Go Youngeun was a calm colleague.
That was an undeniable fact. I had confirmed it when we first woke up in that insane subway during the recruitment exam, and again later when we escaped that deranged exhibition hall where the spectators gouged out their own eyes.
But right now, Go Youngeun, standing on the stairs that led up to the “fourth floor,” the mastermind behind the disappearance stories in this grotesque mart….
“T-that’s a p-person, right…?”
Her pale face did not so much as twitch, even as she watched the high schooler scream and question her.
She said nothing.
My expressionless peer stood there on the stairs looking down at us….
Wait.
‘…She’s standing on the stairs?’
Wait a second!
Hadn’t the door back disappeared the moment someone climbed the stairs? Then that meant you couldn’t leave for the third floor by your own power anymore.
If so—
‘Exactly how long has she been here?’
No. More than that.
‘Why is she here in the first place?’
Ms. Go Youngeun could very well be one of the two agents who entered earlier. In fact, the number itself had already been a clue. Agents from the Disaster Management Agency usually moved alone or as a full team.
Two usually meant a senior-rookie pair.
But still.
Why would a Disaster Management Agency rookie be standing alone on the stairs leading to the fourth floor, where people disappeared?
Without her senior.
For at least a week.
Trapped… on these stairs.
“……”
A grim premonition crawled up my spine.
I opened my mouth.
“Agent?”
There was no answer.
“Roe Deer…?”
Go Youngeun on the stairs opened her mouth.
“Welcome to Lucky Mart!”
I yanked the high schooler behind me.
Then I grabbed the door.
“Agent.”
“Thank you for shopping with us, valued customer!”
That expressionless figure stumbled down the stairs.
Go Youngeun.
No, an… employee wearing Go Youngeun’s face.
‘Damn it…!’
I was just about to throw open the…