■■■ Bank Customer Guidelines (1)
Click.
All the world's noise evaporated in an instant. Darkness. The mechanical whirring that had been blaring just moments ago, the faint city hum—gone. Pitch-black silence. Only the afterimage of a strange woman's screaming face from the ID photo lingered, flickering before her eyes.
A clear precursor to a horror story.
"……."
Han Yujin swallowed hard. Her mind raced into overdrive.
Jeong Gongbeop had warned her. Once you step into a horror story, the line between reality and horror blurs into meaninglessness. The moment you escape one, another waits right outside the door.
That was why the Horror Survivor Gallery was so buzzing.
"Shall I guide you to the exit?"
Breaking the silence was the voice of the bank teller who'd been talking to Han Yujin moments before. Even in the dark, his silhouette and soft smile were vividly outlined.
Any normal person would scream in terror or bolt madly for the exit. But Han Yujin wasn't normal. She plopped right down on the floor, clearly signaling I ain't going.
"…Customer?"
The monster's voice creaked unnaturally. This made the third humanoid monster encounter already. Han Yujin knew this was their bewilderment.
"Sorry. Suddenly got dizzy."
Causing a scene with a monster was riskier than just hightailing it to the exit. Experience from countless gallery dives told her that.
Still sitting, Han Yujin swiped at the air. A translucent gallery window popped up.
First things first: assess the situation. Figure out what horror this was, then she could strategize.
It said I could take photos.
Photo capture completed.
Post created.
Some kinda bank, but lights went out suddenly. Staff says they'll guide me to the exit. Should I follow?
No sooner had she posted than comments flooded in like a waterfall.
"…Honey pot?"
Han Yujin tilted her head at the wildly unexpected reactions. A newbie dragged into a horror, and instead of worry, "honey pot"? The comments pouring in after were even wilder.
The gallery was exploding. Complaints of "no baitposting" mixed in. Like she'd posted a lotto jackpot proof.
Finally, a sane one chimed in.
"…Insane."
Han Yujin gaped. Deposit rate 200%? Was this a bank or a charity?
Guide staff. Han Yujin glanced sideways at the bank teller standing blankly beside her.
The gallery's vibe chilled instantly at her reply.
Crazy, lunatic, not right in the head—the reactions piled up. Han Yujin couldn't fathom their freakout.
Han Yujin replied nonchalantly.
It started at the Lost Property Center at Terminal Station. Locking eyes with the center chief, a bizarre sensation brushed her mind. Not human eyes—abyssal depths. Focusing on it, she faintly sensed the monster's "gaze."
Tongues wagged at the newbie's superhuman guts transcending common sense; some even fretted over the monster's well-being. The gallery was pure chaos.
"Not helpful at all."
The chaos-maker herself tsked at the gallery. Still, she'd gleaned the key to: the rulebook.
That shameless newbie extended a hand to the bank teller—no, monster beside her.
"Can I get the bank terms?"
"Yes. Here's the customer terms."
The teller handed over a thin booklet with mechanical smile.
"Follow these, and we guarantee your assets perfectly."
Han Yujin skimmed it.
1. Article 1 (Purpose)
This terms establishes basic matters for all transactions proving customer's current value and enhancing future value, based on trust between ■■■ Bank (hereinafter "Bank") and customer.
…
3. Article 3 (Counter Guidance)
This bank has two counters:
[Loan Counter]: Open to all customers.
[Deposit & Trading Counter]: All users may freely use this branch's deposit & trading counter.
4. Article 4 (Deposit Products)
Value Proof Fixed Deposit: Bank re-evaluates deposited assets periodically (every 24 hours) and pays compensation based on assessed value.
Compensation Rate: Applied differentially by credit grade & deposit period; guarantees minimum 200% APR.
"Real money-dupe horror."
A hollow laugh escaped. Bug level? Server rollback worthy.
Rulebook secured, comments checked—Han Yujin headed toward the dimly glowing "Break Room" sign in the dark. She read the rest en route.
Article 7 (Loan Products)
Existence Value Collateral Loan: Bank assesses customer's current "existence value" and loans within that range.
Repayment: Automatically deducted principal+interest from "value compensation."
No separate repayment required.
Purpose: Allows stable daily life while exploring future value.
This branch strives to ensure customer safety until loan repayment.
5. Loan repayment deducts interest first; full interest paid → escort service; full principal → escort service.
"Nuts."
What horror spells out escape so neatly? Escort service. Pay interest, escape—obvious. Gallery agreed.
Too perfect. Perfect enough to feel off.
No such thing as free lunch. Han Yujin's ironclad creed from 10 years gallerying and intense horror survival.
This flawless profit machine hid something crucial.
Troll blood boiled. Urge to find the loophole and smash it.
Reading terms, she walked crookedly. Eyes on text, not path—unavoidable.
Thud!
"Ow!"
Forehead throbbed. Clutching her head, she sat. Looking up: a woman staring down. Crisp suit, sharp eyes.
[ Unique Company ]
And logoed briefcase.
Bumped into her?
As Han Yujin analyzed the pain—
Slap!
Stars burst; cheek stung.
"Suicidal much?"
Icy air froze the surroundings.