Wow.
Of course not.
‘But I can’t die for money…’
Tears welled up in my eyes. This is nuts.
‘No, Seolum. Let’s remember—all the money in this world is just like game money for me… game money, game money…!’
Right!
I made my eyes shine with a bit of melancholy and began talking nonsense.
“I believe, more important than immediate money, I first need to hone my skills and value.”
This was insanity.
‘The reason we hone skills and value is to earn more money, so why am I rejecting it?’
But I kept rambling in a way that perfectly aligned with a 30-years-ago corporate manager’s mentality.
“Our ancestors used to say that it’s worth even buying hardship when you’re young. While I don’t fully agree, I think there’s a reason that saying exists.”
Assistant Manager Jin from A-squad looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.
But it seemed to resonate with the top boss.
“Hmm.”
A-squad’s leader looked thoughtful. She narrowed her eyes at me, then sighed and nodded.
“Fine. If that’s really how you feel… I suppose we can’t push it.”
Wahoo!
“I thought you were a smart guy, Soleum-ssi, but maybe you’re a bit more naive than I’d assumed. How are you going to make it in this harsh world?”
Perfect.
The tone was slightly chiding, but since it’s coming from her, it was practically a compliment!
…Even though she just couldn’t resist adding a bit more.
“It’s good to work hard. But being too pure-hearted isn’t great for corporate life.”
Yes, yes.
“If I may give you some advice… remember, you don’t get through work by clinging to emotions. Especially don’t get attached to people who don’t understand you.”
She glanced pointedly at a particular someone, her expression darkening.
“Don’t do it. It’s not worth it.”
“…Understood.”
Ah, she’s talking about the ‘stubborn psycho’ Lizard Chief, isn’t she? Got it.
“Did you hear that, Section Chief Lee Jaheon?”
“? Yes.”
The lizard replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“I understand perfectly.”
“……”
“……”
Please stop with the ‘Is this guy for real?’ look, A-squad leader…
“Anyway.”
With a deep breath, A-squad’s leader brought the conversation to a close.
“Good work today. Head on home.”
“……! Yes, ma’am!!”
Sweet, sweet freedom.
“Thank you. I’ll head out now.”
Finally, I can escape…!
I eagerly pressed the elevator button. Assistant Manager Jin quickly came up and whispered to me.
“You idiot. You’re going to regret this.”
“……”
“D-squad’s Section Chief hasn’t even seen a wish ticket yet. Our Section Chief has already received one.”
That’s fine. I know that lizard guy will eventually make it to Team Leader.
Of course, I couldn’t say that, so I went with a compliment.
“I’m sure you’ll get one soon too, Assistant Manager.”
“What?”
“I’ll be sure to ask you all about it when that time comes.”
“……”
Assistant Manager Jin looked momentarily startled, then scoffed.
“You do seem to have some sense.”
“You’ll answer, right?”
“Yes.”
Though it was a verbal promise, from what I could tell of her personality—gruff, yes, but not one to lie or go back on her word.
“Section Chief, Assistant Manager, thank you both very much for today.”
“Sure, head on home.”
After expressing my thanks, I pressed the elevator button and quickly got inside before I could get dragged into anything further.
But right on cue, Lizard Chief slipped in right behind me.
So he really did come here just to deliver that soulless apology…
– Going down…
As the elevator carried the two of us in silence, Lizard Chief unexpectedly started talking.
“Kim Soleum-ssi.”
“Yes?”
“Is there something you want in D-squad?”
Huh.
“…Are you implying, with that question, that you assume I stayed with D-squad despite having a chance to join A-squad because I want something specific?”
“Yes.”
Good grief.
After ruffling the back of my head a bit, I sighed and replied.
“There’s nothing like that, Section Chief.”
“?”
“I didn’t choose to stay for any advantage.”
I stayed because I want to stay alive!
Lizard Chief narrowed his slit pupils, looking puzzled.
“Staying in a regular team rather than an elite one results in a points loss. It’ll take longer to get a wish ticket.”
“That may be true.”
I shrugged.
“But even if I do want a wish ticket, I also want to stay alive long enough to use it.”
“……”
“Until then, I’d rather be somewhere I can work with a bit more peace of mind.”
I’d rather not live in constant fear of being outed as a coward, you know…
“I see.”
Lizard Chief fell silent.
Finally, some quiet as we rode dow—
“What is your wish, Kim Soleum-ssi?”
More questions today than usual.
“…Are you asking what I’d wish for if I got the ticket?”
“Yes.”
“In that case, I’d like to know yours first, Section Chief.”
It was my polite way of saying, ‘Why ask me such a one-sided question?’
But the Lizard only blinked his vertical pupils and gazed into space, as if pondering. After a moment, he replied.
“It’s not my wish.”
“Pardon?”
“I work here because I was assigned to, not by choice.”
This was something I never expected.
I turned, reflexively, to look at him. Light glinted off the scales of his distinctly non-human head…
“…Can I ask whose will it is?”
“You may not.”
Oh. Right.
It didn’t really hurt my feelings, knowing this lizard.
‘Seems there’s a story there.’
Since he’d answered, it felt like I should say something, too. After a moment’s thought, I chose my words.
“I… just want to go home.”
In reality, Section Chief Lee could have followed up with countless questions. Where is ‘home’? Why is that your wish? Is it a place or more of a metaphor?
But instead, he simply said,
“I see.”
And that was that.
In the quiet, the elevator continued its peaceful descent.
“……”
I have to admit now that, in a certain way, Lizard Chief is quite an easy conversation partner.
Oddly enough.
* * *
Back at my dorm unit—
watch out for serial killers –
After sending Baek Saheon another friendly disaster-warning text, I lay down to rest.
‘Another day packed with twists and turns…’
I seriously feel like this job’s going to cut my lifespan in half. My heart can barely take it. Still, I can’t deny there were some decent gains today.
Extra points, networking with elite team superiors.
And a hefty bonus.
“…Five million won, huh.” (Approx. 3,500 USD)
I wonder when it’ll hit my account.
I’ve said it’s just ‘game money’, but to be fair, that just makes it all the more useful.
I’ll need it to increase my stats.
‘I could really use more cash for the Alien Shop.’
With all these surprise emergencies, I felt the need for more defensive equipment—especially something for mental protection.
‘And the Alien Shop has exclusive VIP items if you reach that level…’
Still thinking of today’s earnings, I found myself speechless.
Five million won.
“…Hoh.”
Legit, that’s the bonus they’re putting in a corporate employee’s account.
It’s enough to mess with your sense of monetary value.
And yet it still didn’t feel like quite enough to get all the items I needed.
“Any other way to make some cash—”
Bzzzt!
My phone vibrated, a new popup flashing on the screen.
‘Baek Saheon?’
No, not this time.
Unexpectedly, I’d been invited to a new open chatroom.
“……?!”
[K.LEE]
The profile was set to a bright Hawaiian beach and displayed an English name.
This feels suspicious…
– K.LEE : Oh hello, Mr. Employee lolol
– K.LEE : Need some extra cash?
“……??”
Who?