Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Cat (1)
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The practical interviews had all wrapped up, and we dragged our exhausted bodies back to headquarters in the company car.
Inside the car, conversation naturally turned to the events of the day.
"The applicants today weren't that impressive, were they?"
Han Sora spoke up first.
"There was this one applicant who got so scared their legs gave out and they collapsed. It threw us off more than anything."
"It was a sudden interview, and most of the top candidates from the paper screening got lumped into a few groups. Looks like a lot ended up with Minjun or Team 12."
Seo Ji-hyun said, glancing at her tablet.
"Haha... Well, there were a few promising ones... But overall, it was disappointing."
Team Leader Park Cheolwoo concluded with a wry smile.
That wasn't how I saw it.
My group had been packed with applicants who seemed plenty capable.
'The problem is they're too capable, so now I'm suspicious they're spies.'
I leaned against the window, pondering what to do about Park Soyoung—no, Park Sunja.
I returned to the dorm, collapsed into bed, and slept like the dead. When I woke, it was the holiday I'd been waiting for.
And on my smartphone, there was a welcome notification.
This was separate from pay for all the fieldwork—it was my actual salary.
"...Salary."
My first paycheck.
Exactly ten million won in base pay, just as stated in the contract. I opened the banking app to check my account balance.
The number staring back was incomparably fatter than before.
A figure that had never graced my account in the real world.
And with it came the shocking realization that only a single month had passed.
So much had happened, and yet it had only been one month.
'With this money... could I swing a small studio apartment in Seoul...?'
My reason for wanting to move to Seoul: to avoid sudden monster encounters.
I hadn't had many surprise monster run-ins outside of the practicals.
Still, from working on the Exploration Team, I'd heard that monster appearances were ramping up. I wanted to relocate to Seoul—where monsters didn't show up—as soon as possible.
I started to think about just saving the money, but then I changed my mind a bit.
'...Yeah, let's spend some today.'
Dumping it all into a Seoul apartment sounded good, but before that, didn't I deserve a little gift to myself for surviving this hellish world?
Not every day spent commuting because of monsters or lurking on shady forums like Monster Gallery.
I wanted to go out like a normal person, shop, enjoy myself.
Conveniently, there was a decent-sized shopping mall and department store right near the officetel provided by the company.
"Alright. Shopping day it is."
The thought of going out like a regular person after so long had me a little excited.
Buy some proper clothes, eat something delicious. Even if just for a moment, forget this abnormal reality.
I grabbed my wallet and smartphone, then headed out of the dorm with light steps.
Toward the department store.
After days of tension, the holiday had arrived.
For the first time, I headed to the massive department store near the dorm.
I'd always been stuck in monster quarantine zones or dingy abandoned buildings—non-everyday places. Coming somewhere packed with crowds and bright lights felt awkward, almost alien.
"...Peaceful."
The department store was serene.
Everyone in normal clothes, enjoying their shopping. Couples walked arm-in-arm, laughing.
Kids tugged at their parents' hands, begging for toys.
An utterly ordinary, everyday scene. In this moment, I could almost forget I was trapped in a horrific horror game.
The bustling noise and normalcy seemed to slowly heal my tense body and mind.
'Yeah, I need time like this sometimes.'
I slowly browsed the stores, savoring the rare leisure.
I didn't have anything specific in mind to buy—just walking among the people felt good.
Crisp clothes, the latest gadgets, sweet dessert scents—everything felt fresh.
I was checking out the electronics section when—
"Hey! Isn't that Minjun?"
I turned at the familiar, bubbly voice. There stood Han Sora in casual jeans and a sweatshirt.
Spotting me, she widened her eyes and waved enthusiastically.
Out of uniform, she looked even younger—like a regular college student.
"Oh? Sora. Fancy running into you here."
"Right? I just stepped out for some fresh air. What brings you here? Did our maknae get his salary and hit the shops?"
She grinned playfully.
Come to think of it, payday was the same for everyone.
Makes sense we'd bump into each other at the department store.
"Ah... Yeah, first paycheck, plus I wanted a change of pace. But now that the money's in, I have no idea what to do with it."
At my words, Han Sora tilted her head back, pondering for a moment.
"Hmm... First salary. That's important!"
She snapped her fingers.
"First, food! Something expensive! Eat it all yourself! And anything you've been wanting? Clothes, shoes, whatever—splurge! It'll melt the stress away!"
She rattled it off excitedly, then suddenly lowered her voice and leaned in close.
Her expression turned a bit sad as she patted my shoulder.
"Spend your first paycheck on yourself. Our job's no joke. Bottle it up and you'll really get sick."
Then, with mischievous eyes, she glanced around and whispered.
"Our work's kinda like that, right? Monsters or weird incidents every day. At first, I had nightmares constantly and it was brutal... But these days, I'm doing okay. Want the secret?"
"...Sure."
It was exactly the info I needed.
Combat was getting familiar since entering this world, but this damn fear wouldn't budge. I went to bed anxious every night.
Han Sora winked like she was sharing a state secret and pulled out her smartphone.
Then flashed a bright smile and held out the screen.
"Here, look."
"This is..."
The screen was filled with photos of a fluffy gray cat.
Curled up sleeping, playing with toys, peering out the window.
Cute shots that made me smile just looking at them.
After days of scary, grotesque monsters, the cat purified my eyes.
"My cat! Name's 'Dust.' Cute, huh?"
I nodded without thinking, eyes glued to the cat on screen.
A rigid corner of my heart melted away. It really felt healing.
"When I get home from work and hang with Dust, all the crap from the day vanishes!"
Han Sora proudly swiped through more photos.
As she said, the cat's peaceful vibe felt worlds away from this brutal reality.
Having something like that around would be real comfort.
'Cat... so cute.'
It reminded me of my old life.
I'd vaguely wanted a pet back then too.
I'd heal my part-time burnout with animal videos.
But tight finances—vet bills, food, all that—made me give up before even starting.
Things were different now.
'...What if now?'
Fat bank balance, stable company dorm.
This world was dangerous, but paradoxically, it gave me 'leeway' I'd never had.
Couldn't I handle one cat or dog?
Living in constant tension and fear, a little greeter at home to comfort me would be huge.
"Anyway! Congrats on the first paycheck. I'm off! See you tomorrow!"
Han Sora pocketed her phone, gave my shoulder a friendly smack, waved, and vanished into the crowd.
I stood there a moment, replaying the cat photos and my bank balance.
Oh yeah—this department store had a pet corner.
"...Just looking, just looking..."
Muttering excuses to myself, I headed to the pet section like I was hypnotized.
When I left, I'd impulse-bought cat food, litter, litter box, bowls, everything.
Heading back to the dorm, arms full of supplies, a strange excitement bubbled up.
Back home, I unpacked and immediately fired up my laptop to research cat adoptions.
Monster Gallery tab side-by-side with cat adoption sites—it looked ridiculous, but both were vital info for me right now.
Browsing adoption sites and local communities, one post caught my eye.
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[Title: [Incheon] Need to urgently rehome cat for free due to circumstances.]
I've raised this one for about a year, but suddenly have to move to Seoul and can't take them.
Raised with lots of love. A bit sharp, but cute and quick on the uptake. Want them to go to a good home.
*The cat is picky, so please follow these 3 rules:
1. Never let them outside. They don't need walks.
2. Very sensitive to hierarchy. When they lock eyes and hiss, don't look away.
3. Once adopted, commit for life. If unavoidable circumstances arise like mine, rehome to someone else—never abandon.
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"...Hmm, all doable."
Not tough demands.
The attached photo showed a cat with sharp eyes and sleek black fur—perfect match.
Guy in a bind, local too.
Felt like it lined up perfectly with my situation.
Fate?
I texted the contact without hesitation. Reply came quick.
He was in a real rush—could meet anytime.
We set it up for late evening in a nearby park.