Chapter 628

The visitors to the ‘Ghost Building’ wore expressions typical of those seeking raw, primal fun.

They seemed to smile, torn between fear and enjoyment, unable to contain their excitement over the prospect of ‘ways to another world.’

An atmosphere of exhilaration filled the air.

It felt like the kind of vibe you’d find at a party or festival.

They were experiencing something that lay between terror and thrill, a kind of amusement that couldn’t hold a candle to the common enjoyment of roller coasters. Perhaps their adrenaline was pumping like crazy.

These assembled people were simply reveling in the emptiness of the building.

Following the directions of the person leading the courage test.

“Alright, everyone. Let’s move in order, one at a time. Did everyone get their mirrors out?”

“Yes~”

Maybe it wasn’t so strange after all.

Just exploring a haunted house to see if there are actually any ghosts was enough to bring them joy.

These were folks who would lose their minds over just a story attached to an abandoned house.

And here they were, doing something that sounded thrilling—‘ways to another world’—in a place rumored to be a ‘ghost building’?

Naturally, they couldn’t help but feel like they were on some kind of drug for fun.

So, it wasn’t surprising that they were all so hyped.

And everyone uniformly holding mirrors wasn’t odd either; it was actually pretty normal for them to be jotting down ‘ways to another world’ on paper, notebooks, or their smartphone memos while standing against the elevator door.

With excitement gleaming on their faces, they repeatedly opened and closed the elevator door, barely able to hide their anticipation about when it would change!

They looked like a perfect example of people enjoying life, though the building’s owner might not be too thrilled about their presence.

Even if seen positively, they’d surely be considered rude guests.

“Oh! I think it changed?!”

“Look at the ceiling! It feels like the position shifted!”

“Really? Everyone, get on!”

If you saw them suddenly shouting in a quiet building and rushing into the elevator while frantically signaling to others, you’d definitely end up convinced of their rudeness.

They had no sense of decorum or manners, and they showed no respect for the building’s owner at all.

Moreover, the moment they stepped into the elevator without hesitation and pulled out strings and pens…

Without a care for the owner of the building or the trouble of the elevator staff, they chased only their own amusement.

Truly, how rude of them.

“Oh, this elevator is smaller than I thought. How many people can we fit?”

“We’re almost at max capacity. Hold on, let me count.”

“I think if we shove everyone in, it should work somehow.”

Rudeness was oozing from every one of them.

Quite literally oozing.

Confirming that the elevator had changed, they packed themselves in tight.

Since quite a few people entered, the previously empty elevator quickly filled to the brim. And with all the luggage they had brought too, it only added more to the crowdedness.

Because of that, even with people still outside waiting, those inside kept whining about how ‘cramped’ it was.

As if their complaints were meant for the people who hadn’t gotten in yet to overhear.

No, they were definitely telling them to listen.

Watching their greedy eyes flicker towards those still waiting, you could guess what they were really thinking.

There was a selfish, unspoken demand that those who haven’t boarded sacrifice their comfort for their pleasure.

Naturally, those left outside were bound to feel annoyed.

“Well, it can’t be helped.”

“Hmm. I’m a bit disappointed, but whatever. Enjoy yourselves. We can come back another day.”

“Next time, we should consider the elevator size… Let’s make sure to mention it in our review.”

“Go on, go.”

However, the four who couldn’t board didn’t explode with anger at them.

There were those who frowned, looking displeased, but they still let them pass by.

They could have easily pushed their way in since there was room enough for them!

Could it be because of that?

Even those who were complaining clamped their mouths shut, perhaps finding at least a hint of shame within themselves.

Maybe they were coming to terms with the fact that they were grumbling out of selfishness, or the notion that they couldn’t repay the courtesy with rudeness.

The people inside the elevator made promises about enjoying their time and returning with vivid experiences from the ‘other world’ before hitting the close button.

Then, the elevator doors quickly shut, hiding the boarded-up individuals behind the doors.

Now they would get ready to ascend according to the ‘ways to another world’ as they pushed buttons…

And they would surely enjoy it.

Leaving only the four who hadn’t boarded behind.

*

The elevator ascends.

Carrying clueless fools aboard.

Holding fools who don’t even know what sort of place this building is.

Words with ambiguous purposes.

A suspicious manual written by an unknown author.

Thrill-seekers who don’t even think to consider the obvious upon first sight, only thinking of enjoyment through a haunted house experience and the occult.

“Shabi.”

“Hahaha!”

To those who missed the elevator ride,

no, the four who didn’t board it, it must look immensely foolish.

To take the risk of heading into what looks suspicious and dangerous, not just getting on the elevator but keeping those from boarding it, too?

Is this some kind of comedy or what?!

[Those guys from Goryeo surely have something messed up in their heads.]

And so, they laughed.

They laughed at those aboard the elevator.

And intermittently, unable to hold it, they insulted them through silent communication.

The term ‘shabi,’ which means ‘idiot,’ wasn’t just a vague insult, but a pointed mockery directed squarely at them.

[Stop with the useless chatter. We’ll get caught.]

[So, I’m using silent communication, aren’t I? Not talking aloud.]

[Even so, such thoughts seep through in your attitude. Be careful not to drop lengthy Chinese phrases thinking you’re slick—]

[You’re thorough, I’ll give you that. What’s it to a mere shaman from a small nation?]

[Once again, don’t let your guard down. Though it’s a small nation, they were renowned for fighting well since ancient times.]

Plus, there were not just one but four warriors using silent communication.

They were skilled enough to send silent messages to multiple people at once, effectively communicating through this method.

While doing this, their expressions were tinged with slight disappointment and irritation, as if they truly felt upset for not getting to participate in what was meant to be a courage test.

They were far too well-trained to be called ordinary, and they seemed quite accustomed to such situations.

[We’re a makeshift team. Of course, we’ll have our differences in coordination, especially since two are from the mainland and the other two have been conducting espionage here. Different organizations mean different personalities. But even so, we are now one team involved in a singular operation. To successfully conclude this reconnaissance mission, it’s essential that we respect each other and follow the team leader’s orders.]

[….]

[The utmost priority is succeeding in the operation. Everyone here volunteered because they want to ascend higher.]

[Got it. I understand. Yes, we all want to rise up in the Communist Party. I’ll cooperate actively, so stop with the advice.]

[Good. I trust you’ve understood.]

These individuals were warriors affiliated with the Communist Party.

Among them, two had recently come from China, while the other two had been engaged in espionage activities within Korea.

In ordinary circumstances, they wouldn’t have had much interaction, given the vast lands and large populations in China.

Yet here they were, gathered in this building.

All for the sake of achieving their ambition for advancement.

No matter their family background, be they impoverished or wealthy.

Whether they were children of farmers or businesspeople from Shanghai.

They had come together for a common purpose: to elevate their status.

Aspiring to rise further up the ranks, hoping to wield tremendous power from there.

Aiming to revitalize their families based on that immense power, desiring to rise as power holders themselves!

So they risked danger and gathered here!

[From now on, we will explore Shaman Park Jinseong’s dwelling.]