Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone

I ignored the fact that beyond the window there was nothing but absolute darkness.

Or rather, the LED lights in my apartment illuminated everything evenly, brightly, and almost as if they were sunlight.

The sunlight was pleasant.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I opened my eyes.

I wiped away the sleep from my eyes, stretched my arms, and let out a long yawn.

Waking up meant I was still alive.

I felt like something terrible would happen if I opened it.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

And being alive meant I could begin a new day.

But it didn’t matter.

It was a monologue.

“What a refreshing morning.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

As I sat up, the bedsheets rustled softly.

As long as the probability wasn’t zero, an optimistic attitude could change the day.

Then I put the pillow back in place.

With movements that had already become familiar, I shook out the blanket and carefully straightened it.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

The small bloodstain in one corner of the pillow was probably just a minor nosebleed.

I washed my face at the sink.

Probably.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I shampooed my hair and washed it.

I stood under the water for a long time without thinking about anything.

I showered with hot water until the bathroom mirror was completely fogged over.

Then I finished with cold water and immediately regained my clarity.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I put on that white shirt that had already become familiar and carefully buttoned every button.

When I finished, I opened the wardrobe and took out a shirt.

I dried my face with a towel and used a hair dryer to dry my hair.

“Good, this is how a routine should be.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I opened the refrigerator.

“It feels empty.”

As expected, it was completely empty.

The only thing left was the empty bottle of that probiotic drink I had drunk the night before, rolling around in a corner.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“Skipping breakfast helps the mind work better.”

My stomach growled softly.

I muttered that mental victory to myself as I closed the door.

I pretended not to hear it.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“I’m heading out.”

It was time to go to work.

I rolled my neck, stretched my shoulders as if I were learning to walk upright again, and stopped in front of the door.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Click—

And standing in front of me was—

The door opened.

With a casual greeting, I turned the doorknob.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“Grrrooo… Grrrrrr.”

He was standing there.

Supervisor Shik.

With thick chains hanging from his shoulders while staring directly at me.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“Good morning, Supervisor Shik.”

I had returned to reality.

A deep breath rumbled from behind that mouth full of blade-sharp teeth.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Creak.

Supervisor Shik stared at me for several seconds before slowly lowering his head.

My lips curled upward, but my back was drenched in cold sweat.

I smiled reflexively.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

It probably wasn’t his vertebrae.

“I’ll do my best today as well.” All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Something cracked.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I greeted him again.

I felt every hair on my shoulders stand up at the same time.

Only then did Supervisor Shik give a slight nod.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

The chains dragging across the floor produced a strange scraping sound.

“Then let’s go first, all right?”

He walked past me and slowly began moving down the hallway.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

The bright and refreshing morning was over.

I silently closed the door and followed him.

Once again, my strange daily life was beginning.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

***

Lunchtime.

A place whose name I had always seen but never dared to visit.

The cafeteria.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I thought about it.

Then thought about it again.

‘Let’s go.’

And finally made a decision.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I wanted to try something as simple as eating with someone.

Today I would go.

I was going to eat.

After all, I would be here until the day I resigned.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

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

I had said this morning that fasting helped me think better.

But the truth was that I was already reaching my limit.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

And my stomach felt as though it had been crushed like a bent drinking straw.

My legs were numb.

My stomach was burning.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

‘Why do you never eat with us?’

Besides, a little while ago it had seemed as though Supervisor Shik had given me a look that said:

I had no idea what would be served in the cafeteria.

But Manager Batori had said it.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“Uh…”

I opened my mouth to address my coworkers.

We were of the same lineage.

Surely they would take care of me.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“Could I… have lunch with you today?”

I hadn’t even finished the sentence when Manager Myeon nodded in front of me.

The lunch announcement had just sounded, and everyone was beginning to rise from their seats.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“Regular nutrient intake is important.”

“Of course.”

“Oh. accent What’s this?”

“Grrr… Graaah… Kuuuur—!”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

And finally Supervisor Shik.

All of them reacted positively.

Assistant Manager Son.

Director Mok.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

A strange sense of relief washed over me, and I lowered my head.

But I assumed it was.

Well, I wasn’t completely sure that Supervisor Shik’s reaction had been positive.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

When I looked up again, I met Manager Batori’s gaze.

As always, she held her tumbler and rested one hand on the desk while silently watching me.

She had not risen from her seat.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

She slightly raised the tumbler as she smiled.

There was a peculiar smile in her eyes.

“Fufu. atlas I’ll make do with this again today.”

“And you, Manager…?”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

The cafeteria was on another floor.

Inside, the blood swirled gently.

I tilted my head slightly and followed the other four team members out of the office.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

One.

The metal doors opened with a hum.

At the end of the hallway stood an old elevator.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

And finally Supervisor Shik.

Three.

Two.

Four.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Wasn’t this exceeding the structural limits of the elevator?

The moment Supervisor Shik stepped inside, the elevator walls creaked alarmingly.

Clank.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

It felt as though the air was escaping through some crack.

“Ugh…”

I ended up half-crushed between his enormous body and the wall.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Assistant Manager Son was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

Manager Myeon stood with his usual elegance.

Director Mok had his roots folded and neatly arranged.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I regretted it.

‘I should have skipped lunch.’

And I was trapped between Supervisor Shik’s back and the elevator wall.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

The elevator slowly began descending with a squeal.

Even breathing was difficult. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

A cramped space.

I never imagined hope could disappear so quickly.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

And thousands of thoughts.

Irregular vibrations.

Strange smells.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Would they serve food that a human could eat?

‘What exactly is the cafeteria like?’

Or would it be some delicacy intended for the monsters in this place?

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I really should have skipped lunch.

Supervisor Shik’s back pressed crushingly against me once again.

“Ugh.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“That is correct.”

“So, it was the Adjustment Department that insisted all of us participate this time?”

That was when Manager Myeon spoke calmly.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Director Mok nodded gently.

Assistant Manager Son slightly raised his chin.

“From detection to capture, everything went quite well. admire They say they want everyone to participate for educational purposes.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Director Mok spoke while lowering his gaze with those numerous green eyes resembling frog eggs peeking out from between his knots.

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

“More precisely, outside the perimeter, beyond the third filter.”

“Went well? admire Didn’t they say the capture happened near Seoul Station?”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“Grrr… Rrrrrrr.”

“They say it was located purely through perception, without any reaction from the fixed measuring devices. apron It seems the Adjustment Department took this very seriously. alert Or perhaps they received assistance from Executive Director Ahn.”

Supervisor Shik let out an incomprehensible growl.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I felt a strange vibration in my eardrums.

Had he just laughed?

I turned my head reflexively.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Or was he annoyed?

Assistant Manager Son continued speaking calmly.

“I heard they classified one Rank A entity, one Rank C entity, and one Rank D entity.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

The rookie was participating too?

“They say the possibility of refining the new Rank A entity is uncertain. wizard Its structure… appears to be somewhat different from the previous ones. acquire Will it be safe to bring the rookie along as well?”

Manager Myeon replied with his usual smile.

“Haha.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Maintaining an indifferent expression, I looked up at the ceiling while repeating those words in my mind.

This afternoon?

“The Adjustment Department has surely already taken care of all the preparations. adjust And if not, we have other measures ready. echo We’ve already received notice that the transfer will be completed during the afternoon. amber After lunch, we’ll go directly to see it.”

‘They’re bringing a new dimensional entity this afternoon?’

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Adjustment Department.

Capture.

Although I didn’t fully understand the internal terminology, I grasped the general context.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Possibility of refinement. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

And structure.

Perimeter.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Suddenly, Manager Myeon turned his head toward me and spoke calmly.

“Employee Jeong.”

I had the feeling that the meaning of those words was connected to whatever I would soon be facing.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

His tone remained as kind and courteous as ever.

“There is no need to be nervous. meadow This afternoon’s program will simply be something quite interesting.”

“Yes.”

I straightened my posture reflexively.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I lowered my head slightly.

But behind those words was a strange scent suggesting that something had already been prepared.

“Understood. acquire I’ll leave myself in your hands.”

My heart lurched heavily.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

What exactly was about to arrive?

The elevator continued descending through the dark shaft.

‘A new dimensional entity.’

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

***

But it felt almost exactly like descending into a slaughterhouse.

Lunch was, surprisingly, quite good.

We were heading to the company cafeteria.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

At first, I thought it was simply slow.

To begin with, the elevator itself was strange.

Then I thought it had been descending for too long.

Of course, there were many complicated emotions hidden within that “quite good.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

After that, I came to believe it had broken down.

At some point, the floor indicators stopped looking like numbers at all.

‘It’s still going down?’

And finally—

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Then those symbols mutated into incomprehensible shapes that eventually formed fixed patterns.

And finally, the doors opened.

The entrance to the cafeteria was absurdly clean.

The digits began twisting into symbols.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

A menu board that functioned properly.

Stacks of trays piled high.

Shining tiles beneath white lights.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Except for the fact that it was full of monsters instead of humans.

‘Uh… this really does look like a company cafeteria.’

There were even wet towels on every table.

And a crowd of monstrous employees.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Bulgogi over rice.

Spicy stir-fried pork.

Pork belly.

There were even menus suitable for people.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

White rice.

Kimchi.

Egg soup.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

At a table across from us, some creatures were eating masses of slime with spoons.

Others drank mysterious liquids from their trays as though they were floating corks.

Of course, alongside them, impossible symbols and moving figures also appeared on the illuminated menu boards, apparently representing menu items as well.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

And when the five members of Extraction Team 1 stopped in front of something that could barely be called an automated kiosk—

Employees stiffened.

The atmosphere changed.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Some looked away.

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

Heads covered with mouths instead of eyes.

Heads filled with multiple eyes.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Beings composed entirely of formless masses.

‘This…’

Hierarchy.

All of them were watching us.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

It wasn’t exactly fear.

Even within this grotesque organization, Extraction Team 1 clearly occupied a superior position.

The gazes were distorted by something else.

It wasn’t exactly respect.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

They were too cautious to be mere fear. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

An unpleasant admiration that could not be denied.

It was a kind of silent reverence reserved for something forbidden.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

‘We are definitely different.’

After choosing our meals, the five of us sat at the same table.

Suddenly, I remembered the pride Manager Batori had shown when talking about Extraction Team 1.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Hell began.

He appeared to be eating a bowl of bulgogi over rice.

First, Supervisor Shik.

And the moment the food arrived—

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Using those enormous fur-covered paws, he devoured the food savagely and emptied three trays in an instant.

Crunch! apple Splurt! album Chomp! autumn Crack!

But the speed was absurd.

Spoons were an unnecessary luxury.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

From the second—

From the first tray, some grains of rice flew toward me.

“Urgh.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

‘There’s no helping it. amber I give up.’

I sighed silently.

A kind of black, viscous soup splashed onto my kimchi.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

He stared at his tray for several seconds.

And suddenly dumped the entire contents onto his fist-head.

Literally.

Then there was Assistant Manager Son.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Soup.

Eggs.

The entire tray.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Seaweed.

Rice.

And all the other mysterious side dishes.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

As if he were working bread dough.

And then—

Nothing.

Then he began kneading his own head with both hands.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

As though he had devoured it completely.

When he opened his hands, absolutely nothing remained.

He didn’t even have a mouth.

Yet everything had vanished.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Director Mok, on the other hand, had brought a tray full of dirt.

No rice.

‘…This makes no sense.’

No side dishes.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

And carefully planted them into the tray.

Nothing.

The end.

Silently, he extended several roots from his body.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

And then there was Manager Myeon.

He was simply sitting there planting roots.

‘I am definitely still human.’

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

He ate in the most human manner.

If you ignored the detail of his seven faces.

He fed each one methodically while changing spoons.

Above the elegant collar of his suit were seven faces.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Face 3: side dishes.

Face 1: rice.

Face 2: soup.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Face 5: more soup.

Face 6: observing the cafeteria.

Face 4: more rice.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“Employee Jeong, are you enjoying the meal?”

asked the seventh face gently.

Face 7: smiling at me.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I simply nodded.

Fried egg.

My tray contained a completely normal meal.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Soup.

Kimchi.

Spicy pork.

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

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Nothing special.

And yet—

Rice.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

It truly was delicious.

“It’s delicious. apple Ah, I mean, it’s really delicious.”

It was hot.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

The soup slid smoothly down my throat.

It wasn’t too salty.

The rice had the perfect texture.

The meat was tender.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

My stomach, which had gone days without being properly fed, was finally receiving real nutrients.

‘Ah… this is food.’

And something stirred inside me.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Around me, food continued flying through the air.

I finished eating slowly and quietly.

Trays continued being dumped onto heads.

It was telling me that I was still alive.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

But during that meal—

And seven faces continued eating with the rhythm of perfect machinery.

I was still human.

Dirt continued covering tables.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

We finished lunch in silence.

And headed back to the elevator.

Supervisor Shik arrived a moment later, releasing another deep growl.

And that fact alone was enough to restore my desire to live.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Half-crushed beneath one of his shoulders, I let out a silent sigh.

***

And the elevator became completely packed once again.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

There was always someone who stayed behind in the office.

It was the first time.

After returning to the office following lunch, the five of us prepared to head together to the Extraction Room.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Or someone who left midway through.

It was obvious that something important was happening.

But today all of us would be participating.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

As always, his movements were slow and precise.

More specifically, the one positioned furthest to the left.

One of his seven faces.

When we reached the entrance to the Extraction Room, Manager Myeon stopped.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

And a familiar, polite, and tidy voice spoke.

“Employee Jeong.” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Turned toward me.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“Today, three new dimensional entities have arrived.”

“Yes, Manager Myeon.”

I responded almost reflexively.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

“The Portrait of a Dismantled God.”

He continued speaking slowly.

“The Broken Violinist.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

An entity that produces distorted sounds?

‘The Broken Violinist?’

I heard those names and needed a moment before I could breathe again.

“The White and Chubby Furball.”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

A distorted sacred statue?

‘The Portrait of a Dismantled God.’

Or a humanoid that uses its own body as a bow?

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

…What the hell is that?

‘The White and Chubby Furball.’

A metaphysical existence?

Suddenly, that name seemed ridiculously insignificant compared to the others.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

From the names alone, it was impossible to guess their forms or natures.

My mind worked at full speed.

But perhaps that was precisely the point.

One of Manager Myeon’s faces slowly smiled.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

There was no pressure.

“Employee Jeong.”

Only the expression of a boss asking for a choice.

No manipulation.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

I closed my lips and slowly repeated the three names in my mind.

said his fifth face softly.

“Which of the dimensional entities do you believe would be the most suitable?”

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

The White and Chubby Furball.

One of the three.

The Portrait of a Dismantled God.

The Broken Violinist.

Translation of There Are No Humans in the Monster Company - Chapter 16: The Gourmet Who Is Not Alone by Indra Translations.

Between excitement, fear, and a vague anticipation, I slowly opened my mouth.

The monster I would face today.

“I…”

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