WETRIED TRANSLATIONS

The Legendary Newbie of the Ghost Story Labyrinth

[Translator – Aren]

Chapter 32 - Manager's Office (3)

Honestly, it was only natural to feel pity and sympathy for her. >But this was a situation where he needed to answer carefully.

Lee Yumi was a being bound to this floor. He couldn’t just tell her to come along without any kind of plan.

'If she finds out later that she’s not real and that she can’t leave with us, how much will that crush her…?’

At the same time, he didn’t want to coldly reject her after seeing that desperate look in her eyes.

He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Seol Suyeon looked at him, silently asking what he was going to do.

After a moment, Park Minho deliberately put on a bright smile and replied.

“Alright! I’ll think about it seriously. Sorry I can’t give you an answer right away. For now, how about I watch you shoot first before deciding?”

It wasn’t a firm answer, but it was a positive one.

Thankfully, Lee Yumi’s face lit up.

“Ah, really? Mister?”

"Yeah, I’ll properly teach you how to shoot first. We’re going to be staying here for a while anyway, so let’s take it step by step.”

"Okay, got it!”

Lee Yumi answered cheerfully and finished off the remaining snacks. Seol Suyeon, still holding her, looked somewhat relieved.

"Yumi, want me to pack you some more food?”

"I’m already full though?”

“Take it with you and eat it later.”

"Is that really okay?”

“Of course. Pick whatever you like.”

"Okay!”

* * *

As soon as Lee Yumi left, the atmosphere turned serious.

"Oppa......"

It was obvious Seol Suyeon wanted to save Yumi somehow.

But she knew it wasn’t that simple, so she hesitated to say anything.

"Suyeon, let’s ask the gallery first to see if there’s any way.”

“Yeah, that’s probably for the best.”

"And if there isn’t a way……”

"It’s okay. I’ll understand whatever choice you make.”

"Thanks for saying that.”

Park Minho wrote a post on the gallery, explaining that Lee Yumi seemed to be a ghost record and asking if there was any way to save her.

The responses were colder than expected.

ㄴIt’s sad, sure, but what are you gonna do if you react to every case like this?

ㄴ(LostHassan) You’re ruthless af toward entities but soft when it looks human. Too soft.

ㄴ(NCEInstaReject) Just ignore it. It’s data that’ll disappear anyway. That’s the smart move, k?

Of course, not everyone was completely unsympathetic.

ㄴ(DaeguBadass) I get why it bothers you. But who in the Backrooms doesn’t have a story?

ㄴ(KimChilsung) I understand. But if you’re not willing to be harsh, you won’t be able to see the bigger picture!

ㄴ(Pitbull) Still naive. Way too naive.

At that, Park Minho turned inward and examined his own feelings.

It was only natural to feel sympathy for Lee Yumi, but the gallery’s cold, realistic takes also made sense.

Park Minho didn’t think either side was absolutely right. Then that meant only one thing mattered.

'What do I want to do?'

In the end, the only thing that mattered was his own decision. Even if it went against what everyone else would do.

"Suyeon."

“Yes, Oppa."

“I’m not some kind of hero.”

"Ah..."

A quiet, pained sigh slipped from Suyeon’s lips. It sounded like he was about to give up on Lee Yumi was around the same age as her younger brother, so it hit her even harder.

Still, Seol Suyeon didn’t feel disappointed in Park Minho. It was just how things were.

"I understand…”

"But—”

"Yes?"

"I’m not cold enough to just pretend I never met someone I crossed paths with.”

"Oppa...?"

Right now, Park Minho was thinking about Unit 1 and Unit 2. Back then, he didn’t have the power to do anything, but it still stayed with him as regret.

But now he at least had a chance to try something. And he didn’t want to just look away.

"...Even if it all just happened by chance, if I gave a kid like that hope and courage, shouldn’t I take responsibility for it?”

It sounded like he was saying it to himself as much as to her.

"Ah......."

Park Minho already knew Seol Suyeon was projecting her little brother on Lee Yumi. So he gently took her hand, as if to reassure her.

“Don't worry. Those forum bastards definitely know a way. They’re veterans, so there’s no way they don’t know how to deal with ghost records, right?”

"...You think so?”

"Yeah. They’re just not telling us because they think I’ll do something reckless and get myself killed. Watch.””

Par Minho immediately wrote a post.

[Title] Spill it, you damn ghosts.

Author: Cheezza.

[Content] If you don't tell me how to save Yumi, I’m yeeting this laptop in the goshiwon trash and leaving it here.

No cap.

What? I should just ignore a kid like that? Then don’t expect me to save any of you washed-up white-room bastards either. Rot there forever 🖕🖕🖕

The reaction was immediate and explosive.

ㄴMass provocation and threats to the whole gallery lmaoooo

ㄴRaging Lord Cheezza's declaration of the Discarding of the laptop.

ㄴ(LostHassan) Are you insane;; calm down

ㄴ(Cheezza) You shitty ghost bastard. Did I ever say I’d save everyone stuck in the Backrooms? I’m trying to save a single kid, and you’ve got the nerve to lecture me?

ㄴHe’s actually pissed fr.

ㄴThis is why newbies are so peak to watch…damn…

ㄴ(KimChilsung) Just grab a drink and calm down first!

ㄴ(Cheezza) Chilsung-hyung, didn’t think you were like this. What. ‘bigger picture’? So saving some washed-up white-room adults matters more than saving a helpless kid? That you ‘bigger picture’?

ㄴ(KimChilsung) No…

ㄴKimChilsung got shut down hard LMAOOO

Park Minho went all-in, fully prepared to either become someone likable to them or a complete menace.

ㄴ(Cheezza) So spit it out already, you bastards. Srsly, anyone who brings up ‘reality’ or whatever one more time is going to the bottom of my rescue list. Consider yourself warned.

ㄴHah…That’s actually terrifying.

ㄴ(DaeguBadass) Respected Sir, please calm yourself first;;

As expected, the power dynamic on the forum was crystal clear. No matter how experienced they were, no matter how legendary they’d been as explorers in life, it all didn’t matter. Right now, the only one who could save those ghosts trapped in the White Room was Park Minho.

In the end, the veterans waved the white flag.

ㄴ(NCEInstaReject) There is a way, I guess.

ㄴ(Cheezza) Aight, spit it out.

ㄴ(NCEInstaReject) There’s a solution in the manager’s safe. Problem is the key.

ㄴ(Cheezza) Where’s the key?

ㄴ(NCEInstaReject) Hah…Not sure if I should even be telling you this. The Cleaning Supervisor has it. That’s why the vending machine shows it as sold out.

ㄴ(Cheezza) Srsly? Why didn’t you say that earlier?

ㄴ(NCEInstaReject) Because it was obvious your crazy ass would try to fight it;; I’ve been watching how you act even if I don’t comment.

ㄴ(Cheezza) LOOOL you know me well. So what’s in the safe? Something that can actually save her?

ㄴ(NCEInstaReject) A temporary admin quarantine stick. Think of it like a USB. It can store bugged data until the next shutdown.

According to NCEInstaReject, if Lee Yumi was stored inside it, she could be taken to another level.

ㄴ(NCEInstaReject) That way she won’t get erased during the shutdown. I’ve got no clue what happens after that, though…

At that moment, the admin suddenly jumped in.

ㄴ<Admin> Cut the crap and give up. Do you even know how strong the cleaning supervisor is? What exactly do you think you can do?

ㄴ(Cheezza) I’ve got a White Room pass. They said I could get miracle arts, special potions, help from organizations, and so on. Couldn‘t I use that to win?

The admin didn’t sound convinced.

ㄴ<Admin> It might help. But if you really want to save that kid, don’t waste your pass on that.

ㄴ(Cheezza) Why?

ㄴ<Admin> You need to save that pass for something more important. If you burn it just to gain power, you’ll end up with a half-baked ending.

ㄴ(Cheezza) What are you talking about? Explain properly.

A DM popped up from the admin.

▶Admin: You idiot, are you seriously going to fight it?

▶Cheezza: yeh, already decided.

▶Admin: This guy’s actually insane;;;

▶Cheezza: If you're just here to nag, then get lost.

▶Admin: Fine. I'll explain why you need to save the pass. And since you’re dead set on fighting, I’ll include how to deal with the Cleaning Supervisor.

After that, the admin laid everything out in detail, and they worked out a plan to save Lee Yumi.

▶Admin: Do you know what happens when an entity leaves its original floor?

▶Cheezza: What happens?

▶Admin: It either dies or goes insane. You’ll need to use that if you want to beat it.

They built a plan around that premise. But executing it was another matter entirely.

▶Cheezza: This won’t be easy.

▶Admin: You can still back out. Honestly, you probably should.

▶Cheezza: Nope.

▶Admin: Haah… What are you gonna do with yourself being this soft-hearted?

▶Cheezza: Nah, you’ve got the wrong idea, k?

▶Admin: What are you talking about?

▶Cheezza: I’m doing this because I want what’s inside the manager’s safe. It’s gotta be full of coins, right? Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

▶Admin: Sure, let’s go with that if it makes you happy.

The admin gave one last warning.

▶Admin: Tell me exactly which elevator it is.

▶Cheezza: kk

▶Admin: Good. Just in case, I’ll have people waiting on Floor 4. Hopefully it doesn’t spiral that far. And by the way, you owe me after this.

▶Cheezza: I know. I get what you want too.

* * *

The next day.

"Suyeon, this time, I might actually die. How about you use the elevator pass and go to the next level first?”

"Oppa, didn’t we already settle this? If I run away alone, how am I supposed to face Yumi later and go eat tteokbokki with her?”

Suyeon answered like that while checking her weapon. She was adapting to this brutal world at an alarming speed.

"...Yeah, alright.”

The plan was set, his resolve firm. There was no reason to hesitate anymore, so he decided to begin right away.

Park Minho made a call.

"Yumi?”

-Mister? Are you going to teach me how to shoot?

"Yeah. Could you come over for a bit?”

-Okay! I’m on my way.

Not long after, Lee Yumi showed up at room 303.

"I brought all the ammo too!”

"Good. Nice work. But before that, can I ask you a favor?”

"What is it?”

"Could you guide me to the nearest elevator? I want to check it out in advance.”

"Huh? Sure?”

Lee Yumi hesitated slightly. If one took the elevator, one could leave for the next level. So for a moment, she wondered if they might just leave her behind.

Seeing her expression, Seol Suyeon smiled.

"Yumi, don’t worry. We’re leaving all our stuff here, see? And the ticket allows three people.”

"Really? Guess I was worrying for nothing…Hehe."

Lee Yumi gave an embarrassed smile, then cheerfully took the lead.

"Mister! I think I’ll be good at shooting!”

"Why’s that?"

"I was really good at FPS games."

At that, Park Minho forced a small smile.

"I see…looking forward to it.”

The elevator wasn’t far, but thinking about what was about to happen made his every step feel heavy.

Part of him even wished they wouldn’t get there quickly.

But the destination appeared mercilessly fast.

"Here it is! There are other elevators too, but this one’s the closest.”

It read Elevator 327.

"Suyeon"

"Yes."

This time, Seol Suyeon had brought the laptop. She sent the elevator number to the admin via DM.

Lee Yumi tilted her head, sensing the sudden seriousness in the air.

"Mister? Is something wrong? Are we practicing shooting here?”

"We’re not shooting.”

"Huh...?"

Park Minho let out a deep sigh and steeled himself. What he was about to do was cruel beyond words.

'Even if it’s necessary, this is just so messed up.'

But if he wanted the outcome he was aiming for, he had to accept the pain that came with it.

“Yumi. There’s something I need to tell you.”

"What is it?”

He had prepared himself, but the moment he met her innocent eyes, the words stuck in his throat.

Still, he forced himself to continue.

"Yumi…the truth is, you’re not real.”

"What? What do you mean?”

"You’re not the real Lee Yumi.”

"......?"

Lee Yumi just stared at him, unable to understand. So Park Minho explained it to her calmly.

About ghost records. About her current state. And then he showed her the photo on his phone.

"Yumi, can you take a look at this?”

The image was one he had taken earlier from the manager’s office computer.

[Occupant: Lee Yumi]

[Note: Deceased due to gunshot wound]

[Current Status: Fully checked out]

Lee Yumi’s mouth fell open in a daze.

"......That’s a lie."

"Why would I lie to you?”

“That doesn’t make any sense! Why would I be dead? I’m right here, alive!”

Her face twisted in an instant.

"Mister! That’s going too far, even for you!”

"Yumi..."

"This is impossible! I’m breathing. I ate the food you gave me! How can a dead person walk around like this?!”

"In the Backrooms things like that can happen because of glitches.”

"Don’t lie to me!”

Park Minho raised his phone.

"Then look at this.”

"What is it…?”

He took a selfie with her.

-Click.

However, only Park Minho appeared in the photo. Yumi wasn’t there at all.

"In the Backrooms, reality can get adjusted. But they can’t fool machines…”

"So…You’re saying my missing memories are because I’m fake?”

Park Minho had no choice but to bite his lip.

“...Yeah."

"My mom…My dad…my dog…are they all fake too?”

"......"

The light drained from Lee Yumi’s eyes. Truthfully, she had known for a while. That something was off about her.

She had ignored it and pushed it aside, but now, after hearing it from Park Minho, she couldn’t look away anymore.

Tears began to roll down from her wide eyes.

“I don’t want this……Hic!”

Yumi collapsed forward. Then she screamed.

"I don’t want this!”

At the same time, from the spot on her back where she had been shot, a vivid red error code burst out like blood.

-Shaaaaaa!

Sticky strings of 0s and 1s sprayed out like gore, splattering in every direction.

"AaAAAAAgh—! No! It hurts!”

Where the ‘blood’ touched the ground, it began to char and blacken, becoming contaminated.

-Hisssss!

It didn’t just stain the surroundings but even warped them. The fluorescent lights flickered wildly, and the air filled with the smell of burning wires.

And then…

From somewhere deep within the goshiwon, a furious roar erupted.

"KWEEeeEEEEeEK!”

A twisted, inhuman sound.

Park Minho clenched his teeth.

"It’s coming.”

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