Chapter 48.3
I had no idea what requirement I had fulfilled in the exhibition to unlock it, but I reached for the glowing black notepad and lightly touched it, stretching as I did.
Click.
A clear sound accompanied the small, lightweight object, still in its plastic packaging, as it fell into my hand.
“âŠâŠ”
Shining silver, it was shaped like a small shield with the word âCHARGEâ embossed in elegant calligraphy.
ItâsâŠ
A badge.
âAh.â
I understood immediately.
The condition Iâd fulfilled was⊠âgood deedsâ.
Dark Exploration Records / Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau
/ Items
Silver Heart
The wearer earns the reverence of others proportional to their cumulative altruistic actions.
Strongly influenced by the creatorâs belief that âit is socially most efficient for altruistic individuals to gain powerâ.
Item Usage Qualification(s) : Must have saved 12 or more lives in a supernatural disaster.
This so-called âbadge of characterâ.
It was an item produced and distributed by the Disaster Management Bureau.
It had exploded in popularity after a legendary performance in the exploration records of a sealed ghost story involving a train explosion.
Its unique properties were part of what made it stand out.
As the description suggests, it was an item exclusively for good people. It allowed altruists to wield influence within a group.
âThe fact that I now qualify for this is⊠overwhelming.â
It felt like too much responsibility.
While this item was generally used in heartwarming ways, there was that one time it led to a catastrophic disaster of utterly insane proportions.
âThatâs how it always goes with creepypasta universes.â
Whenever enough goodwill accumulates, something horrifying inevitably slips in to raise the stakes.
In the past, there were records of this badge being distributed to exceptionally kind civilians, but over time, it became strictly regulated and only loaned to government employees under tight rules.
I remember watching the wiki updates happen in real time.
What does this mean?
It means that at this point, no one would ever predict a Daydream Inc. employee using the âSilver Heartâ.
âWhich is why I can actually use it.â
Iâm not sure how many more good deeds Iâll manage with everything Iâve got on my plate, but at least I should benefit from the badgeâs base effect, right?
If it gives my colleagues the impression of, âThis personâs pretty remarkable,â itâll make it much easier to come across as a capable employee.
âAlright. Letâs make good use of this.â
Apparently, the universe doesnât just want me dead.
I carefully tucked the Silver Heart badge into my pocket and left the break room with a lighter heart.
As soon as I stepped out, I was greeted with news of additional rewards for the recent exploration.
“Roe! Itâs not officially announced yet, but theyâre giving you a bonus reward too!”
“âŠâŠ!”
“Man, itâs a shame youâre surprised about something you so obviously deserve⊔
“Exactly! Do they think B-Class zones are playgrounds for kids? People step in there and die instantly. What do they think this is, a joke?”
Uh, thanks, I guess?
“But the bonus rewardâs pretty decent, so thatâs something.”
âPretty decentâ?
Thatâs high praise coming from Assistant Manager Eun.
Judging by the hint of admiration on her face, it must be something special.
“âŠWhat is it?”
“A regeneration potion.”
“âŠâŠ!!”
“Donât just stand there. I bet the name alone doesnât mean much to you, huh?”
It absolutely did.
Itâs too famous for anyone not to know it.
This wasnât just some standard health potion youâd get from the medical bay.
– One of <Daydream Inc.>âs signature products. A magic potion.
The miracle cure.
Dark Exploration Records / Daydream Inc.
/ Items
Regeneration Potion
A magical potion that regenerates all physical injuries.
The higher the grade, the more powerful it is. With a deep green hue.
“Simply put, it can regrow body parts. And this oneâs C-grade. Even if you lose a limb, itâll regenerate just fine.”
“âŠâŠ!”
“Not even the exclusive equipment for section chiefs has this kind of ability. This is a company specialty. Its point value? About 10,000.”
Assistant Manager Eun grinned and gave me a pat on the back.
“Youâll find it handy someday. Our line of work is dangerous, after all. Isnât it great to know you can get your arms, legs, eyes, or nose back if you lose them?”
Honestly, maâam, you didnât have to put it quite like thatâŠ
“And one more thingâit might be disappointing, or it might be good news. Wanna hear?”
“Yes?”
“Youâre not the only one getting it.”
“Soleum-ssi!”
“Hello.”
I waved to Go Yeongeun, who had called out to me. Baek Saheon was sitting next to her.
The company had gathered the three of us for a photo op as part of the bonus reward ceremony. It was the first time Iâd seen them since the escape.
Youâd think Baek Saheon and I would see each other all the time, being roommates, right? But lately, heâs been holed up in his room.
Thanks to that, Iâve been enjoying the living room TV with Braun in peace.
“Have you been resting well? Are you feeling alright?”
“Iâm fine. How about you, Go Yeongeun-ssi⊔
As I spoke, I realized something.
Go Yeongeun was focusing intently on my lips, trying to read them as I spoke.
“My hearing⊠hasnât returned yet.”
“âŠâŠ”
As expected.
At least the rental auditory device sheâd been using automatically deactivated upon leaving the exhibition, so there was no worry about exhibition staff chasing after her.
And in her hands was the bonus reward the company had just given her.
When she opened the ornate box, adorned with gold embossing and mural-like decorations, it revealed a beautifully wax-sealed glass bottle.
Inside the glass, the light green liquid shimmered like new spring leaves.
: Daydream Potion :
Regeneration
C (excellent)
It was a C-grade regeneration potion.
Go Yeongeun held the glass bottle aloft, her eyes filled with a mix of hope, uncertainty, and anticipation.
“Well then, Iâll go ahead and try it right now.”
“Please do.”
Go Yeongeun opened the Regeneration Potion and downed it in one go.
Weiss676
If the girl hadn’t received one then he would’ve given his to her