A few days later.
A red piece of clothing at a station's Exit 4 appeared again, just as before.
– There's one at Yeongdeungpo Station exit. Everyone, avoid it.
By now, people had started to become afraid of even mentioning the red clothing directly.
It seemed like TV stations would start covering it soon. With several missing person and death cases, people on the internet were murmuring that, even though it's a supernatural matter, at the very least, there would be an investigation.
However.
– what's this?
This time, there was black writing on the red garment.
[Red Baccarat New Signup 50,000 Won Free. Poker, Sports Toto, Roulette – All in One. Guaranteed ghostly chills and profits (website address)]
An ad for an illegal gambling website!
– what, it was a damn gambling ad?
People exploded.
– are you shitting me? isn't spam sms enough damn
– fuckass buildup for nuthin
– goddamn illegal gambling ㅋㅋ
– Are you happy now, using people's fear to get clicks?
– let me kill these scammer dickwads
– Reported to police. I'm seriously pissed off.
Profanities and annoyance flew everywhere.
But after things settled down a bit, a few other opinions quietly appeared.
– but arent they jus using the red garment for clout cuz it went viral?
– doesnt it look like their just exploiting it tho? tbh im kinda scared like wont sm happen to those guys now?
At a glance, it sounded plausible.
So those who firmly believed in the ghost story of the red garment began to whisper again, saying, 'Isn't something going to happen to that company?' and started creating an ominous atmosphere.
But the very next day.
[Were you frightened by this red garment?]
[Human life is filled with fear. The lover of paradise, who will protect and love you so that you no longer have to be afraid, is waiting for you. Come to the Paradise of Love.]
A famous cult put the red garment on official display at the exit, complete with a sign…!
– tf is this
– HAㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
– arent these the guys who always go around asking about your ideal type and then ask you to buy them coffee on the street
And to top it all off, even a phrase attached under the sign!
[We are a wholesome religion and do not operate illegal gambling sites. We are proceeding with legal action against the aforementioned company for intellectual property theft.]
People picked up on the subtext.
– wait a sec… so the red clothes thinf was their doing all along?
– it was a religious cult?
It turned out that the trap created by the cult to lure in emotionally vulnerable people had been hijacked and used by an illegal gambling site!
– there they go outing themselves in a panic as soon as their idea got stolen.
– just go get sued for illegal waste dumping
– I really hate it. The scum of society.
– thinking back on all that atmosphere with shamanism and stuff just makes me feel even more annoyed
People, shuddering with irritation, started to remove the red clothing from their conversations altogether.
'Perfect.'
Kim Soleum smiled as he scrolled and checked the scene.
That's right.
If it's a ghost story that becomes reality through people's belief, then the solution was simple.
'Just make it so that no one wants to believe it.'
Make it cringe, make it lose all its tension.
'If you connect it to something that annoys and bothers people in everyday life, it'll disappear in no time.'
– never falling for it again u damn phishing asshats
And so, together with their irritation, people quickly erased the whole affair from their memories.
Even the fact that there were actually dead or missing people was conveniently dismissed as "Ah, it was all a fake for advertising."
And just like that…
—'Red Clothes at Exit 4' has been resolved.
Amazingly neatly, the ghost story ended.
Safely, without a single agent getting hurt.
All it took was the cost of making a few banners.
– gratz gratz
– Amazing but how did it end as soon as it was found tho
– Great work, everyone~
Borrowing Go Yeongeun's phone to check the unusually active agent anonymous group chat, Kim Soleum smiled to himself.
'Investigation, solution proposal, and documentation of the ghost story all handled in the office. I did it right.'
And if he gets recognized for his ability in the Preliminary Investigation Unit like this…
– Nono to be honest ㅎㅎ It wasnt all our unit's work sirs and maams
– eh?
– That famous new recruit wrote up the documentation and even included a solution… and it worked perfectly ㅎㅎ
And then.
– that rookie again?
– daebakㄷㄷㄷ
– Destruction King as expected
– Truly, as consistent as ever ㅎㅎ
– even destroying ghost stories with documents now
"...??"
Kim Soleum really did prove himself.
And in truth, the conclusion of a ghost story is always achieved by teams piecing together clues and trying different ideas.
But the world already has its set images.
And so, the 'Destruction King Rookie' made a major contribution to destroying the ghost story, even while working in the Preliminary Investigation Unit…!
– Look at that initiative, must be destined for black tortoise team 3
– team 1 you mean maam? ㅎㅎ
– born to slay in d&r
It was all consumed as reinforcement of his existing image!
So, Kim Soleum, who had ruined a ghost story through image, ended up ruining his own plans through image as well.
"..."
'Hwaiting, Soleum-ssi…'
Foreseeing all of this, Go Yeongeun just squeezed her eyes shut and sent a silent message of support to her colleague…
And on the last day of the two-week probationary training for new recruits.
Kim Soleum… was assigned to Dispatch & Rescue Unit, Black Tortoise Team 1...
Not a single soul was even surprised.
-x-X-x-
On the day of assignment.
"Let's all congratulate our Agent Grapes on his official appointment~!!"
"..."
"Wahahaha! How about a team dinner tonight? Our team's overtime meal allowance for this month has stacked up quite a bit, right? How much do I have again? Anyway, it's on me!"
Wow.
I received the team's welcome in the waiting room of Black Tortoise Team 1, eyes already resigned to everything.
Honestly, calling it a 'welcome' didn't feel quite right. I saw them just a few days ago.
It's just that today, I'd been officially confirmed to be a member of Black Tortoise Team 1!
"…I look forward to working with you."
"...Yes."
Incidentally, the senior who said he'd do his best to voice his opinion so I could be assigned to a different team was here as well.
Agent Bronze, even while shaking my hand, avoided my gaze.
"..."
Yes, I know, Agent. I dug my own grave…
'Destruction King… Let's just work diligently and try to shake off that nickname.'
Though I wondered if this was really okay for a spy.
'Ha ha…'
In the end, I gave a polite bow to Agent Choi as well.
We'll be seeing each other often now, so there's no point in whining again about not wanting to join Black Tortoise Team 1.
"…Thank you for the welcome."
"No problem~"
Agent Choi grinned and patted me on the back.
At the very least, he has a decent personality…
"We'll be working together for life now. Shouldn't the welcome be even more extravagant? Haha!"
"..."
The sense of mission in these early agents is a little scary.
"Let's work together for a long time, Grapes-ie…"
No, like really…
.
.
Anyway, Agent Choi's dinner suggestion became reality that evening.
As soon as work ended, Black Tortoise Team 1 moved out to eat together.
"This is a place we come to often. The owner here is a retired agent. Ah, please bring a large portion of gopchang-jeongol! And two bottles of soju."
And so, in the corner room of a popular, crowded restaurant, we started our meal and conversation with some light drinks.
It was during this time that I was finally, officially introduced to Black Tortoise Team 1.
"Team numbers don't really mean much anymore, but when we first started, Team 1 did take on tougher missions. So it's fine to feel a little pride in your team, thinking of your seniors!"
I already knew that.
But hearing it explained directly by the person involved felt different.
Same with hearing about the current situation like this.
"Black Tortoise Team 1 originally had a team leader and five regular agents… but two are on sick leave, and one is… um, on an extended hiatus."
"..."
He didn't mention it, but I'm sure there were many who died in the line of duty.
Thinking of the writing in all sorts of handwriting covering the whiteboard in the waiting room, I looked at the two remaining team members.
Agent Choi grinned.
"And now we're finally back to three members. Isn't that great? Hey, Jaegwan, don't you agree?"
Maybe… this person was just happy to see a new face.
I suppressed a wry smile. Raising my glass, I gave a polite bow to the two of them.
"Um, thank you again… for welcoming me…"
"…!"
Even though they knew I'd stubbornly requested to go to another team, not once did they rebuke me for ending up here anyway, and I was grateful for that.
And I could tell they understood what I meant.
"No, we should be thanking you."
Agent Choi waved her hand as if to brush it off.
"You didn't want to come, right? Our team."
"..."
I held back a sigh and downed a shot of soju.
"It's not that I dislike Dispatch & Rescue. It's just… I can't really trust myself."
"Soleum-ah."
Agent Choi looked at me.
"It's fine. No one actually does."
"..."
"Who could ever be one hundred percent sure they're doing the right thing in a supernatural disaster? If someone is, that's the real supernatural phenomenon."
At some point, this senior had started calling me by name and title, instead of 'hoobae'.
He grinned as he ladled stew into my bowl.
"…But for us, we have advice from those who've gone before us, don't we?"
"..."
"Believe in that."
The exploration records.
"And as you go on… Sometimes, you'll want to try something yourself, even just once. Then you'll be the one giving advice to whoever comes after you."
"..."
Agent Bronze's gaze turned distant, but he didn't argue.
It felt like the two had already fought and settled this issue long ago.
"But there's no need to think that far ahead just yet!"
Agent Choi grinned and refilled my glass.
"Soleum, you've really had a rough time since coming here."
I really couldn't deny it.
"But honestly, things like that only happen maybe once every six months—or sometimes, not even once in several years if you're lucky. Just because you joined our team doesn't mean you'll be dealing with that stuff all the time, so don't worry."
Agent Choi grinned and clinked his glass against mine, unilaterally.
Clink.
"You'll do fine."
"..."
"Got it?"
I nodded.
And, as if it was a lie, those words soon came true.
* * *
Three weeks since the official assignment to Black Tortoise Team 1—
"Grapes-ie, over there!"
I was handling rescue work in ghost stories much more smoothly than I'd expected.
"Catch that guy!"
"Yes!"
I grabbed the person requesting rescue, who was frantically trying to run past me, and shoved him into the washing machine.
"Ack!"
Sorry, but that's the exit, so please bear with it for a moment!
"Hey, it's over! Get out of here!"
Before the drying finished, I also dove into an empty washing machine, plunging into the swirling water…
"Phew!"
I managed to escape safely.
"Rescue of the requester and two others, safely completed at 'Intersection Laundromat'."
Today, I saved three civilians from a crazy laundromat that remodels your personality and reformats your body.
And the past three weeks were much the same.
'About one dispatch every three days…'
Honestly, it's scary and exhausting.
But…
"Is that kid the one? The Destruction King? Wow, he really gets things done, doesn't he!"
"Wahaha! Right, Team Leader!"
"..."
Surprisingly, the 'Destruction King Rookie' image was working in my favor!
-x-X-x-
– Destruction King Rookie is adapting smoothly ^^
– so ur in this chat now too, huh?
Thanks to my persona being a kind of funny, approachable, and positive character, it made adjusting easier.
And this characterization just kept getting reinforced. At this rate, it wouldn't even be strange to read about myself on the wiki.
'Me, being a named character of the Disaster Management Bureau…'
Honestly, it didn't feel bad.
And maybe because what I went through before was like an exorcism, for three weeks there were no unexpected incidents in the ghost stories.
All that was left was to follow the already established rescue manuals and bring people out.
If you could just put up with the terrifying stuff, it's doable!
'If it's a ghost story where you can even find the Disaster Management Bureau's rescue request number, it means the Bureau already has a good grasp of it.'
To the extent they can embed a number into the ghost story.
Now I can understand why there are so many solo missions.
'At this rate, I can handle it…!'
Besides, since I'm still a rookie, I was always in a pair.
Less scary! A lot safer!
So, at one point I tried bringing this up to Agent Bronze, but he looked at me seriously.
– No, it's not safe.
– ...
– Your standards are a bit warped.
Once you've spent just half a year in Daydream Inc. like me, you'll be the same, Agent-nim…
'I could almost cry.'
Since I ended up in Black Tortoise Team 1, Agent Bronze had been looking after me a bit excessively, while also subtly avoiding small talk. He must have an awkward sense of indebtedness. I get it…
Anyway, for the past three weeks, it was something I could endure even while tense.
I naturally blended into Black Tortoise Team 1, and now I didn't even have to introduce myself as part of the team whenever I met people at headquarters.
I'd blended in so well that everyone already knew.
'…It's fine.'
I couldn't deny the sense of security that came from belonging.
…The problem was, it was about time for me to get my first solo mission.
Ha.
'Alone… It'll be scary.'
Having to experience a ghost story alone every three days… that's the real problem.
But before that, I got this suggestion.
.
.
"Grapes-ie. Do you want to take a little break?"
It was when I was getting ready to leave in the waiting room, having finished transferring duties to the Site Cleanup Unit.
"You haven't really taken a break these past three weeks, and you kept helping out with support duty too. Someone who was hospitalized just a month ago shouldn't be overdoing it. You need to rest now, to clear your head and recover your strength."
Agent Choi made the suggestion.
And…
To be honest, I kind of planned for this.
'It's hard for a rookie to just use up their annual leave all at once…'
So I purposely overworked and maxed out my hours, hoping a senior would eventually urge me to take a few days off.
'Success.'
Agent Bronze caught my eye and quickly nodded in agreement.
Good.
"Thank you."
"Yeah, make sure to use your two days off together, and don't forget to tack them onto your regular days off!"
That way, I managed to take four consecutive days of leave.
If you add the two regular days off per week, that makes six days total.
Of course, I definitely needed this time off for a reason.
[Sir Kim Soleum, your psychological stability test results are in. Please book a counseling session and pick them up when you're free ^^]
Last week, Director Ho texted me.
…Soon, I'd be able to enter Cheerful Theme Park.
'I need to prepare.'
And I need to handle the schedules I'd put off because of work.
[Arent you going to trade, sir?]
[its info youll definitely want to hear]
Baek Saheon seemed to be ready.
* * *
And that evening—
I met him at a secluded room café[1] in Seoul.
"Hurry up and talk."
Baek Saheon, pressed as soon as we met, had veins standing out on his temple.
"...Hey, this is a trade, you know. If you talk like that, it doesn't exactly feel good."
"You like efficiency, don't you? Isn't it better to talk fast and get your item? Try thinking things through for once."
"~!"
Baek Saheon's face twisted in anger for a moment, but he quickly hid it and smiled.
"…Then fine. Let's just get on with it!"
Oh. He must be feeling pretty confident.
I focused, ready to listen closely.
"So, first…"
Baek Saheon began in a very meaningful tone, about to reveal something special…
"Two people from our batch have disappeared."
"..."
"Remember? Go Yeongeun and—"
"Jang Heowoon."
"…!"
Ugh.
"I know, already so skip that part."
"W-Wait a second. But even you don't know where they went, right, Supervisor?"
Nah, I actually do.
I looked at Baek Saheon with dead fish eyes, and he broke into a cold sweat as he hurried to continue.
"They got reassigned to a branch office!"
Nope.
"You know about the branch offices, right? Out in the countryside. These days there are a lot of people being assigned to headquarters from the branches, but honestly, the place feels pretty suspicious? I mean, they've cut off all contact…"
"Uh-huh. Next."
I told you, that's not it.
I'm pretty sure Baek Saheon was swearing at me internally right now.
'Whatever…'
But I should give him a bit of hope if I want more info to come out. So I changed tack.
"Tell me something else. There's no point going on about stuff I already know. You'll just tire yourself out."
"..."
"No other rumors?"
Baek Saheon gave me a look that basically screamed, 'How do you even know this?!' but eventually coughed up the next bit of information.
And that was…
"I saw people from the Research Team and the Security Team fighting not long ago."
Hmm.
'Did a researcher get his head bashed in or something…?'
Maybe my face looked disgusted, because Baek Saheon hurriedly explained.
"No, listen. You know that researcher too. Section Chief Kwak Jaekang from Research Team 1—"
"…!"
What?
I almost lost my composure right then.
I barely managed to just widen my eyes, but it was already too late.
"Looks like you're really interested."
Baek Saheon grinned with satisfaction.
"I want to tell you quickly, too, but… Well, let me see the item first, just in case. If you hear everything and then say you don't have it, that would be a problem."
"..."
"I'm not saying you'd do that, Supervisor… It's just, mutual trust, you know? Speed is important, but so is trust when you're making a deal."
Hmm. Cheeky.
"Is that so?"
"…!"
Fine.
Like a magic trick, I pulled out the Necronomicon from my wrist.
Seeing the intimidating book-shaped item, encased in a creepy book case, Baek Saheon's eyes sparkled with greed.
He reached out his hand…
Smack!
"You said you were just going to look."
"..."
For a second, Baek Saheon gave me a hostile glare, but then started spilling more information.
"I heard that Security Team member picked a fight with the researcher. Apparently, he asked the researcher something but didn't get a straight answer, so he tried to hit him?"
And the 'rumor' goes like this:
A Security Team member ran into a researcher while on duty and asked him something about the facility. Then the researcher's superior showed up.
That's Kwak Jaekang.
And he said something to him.
"What did he say?"
"No idea. Doesn't sound like it was anything special. But suddenly, the guard attacked."
"..."
A scene came to mind.
The sergeant talking to Kwak Jaekang on the phone.
– Just to let you know… I may not be able to enter Darknesses, but… I can still kill people.
Wait.
'Could that Security Team member be… Jay-ssi?'
Note/s:
[1] Room café – cafés that provide small private spaces, with books, manhwas, board games or other varieties available for customers to use. (There have been controversy sparking around some room cafés being no different than love motels, but that's beside the point lol) ↩
-x-X-x-
"Probably because of contamination. Those Security Team guys go absolutely nuts from contamination you know—"
"Don't make things up."
"What?"
"You're mixing in your own imagination."
I put on my crazy act, too.
"If I can tell you're exaggerating… my dopamine dries up."
"..."
"Keep going."
Baek Saheon looked a little scared.
His tone became more matter-of-fact.
Thankfully.
"…A-Anyway, that Security Team member hardly ever comes outside, but now he's volunteering for shifts in the annex and things like that. I hear he used to be pretty famous."
"Who said that?"
"A bunch of section chiefs were chatting. I don't know exactly who, but they were all pretty senior."
"..."
'The sergeant… he was originally a squad leader on an elite team.'
Looks like it really was Jay-ssi.
'He's actually trying to look into the Cheerful Research Institute for me…!'
Still, I hope he doesn't do anything too dangerous, but it seems he's keeping a safe distance.
Running into Kwak Jaekang is enough to make you sweat, but even if he gets hit, it's not like anything's going to happen to the sergeant. What's scary about Kwak Jaekang is the crazy explorations he sets up for people!
'It's nice to have this confirmed.'
Now I don't have to worry for no reason.
"This one's for sure!"
"Yeah, okay."
After that, I pretended to be interested and listened to a few more useless bits of gossip from Baek Saheon.
And when I sensed that his patience was just about gone, that the price had reached the right level—
"Honestly, the rest of the backstories weren't that interesting."
"..."
"But the one about the fight with the researcher was interesting. Good job. That's quality info."
"…!"
I smiled and lifted my hand off the Necronomicon.
"Take it."
Baek Saheon snatched up the bizarre book the moment I finished speaking.
His eyes scanned the eerie bookcase in excitement, then he suddenly looked at me and asked,
"This isn't, like… only readable by people like you, Supervisor, or anything, right?"
"No."
I met his gaze straight on.
"But don't expect to use it with the same power as I can."
Because you're not a creepypasta maniac!
"..."
Baek Saheon hesitated, but in the end, packed the book away.
Phew.
At last, I was able to relax my tense shoulders.
Item disposed of.
'Got some info, and got rid of that thing too.'
That fake Necronomicon. I'd been uneasy about keeping it around, so this worked out well.
Not that it's the kind of item that causes problems just by having it, but…
'…I think I'd want to just keep using it for work.'
It's just that powerful.
If I kept it, every time things got complicated, I'd feel the urge to just read it and resolve things 'that way'.
Because then everyone would listen to me.
But the longer you use something like that, the more likely you are to get caught.
'It's practically asking to be found out.'
And… no matter how you look at it, if I overdid it even a little, I'd end up going insane or suffering some permanent mental problem.
So, selling it for information to someone who isn't a ghost story maniac is just right.
'Things worked out well.'
As he put away the book, Baek Saheon's face visibly brightened, and then he looked back at me with a subtle expression.
"Um, Supervisor. I'd like to hear more about what counts as 'good information' for you."
It seemed he wanted to squeeze a bit more out of me, since the trade item was so powerful.
"If you could be a bit more specific, I'll—"
"Something interesting."
"..."
"I already told you, didn't I? You want it even more specific?"
"…Yes. If you would, I'd appreciate—"
I rested my chin in my hand.
"That story about the researcher was interesting, too. It's easier to picture when it's someone I know… Right. The security guy is fine too. It's unique."
"…Then I'll try to focus on rumors about those two, and look into some other things as well."
"Good."
I nodded.
And so, the deal ended with an unspoken sense of closure. Baek Saheon packed up his bag with today's spoils and stood up from the table.
Once he left, I also—
"Excuse me."
Hm?
Baek Saheon hesitated before continuing.
"You're still at the Disaster Management Bureau, right, Supervisor?"
"..."
"You were rescued by the agents in the form of a child back then. So…"
I quietly turned to look at Baek Saheon.
And I warned him.
"It's better not to know."
It was the truth.
Unless you want to disappear with a 'branch office assignment' too.
'If he keeps digging into my past and gets caught by Director Ho, it's over…'
"There's nowhere in there you can get something like a Wish Ticket anyway."
"..."
"There's nothing in it for you."
Maybe sensing something was off, Baek Saheon glanced around, then nodded.
'That should be enough.'
But then, unexpectedly, he added,
"…Yes. Well… Take care of yourself, Supervisor."
"You too."
And that was the end of our deal.
I only sighed after confirming Baek Saheon had left the room café.
"Haa."
Baek Saheon.
I already knew what kind of person he was as a character, and after living in the same company housing unit, I've figured him out.
So in that sense, he's a low-risk guy.
'He acts just as expected.'
That's why I'm still trading with him… though honestly, I barely know anything about him besides his personality.
And come to think of it, that goes for almost everyone I've met here, not just Baek Saheon.
'…Because I'm going to go home eventually.'
Maybe only my superiors in the D-squad are the exceptions.
After hearing Baek Saheon's trivial gossip today, I became keenly aware of that.
So now I'm a bit curious, too.
'Why is Baek Saheon so desperate to get a Wish Ticket?'
There was never any particular mention in
'Well… Not that it's any of my business.'
Honestly, I'm more curious about the other batchmates' reasons than his.
I'll ask if I get the chance later. For now, I should focus on my own Wish Ticket.
And on my own survival.
"Huuu."
After making sure Baek Saheon was really out on the street, I took out my smartphone.
And sent the reply I'd prepared.
To Director Ho.
[I'd like to make an appointment, sir.]
Let's go.
Cheerful Theme Park.
-x-X-x-
Cheerful Theme Park was a B-rank Darkness under Daydream Inc.
And its manual had already been written, with the analysis completed by the Research Team.
…I don't have to make an effort to remember that I contributed to it.
: Socius :
Because the tattoo on my wrist, engraved as the admission ticket for that theme park, burned in as it activated.
And usually, the fate of a high-ranked Darkness that's been fully analyzed goes one of two ways.
Assignment to the Research Team.
Or…
"It's handled by the A-squad."
Elite team responsibility.
"Usually, the A-squad assembles three regular members, three round-off team members, and six general members, so twelve people enter at a time… Well, the last entry was three months ago, so there's still some time before the next."
Director Ho smiled as he handed over the documents.
The manual for Cheerful Theme Park, describing the twelve-person entry method using a board game.
And the work order.
[Special Research Entry]
"So I went ahead and scheduled it separately."
"…Thank you."
"No problem! It wasn't even difficult."
That might actually be true.
After all, the A-squad is part of Director Ho's faction.
'Since it's a ghost story under his jurisdiction, it must've been easy for him to arrange it.'
Of course, that's Director Ho's situation, and as a mere regular employee who got special consideration from him, I should just bow my head for now…
But Director Ho's explanation didn't end there.
"And to make your entry easier, I've already gathered all the other staff who'll be entering with you. Haha."
"...!"
Why do I have such a bad feeling about this…?
"Ah, are you worried you'll know someone among the group going in? Worried they'll recognize you, Soleum-nim?"
"Yes. As you said, I am a bit concerned about that."
"Right! That's why, Soleum-nim, unfortunately…"
Director Ho pointed at me.
"You won't be able to enter in your original appearance."
I know.
"Yes. That's why I was planning to use the welfare points you distributed to purchase a disguise potion and take it…"
"That would be so inconvenient for you. And, since you're having to live as someone else even outside of work these days… I wanted to minimize that discomfort for you."
"..."
"So, I found a way for you to enter that no one will suspect at all!"
Excuse me?
I looked at him warily.
In turn, Director Ho beamed at me.
"How about you go in with a special identity, Soleum-nim?"
"…!?"
* * *
The next day.
Conference room of Daydream Inc. Research Team 2.
"I heard it's B-rank today."
"They'll give us extra points, right?"
One by one, people appeared. Modern office workers in suits, each wearing a strange animal mask. Employees of the Field Exploration Team.
They were general team members who had gathered despite the 'slightly special' risk, drawn by the rumor that the point bonus would be better.
"Cheerful Theme Park, right?"
"Yeah, gotta go for that one."
Word had gotten around.
Even though this Darkness was high-ranked, it had a thorough manual, and a certain staff member's theories during previous expeditions had proven exactly right, so it was considered relatively safe.
So when news of a special entry came up, and it turned out to be the Cheerful Theme Park, people quietly spread the word and came together.
The fact that it was for research made people nervous, but as long as they weren't the one to die, that was enough.
'If only there were at least one round-off team guy, I'd feel safer.'
People kept their eyes narrow and scanned the room, pretending not to, but unfortunately, there wasn't anyone who looked like round-off team staff.
However, there was someone who used to be in the round-off team.
"Huh?"
A tall figure with long, dark brown hair, standing quietly against the wall, wearing a bison mask.
"You were assigned to a branch, weren't you? They let you sign up for this from over there? Haven't seen you in a while."
"Uh… Um, yes."
It was Jang Heowoon.
He broke out in a cold sweat as an employee he barely knew came up and started talking to him.
A side effect of spy work…!
"How's the branch? Surviving over there?"
"Haha, yes…"
Jang Heowoon gave an awkward smile and slipped away.
The people who spoke to him didn't press further and simply ignored him.
They misunderstood, thinking he was just embarrassed.
'I heard that it's absolute hell in the branch offices.'
'He's basically done with Wish Tickets now.'
Anyone who managed to escape from a branch office back to HQ clammed up and refused to describe it, just shaking their head in disgust.
And a subtle stigma attached to them.
No doubt the entrance exam for HQ was more difficult.
Judging by the level of benefits and treatment, maybe at the branch offices even random nobodies could work there.
So there was no one here who'd share information or make friendly small talk with someone thrown out of HQ and dumped into a branch office.
'If something happens, that guy can die for us.'
'He was from the round-off team, anyway.'
And so, a tacit air of disregard settled around him.
"Are you okay?"
Except for this person.
"Hey, how have you been? Escaping the round-off team was pretty cool. Let's do our best today!"
"T-Thank you…"
Wearing a dolphin mask, Supervisor Lee Songhae of the C-squad shook hands with Jang Heowoon and took a seat beside him
'Acting all damn nice, huh.'
'Such a try-hard.'
But since she's from the elite team, everyone keeps their mouth shut and looks away in a different sense.
And here, there's someone whose position is ambiguous. Hard to call elite, but not really general team staff either.
"It's Section Chief Lee, isn't it?"
Section Chief Lee Jaheon of the D-squad sat on a conference room chair, ramrod straight, wearing a lizard mask.
'He's going in too?'
'He tanked in the elite team, and now he's doing all sorts of odd things.'
'What a waste of a good face.'
Still, people avoided making eye contact, as if they're afraid.
A fist was closer than the law… especially if that fist could smash through iron.
Anyway, that was the end of the subtle sizing-up.
"Once everyone's here, we'll begin the briefing in a moment."
Soon, a researcher entered and started setting up for the Darkness entry procedure, and the staff quickly scanned who was sitting at the table.
One, two, three…
"There's only eleven."
"Huh? Who's missing?"
Some of the more impatient and senior staff glanced over at the researcher.
But—
"Uh, um…"
The researcher was sweating bullets.
"..."
…A bad feeling crept down the employees' spines.
"Excuse me, but who's the last one?"
"Supervisor Park, you know you've got to disclose this properly if you want a successful run, right?"
"Ah, well…"
Even if the researcher was still junior, the fact that he was so flustered made people even more uneasy.
'What is this.'
'Who the hell is it…?'
Then—
Knock, knock.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the conference room door.
"..."
"..."
Silence fell over the room.
Everyone looked toward the door.
After just two knocks, the black door didn't move at all, as if one had to be granted permission to enter.
"..."
"…Come in!"
Bam.
The door opened.
Black smoke drifted in.
"…?!"
The smoke pooled thickly on the floor, then seemed to get sucked back out, repeating over and over. And then, in the midst of it all…
A pair of black combat boots stepped across the floor, cutting through the smoke.
With every step, the smoke seemed to inhale and exhale, flowing around the figure's feet.
And within the black smoke, the silhouette of a large person appeared.
Light.
Oooooong—
Yellow lantern-like lights shone from the figure's waist and eyes.
The bizarre sight left everyone frozen.
But at least they recognized the affiliation.
"S-Security Team…!"
However, a mask completely hid the man's face.
And atop that, countless horns branched out over the head like the limbs of a tree.
"…!"
Dressed head to toe in black special equipment, the figure looked as if armored in custom gear—or perhaps, confined by it.
"..."
"..."
Gulp. Someone swallowed hard.
Security Team… why here?
—Security never enters the Darkness.
That rule usually held. If security staff did enter the Darkness, Dream Essence could not be extracted.
They only ever appeared to suppress incidents…
Yet, sometimes, according to their unique abilities, there were individuals with terrifying, transcendent powers.
"T-This is… the staff member who will be entering with us today."
"…!!"
The employees stared in shock at the strange figure standing silently at the door.
The 'employee' from the Security Team wore a particularly unique outfit full of belts and a mask marked with a special logo on the head.
A strange, twisted rectangle shape.
The staff recognized it at once, as if struck by lightning.
'Special unit…!'
Security Team's special unit.
Within the Security Team, there were many units whose true composition wasn't even known—just names on the intranet organization chart, operating behind the scenes.
So all anyone knew were the rumors that circulated after running into them during unfortunate work situations.
And the special unit's rumors were the most chilling.
There were whispers saying that you'd witness employees so monstrous, it was hard to believe they were ever from the Field Exploration Team who, in the first place, were people whose origins were impossible to guess.
And the researcher, now sweating coldly, had heard even more specific rumors…
– Supervisor Park, if you see someone from the Security Team's special unit, be polite. …They're not human. No, I'm not talking about contamination…
– ...They really weren't human to begin with.
'A department that hires anomalies from the Darkness itself, in human form…!'
A rumor as chilling as a ghost story itself—that, thanks to Daydream Inc.'s 'know-how,' the company had signed contracts with the Darknesses as if they were employees.
For the researcher, it was the first time meeting one of these creatures in person.
Despite analyzing Darknesses and sending in Field Exploration Team squads, he'd never actually come face to face with a monster himself until now.
"..."
He swallowed hard, staring at the bizarre employee in front of him.
Somehow, the conference room seemed a little darker…
The yellow lantern-like eyes and the glimmer at the waist of the employee flickered even more strangely in the black smoke.
Looking closer, the 'lantern' on the waist was actually a cluster of horns, like ribs.
'Uuugh.'
The researcher managed to squeeze out some courage and spoke.
"Um… hello."
Silence.
"Ah, you can have a seat."
No response.
Swallowed by the silence of the conference room, the researcher continued, nearly in tears.
"Um, w-we'll… begin the briefing now."
Only then did the strange horned mask walk forward.
And sat in the seat closest to the door.
…Right next to Jang Heowoon.
'Haah.'
Thank goodness it's not me.
Everyone tried their best not to look that way, swallowing hard.
'Please, don't let me be in the same group.'
'Please…!'
As long as they weren't in the same group, it was fine!
Every time you entered the theme park, the names and areas changed, but only the rules stayed the same.
– Follow the mascot's rules.
– If you cannot follow the rules, move to another mascot's area.
And,
– The four group members who drew the same color piece must always stick together.
In other words, if you weren't in the same group as that monster, you wouldn't even have to encounter them to clear the run.
If you were lucky with your area, you could just ride three attractions and walk away with a high-grade Dream Essence and a bunch of points.
The problem was… this was a special entry.
A research entry with additional objectives.
And no matter how you looked at it, this time the 'variable' was… that employee.
'Please.'
The staff stared at the researcher giving the briefing.
Hopefully, they wouldn't be told to find and follow that employee around, right?
"And for this entry, there are… no special instructions."
Phew!
"It's just that, um, whatever the Security Team employee does inside… you are not to interfere."
"..."
"Everyone… understands, right?"
Yes.
The Field Exploration Team members assembled in the conference room nodded desperately.
And the very source of this fear, the 'Security Team Special Employee', was—
'Wow, this disguise is really doing its job…'
—letting out a sigh of relief.
That's right. It's Kim Soleum!
I held back a sigh as I looked around the conference room.
Well, even if I did sigh, my mask would block it and only black smoke would come out.
'I didn't expect Director Ho to go this far.'
– This was a prototype piece of equipment, but I'm glad we get to try it like this!
He had just slipped me actual Security Team gear.
A so-called 'reverse-side suit'.
Over the suit, a monster that looks like you appears.
That's what was written in the developer's notes included with the suit, which resembled combat gear from a game.
As for why the security team was developing a suit that lets a person pretend to be a monster, I desperately avoided asking and chose to ignore it.
For the sake of self-preservation, it just seemed best not to know…
'Probably for some project.'
Anyway, I didn't know the exact mechanics, but I'd heard about the features.
'Supposedly, it manifests differently for each person.'
And in my case, it meant lugging around a pile of horns on my head.
My look was like… a monstrous being bursting out, yet forcibly crammed into a human suit.
'Hmm.'
I made sure not to scratch my head by accident.
'It feels strangely reminiscent of my original mask…'
Remembering the wooden antler mask that had earned me the nickname 'Roe Deer', I felt oddly nostalgic.
"Um, I'll explain how to enter Cheerful Theme Park."
Meanwhile, the briefing was nearing its end.
Entry method, huh.
'I need to go to the theme park section with the blue dragon mascot.'
The only problem was whether that place would be chosen for the board this time, but I was strangely confident.
It was a kind of inductive certainty, gained from my experience with ghost stories up to now.
'It'll… probably call me.'
Like a certain TV-headed talk show host who once swore he'd show up whenever I just provided the 'right medium'.
"..."
"Um, please draw a piece…"
The researcher politely held out the board game piece capsule with both hands.
For some reason, it was my turn first.
'I think I'm actually the maknae[1] here…'
But I couldn't show that, so I reached out as if nothing was wrong and took a capsule—
"Aaack!"
"..."
"Ah, s-sorry..."
This person… seems like someone who'll have a hard time lasting long in the Research Team.
'Please start looking for another job.'
I politely ignored the panicked researcher and grabbed another capsule.
And shook it.
With a rattling sound, a game piece fell out of the capsule.
A bright yellow.
"It's a yellow piece!"
Okay.
I picked up the piece and passed the capsule to the next person.
"Ah…!"
It was Jang Heowoon.
…I have no idea why Director Ho recruited someone already busy working as a corporate spy, but I felt a cold sweat thinking of how I'd inadvertently forced him to spend his valuable day off on this.
I barely managed to get time off myself… he probably did the same.
'Why did you sign up for this…!'
Last time, you almost threw up just from seeing the Magic Bunny area's interior parade!
Of course, now wasn't the time to ask.
And Jang Heowoon…
"Yellow!"
"Yesss!"
He drew the same piece as me.
For reference, that wasn't Jang Heowoon who just shouted.
Other staff were clenching their fists in relief. With someone else getting yellow, their own chances of getting stuck with me had gone down.
Because they didn't want to be in the same group as me.
'Haha…'
Meanwhile, Jang Heowoon bowed his head to me.
"Um, please take care of me."
"..."
I gave Jang Heowoon a small nod.
Thank you for understanding my situation… This is the best I can do…
But after that, a slightly awkward situation began.
"Please…!"
Everyone was openly hoping not to get yellow.
"Ah! Red!"
And when someone drew a red piece, they practically cheered.
"..."
Hey, you all read my previous expedition reports, right? Then as soon as you see the Magic Bunny, just run like crazy to the blue zone…
Still, it was reassuring to see that the familiar faces were calm about it.
Like this:
"Oh."
I watched as Supervisor Lee Songhae drew a red piece. And then…
"Blue."
…Section Chief Lee Jaheon drew a blue piece.
'Why is Chief Lizard here anyway.'
No matter how I looked at it, I couldn't shake the feeling that Director Ho put him here as the 'stick' among the carrots.
…He already knew I shared all my project outcomes with the D-squad.
It's like a subtle reminder not to try anything funny.
'He's making sure I can't let my guard down, even when receiving a favor.'
I seriously just want to quit my job already.
'Phew.'
"We're down to the last one."
Anyway, the distribution was almost finished.
After drawing the yellow piece, I ignored the staff wearing a harvest mouse mask and a ladybug mask who stared at me stiffly.
'Let's just hurry up and get on the rides.'
I'll send them off and then take care of my own business.
Clack.
And as the last person drew a piece—
– Departing for Fantasyland~!
The board game board flew up into the air and swallowed everyone's field of vision.
We were entering.
Since I'd experienced it once before, I could calmly review my plans for what came next.
Let's see. There's no yellow zone though, right?
'Didn't that Magic Bunny kill the yellow mascot?'
So I remembered escaping by activating the gate to the ruins of the yellow zone, the resort.
'I'll head straight to the blue zone.'
I'd better make sure to check the souvenir shop. That's what I thought as my mind blurred…
Not long after, my senses cleared again.
Now it should be time for the cheerful theme song of the theme park to play in my ears…
...
'…Huh?'
Everything was quiet.
"..."
I opened my eyes.
In the dim indoor space, I saw walls with all the paint peeled off and a dust-covered light fixture.
There was no light, and even the windows were all broken.
A stale, dead space.
"..."
What… is this?
This isn't inside the amusement park. This is definitely not the park…
"…!"
I immediately got up and ran to the window to look outside.
A huge, crumpled sign, with one side's fixture barely hanging on and swinging dangerously in the wind, came into view…
[Flower Golden Resort]
"…!!"
I stared blankly at the distant, shining blue lights of the water park.
Looking down, I saw only ruins.
"..."
I had woken up in the ruined yellow zone.
'What is this…'
At that moment.
Click—
The lights in the room I was in began to flicker back on.
"…!"
I realized I wasn't just in a simple room.
Desk, chair, battered filing cabinet.
Through the open door of the worn cabinet, I saw a huge machine.
It was like a small office or management room.
And on the desk… was a single, formally presented sheet of paper.
"..."
I approached and read the paper.
Congratulations on your appointment as the new mascot of Flower Golden Resort!
"…!!"
Note/s:
[1] Maknae – youngest of the family or most junior of the team ↩
-x-X-x-
New mascot?
'What kind of crazy nonsense is this now.'
I immediately recoiled from the desk. But nothing changed.
Congratulations on your appointment as the new mascot of Flower Golden Resort!
The message didn't change.
And in the ruined manager's office of Flower Golden Resort, I was the only one there.
Wearing a suit that made me look like a monster.
"..."
Don't tell me… Did they judge my disguised self as a ghost story resident and just straight-up hired me as a mascot for Cheerful Theme Park…?
It was a goosebump-inducing thought, but the logic didn't quite add up.
'This place was always meant for beings that aren't human, anyway.'
Even if it's a ghost story, there's usually some internal logic. Assigning me as the mascot out of nowhere, as if I were being targeted, feels odd. There must be some reason…
Ah.
I recalled what I'd done the last time I entered this theme park.
The already-ruined yellow zone.
I was the one who activated the gate to that place.
So, strictly speaking, I… had 'reopened' this resort.
'...'
This is driving me nuts.
I swallowed hard.
'So I became the mascot? Me?'
I hurriedly checked my appearance, but it was still that combat suit with the monstrous look.
'Another hint.'
I inspected the desk again, where the card with the message had been placed.
Next to the card was an ink bottle.
And an old-fashioned quill pen stuck into it.
"..."
Did they use this pen to write the congratulatory message?
Thinking of the various ghost story gimmicks, I sat in front of the desk. Maybe if I politely wrote something like 'I respectfully decline' on the document with that pen, I could get out of this situation.
But the moment I grabbed the pen.
'…?!'
…My hand started moving on its own, writing a message.
Requirements to begin resort operations
Employees : 3
This is insane.
My hand kept scribbling. The sentences continued.
The employment contracts should be in the desk drawer.
And, as it happens, there are visitors outside right now. If any of them are suitable, why not politely scout them?
It was utter madness. But then…
…'Visitors outside'?
Just then.
"This place…?"
"It's not even a real resort, is it?"
Voices came from outside the door.
A chill ran down my spine as I looked at the closed door.
The employees from Daydream Inc. who had drawn the 'yellow piece' with me had ended up here too…!
'Damn it.'
I immediately got up and opened the door.
Bang.
As soon as the door opened and our eyes met, the employees started and stiffened, frozen in place.
"Huhk…!"
"Uhh…"
The only reason they didn't scream must have been their experience with explorations into the Darkness.
The two employees, eyes wide with tension and fear behind their masks, hesitantly backed up against the wall and looked up at me.
At least Jang Heowoon's face had turned pale, but he didn't press himself against the wall as obviously. Maybe Director Ho had told him who I was.
Either way, my head throbbed.
Inside the theme park, I couldn't get too far away from these people.
'…Last time, the people who drew the same piece were also transported nearby.'
If you went further than a set distance, a rope would appear, put a noose around your neck, and you'd be strangled.
'For now, we have to stick together.'
And the escape method was obvious.
Be the first team to ride all three fantasy attractions with your teammates and win spectacular prizes!
Just ride three attractions and get a stamp from the mascot.
The problem was, it seemed the mascot was me.
"Um."
Jang Heowoon spoke to me.
"It doesn't look like there are any attractions to ride here… Should we try moving to another area to ride something?"
I looked back at Jang Heowoon.
"Hiek!"
For some reason, the other employees let out a sharp breath.
'But I agree!'
I just nodded slowly, and Jang Heowoon—face still pale—nodded back.
"Then let's move…"
Phew.
We stepped outside.
The place we'd been was like a corner of the lobby attached to the largest building.
We walked straight through the gloomy ruins of the resort, heading outdoors toward the gate.
I took the lead. Toward the very gate I'd escaped from last time.
"Uh, y-you know the way, don't you?"
"Shut up."
Luckily, the gate I'd used last time… was still in operation. The lights were flickering and looked unstable, but at least part of the gate was lit.
…Just as I'd left it.
[◎ Welcome ◎ ]
And from the resort, just an entrance ticket for three attractions was enough to enter the theme park…
But.
"..."
I stopped in front of the gate.
'I can't leave…!'
– The theme park mascots cannot leave their own zone.
Cold sweat ran down my back.
An overwhelming pressure pinned down my limbs.
I can't interfere with other zones. That would be a horrific violation threatening my very existence. I can't. I can't…
My bizarre identity, now defined as the mascot, was strangling me.
'But if I can't leave this place, I can't ride any attractions!'
There are no attractions in this ruined Golden Resort.
Because it's a ruin!
I looked at the gate that could lead to Blue Dream Waterpark.
Cold sweat trickled down my back.
'…Even if I died and became a corpse, I don't think it would work.'
Of course, just imagining my corpse being dragged around by the others and going on rides in the blue zone gave me chills up to my scalp.
But this isn't just a matter of whether I'm willing to accept such a miserable death.
'I can't even be sure you can drag a dead mascot into another zone.'
No, I have no idea what would even happen in this zone if the mascot died…
Not for those people, either.
'...'
In that case.
I looked at the company employees.
"Hiek!"
The harvest mouse-masked employee's mouth was covered by the ladybug-masked employee to keep him from screaming.
Ignoring the sight with polite indifference, I blocked the path in front of the gate.
"Uh…?"
And then pointed in one direction with my finger.
Back to the room we started in.
"Um, are you… not supposed to leave? Do we have to go back?"
Nod.
"I-If we go back, is there another way?"
Nod.
"…!"
The employees' faces turned pale as a sheet.
"N-No way…"
"Hahaha, s-so we just have to follow you, right? Is that it?"
The ladybug-masked employee, holding back the harvest mouse-masked one, looked at me as they awkwardly shuffled backward.
'Damn.'
Still, I was relieved they listened.
Suppressing a sigh, I headed back inside the building where we'd regained consciousness.
And opened the office door I'd come out of.
"Ah…!"
I stopped Jang Heowoon, who was about to follow me in, and pointed at the worn-out door sign.
[Administrator Area]
Rule violation.
No matter how I thought about it, letting them in was a bad idea.
Bang.
I slammed the door on purpose and went inside, shutting my eyes tight.
Wow…
'This is seriously driving me insane.'
…For a moment, I even thought, what if I just take off this suit and get judged as human again? Maybe I'd lose my mascot qualifications.
But on the other hand, being 'modified by the ghost story' to fit the role could lead to a truly horrific ending.
No, in creepypastas, that's the more standard outcome.
'Ha.'
In the end… judging from the hints so far—
The only way for the group who drew the yellow piece to escape from Cheerful Theme Park is this.
'…To get the resort operating and make it possible to use three attractions.'
And what's needed is…
-x-X-x-
I went back to the desk and looked at the document card.
Requirements to begin resort operations
Employees : 3
"..."
I opened the desk drawer.
Inside were employment contracts, just as the document had said.
‒‒‒
Employment Contract
I accept my employment at the Flower Golden Resort with gratitude and joy, and pledge my sincerity and my existence to the operation of a happy and joyful theme park.
Employer : _____
Employee : _____ ‒‒‒
A chilling document, like something for illegal test subjects.
'No way am I letting it end like this.'
I immediately grabbed the pen and edited the contract.
‒‒‒
Employment Contract
I accept my employment at the Flower Golden Resort with deep gratitude and joy, and pledge my sincerity and my existence to the operation of a happy and joyful theme park.
The employee may, at any time, safely return home if they wish to resign, and may refuse any action that threatens their safety.
Employer : _____
Employee : _____ ‒‒‒
I erased as much as possible of the ambiguous parts that could be interpreted in multiple ways.
'Writing over the sentence is not allowed.'
The pen refused. I could barely manage to cross out and erase lines, and squeezed in some added provisions in small letters in a blank space.
Then, holding the completed contract, the original document card, and the quill pen, I went back outside.
Click.
The staff, huddled in the hallway on high alert and whispering to each other, turned to look at me.
Only Jang Heowoon stood a bit apart, as if he hadn't been included by the others, waiting quietly.
'Phew.'
I held out the employment contract to them.
"What's this…?"
"..."
"…!!"
As if confirming something horrific, the employees stared at the contract with trembling eyes, then immediately froze in horror.
Because I was telling them to get hired by the theme park.
"Y-You want us to sign this…?"
"Uh…"
Of course, signing an employment contract in a ghost story leads to a horrible disappearance more than half the time.
Those who knew that had a different look in their eyes.
The eyes of experienced people searching for a way out.
"Um… I already have a job, so it's difficult to sign something like this right away. Could I have a moment to think about it?"
"M-Me too, please…!"
So, given time, they'd try to find a way to escape, or prepare some gear to temporarily overpower me the moment I let my guard down.
'If they're veterans in the Field Exploration Team, they're bound to have at least one life-saving trick hidden.'
So I couldn't just wait for them.
'No choice.'
I silently stared at the person who spoke first.
"Uh, uh…?"
And then I stopped breathing.
"…!"
Instead of being drawn in with my breath, black smoke thickened around my suit.
Smoke that wouldn't disperse began to flow heavily beneath the staff member's feet and around their waist.
If you don't sign, something will happen.
That was made clear to all five senses.
So clear that, trying to buy time, they'd realize they might die right now.
I lowered my face and looked down at the harvest mouse employee.
Up close.
Completely enveloped in black smoke and the dim glow of yellow lanterns, the staff member's hand shook.
"H-Hiicc…"
In the end, the harvest mouse employee, tears streaming down his face, reached out to the paper and, with trembling hands, took the pen I held out and signed in the employee section.
'Please, don't write your real name.'
If they tried to, I was going to snatch it back and nudge him to write a nickname, but luckily 'Harvest Mouse' was what was written.
'Phew.'
I immediately inhaled and drew back the black smoke.
"Ah…!"
The harvest mouse employee sat down right there and pressed back against the wall, bowing her head to me.
And, while all this was going on, the ladybug employee—whose eyes were quivering as he watched—quietly started backing away…
"Ugh!"
Then shoved Jang Heowoon and bolted down the hallway, trying to escape in a panic.
But.
"Urk!!"
As the ladybug employee ran, a rope wrapped around his neck and he collapsed.
'He tried to break away from the yellow group.'
So the yellow line strangled her neck…
As I thought, I was still recognized as a member of the yellow group. The rules of entry through the board game were still in effect.
I suppressed a sigh and walked over to them.
Fortunately, instead of running away again, the staff member knelt in the hallway.
"S-Sorry. I just thought I saw something over there… If it was a trespasser, I was going to chase them out, ha ha…"
I silently held out the employment contract again.
"..."
The ladybug employee swallowed, then, eyes squeezed tightly shut, signed the document.
Ladybug. Good.
And finally…
"..."
Jang Heowoon glanced up at my face for a moment, then hurriedly lowered his head and signed.
'Thank you.'
In this way, I got signatures on all three employment contracts.
'And last…'
Employer. It was time to sign my name.
I chose the most appropriate alias.
Employer : GOLDEN
At that moment.
Fwoosh.
The employment contracts burst into flames and turned to ash.
And the ashes stuck to the foreheads of all three people.
"Ah…!"
Now, on the foreheads of the Daydream Inc. employees, something like an ornate cursive letter 'G' was engraved.
"..."
I looked at the first document I'd brought from the room.
As soon as I lifted the pen above it—
Requirements to begin resort operations
Employees : 3 complete.
The area began to tremble.
"…!!"
The decrepit ruins we had been in collapsed, and something new emerged.
A glittering golden light.
A splendid and cozy corridor surrounded on all sides by bright and beautiful wood and gold decorations.
Elegant, small chandelier-style lights swayed from the ceiling, and at the end of the corridor, a grand and dazzling lobby appeared.
A space where golden staircases like in a cartoon, magenta velvet, and sparkling yellow crystal ornaments bloomed like flowers.
And then…
[Flower Golden Resort]
The sign of Flower Golden Resort appeared in elegant script, revealing the glorious resort of Cheerful Theme Park.
"…!"
-x-X-x-
Unfortunately, the guests were not suitable candidates. But I pitied these frail lower life forms and hired them.
They may be unqualified to work as full-time staff at the Flower Golden Resort, but I expect them to do their best.
The pen moved on its own.
The document updated itself.
With ■■ being insufficient, it was decided to begin temporary operation of the lobby and basic accommodations.
May many guests find peaceful rest.
And.
And for the guests who come seeking rest, I resolved to show a friendly and cheerful appearance, befitting a theme park.
The moment that sentence was recorded—
My appearance began to change.
"…!!"
Something warm, soft, and suffocating began to wrap around me over my suit.
With its soft fur, it naturally enveloped my entire body and formed a thick figure, as if it were my own skin.
"..."
Before I knew it, I saw my reflection in the clean, shiny corridor window.
There stood the mascot.
"…!"
With branch-like horns, a cat-like thing, stylized into a deformed, toy-like form.
The new mascot suit of Cheerful Theme Park.
But it wasn't only me who was changing.
"Ahh!"
The employees' bodies began to twist and transform, taking on the standard mascot form. Wait a minute…!
Gritting my teeth, I grabbed the pen with my stubby mascot paw and wrote on the document.
However, for regular staff, wearing uniforms instead of mascot suits would better match the luxury of the resort.
"Huuuhk!"
The transformation stopped.
Instead, the employees' suits changed, becoming formal uniforms adorned with golden bowties.
I withdrew my sweat-soaked hand.
It seemed I could write things, as long as it didn't go against the operation of the resort.
And I… I would be fine. My body hadn't actually turned into a mascot. I was just wearing the mascot costume.
…Probably.
'Huu.'
I took a deep breath and waddled out to the lobby.
Horribly, there were already mascots with my appearance waiting there.
"…!"
Bellboys, cleaning staff, security, front desk—all kinds of uniforms.
No… It was all me standing there.
I would manage the resort as the mascot.
I could do anything and be anything. As long as it was for the operation of the resort.
…Just as the text said.
I could know whatever I wanted about what I was doing.
'I'm going to hurl.'
My stomach churned. This didn't feel like a human sensation.
But I had to keep working. There was no other way right now.
I approached the largest front desk in the lobby. Avoiding eye contact with the mascot standing at the reception, I scanned the desk.
There was a golden stamp.
'…!'
No matter how I looked at it, it seemed to be a stamp for confirming attraction usage.
It looked like, at the resort, you could get a stamp by using subsidiary facilities.
"Um, this…"
I immediately tried to pick up the stamp and stamp the other people's wristbands, but a strong resistance stopped my hand.
'No!'
My breath got stuck in my throat.
Instead, I handed them the guestbook.
"…!"
The employees looked disoriented, clearly overwhelmed by a situation far outside the manual, but eventually wrote their nicknames in the guestbook after seeing the stamp.
"I-I'm fine!"
Except for the ladybug employee.
"..."
I stamped the guestbook entries for Jang Heowoon and the harvest mouse employee.
[(Cheerful) Fantasy Land Ride Ticket ■□□]
[(Cheerful) Fantasy Land Ride Ticket ■□□]
"Ah…!"
"It's real."
The atmosphere brightened a little.
The ladybug employee glanced over here with a look of mild regret, but didn't say anything for now.
'I'll set things up so he can come forward on his own later.'
For now, if he saw any chance to escape or incapacitate me, he'd surely take it… so dragging this out was dangerous.
I'm not an actual Security Team member, and I don't possess any overwhelming, superhuman power.
'If I slip up, this could fall apart and end in death.'
I had to keep this group together as stably as possible.
And besides.
'If we just stay here for three nights, would that count as the three attractions?'
It said three attractions. Maybe if we changed room types each night?
Wondering if there was a hint, I lifted the pen over the document.
I should assign accommodations to the staff.
And since they're guests today, let's use the ride tickets to let them stay in a fabulous suite.
Yes.
And the official opening is only after sunset.
…What?
I'm quite looking forward to it.
I stared blankly at the pen.
'…Of course.'
Reopening the resort meant accepting guests.
And the guests of this theme park were originally…
'Not human.'
Which meant—
After sunset, non-human entities would flood in here.
'…!'
I had to get out before that happened.
'Expansion!'
I needed to add attractions immediately. I had to open up more areas of the resort and find new attractions!
A new page appeared in the document and words began to write themselves.
Requirements to expand resort facilities
Employees : 3
Damn it!!
'Where am I supposed to get three more?'
Anyone in the other zones, unless they're crazy, will just finish the rides at Blue Dream Waterpark and escape.
There's no reason for anyone to come here!
I was anxiously biting my tongue when—
…If I started business as is, there was no telling what the guests would do.
'That would be a ghost story all on its own.'
At that moment.
My pen moved again.
Then let's establish the resort's rules of use before the official opening.
"…!"
As the mascot of this place, I must wholeheartedly decide what kind of place the Flower Golden Resort should be.
Just as the red mascot pursues endless stimulation and slaughter.
Just as the blue mascot values kindness and honor.
My own mascot values.
'In that case.'
I immediately took up the pen.
Flower Golden Resort Rules of Use
1- Our resort is a dream destination for guests with courtesy and class.
That's right!
Please be sure to observe resort manners and etiquette.
No troublemakers allowed.
-x-X-x-