Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness

Tap.

It was a place so dark it could leave you blind.

The moment I pressed the flashlight button, a white light illuminated the front.

This is…….

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

A parking garage.

A place with hundreds of windows and doors.

“Basement 5…….”

Hundreds of windows and doors that must never be opened without permission.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

If time can twist, then space can twist as well.

B5.

I stared blankly at the huge letters written on the wall.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

It seems all the floors got mixed together. academy I already suspected as much.

“Haa…….”

It makes sense.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

I quickly checked the floor information on the first pages of the Tarae Diary.

After all, it wasn’t a coincidence that they talked about floor information in the Tarae Diary advertisement.

…

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

[3rd Floor｜Main auditorium, conference room]

…

… All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

…

[1st Floor｜Lobby, Saero Café, labyrinth garden]

[2nd Floor｜Main auditorium, Saenal Daycare, Book&Come, TARAE]

…

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

…

That’s why at first I naturally assumed that below the second floor would be the first floor.

It seems the second and third floors were exceptions because they were originally connected through the main auditorium.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

That’s bad.

But trying to find at least something positive here…….

In any case, all the floors of the building got completely scrambled, and now there’s no way to know which floor is where.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

By instinct, I’m sure the exit is there.

No, to be precise, now it’s more likely that the labyrinth’s exit is on the first floor.

If you reach the first floor, you can get out.

Labyrinths, by nature, are made to keep people wandering for a long time while suffering.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

But honestly, I want to believe the labyrinth wouldn’t go that far.

In other words, precisely because the exit is on the first floor, they probably mixed up the floors to make finding that first floor more difficult.

Of course, it’s not impossible that, on top of mixing the floors, the exit isn’t even on the first floor…….

If the exit were on some random absurd floor, there would be no need to mix up the floors to make people lose their way for so long.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

They give us a goal to keep moving forward and the hope of getting out.

Because labyrinths are kind.

Difficult, yes, but not so much that a person collapses and gives up from the very beginning.

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Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

That is the labyrinth’s method.

They pull us from the front and push us from behind so we survive longer, wander farther, and get even more lost.

Because labyrinths are cruel.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

Labyrinths respect “doors.”

Of course, that’s not the only reason.

For example, in Seonghwa High, which became a labyrinth just like this Tarae building, the basic masked monsters could not cross the threshold of the teachers’ office.

“……It has been confirmed that there are masks in charge of each of the three grades. abstract The third-year ones use mouth-shaped masks…… These masks do not attack teachers first and seem incapable of entering the teachers’ office…….”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

At least, that’s how we understand it and how we believe it, right?

A door divides one space from another. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Crossing a door means entering a completely different world from the one before.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

In other words, there is a high probability that, upon crossing the first-floor door —the original entrance of the Jaerae building before it became a labyrinth— you can get outside.

The labyrinth incorporates precisely those “door” rules into its own rules.

Even if it’s all the same concrete floor, crossing this threshold makes it a hallway, crossing another one makes it an office.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

Some labyrinths don’t even have an exit door.

Even though I got out, it doesn’t feel like I really got out.

Maybe that’s why.

Of course, not all labyrinths take the form of a closed building like this.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

I shook my head to clear those thoughts away.

“…….”

A basement where naturally not a single ray of light could ever filter in.

I didn’t move recklessly and carefully observed my surroundings.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

Even with the blackout, the atmosphere was completely different from the upper floors where light entered through the windows.

Then I heard a faint sound in the distance.

The cool, damp air characteristic of an underground parking garage slipped unpleasantly beneath my clothes.

“Uugh, ngh…….”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

I turned off the flashlight and sharpened my hearing.

Ah.

The sound of something dripping, a dry broken cough, painful groans that sounded like crying.

My whole body tensed immediately.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

……Or maybe coughing up blood.

“Excuse me… are you alright……?”

Someone was vomiting.

A little while ago, I myself was making sounds like that in the main auditorium.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

I turned the flashlight back on, extending my arm toward the direction of the sound so the light would reach farther.

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“Khmm.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

Luckily, it seems he was only vomiting. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“I’m fine.”

Even though he was quite far away, the firm and clear voice of a young man reached me perfectly.

In the distance, I saw a silhouette hurriedly lifting its head and straightening its hunched body.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“Turn off the light.”

But there are people whom even the tiniest spark turns into a halo.

And after hearing his voice, I more or less believed I knew who he was.

The phone flashlight wasn’t very strong, so I could barely make out the outline of his face in the shadows.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

So I obeyed and turned off the flashlight without arguing.

“Is it dangerous to turn lights on?”

“Ah, yes.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

It doesn’t matter whether he’s telling the truth or lying. sphere You can always get information.

“Yes. amateur According to my suspicions.”

Besides, listening to someone who had been on this floor longer than me is never a bad idea.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

For example, that means total darkness is advantageous here.

“Stay still there. antenna I’ll come to you.”

At least for that man.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

And it also means he doesn’t want me approaching where he is.

What could be there?

Normally, both of us would move and meet halfway.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

It could simply be that he doesn’t want to show the vomit.

“Yes. afford Understood.”

But if it’s not for such an insignificant reason…….

I moved my feet slightly while feeling around the pillar and the car beside me, mentally tracing an escape route in case something happened.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

The darkness was so absolute that it almost felt better to close my eyes, so every step carried hesitation, and the rhythm was slow and uneven.

Even so, it seemed turning off the light did not benefit only that man.

The sound of low heels striking the floor slowly approached.

Tap, tap.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

I greeted him quickly, as if drawing a line.

Tap, tap.

Finally, when the presence was only two or three steps in front of me.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

And owner of the Tarae building, which had turned into a labyrinth overnight.

“Good evening, Director.”

Co-director of Yuwi Guild.

Founder of Hyunjae Sports Agency.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

Yoo Hyunjae.

“My name is Seon Yuhan.”

“Ah, mm. orbit Nice to meet you. legend You have a good eye. autumn It must’ve been difficult to see me.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“Do you happen to work at our company? atom I’d feel a bit bad if I failed to recognize you…….”

His voice sounded strangely embarrassed, but it was so dark that I couldn’t even distinguish the face of the person standing before me.

“Ah, no.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

It’s not like this is some tiny company with fewer than five employees.

But even so, I felt like I could imagine Yoo Hyunjae’s expression, and that eased my tension a little.

If the director recognized some ordinary employee, the one getting frightened would be the employee.

And even less would he properly recognize my face from that distance, considering I don’t even work here.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“No. airport Of course not.”

“Ah. riddle I don’t know what time it is, but I heard there was a meeting today to recruit new Red Snake members. shadow Was that you?”

“Then you must be from the Red Snake Support Department. beacon Agent?”

“Today I came for an interview. amber It’s my first time entering this building.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

It felt strange that the director knew even that kind of schedule.

Inside, I was surprised.

“Red Snake Supp…… ah, Red Snake Support Department. arctic Yes. autumn Correct.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“Uh…….”

“You find it unexpected, don’t you?”

Though, if it’s a Red Snake recruitment meeting, maybe it is worth remembering.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

No, before that.

Or deny it?

Should I answer honestly and say yes?

I didn’t know what kind of answer he wanted.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“I’m very interested in people. adjust Especially those who could become part of our people.”

With Yoo Hyunjae, who technically remains my superior in a Schrödinger state because I still don’t know the result of my interview? This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Wait.

Do we really have to keep up social etiquette even inside a labyrinth?

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“But, Director.”

Every hair on my body stood on end.

The moment I heard that, all the useless thoughts vanished instantly.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

Where are those two who went down before me?

“Have you perhaps seen any other people around here?”

Hwang Juyeon and Jung Jiho.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

His voice sounded slightly concerned.

“Are they your family?”

“Other people?”

“Yes. arctic A woman and a child. beacon They should’ve come down here.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“No. arena Not exactly. artist We just met upstairs and, well…… I lost them.”

It’s better not to explain how I ended up losing them.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

What the hell is he talking about?

“Do I need to catch them?”

“No, that’s not what I mean…… it’s normal to worry. atomic The people who arrived before me disappeared.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“Ahhh. artist I see. armor But on this floor, it’s only the two of us.”

His voice sounded gloomy as he added that.

At least humans.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“I…… see.” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

That part I don’t doubt.

I never expected there to be no non-human things inside the labyrinth.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

I couldn’t decide whether this man was lying about them or not.

If I could see facial expressions or body movements, it would be different.

But only hearing his voice made it difficult to tell.

What mattered were Hwang Juyeon and Jung Jiho.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“Ah, right. airport I suppose you also know well that this place turned into a labyrinth…… considering you came from the upper floors.”

Of course, that assumes Yoo Hyunjae is telling the whole truth and not trying to toy with me.

And recklessly turning on the flashlight might provoke something truly dangerous.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

Maybe the disorder of floors in this labyrinth is not fixed, but changes depending on the moment or the person.

If Yoo Hyunjae is telling the truth, there is a possibility that Hwang Juyeon and Jung Jiho ended up on completely different floors.

“Yes. canvas But it seems the floors are mixed together. atlas I came down from the second floor, and when I opened the door to the first floor, I never imagined I would appear here…….”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“Ah By the way, Director. acid Have you been alone this whole time?”

Very carefully, I clenched my fist and shifted one foot slightly backward to adjust my center of gravity.

But if he’s lying…….

Without making the slightest sound.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“Ah……. abstract Actually, Mr. riddle Kim, ah, my driver, was with me.”

Why the hell is he speaking so ambiguously? agent He even takes unnecessary pauses.

“In my case, the person who was with me disappeared shortly after this place turned into a labyrinth. arena Didn’t something similar happen to you?”

“……You could say that.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

His deep disembodied voice was heard again.

“Ah, damn it. attic This isn’t the time for this.”

Yoo Hyunjae’s voice paused for a moment.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

“And don’t be startled.”

So close it felt like I could touch him just by reaching out my hand…….

“Seon Yuhan, listen to me carefully.”

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

My entire body broke out in chills.

This crazy bastard.

The instant I realized that.

Translation of How to Die in a Company That Turned Into a Labyrinth - Chapter 19: Representative in the Darkness by Indra Translations.

When the hell did he take off his shoes?