.
"…!"
I tried my hardest to keep my hands from shaking on the wheel, pretending to stay calm.
If the driver shows signs of agitation, the ghost may leave the taxi. In that case, the Disaster will not conclude. Please be careful.
The long-haired silhouette staggered oddly toward the passenger side. Then—
Knock, knock.
I unlocked the door.
A person with her face nearly hidden by their long hair and dressed in a faded, seasonally inappropriate summer outfit got in.
As they entered, they mumbled,
"Please take me to Sajiyuk Cemetery…"
Click.
The passenger door closed.
"Understood."
"This car's number is nice. The number is…
goodeighteighteighteighteighteighteighteightgoodeighteighteighteight…"
I nearly passed out.
"Is that so."
Doing my best to sound composed, I tapped the destination into the navigation system.
Sajiyuk… Ceme…tery…
– Search complete.
A location with a name too strange to be real was, shockingly, found. The GPS began guiding the route.
– Estimated arrival time: 4:04 a.m.
"..."
Two hours.
I barely pressed down on the pedal.
The car started moving, leaving the Express Bus Terminal behind…
Vrrrrrrr…
The engine was the only sound left in the car.
Now I had to sit in this cramped space with a ghost for the next two hours. While driving. Without getting into an accident.
"..."
"..."
A strange chill crept through the car.
The plaster air freshener on the dashboard swayed, but instead of a floral scent, it gave off something else.
The smell of something burning.
Suffocating silence.
– Turn left in 200 meters.
My hands on the wheel almost twitched.
Even the emotionless voice of the navigation system sent shivers down my spine.
"..."
I did my best not to let my emotions show. More precisely, not to look to my side.
But the less I looked, the more terrifying it became. Sweat gathered on my palms, and I couldn't focus properly on the dark road ahead. Maybe it would be better to just look! Not knowing just made it worse! The imagination, the pressure… it's unbearable!
'Just a little, just a little.'
"..."
I glanced at the passenger seat.
The long-haired woman was sitting quietly…
With her neck was twisted around.
"I can't breathe."
I focused on the steering wheel.
"Something's chasing us!"
Eyes fixed on the road.
Cold sweat clung to the back of my neck.
I couldn't stop picturing what I had just seen. Her head completely twisted, her face crushed against the headrest, only the back of her head visible under all that black hair…
"Hey! Driver, I said something's chasing us! Look behind you, behind you!"
BEHIND YOU!
I turned my head.
And…
"...Ah. It's another vehicle."
I checked the side mirror.
"Don't worry, ma'am. There aren't many cars on the road right now, so I guess that one's just speeding. I'll keep driving safely."
"Ah, yeeees drive safe, drive safe—"
"..."
I didn't look at the passenger seat again.
I didn't look behind me either.
I tried my hardest, so hard, not to look anywhere…
'This isn't gonna work.'
Ha. This is driving me absolutely insane. I can't, I really can't… I need some sound. Anything.
"Would it be alright if I turn on the radio?"
"Yes."
I forced my frozen hand forward and turned on the radio.
Turning on the radio will temporarily calm the ghost passenger.
[Welcome to the late-night romance that keeps you company through the deep hours. Hello, this is Kim Miyeong's Deep Night Romance Radio.]
The smooth, stable voice of the radio DJ briefly drove back the fear.
'Huu.'
I could finally breathe.
But the radio wasn't a cure-all.
Though it resembles a real radio broadcast, the longer you listen, the more unsettling the content becomes.
Traffic accidents dated a week into the future, condolences for disasters that haven't happened, interviews with the dead, and so on.
It is recommended to leave the station on the initial broadcast. The more you change frequencies, the stranger—and more horrifying—the content is likely to become.
This was the reason I hadn't turned it on earlier.
I only played it now as a last resort, and I was still prepared to shut it off at a moment's notice. Please, please, please, just let this buy me a little peace…
[Now, let's welcome today's guest! This is a program I personally enjoy watching—yes, it's the Late-Night Talk Show!]
"...!"
[We have a legendary host in the radio booth tonight. Everyone, please give him a warm welcome!]
[Host of 'Braun's Late-Night Talk Show', the incredible and marvelous Braun!]
…Wait a minute.