Chapter 0
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Episode 0 - Record of Mysteries Exploration
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Undeniably, the day arrives that many await and that others dread.
What am I talking about?
Of course, it's web novels: a story you've been immersed in for so long and have grown so fond of that you don't want it to end.
But when the next day you see the word
'This is the second time I'm checking.'
Today was a rather hectic day, although the real estate agency had you running from property to property to sell houses to newly formed families and elderly people.
It's undeniable that when you manage to sell the house you were assigned, you feel genuine happiness.
However…
'I'm happy because I sold a damn mansion today, but at the same time, I'm not.'
That was because my favorite novel had ended, and I had read its final chapter while riding the train.
If you like the paranormal and mystery, then that novel is, without a doubt, what you're looking for.
Mystery, cosmic horror, cults, gods, a world in the full Victorian era, a dark and tragic fantasy.
It's the only thing I tried to find, and
A work with over 2,000 completed chapters.
'Now that I think about it, I should go to the bookshop.'
There was a particular shop where I used to buy the physical version, divided into volumes, of
'After selling that mansion, the section chief gave me an extra bonus.'
I have a lot of money right now.
'I feel rich.'
Perhaps
I might find some novel in physical format and see if it's good or not.
Depending on what I find, I'll read its web version.
***
Kark-pop.
It wasn't just any shop; in fact, it seemed more like the central branch of the best physical bookshop for web novels in the country.
There were branches throughout the territory. It was a hot topic among readers and fans of web novels.
A shop where you find, without fail, the physical version of your favorite novel.
And
Once inside, you see there are shelves and more floors above to explore, in addition to staff and teenage customers everywhere.
"I guess there's nothing good for now."
Perhaps I was simply too demanding about what I wanted to read.
But, after a walk through the mystery and horror section, I didn't find any novel that was really worth it.
Interestingly, in this section, there was no one.
'Well, it's normal. Although many are fans of the genre,
This reminded me of a time when I read on the wiki about how popular
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| Record of Mysteries Exploration | Entry No. 11927: "What novel could ever surpass Record of Mysteries Exploration?" |
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Without a doubt, Record of Mysteries Exploration can be considered the best novel in its genre ever written.
It is worth noting that there are novels that try to compete, but in the end, none manage to convey the same emotion that readers of Record of Mysteries Exploration feel.
It is, without a doubt, the best novel of recent years and will likely continue to hold that position.
Note: As of its latest chapter, Record of Mysteries Exploration has been ongoing for 8 years.
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Forums used to comment on how incredibly well-structured
"What a headache, huh…"
As I rubbed the bridge of my nose, I noticed a line of high school students.
'What is this?'
Curious, I decided to move a bit closer, and when I realized…
"Ah…"
As a fan of
In fact, it was the only thing I spent my money on, aside from daily expenses like food, bills, transportation, etc.
The students were lining up to buy a lottery ticket where the grand prize included accessories, clothing, character figures, and more.
Physical items that appeared in the novel and that the protagonist used throughout the story.
It's a package with the things the protagonist had, even his own Victorian style something any cosplayer would kill to buy.
'I haven't seen or heard about any novel accessory lottery happening today.'
Without hesitation, I got in line and, after a while, bought a ticket for the lottery.
'Finally.'
A small internal celebration was enough, but without realizing it, I had caught the attention of the students in line.
"That guy is a fan of Record of Mysteries Exploration because he looks really old."
"..."
"Hey, do you have to be young to read a novel classified as cosmic horror?"
"Well, I'm just saying… it's a bit weird for a guy in his 30s to be a fan of a novel, you know?"
"..."
"Just shut up, he might hear you."
"..."
'I heard them, and I'm not old… I'm 23.'
I just sighed silently, looking for a place to sit down.
It wasn't unusual for teenagers to give me odd looks; after all, it was they who made many web novels famous, not people over 30.
However, it's undoubtedly annoying to be mistaken for a 30-year-old man when I'm only 23. I'm not even close to 30.
Tired, I looked at the raffle ticket I held in my hand.
'From what I heard, the draw will be in an hour.'
"..."
I stared at the ticket for a long time, wondering if I would even win a prize.
The chances of winning raffle prizes are very slim; I didn't even hold much hope for this draw.
'My luck has always been shit, so I'd better not expect too much.'
Choosing not to expect to win the prize, an hour passed and…
"The winner of the draw is James Holmes."
That was my name.
***
'Could this be a dream?'
My first draw, my first prize.
If I were someone famous and said that, the internet would praise me as if I were the God of luck.
Holding an unusually large box in my hands, some congratulations for winning the prize reached my ears.
"Wow, the old guy won, unexpectedly."
"Congratulations, you have good luck, buddy."
"My God, what luck he has."
"Congratulations."
The staff, even more excited, shook my hand.
'This is, without a doubt, something rare for me.'
I could barely keep calm while holding the box that contained things every fan of
"... Thank you."
I definitely need to go home right this moment.
The exit wasn't far, so I decided to leave.
In the end, my house wasn't too far away, and as I tried to step outside…
"Oh, wait, just to confirm, tell me your name."
Hadn't they asked for it when I won the prize?
"It's James Holmes."
"Thank you."
After that, I headed straight home.
I was really nervous under the gaze of so many people.
***
He didn't deny that winning a prize in a lottery where most people normally never win was, without a doubt, a joy he had never before experienced.
Especially since the prize was related to his favorite novel.
It was nighttime, and the moon already hung in the sky.
"Ugh, how exhausting. I should open the box tomorrow; after all, it's Saturday and I'll have a day off."
Even if tomorrow weren't Saturday, the section chief at the real estate agency would have given me a day off to rest.
After all, I'm a house salesman who works at a real estate agency with very pleasant coworkers.
Looking at the box, I sighed and changed into pajamas. Even though it was only around 8 PM, today had been very draining.
After turning off all the lights, I flopped onto the bed, briefly glancing at the box as a small smile formed on my face.
'I guess it was a good day and a bad day.'
The fact that my favorite novel had ended put me in a bad mood, but winning a prize related to that novel lifted my spirits considerably.
As I yawned, I felt an uncomfortable sensation spreading throughout my room.
Closing my eyes, after a moment, maybe it was my imagination.
From the box, a strange dark light emerged, covering my entire field of vision, and before I knew it, I fell asleep.
***
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Mhm…"
It was still early dawn; the sun wasn't even up and someone was knocking on my door.
'What the hell…'
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
The knocking echoed forcefully, as if they were hitting the door with something solid, and right at that moment…
"... Sherlock Holmes, you are under arrest."
It was a woman's voice shouting a strangely familiar name one that only got 'mentions,' but which, in particular, had never actually appeared.
Still drowsy, I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom to wash my face and see what was going on.
However, when I looked in the mirror, there was no need to splash water on my face to wake up completely.
"W-what the hell…?!"
Perhaps it was due to those blue eyes, the ash-colored hair... an appearance that was in no way the one I remembered.
A curse word slipped out without me realizing. However, before I could process it...
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
The rapping at the door persisted; it was even louder than before.
'What is going on?'
The woman's voice rang out strongly once more.
"Come out now, Sherlock Holmes, unless you want me to break the door down."
Sherlock Holmes.
Of course. A name mentioned only as the most wanted criminal in the country in
"..."
At that moment, the morning wind rattled the curtain of the window across the room.
My eyes focused on the architecture of the buildings and houses outside.
The architecture was, without a doubt…
"... Victorian Era."
I murmured under my breath, and right at that moment:
"Alright, you don't want to come out, so I'm coming in."
Clunk!
The door of the house slammed shut against the wall. Footsteps were heard, about three in total, and the clicking of heels.
'I'm screwed.'
I looked around. Soon my eyes fell on the nightstand, and unexpectedly, there was a revolver.
"...?"
A thought crossed my mind, and before I knew it, I picked up the revolver, holding it in my hands as I opened the door a crack and peered into the living room.
'W-what am I doing?'
Somehow, what I had just done was intuitive, as if my body were accustomed to this.
"Search the entire house. He won't be able to escape anyway."
The woman's voice reached my ears once again. At that moment, I could see the situation in the living room from my bedroom.
And, just as I expected, there were three armed agents entering the rooms of the house, and among them was a woman.
An expressionless woman, with dark hair and eyes, wearing transparent glasses, an elegant black suit, white gloves, and also holding a revolver.
"..."
My heart skipped a beat. In that moment, I realized.
"I'm inside… Record of Mysteries Exploration."
As the thought struck me that I was inside a novel, I pulled my head back from the door.
"..."
I felt my heart beating faster than ever because the woman glanced in this direction.
A chill ran through my body, and nervously, I looked around to see if I could do something in this situation.
'What do I do?'
Then I looked at the window. I could jump, but the woman had just stated a moment ago that I wouldn't be able to escape.
'Most likely, they have the house surrounded right now.'
Only one answer came to my situation.
'I'm screwed…'
Pick. Pick.
Just at that moment, toward the window, I heard a pecking sound, as if a bird were tapping the glass with its beak and…
'An owl.'
What I saw was, unexpectedly, an owl, and in its beak was a letter.
'It's a messenger owl.'
I walked to the window and opened it carefully, without making the slightest sound. I knew the woman had seen me a moment ago, so, with nothing else to do, I took the letter from the owl.
'What is this? A job application.'
The last thing you'd expect from a criminal would be a job application, and the strangest thing was the following.
'Real estate agency… is this a coincidence?'
Creeak!
The sound of footsteps heading toward this room echoed loudly enough to make me turn and realize someone was approaching.
And that person was, without a doubt, the woman from before.
In a panic, I began to open the letter unconsciously, and then a faint light began to glow all over my body.
'What…?'
The woman's voice reached my ears just at that moment, when the door was flung open.
"You are under arrest, Sherlock Holmes…"
However, I had already vanished from the room, leaving behind white particles scattered throughout.