[User: Han Kain (Wisdom)
Date: Day 23
Current Location: Tier 1, Hallway
Sage’s Advice: 3]

After finishing breakfast, everyone gathered outside Room 101 with determined expressions.

The fourth attempt had arrived.

It was time to bring things to a close. Starting from the fifth attempt, things were supposed to "get strange." While I was curious about what that meant, none of us wanted to risk finding out.

Deep down, everyone probably hoped to finish things this time around.

Even Jinchul kept checking the red pill in his pocket, clearly prepared to use it if push came to shove.

Fourth Attempt

- Han Kain

As I had become accustomed to, I began by activating the filter and creating an excuse to stay locked up in my room under the pretense of registering for classes.

Immediately, I started searching on the computer: Shinsegae Hospital, Lee Hyukjin, Kim Sangmin.

What had happened here?

...

About 40 minutes later, I found myself overwhelmed by a tragic story. The backdrop for this nightmare world was rooted in surprisingly ordinary sorrow, the kind you might find anywhere.

I didn’t understand everything, but I knew one thing for sure: I had identified the "villain."

The others would be waiting for me.

Searching for this information and piecing together the narrative had taken more time than expected. Unlike those teleporting to the broadcasting station, I had to take a taxi with my sibling.

I’d likely arrive late, but there was much I needed to share.

- Lee Eunseol

The information I uncovered? Disappointingly clichéd.

I wasn’t sure how the world had been ruined, but I now had a good idea of who was behind it. It was time to head out.

I recalled last night’s meeting about teleportation.

What a bizarre method. But it would let me bypass all the dangers of my absurdly large house and reach the broadcasting station safely.

However, no plan is without flaws. The main issue we identified with the "teleportation plan" was the risk of altered schedules once cursed.

To mitigate this, I spent the morning drafting a detailed "broadcast station schedule" and notified my secretary and board members about it.

Even a simple text message seemed to transmit the curse—how insidious.

I informed multiple people—my secretary, the board members, and family—making my visit to the station an official schedule.

That should suffice, right? Now, I could only hope my cursed self would follow through.

As I opened the door, I noticed figures approaching from the other side.

...My consciousness began to blur.

- Cha Jinchul

I gently pushed my mother aside and explained that I had a job interview at the broadcasting station.

Would this be enough? Once cursed, I should head to the station for the interview, right?

Just in case, I also texted my martial arts master about it.

I’d informed enough people that my cursed self would probably stick to the plan.

I approached my fake mother.

...My consciousness began to blur.

- Elena

Darkness. Silence.

This was normal by now. Starting with the third attempt, Songyi had been using her sensory suppression ability on me at the start, so I could endure.

As expected, I could feel my sister right next to me, but my mind was holding steady.

Unfortunately, searching for information was out of the question.

From the beginning, I was stuck beside my sister, relying on Songyi’s help to suppress my senses. Without sight, I couldn’t use a computer or smartphone.

I began picking clothes out of the wardrobe and changing into them.

...

This was harder than I thought. Picking out and putting on clothes using only touch was surprisingly difficult.

I told my sister that we’d be heading to ABS soon. She didn’t respond, but I wasn’t worried. I frequented the station enough that the plan would unfold naturally.

Gradually, my sight and hearing returned. As my vision cleared, I saw my sister devouring something grotesque.

...My consciousness began to blur.

- Elena (Later)

I regained awareness suddenly, jolted as if struck by lightning. Startled, I looked around, only for someone to tap me on the shoulder.

"You’ve come to your senses?"

"Grandpa Mookseong?"

"I’ve been waiting for you. You’re quite early."

"Has anyone else arrived?"

"Songyi should be here soon. Judging by the activity in the chat room, most are on their way."

"That just leaves Kain, Jinchul, and Eunseol!"

"Kain will likely take a while since he’s coming with his sibling by taxi. As for Eunseol... I doubt she’ll make it."

"What?"

"Check the news on your smartphone. This world’s chaos is spilling over into everything."

Startled, I checked the headlines. The top story: Chairman of Daeyang Group Dies During Human Hunt.

...Human hunt?

A chairman who engages in such activities deserved what they got.

I didn’t say it aloud, but we all understood.

I’d overheard that Eunseol’s father was the chairman of Daeyang Group.

In this situation, she wouldn’t be able to join us. All her plans would be canceled.

- Cha Jinchul

This must be a dream. Or a nightmare.

A job interview meant to herald a new life.

My mother insisted on coming to support me. I tried to dissuade her, but it was no use. In the end, I invited her to have a meal at the station cafeteria after the interview.

Upon entering the station and heading toward the waiting room, I noticed a few people pressed against the walls, but they were barely visible, so I paid them no mind.

"Wait! Isn’t that young lady from that talk show?"

"What are you talking about, Mom?"

"That girl! Oh my goodness, I need to get her autograph."

As my mother hurried toward the girl, a broad-shouldered old man in a suit stepped forward. He was holding a gun.

Before I could react, blood sprayed from my mother’s shoulder.

...

A surge of heat filled my head.