Ryu Jaegwan remembered vividly.
The mountain lodge where a series of murders occurred.
The person who, even when caught in that terrible disaster, found clues to stop the murders and tried to save even the villains who were the masterminds behind it.
The owner of the Silver Heart.
“ – They secretly hid people and staged the scene as if they had been killed.”
“ – I thought that would at least confuse the murderer and make them hesitate.”
And about his dedication and sacrifice shown in the bizarre nightmare of Sekwang Technical High School.
“ – I did acquire the name tag, but it is no longer in my possession.”
“ – I gave it to the person who was still alive in the classroom.”
In extreme situations, giving a lifeline to someone else is not something just anyone can do.
Ryu Jaegwan, who had seen all kinds of human behavior at the Disaster Management Bureau, was left speechless by such upright choices.
Of course, at the same time… he learned the shocking truth that the ‘owner of the Silver Heart’ was not an innocent citizen.
“ – ……Roe?”
A human being exploited like a puppet by an immoral and insane pharmaceutical company.
An ignorant and selfish office worker, bewitched like a fanatic by the absurd reward of a ‘wish ticket.’
That was Kim Sol-eum.
Giving such a person even a temporary agent badge was a blood-chilling and repulsive decision.
Certainly, it was like that…
“ – Both of you, leave me behind.”
“…….”
Sometimes, actions reveal more than the information that describes a person.
The person who, even with their stomach pierced, prioritized the safety of their colleagues and the accompanying agents.
‘Kim Sol-eum.’
He was now standing beyond the glass window.
While taking the Disaster Management Bureau’s agent exam.
“…….”
But somehow, the atmosphere felt different.
‘…Why can’t he meet my eyes?’
Kim Sol-eum always appeared neat and tidy during the few times they met, even when he was a high school student in a nightmare.
But now, the person beyond the glass had messy, disheveled hair and was bowing his head with glasses on.
Like a clumsy newcomer taking a test among many people for the first time.
Or perhaps…
As if he had suffered a great psychological blow somewhere and retreated inward.
‘…….’
However, Ryu Jaegwan shot a weary and wary gaze through the glass.
On the personnel document he was holding, the three letters of the name were clearly printed.
Name: Kim Sol-eum.
That was all there was.
‘There is no record of employment at Daydream Corporation.’
Except for his university years, the career section was entirely blank.
Ryu Jaegwan clenched his teeth.
This was so obvious it was almost laughable.
‘Did he come as a spy from that fraudulent company?’
It’s possible. No, it’s highly likely!
‘Did he really think I wouldn’t recognize his name and shamelessly applied like that?’
Assuming that I wouldn’t recognize him.
…A more thorough verification was necessary.
I must not be fooled by appearances and atmosphere!
“Give it to me.”
“Oh…!”
The Agent Bronze snatched the broadcasting equipment from the assistant interviewer and began the proceedings in a detached voice.
“ – Number 1, Number 2, Number 3, Number 4.”
“ – Attach the oxygen masks placed in front of you in order.”
The applicants hesitantly grabbed the oxygen masks placed in the center of the room.
The blood-stained oxygen masks, which looked as if someone had deliberately cut all the lines, shouldn’t have worked… but strangely, they powered on successfully.
The applicants swallowed nervously.
And without anyone refusing, they put the oxygen masks on their faces.
Everyone’s hands and feet turned cold.
“ – These oxygen masks originate from supernatural disasters and can lead to terrible consequences if misused.”
“ – From now on, every time you lie, it will supply something other than oxygen.”
“…!”
From beyond the glass, the applicants closed their eyes tightly or trembled in fear.
Number 4, ‘Kim Sol-eum,’ also slightly flinched.
Yes. He must be scared.
Especially if he came to infiltrate and do something filthy like a spy!
“ – Only testify to the truth.”
This aptitude test utilizes a ‘supernatural phenomenon’ authorized for limited use by the Disaster Management Bureau.
Lie detection.
Discernment of malice.
Identification of offenders.
Procedures and capabilities necessary to maintain the minimum ethical standards.
Ryu Jaegwan starred beyond the glass.
The agent candidates, frozen with oxygen masks on their faces.
“ – I will begin the questioning.”
A ruthless common question was presented.
“ – From now on, you must kill one of the four agent candidates who came here with you.”
“…!!”
“ – This is a measure to terminate the supernatural disaster.”
“ – Answer who you will kill.”
The applicants moved their lips in shock.
There was still no response.
However, in the room beyond the mirror, where the interviewers were, they were already ‘receiving responses.’
Number 1:
Kill, kill them? Crazy!
Number 2:
…Who should I choose? Isn’t saying I can’t kill anyone the correct answer? No, does an agent need to be ruthless? Argh, damn it…
Number 3:
Damn, I can’t believe they’re asking this outright! Should I check the person next to me?
Each person’s thoughts were clearly organized into words and displayed along with their numbers.
Instead of the usual pulse rate that should have appeared via the oxygen masks, strangely vivid and red sentences emerged.
Their innermost thoughts.
The Truth Respirator.
A residual phenomenon from the ‘Last Confession,’ a catastrophic supernatural disaster that occurred at a care facility in Gangwon Province.
And although it was somewhat unethical, the Disaster Management Bureau had consistently conducted similar aptitude tests.
And although it was somewhat unethical, the Disaster Management Bureau had consistently conducted similar aptitude tests.
Because failing to screen properly here could lead to a catastrophe.
The interviewers read the candidates' inner thoughts and evaluated them without batting an eye.
Panic, hesitation, criticism.
‘It’s ordinary.’
‘It’s acceptable.’
However, only one person showed an astonishing lack of reaction.
Number 4:
…….
Candidate Number 4.
Kim Sol-eum was not displaying any ‘thoughts’ on the screen.
He was simply wearing the oxygen mask quietly.
“Did he freeze in shock?”
“Look at how he’s bowing his head. He seems spineless.”
“…….”
Ryu Jaegwan, showing no sign of agitation, picked up the microphone again.
“ – Number 1. Answer.”
The young man in his 20s, who had been darting his eyes around, straightened up and answered.
“For the safety of the majority, sometimes ruthless choices are necessary. I, uh, volunteer to die….”
However, the words on the screen told a much more revealing and different story.
Number 1:
I-I don’t think I can do it…. But I have to believe I could die. That must be why they’re asking this way, right?!
‘Panic, lack of critical thinking, extreme submissiveness.’
….
Disqualified.
“ – Number 1. Remove your oxygen mask and wait.”
“…!”
Candidate Number 1 stood there blankly for a moment, then soon accepted the situation.
He staggered, removed his oxygen mask, and stood quietly in place.
“Um, can’t we hold off for now and ask him one more question…?”
“Shh.”
Another assistant interviewer stopped the one who was about to protest.
“The Agent Bronze has never been wrong in his judgment. Just leave it.”
“…….”
“The ones who are meant to pass will pass anyway.”
The assistant interviewer gave a meaningful glance as if to say, ‘Watch this.’
The aptitude test continued.
“ – Number 2. Answer.”
“…I would choose someone close and proceed as quickly and humanely as possible… prioritizing a painless approach.”
Number 2:
Is it too obvious? But this is the safest answer, isn’t it? Everyone’s watching, and I can’t just specifically say who I’d kill here….
An evasive answer.
Disqualified.
“ – Remove your oxygen mask and wait.”
In an instant, the aptitude test for Number 2 was over.
Next.
“ – Number 3.”
Number 3 raised his head, sweating.
But he spoke with a strangely triumphant air.
“I won’t kill anyone!”
“…!”
“There’s always a Plan B in any situation. Surely, there’s another way out. A way to get out together with my colleagues….”
Thud.
Number 3 collapsed before finishing his sentence.
“…!!”
The oxygen mask he was wearing had somehow turned into a clean, new one, and Number 3 lost consciousness with a bloodless face.
The interviewers, with cold expressions, read the fiery-red inner thoughts of Number 3, who had been lying.
It was probably a lie he wasn’t even aware of, thinking it was just a ‘feeling.’
Number 3:
Wow, damn, this is thrilling—killing the person next to me, lol. This is what being a secret agent is all about.
Number 3 was left lying on the floor.
“…….”
The atmosphere among the agent candidates waiting for their turn in the room froze.
The only person still wearing an oxygen mask was just one.
“ – Number 4.”
“ – Answer.”
The question was the same this time as well.
‘To eliminate the dangerous anomaly, who among the four present here will you kill?’
Ryu Jaegwan looked at Kim Sol-eum beyond the glass.
How would the author, who was once an employee of an utterly unethical pharmaceutical company, respond?
Perhaps, being aware of that, he would give a more cunning and virtuous answer than before….
“Number 3.”
…….
Huh?
“The person who has already collapsed.”
“ – …!”
For the first time, someone was openly pointed out.
The interviewers widened their eyes and listened intently for what would come next….
“…….”
No.
That’s it…?
Number 4, instead of offering further explanation, kept his head deeply bowed.
A somewhat awkward automated voice was heard.
“ – Is that the end of your answer?”
“Yes?”
“ – Do you have nothing more to explain?”
Number 4, hesitating to the point of bursting, finally spoke in a voice as faint as a crawling ant.
“Well, that is… in the situation you described, I think the responsibility lies with the four of us anyway….”
“ – …!!”
“If the disaster can only disappear through the death of one of us, then we must have been deeply connected to the disaster itself… like we triggered something by mistake….”
“ – ……,”
“Uh, is this correct?”
“ – …Applicants are not allowed to ask questions.”
“Oh…! S-sorry….”
Candidate Number 4 continued murmuring with his head still bowed.
As if embarrassed to say such things.
“In that case… yes. That’s my assumption, and I chose the easiest target to neutralize and kill.”
Truth.
“ –…….”
“But if there’s even a little time to spare, I’d like to do my best to find an alternative.”
An answer so virtuous it was almost predictable.
“Lives are precious. I think it’s difficult and painful to compare people simply by numbers or by who is more valuable….”
But there was a subtle strength in his tone.
“Still, if I can’t find an alternative within the time allowed to me and there’s a very high chance of a major casualty incident… then I suppose I would have no choice.”
For the first time, Kim Sol-eum raised his head.
Through the glass and beyond his glasses, his eyes still appeared resolute despite the two layers of barriers.
And his inner thoughts appeared.
Number 4:
But I want to save as many as possible….
…Exactly the model answer the Disaster Management Bureau wanted from their agents.
In an unavoidable disaster situation, follow the rules but continue to listen to the voice of conscience…!
Quickly.
Number 4 quickly lowered his gaze again as if nothing had happened, but the interviewers quietly admired him.
“He’s sincere.”
“His character and judgment are good. And his thinking is also impressive....”
Crunch.
Ryu Jaegwan almost crumpled the papers in his hand at the carefree admiration he heard nearby.
No.
That can’t be.
“That guy is at least a pass….”
“ – Next question.”
“Uh, interviewer?”
Ignoring the surroundings, Ryu Jaegwan pushed forward with a second question, which was usually asked only in ambiguous cases.
“ – You are in a situation isolated by a supernatural disaster.”
“ – If you could save only one person from this room—a fellow candidate known to be the kindest, or your closest friend—who would you send out of the disaster?”
Number 4 now looked almost baffled.
As if wondering why such an obvious question was being asked!
Uh, the person with a higher chance of survival between the two…?”
“ – …!”
“I’ll just… try my best to save as many people as possible.”
Number 4:
Because that’s what the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau is supposed to do….
“ – …….”
Ryu Jaegwan stared out the glass with a dumbfounded expression.
The assistant interviewers instinctively knew.
‘This is a pass.’
‘Absolutely a pass.’
Although Number 4’s demeanor was (quite) passive, to be honest, isn’t it true that the most successful Disaster Management Bureau agents tend to have at least one strange quirk?
Traumas seemingly exchanged for their convictions.
In that sense, he seemed like a typical agent candidate.
‘So, a pass….’
It was then.
Number 4’s fiery-red inner thoughts were updated.
Number 4:
…But for me, there would never even be an occasion to make such a choice.
‘…!’
His tone was profoundly meaningful.
‘A crack!’
Ryu Jaegwan and the assistant interviewers tensed up for a moment. They widened their eyes and focused on reading the next sentence….
Number 4:
Hmm, as for me right now… I don’t even have anyone I could call a friend….
Oh.
Number 4:
Should I have just said that this question doesn’t even apply? It’s a bit embarrassing to admit I have no friends, though….
“…….”
“…….”
Number 4:
No, I shouldn’t say that. Let’s just… work hard to make friends here. Fighting!
A solemn silence spread among the interviewers.
“…….”
Ryu Jaegwan felt the stares of the assistant interviewers.
Their blatant gazes seemed to say, ‘If you keep questioning and delay his acceptance after reading this far, you’ll be trash!’
“ – …Remove your oxygen mask and wait.”
Candidate Number 4 bowed his head slightly and removed his oxygen mask.
The instructions were the same as before, but everyone in the room, including the interviewers, knew.
“…Thank you.”
Candidate Number 4 had passed.
“ – All four who have completed the aptitude test, please move to the waiting room outside.”
As Candidate Number 3 was carried out like luggage, Candidate Number 4 quietly adjusted his glasses and moved on, still slightly hunched.
Though… unbeknownst to him, his dignity had taken a slight hit.
That made him an even more impressive candidate.
‘I’m curious to see where he’ll end up working.’
‘Yeah.’
The assistant interviewers glanced at each other, thinking they should look out for that timid Candidate Number 4 if they met him again.
In fact, there was no need for that.
Because his answer was intended to achieve that effect from the beginning!
***
‘Phew.’
The waiting room.
I sat on the chair and let out a deep sigh.
I kept my knees together to avoid appearing rude.
‘I made it through safely…….’
Why on earth was Agent Bronze there?!
‘I nearly fainted the moment I heard the broadcast.’
Wow, I thought I was doomed the moment I heard Ryu Jaegwan’s voice as the interviewer, but surprisingly, his flustered reaction actually helped me build my character.
Exactly….
‘A capable agent with a tragic story they can’t share, but introverted.’
This was the character I planned to use at the Disaster Management Bureau this time.
To fit that mold, I intentionally disheveled my appearance for weeks leading up to the interview….
‘A slightly timid type is less suspicious than someone too skilled.’
After all, most Disaster Management Bureau agents have stories behind them. It would seem natural.
Oh, did pretending to be timid feel embarrassing?
I’m naturally a timid person. Letting go of social pretenses and just expressing my cowardly thoughts as they are was all it took….
‘Hahaha….’
……It’s actually better than pretending to be a crazy Gen MZ employee at Daydream Corporation.
…That’s how I had to think!
I wiped my cheek beneath my glasses.
‘Anyway, it worked well.’
The acceptance was almost certain.
Even though Ryu Jaegwan was one of the interviewers.
That’s right.
The very agent who had been blindsided by me once before had passed me….
The fact that I wasn’t captured by the agents barging into the interview room speaks volumes.
‘…But it looks like I’m about to blindside him again.’
I mean, I am a spy, aren’t I?
Feeling like I was breaking into a cold sweat, I silently apologized in my mind. I’m sorry, Agent, once again….
‘Still, you’re probably a bit unsure about me, right?’
Passed me but decided to keep an eye on me? Reporting everything about my previous workplace to the higher-ups?
That would be quite troublesome.
Since I’ve already taken the spy’s path, I might as well do it properly. There’s no turning back.
‘I need to work harder here to completely solidify my credibility and get in.’
I waited silently.
Not long after, my number was called again.
The sign of acceptance.
“ – Number 4 from Group ‘D’.”
“ – You have passed. Please proceed to the designated location.”
“…!”
It’s done.
If I go to the ‘location,’ the interviewers, who had only been voices until now, will probably show up in person, give me my agent ID, and assign me a temporary unit.
In other words… I will face Ryu Jaegwan directly.
‘I didn’t expect to encounter the biggest risk factor on my first day infiltrating as an agent, but this works in my favor.’
Let’s handle it and report it now.
“Yes! Yes….”
I intentionally answered loudly, then lowered my voice as if embarrassed, quickly got up, and carefully made my way forward.
…Recalling the strategy I had prepared in my mind and heart for when I eventually met Ryu Jaegwan.
Operation Name: Agent! I Pretended to Be Dead and Escaped the Crazy Cult Company!ㅠㅠ
Thus began the life of a scammer agent.
……I just want to make it clear that I didn’t intend to go this far….
