[Observation Report on 3774 – KR]
3774 – KR refers to an endless staircase and the door leading to it.
The basic appearance of 3774 – KR resembles a regular emergency exit. Given its unremarkable look in relation to its surroundings, it’s presumed to adapt to its environment.
To confirm its adaptation to the surrounding environment, a basic test was conducted, yielding the following results:
1. Decorated the nearby area with incongruous embellishments, but no changes were observed.
2. When the wall and floor materials were changed along with incongruous decorations, the door transformed into one matching the new materials.
3. Based on the above results, it was concluded that altering one or two elements in the surrounding area has no significant effect. Further tests confirmed this.
Upon opening the door of 3774 – KR, an endless staircase leading downward appears, hereafter referred to as the ‘interior’.
The ‘interior’ seems unaffected by the external environment, maintaining a constant appearance regardless of changes outside.
The basic structure of the interior is described as follows:
1. The area appears perpetually dark as the light bulbs do not turn on despite being functional. However, there are no restrictions on bringing external light sources. Verified light sources include smartphone flashlights, torches, battery-powered flashlights, glow sticks, lanterns, matches, candles, and bulbs. An unidentified KR object was also tested.
2. An endless staircase leads downward with occasional landings. These landings are presumed to mark floor levels.
3. The staircase is ordinary, presumably made of concrete.
4. A railing is present but is easy to climb over.
5. The staircase is straight with space between sections, though only endless stairs and darkness are visible.
– A device dropped into the space reached a measurement limit of about 828 meters.
– No sound of an object hitting the bottom was reported.
6. A single light source exists, a green emergency exit sign without an actual exit.
Further observations were conducted by deploying operatives, revealing the following:
1. The temperature decreases as one descends.
2. Some inoperable emergency exit signs were also detected.
3. The deepest recorded descent was to the 62nd level, beyond which operatives reported headaches, preventing further progress.
No other significant characteristics could be observed; thus, observations were provisionally concluded.
After comprehensive evaluation, 3774 – KR was initially classified as [Safe], but following a sudden anomaly, it was reconsidered for review under [Caution]. During this review, due to an incident, it was reclassified as [Neutral Threat].
Further exploration is now warranted.
*
After completing the necessary procedures, I was able to exit the carrier. Immediately, numerous gazes fell upon me.
The emotions conveyed by those gazes were varied, with curiosity and suspicion being the most prevalent. While seemingly similar, the two emotions are subtly different.
The former was a friendly gaze, while the latter was less so.
If I were to compare them to someone I know, perhaps it’s like the difference between Yang Ha-na and Hwang Bo-yul?
Thinking about it, it’s like comparing the curiosity towards a boiling Jelly.
“Wh-what is it?”
“Is it safe?”
“So cute…”
People began reacting as if they expected Jelly to spit something out. Despite their overreaction, these people seemed more composed than those I had encountered in the Swamp.
I began to understand why Hwang Bo-yul acted so stern and prickly before.
Even though we belong to the same group, the differences were stark. It might be because the previous location was rural, whereas this place is urban. How the two are managed may differ, but I don’t know the exact distinctions.
In any case…
While idly passing the time, an identical necklace from before was placed around my neck, and at the same time, a tightly closed door opened widely. Those who opened it all had rigid expressions, clearly reluctant to approach the door.
I wonder what lies on the other side that has them reacting this way. All I recall is seeing stairs.
My memory proved accurate as beyond the open door lay some open space, a railing, and stairs. Although it was difficult to see clearly due to the darkness, the outside appeared bright, allowing a faint recognition of the surroundings.
Hmm.
Finally, my turn has come.
Honestly, I don’t fully understand what’s dangerous about descending the stairs. Though the endless descent might be a bit terrifying, compared to other singularities I’ve encountered, this feels rather ordinary.
Unless the stairs suddenly turn into a monster and attack, or transform into a slide with no way back up…
Daydreaming about such scenarios is oddly enjoyable. Previously, I would have dismissed them as absurd, but now with the possibility that anything can happen, it’s fun to imagine.
Of course, I hope the place I’m heading into isn’t dangerous…
Otherwise, there would be no reason to call me.
I’m starting to feel a bit down.
It’s like being the canary in a coal mine.
…But, if I think that my going in ensures others won’t die, it’s not too bad. If something were to happen to me, I might regret it, but at least I’m tougher than a regular human—not exceptionally so, but definitely stronger.
“…Good luck.”
And so, bid farewell by Hwang Bo-yul and others, I stepped inside. Upon entering, a strange sensation enveloped me. It’s clearly part of a connected building, yet the inside feels subtly different from the outside.
As if the space changes just by stepping through the doorway.
It’s a peculiar and difficult-to-describe change, but something definitely shifts.
Looking back, I can still see the open door and the people watching me through it.
Nothing has visibly changed, yet something has.
Definitely a space designed to confuse, not just people, but singularities themselves.
In any case…
With the Jelly gently bubbling, I crossed the small room, gripped the railing, and began slowly descending the stairs. Unfortunately, I had to hold the thin bar meant for taller humans, which felt a bit embarrassing given my smaller size now.
If I had known, I would have brought more Jellies.
Muttering to myself, I trudged “plip-plop” down the steps. The repetitive scenery of the same endless staircase continued.
Surprisingly, though not particularly interesting, the continuity of it all felt intriguing. Recognizing this, an ironic sense washed over me.
Intrigue arises from the repetition of the uninteresting.
Is there a philosophical feeling about it?
Though, not exactly a philosophical space.
The further I descend, the dimmer the light from the open door becomes.
As it gradually darkens, my vision slowly adapts to the encroaching darkness. Feeling lonely descending alone, I expelled a bit of Jelly from my body to accompany me.
It might have seemed odd to outside observers, but it was like welcoming an additional companion.
Thus, accompanied by the bouncy Jelly, I resumed my descent.
After descending for some time, I spotted green-lit emergency exit signs occasionally. The amusing part is that the signs exist, but no actual exits do.
I prodded around with the Jelly to check if there might be hidden doors, but all I felt was a cold, bumpy surface. No hidden doors.
Should I try breaking it with a hammer?
I entertained the idea of hardening my hand to smash through, but decided against it out of fear of being scolded by Hwang Bo-yul.
While watching the Jelly bounce and tumble down the stairs, I kept moving.
It’s getting boring.
I didn’t roll the Jelly down the stairs for no reason.
Descending these silent stairs affects more the mind than physical stamina.
After all, repetitive actions breed anxiety in dogs, and people—whether human or myself—are bound to feel restless when encountering endless repetition.
If I were still human, facing these endless stairs might have filled me with negative thoughts or even triggered a flight response upward.
How much longer do I have to descend?
They said a signal would be given—has it reached this point?
While bubbling Jelly and staring at the railing, an idea struck me.
What if I slid down along the railing?
It could make descending much quicker.
Hmm…
I found myself pondering at a convenient landing.
Should I continue descending the stairs normally?
Or slide down the railing?
The moment to choose has arrived.
