“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.
Oh my god.
This turned out to be the coolest, most anticipated method possible.
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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.
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“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.