The method of deception resembles a form of unethical marketing:
1- Build trust.
"Did he really fix that glasses guy? Even though he was completely out of it?"
"Yeah! Look at him now—he's fine. And this guy also fell out of the window and survived. He said he saw something down there!"
"Wow… Are you really okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. And so is he—he's at peace now."
2- Present the problem and its cause.
"So… you're saying this is like a test? If we pass, we can get out?"
"Yes. I'm sure we'll be able to leave."
"Ah…!"
"Wait, is this some kind of fictional hunter scenario? Are we about to awaken abilities or something…?"
"Exactly! There's no way we'd be thrown into such a crazy situation without a reason!"
"Right. There is a reason."
Once the mood was sufficiently heated.
"And to escape this situation…"
3- Sell the magical solution.
In unethical marketing, this 'solution' would be the product being sold. In a cult, it's the doctrine.
And the method I proposed was:
"Everyone must go out through the window at least once."
"…!!"
"W-What?!"
"Fear not, everyone."
I smiled and gestured to myself.
And to the man with glasses, now calmed by the Happy Maker.
"Anyone who accepts my recommendation and goes through the window will be fine, just like me. This is a kind of trial."
"Ah…!"
"If you're skeptical… I can try to convince you. Or, I could jump again myself."
And just then, the announcement appeared again.
To reach Tamra, offer a sacrifice.
"Ah…!"
But this time, the atmosphere was different.
At least in Car 7, where people had been listening to my 'marketing', they began murmuring and glancing at the window.
'So, going out there might actually be okay?'
There wasn't just panic and fear—there was curiosity and even anticipation.
– Ah, this is fascinating! What excellent work, Mr. Roe Deer!
– But all great performers face challengers. Oh, look over there!
Thwack!
"What a load of bullshit, you crazy bastard!!"
The middle-aged man from earlier—his face flushed red—slammed the armrest of his seat and shouted.
This was the man who had fallen out of the window in the first loop and pushed the man with glasses in the second loop.
'Looks like skipping a turn has restored a bit of his sanity.'
But he wasn't fully back to normal.
"That bastard pushed someone out of the window before— UGH!"
"Crazy jerk… Get lost, you son of a bitch!"
His eyes spun wildly, like he might stab me any second.
"Jump out the window?! I'm not jumping! No way, you piece of shit! You jump again!"
He pushed past another passenger and came right up to me. I spoke calmly.
"If you don't want to participate, you don't have to right now."
"W-What?!"
"Take your time. Besides, you're not qualified at the moment."
"W…What?!"
"I'm saying that even if you beg to go out the window, I won't assist you."
This was another crucial step.
4- Restrict access to the solution.
Why do brands produce limited quantities, create artificial shortages, and tell customers to message them for prices?
Scarcity makes things seem valuable, and difficult-to-obtain items appear even more desirable.
You give people the sense that they're close enough to grasp it, but far enough that missing out would be devastating.
"Only those who are qualified can go through the window without suffering."
"W-What kind of nonsense is this…?"
"And that's not you. You haven't earned the right to pass the trial without pain. Step back."
"…U-Uh..."
The middle-aged man stammered, then stumbled back and collapsed into his seat.
It worked again. The saying about fighting madness with madness was spot on this time.
With all the commotion, everyone in the car had their eyes locked on me. I smiled warmly at them.
"But do not worry too much. Eventually, everyone will be ready."
"...!"
– Magnificent!
Over Braun's cheers, the crowd swarmed toward me, bombarding me with questions.
"Excuse me! Then, who is qualified?"
"I do not know. I can just sense who's ready."
"So, is there someone qualified among us?"
It was then—
"Am… Am I qualified?"
The man with glasses, who had been sitting quietly, raised his hand and asked.
Thanks to the Happy Maker, he was calm, free from fear and PTSD. He didn't lash out at the middle-aged man who had once attacked him. Even so, he couldn't suppress his nervousness and swallowed hard. I smiled and nodded.
"Yes."
"…!!"
"You are qualified. You've already proven yourself."
I walked over and held his hand.
"There's no need to go down again. Your current calmness is the proof. You've endured it. You've been brave."
"Ah… Ahhh!"
Tears streamed down the man's face.
The murmuring around us quieted.
In its place, a new sentiment began to form—desire and agreement.
"From now on, for those deemed qualified and who go down, I will give a token to protect you from as much pain as possible."
"…!"
"Th-Then…"
But no volunteers came forward just yet.
'As expected.'
I had just told them that everyone needed to jump out the window to escape. No one would be eager to jump into potential suffering without any clear benefit.
– Friend, any clever solutions up your sleeve?
Of course.
'Rally them again.'
I nodded, as if fully understanding their hesitation.
"I get it. It's hard, I know. In this life, I'll go out the window one more time…"
"I'll go."
Huh?
Supervisor Dolphin raised her hand.
Supervisor! My eternal gratitude…
"But not alone. Supervisor, you should jump with me."
"Huuuh?"
"W-Wait, sir. Are you su—"
"Of course. I'll be alright."
I had planned on doing it anyway! As disgusting and revolting as it was, there was no way around it.
"If no one else volunteers, I shall demonstrate again."
"Yup! But before we do, I'd like someone else to go first."
Supervisor Dolphin pointed with both hands.
Right at Assistant Manager Butterfly.
"Seniority first!"
Aaack!
"Hey, you said you'd do me a favor, right? I'm calling it in now!"
"This isn't exactly the favor I had in mind… But fine, whatever."
Surprisingly, Assistant Manager Butterfly seemed calm. It felt like the two of them had discussed this beforehand.
"Should I go now?"
First Altar Entrance
The surroundings darkened with a crimson hue.
People instinctively froze, but Assistant Manager Jin Nasol's small, composed voice cut through the tension.
"I don't like repeating myself."
Eek.
"Y-Yes. Please close your eyes for a moment. I'll give you the token of approval."
I pretended to shake her hand while discreetly passing her the Happy Maker in the darkness.
'Just stick it in.'
Before I could mouth the words, she had already expertly and discreetly injected herself with the Happy Maker.
It was as if she had anticipated it all along—likely realizing it was a pain-relieving item.
"Hmm."
Plick.
The soft sound of the stick being used was followed by the leftover injector disappearing seamlessly into her sleeve.
"Not bad at all."
Assistant Manager Jin Nasol grinned, then immediately leaned back and let herself fall out of the window.
"Hiieek!"
"S-She was smiling as she went!"
Thus, the first offering for the altar willingly sacrificed herself.
The atmosphere in the car had now shifted into full excitement.
No one found my companions suspicious anymore. They wanted to believe this would work.
'The feeling that things are being resolved—it's addictive.'
Soon after, two more volunteers came forward.
"M-Me!"
"Me too. We'll go together."
It was a couple sitting near the window.
They had been observing everything since the first loop—the falling, the conversations—so their courage likely came from all the 'information' they had gathered.
Still, I didn't immediately say yes.
"..."
I stared at them quietly for a few seconds, as if evaluating their worth.
The couple, now filled with both anticipation and nervousness, waited as if they were being judged.
A moment later—
"Yes. You two are qualified."
"Oh…!!"
"When we reach the altar, close your eyes briefly and extend your hands. I will grant you the sign of approval."
The couple, overjoyed and receiving congratulations from those around them, stood before the open window.
Second Altar Entrance
Taking advantage of the darkness, I secretly injected them both with the powerful painkiller, the Happy Maker. Holding hands, they leapt out of the open window together.
Hmm. The scam was proceeding smoothly…
'This is much better than everyone throwing each other out the window, going mad in the process.'
Still, cold sweat trickled down my back as I carried out the deception.
"Since there are no other volunteers, the supervisor and I will proceed next. Please remain calm and safe, and we'll see you all at the starting point."
"A-Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Yes, I'll be fine. I can handle another round."
"…Ahh!"
I truly hated this, but I had no choice. I'd do it again.
'I need to set myself apart.'
To continue leading these people, I had to highlight my uniqueness. Showing them that I could survive multiple falls without issue would leave a strong impression.
Fortunately, Supervisor Dolphin didn't change her mind.
"Let's do this together!"
"Ah, thank you."
"But, you know…"
She looked up at me with a curious gaze.
"Am I qualified?"
"…Yes."
The nuance was subtle, but—
Third Altar Entrance
"B-Be careful!"
"We'll see you soon!"
And so, I successfully rallied the crowd and fell out of the window once more. This time, with Supervisor Dolphin.
Into the mad tunnel filled with rotting flesh.
"Gross!"
Supervisor Dolphin, who had landed with a roll, grimaced at the horrific surroundings, shaking herself off as she complained.
"Uuuugh, filthy. W-What? Ugh, so noisy. Ah, that way? Toward the light?"
"Yes. It'll be a bit tough, but if we walk, we'll get there."
It was somewhat reassuring to have someone else with me.
'…The voices are gone.'
The eerie whispers urging us to 'Cast away our sins' and 'Go to Tamra' were mysteriously absent.
'Not that they're essential for the escape, though.'
I tilted my head slightly as I walked.
Then, Supervisor Dolphin spoke up.
"Actually, I had something to talk to you about, which is why I jumped with you."
"Yes."
"The things you told the others—you know, about protecting them from pain and all that. Technically, it's not a lie, right?"
"Yes. I chose my words to fit the situation. It's a bit extreme, but a method like this works."
"Hmm…"
She touched her chin, thinking for a moment, then suddenly said,
"Supervisor, do you know how many people have suffered because of cults?"
She didn't scowl or frown.
She simply stared at me, her gaze unwavering, not even blinking.
"..."
Right.
Supervisor Dolphin was an extreme idealist when it came to integrity…
'O-Oh no, she might outright reject anything cult-related!'
I quickly tried to salvage the situation.
"I'm aware. In fact, one of my close friends got involved with a cult and cut off all contact."
That part was true.
"That's why I decided to get ahead of it."
"Hmm."
"In this situation, cults and superstitions are bound to thrive. When people experience pain without understanding why, they'll start clinging to anything for hope."
It had happened in the previous loops, after all.
'Of course, my current actions weren't just about preventing that. They were about escaping without mass panic or violence.'
But I couldn't explain all that logically, so I ended my statement there.
"I chose this method to minimize the damage. I know it's extreme and strange, but…"
"Hmmmm…"
Three agonizing seconds passed.
"Well, you've got a point."
Phew.
"So, you're just saying those things to calm people down, but in reality, you're actually helping them feel less pain and find a way for everyone to escape, right?"
"Exactly that, yes."
"Sounds good! I'll fully cooperate!"
Supervisor Dolphin extended her hand for a handshake.
When I took her hand, she suddenly pulled me closer.
"But you can't exploit good people."
"..."
"Otherwise, I'll have to fight you, Supervisor."
"Of course. I'll keep that in mind."
"Great! Perfect!"
I smiled and completed the handshake with her.
I-I'm saved.
Cold sweat dripped down my back.
Fighting a senior elite team member from the nightmare company and dealing with decaying flesh? No thanks! I'd rather bash my head into a wall.
"Judging by the mood, it looks like everyone in our car is fully on board, huh?"
"That's right."
Squelch, squelch.
I kept walking toward the light at the end of the tunnel as I responded.
"But this isn't where I stop."
My ultimate goal…
"I will make the majority of passengers on this train 'believe' me."
At least seven of the eight train cars needed to be on my side. I needed to secure a dominant public opinion.
Fifth loop—
After experiencing death and resetting multiple times, the passengers of this high-speed train were sinking beyond panic and into exhaustion, resignation, and madness.
Their perceptions were distorted, and it had become difficult for them to think as they normally would.
And through these repeated loops, they had heard certain things over and over.
"Someone's been whispering strange stuff… like saying we're chosen, and that this is a test?"
"…Sounds like cult nonsense. What kind of test?"
"Apparently, if we pass, we'll gain some sort of transcendental power?"
"But all the people who fell out of the windows went crazy. Yet, people from the rear cars said they fell but came back fine, describing what they saw outside…"
"…Seriously? No way. They're probably just bluffing, right?"
But even as they voiced their doubts, their desire for answers was evident. It was the subconscious hope that those claims were true.
"There's someone called 'Pathfinder' from Car 7, and he's teaching people how to escape."
"He's offering to help everyone, saying we're all qualified."
And as the murmurs among the passengers of Car 3, a special cabin, grew louder—
There, a man seated in the front-row single seat.
Baek Saheon opened his eyes.
'Fuck.'
He had been on his way back home for the holidays when he got trapped in this fucking train ghost story. It felt like he was going to rot away here.
'No. That's not it…'
He thought of the new eye hidden under his medical eyepatch and grinned slyly.
By observing how things were playing out, he could tell.
'So, this whole thing is about tossing people out the window!'
Basically, he figured they had to throw about half the passengers out and then reach the destination to clear the ghost story.
'I just need to stay out of sight and hide.'
Cults were a predictable response to situations like this.
In a small, high-stress emergency environment, humans tended to do whacko things.
With the train endlessly looping back to the starting point and the extreme stress of an inescapable scenario, even ridiculous suggestions that would normally be scoffed at suddenly seemed worth clinging to. Things that would normally be dismissed with a 'Not buying your cult nonsense' were now being embraced. It was human nature.
'I just have to stay quiet and let them toss each other out until the chaos clears.'
"O-Over there!!"
"…!"
There was a commotion at the back.
A fight?
No. It wasn't a fight.
Someone had entered the car.
"There they are! The Pathfinder and the people from Car 7!"
That cult group.
'Let's at least get a look at them.'
Baek Saheon casually turned his head toward the corridor. And then, he saw familiar faces.
"…!!"
'The elite team.'
Assistant Manager Jin Nasol from A-squad and Supervisor Lee Seonghae from C-squad.
He recognized them instantly—they were faces he had memorized from the company's intranet, just in case.
'Why the hell are they here?'
As he was trying to process whether this train was connected to Daydream Corp's managed Darknesses—
"Attention!!"
Amid the cult-like group, Supervisor Dolphin shouted, drawing everyone's attention.
"We have someone here who will teach you how to escape!"
As she stepped aside, someone emerged from the door connecting to the rear car.
A calm, sharp-looking man in a suit, exuding an eerie composure with a serene smile.
Baek Saheon's eyes widened in recognition.
'…Kim Soleum!!'
"Everyone, please do not worry."
Kim Soleum smiled softly, spreading his arms wide.
"This is all part of a grand test, and you have been chosen."
H-Holy shit!!
That psycho bastard is the cult leader?!!
T/N: The vocab author-nim uses for 'Pathfinder' is synonymous to 'person who does good deeds'. Our dear Soleum really knows how to brand himself, huh? lmao