"That Agent Choi has been doing such a good job at hiding you away that it's only my first time saying hello to you. Nice to meet you, by the way."
"I-It's nice to meet you…!"
I almost retorted, but just barely held it in.
I forced down my embarrassment and greeted Team Leader Haegeum.
In my head, our 'employee dispatch deal' was running through my mind.
'…I had to get something in exchange for sending Jang Heowoon, or it'd look suspicious.'
That's why I received five jade badges made by the Disaster Management Bureau from this team leader.
…Recalling the wiki entry:
Jade badges made by Baridegi[1] Workshop are frequently used as currency in supernatural phenomena.
Although they are known to be produced for ritual purposes, permission is requested for them to be issued as agent supplies.
A currency of ghost stories.
It probably wasn't a huge loss for the team leader, but it was definitely useful.
"Still, I should properly greet our destroyer rookie agent. Here, shake my hand."
"Yes… T-Thank you."
Even without meaning to, my shoulders tensed automatically. Team Leader Haegeum from Black-Tortoise Team 3 gave my back a light tap, waved, and walked off.
I let out a sigh of relief and turned my attention back to Go Yeongeun…
"Wait a sec."
...
"Haven't we met somewhere before? You seem a little familiar."
A chill ran down my spine.
"Uh, actually, I greeted you once in the hallway outside the waiting room… But you seemed tired and just walked past…"
"Oh?? Sorry. I've been busy lately. I guess I shouldn't blame Choi then. So there was a chance after all."
Team Leader Haegeum scratched the back of her head and laughed.
"In any case, I'm Team 3's leader. If you're bored on your way home, stop by the waiting room sometime. Got it?"
"T-Thank you…"
Huuu.
Just like that, Team Leader Haegeum left while chatting with Vermilion-Bird Team 2's leader.
"..."
When I turned my head, Go Yeongeun was looking at me with an expression that said, 'What in the world is going on?'
Really, a lot has happened, Yeongeun-ssi…
* * *
And then, 6 p.m.
I finally got off work.
'Wow, please.'
It was a relief that I had a day shift.
The fact that there hadn't been any call-outs was a stroke of luck, but even though all I wanted was to collapse and sleep even more, I couldn't afford to do that.
'I have things to do.'
"..."
I slipped my hand into the inventory tattoo and touched the 'thing' I had to take care of.
The soft plush of a stuffed toy tickled my fingertips.
That's right.
A stuffed toy from the Cheerful Theme Park's souvenir shop.
I'd succeeded in smuggling an original Good Friend out.
I'd used various loopholes to manage it, but I'd have to review all that again as I went through the ritual… There's just one important thing.
Now, I can finally summon a Good Friend under the right circumstances, with the right medium.
'Let's do this.'
If I delayed any longer, I might end up repeating that late-night talk show fiasco, and just thinking about it made me break out in a cold sweat. I quickly opened the door to my motel room and went in.
But here's the thing.
As soon as I opened the door, someone was inside.
A lizard head.
"Mr. Roe Deer."
...??
The familiar lizard face I'd spent the last six days with quietly looked at me.
I almost rubbed my eyes.
"S-Section Chief Lee Jaheon??"
I glanced outside the motel room and then back in, but no matter how many times I checked, it really was Chief Lizard.
No way…!
I hurried inside and carefully locked the door.
Don't tell me…
"Are you here on Director Ho's orders?"
"No."
"Then how did you get in here…?"
"Infiltration."
"..."
If that's the case, you shouldn't just stand there so brazenly…!
'Director Ho probably already knows we're meeting in secret anyway, but… i-is this really okay?'
Can you just drop by a spy's lodging like this? No, seriously, why are you in someone else's motel room without even a word?
"W-Would you like to sit down?"
"Yes."
Flustered, I sat facing the lizard at the table.
I tried my best to explain my confusion…
"I see. But I came here to resolve something more urgent, given the priorities."
Huu.
"I'm sorry, but I have something I need to do first."
"What is it?"
"..."
Well.
You know that talk show ghost story, the one where you rescued me with bombs galore?
Strictly speaking, I'm planning to summon the host who was the cause of all that chaos again…
Should I even say this? Or, no, would not saying anything just make me a clueless idiot with no sense of danger?
For some reason, I felt like I was getting swept up in things, so I opened my mouth and explained the general situation.
I figured he would understand that it couldn't be helped.
"I see."
Sure enough, Chief Lizard nodded without hesitation.
However…
"Please follow proper safety protocols during the ritual. I'll be checking."
"..."
It doesn't look like he's planning to leave.
And so, with Section Chief Lee Jaheon in tow, I began the official summoning of Good Friend Braun…
'Is this… really okay?'
I'm about to lose it here.
Note/s:
[1] Baridegi – An onomatopoeic word that refers to how you'd shake a bag or a box to guess what's inside.
-x-X-x-
Good Friend.
The preparations for the summoning ritual were already complete.
No more of that tearful act from before, like using a substitute for a substitute at the theme park resort, making do with what little I had.
This time, I had prepared everything exactly as I had when I first performed the Good Friend summoning ritual.
A necktie, a Silver Serpent Coin, and… most importantly, a plushie from the theme park gift shop.
I picked up the stuffed toy.
This plush, fuzzy toy was, surprisingly… keyring-sized, and a pink bunny!
How did I end up with a bunny instead of a yellow-horned cat, even though I got it from the gift shop in the yellow zone?
Simple.
'With a mascot's authority, I set up a special sales booth.'
[DIY Plushie]
That's right, a custom-made Good Friend.
Thus, I succeeded in acquiring an original Good Friend that looked nearly identical to the 'Good Friend Keyring' I had gotten from the Real Merch Box, except it didn't have any of the keyring hardware attached.
Now, I just have to avoid thinking about what the raw materials for this stuffed toy are…
It's all fine.
But, but…
"..."
"..."
I can feel one pointed stare.
"Um… If I just follow the instructions written here… I can proceed with the summoning ritual."
"Yes."
The lizard's unblinking eyes were unnerving...
But Section Chief Lee Jaheon didn't look away or seem inclined to compromise, so in the end, I conducted the ritual as he checked the manual.
'It didn't specifically say the ritual had to be done alone, but…'
Somehow, rather than tense, I just kept sighing as I went through the motions.
This time, I drew the lines to the right size and placed Good Friend's small body in the center, then added the Silver Serpent Coin and performed the ritual exactly as before.
'The necktie is also… same product as before.'
Salt in my mouth.
Burn the necktie with a lighter.
Ssshhh.
…I'm reminded of the first time I tried this.
Before I was desperately looking for an escape route after being suddenly trapped in a ghost story. Back when I was less scared and less resigned than I am now.
And, I recalled the being that answered that ritual.
Flicker, flicker.
The necktie burns and the flames flicker. In that flickering light, the shadow of the stuffed toy sways as if it's moving.
And then…
The doll's mouth opens.
– AAAAAAGH!
...
Huh?
– Stop! STOP! I got here firsForgivemedearpassengerTherearetoomanyIsee O you who knows honorTeacher, sir?AconsultationlikethisisRockpaperscissorsYoucalledformesoI Worthlessbeings BEGONE! Sangun-nim is descenaaaAAAAAAGH!
The tiny doll jerks and writhes as if countless things are crammed inside it. But soon…
– Oh.
It stops.
– Ooooo the great Master of the Stage has arrived!
It is a chorus.
Like someone already holding all the authority, rousing the audience's applause.
– He's here! He's here! He has returned! He has come to see you! He has come to see you—— that person!
The doll raises both hands high.
And then…
He speaks in a cheerful voice, child-like in his enthusiasm.
– Wow! My friend called me again!
"...!"
In the next moment.
Everything disappeared.
The hexagram drawn with moisture, the necktie I had been holding, the coin, even the salt in my mouth.
As if it had all been that way from the start.
All that remained was the doll, left alone on the motel floor.
This fuzzy stuffed toy.
"…Braun?"
But there was no response.
I almost panicked for a moment, but quickly realized what was happening.
'The Good Friend originally only moves and talkes inside ghost stories!'
And this is reality. Unless the plushie is reinforced with the Bloodbathtub, certain conditions are required. So…
'Prepare for conversation!'
I quickly set Braun on the bedframe, turned off the lights, and left only the bedside lamp on under the bed.
The lamp's light shone on the plushie, casting its shadow on the wall.
My hands trembled slightly the whole time.
Whether it was from anticipation, or from what I'd just witnessed, I couldn't say.
'…What exactly just happened?'
It was as if countless somethings had been summoned into the Good Friend stuffed toy, but everything passed so quickly, I couldn't analyze anything.
Reflexively, I looked at Chief Lizard, who nodded.
"It was conducted safely."
"..."
Alright…
Anyway, finally finished with preparations to converse with Good Friend in reality, I leaned against the bed and looked at Good Friend's giant shadow cast on the wall…
And then.
– Friend!
"…!"
A lively, familiar voice echoed through the room.
The voice coming from the bunny plush.
"…Braun."
– We've finally met again! How moving this is. Ah, what a perfect scene this would be for a talk show opening!
– Mr. Roe Deer, I heard you've been through a lot. But there's no need to worry anymore. Your most faithful advisor, your best guide, your one and only friend in the world has returned to your side!
That tone, overflowing with showmanship.
Strangely, just hearing his voice brings a quiet sense of… nostalgia and a lump in my throat.
– At times like this, a hug and cheers would be ideal! The audience should be… hmm. Not moving, I see.
– Mr. Roe Deer, for some reason my body feels as heavy as waterlogged cotton… but with my friend's support, I think I could manage. Come, would you stand in front of the camera with me?
"Haha… No, it's fine."
Even hearing such spine-chilling words from him was almost nostalgic now.
Leaning against the bed, I looked at the plushie's shadow on the wall with relative ease.
"Let's talk a bit more first. How are you feeling?"
– I couldn't be better! As long as I can talk to you, Friend, even if my limbs feel heavy, it's a comfort I can bear. I'll get used to it again, little by little!
– Then, once more, to the place where each joyful day with this Braun begins anew...
There was the sound of clothes brushing, as if he was looking around at his surroundings.
His voice faltered.
– …Oh my heavens. Friend, where on earth have you been staying?
-x-X-x-
Ah.
I looked around the room.
As you'd expect from a cheap motel behind a train station, it was a, um, rundown place…
– Has my body really been leaning against this filthy wall? Gracious!
"It's not dirty. I cleaned it thoroughly before the summoning ritual… It's just old, that's all."
It only looked dirtier because of the floral pattern!
But it wasn't enough to convince the talk show host.
– 'Just old'? No, this is an insult to the very concept of housing. My friend is staying in a place worse than a trailer where even third-rate actors wouldn't stay!
– Whatever happened to the humble haven you used to have, Mr. Roe Deer?
"That's… um. My work changed, so I can't stay there anymore."
– What a terrible company!
Well…
In truth, Director Ho suggested I get an officetel for the sake of stability in my spy activities and clear proof of identity.
He even said the company would cover the cost.
But I refused.
How should I put it… I just didn't want to create something here that I'd end up calling 'home'.
The company-provided dorm felt less personal since it was clearly provided by the company, but if I made a place that was truly mine, I felt like my guard might drop.
"It's actually not so bad here. I'll make sure your spot is well taken care of."
– My heavens…
– Friend, I supported your independent and autonomous choices, even cheered you on to resignation. But to think you had to stay in a place like this.
The plushie spoke in a mournful voice.
– Please remember that Braun's Talk Show is always wide open for you, even now, Friend. Though, these days, you might need to go through a light interview first…
"Mr. Roe Deer, is this stuffed toy currently tempting you with a talk show-style Darkness?"
"No, well, that's always the case…"
...
...?!
I turned to look at the lizard.
The guy with that white lizard head, who was sitting on the bed, was looking at me nonchalantly.
Nonchalantly?!
"You can you hear this?!"
"Yes."
I nearly fainted on the spot.
Wait a minute. Does that mean he's been hearing our conversations this whole time? Even when I entrusted Braun to Section Chief Lee Jaheon and went into the ghost story… no, even more than that!
"U-Usually, with this item's characteristics, only I should be able to hear him. How on earth are you able to hear him…?"
"? The other party is expressing intent to communicate."
I stared at him, mouth agape.
"…Ordinary humans shouldn't be able to hear him."
"Yes."
"To other people, it would look suspicious."
"That is correct."
The lizard just stared blankly at me, as if asking what I expected him to do.
"There is no one else in this space."
"..."
I gave up on everything.
Come to think of it, Section Chief Lee Jaheon recognized me even when I was turned into a child, or when I wore the Security Team suit, or even when I put on the mascot costume.
'Is he specialized in mental identification or communication…?'
It's probably better to just chalk it up to the abilities of a reptilian alien.
That's just easier…
"Mr. Roe Deer."
"Yes."
"Would you like some advice?"
"…Pardon?"
"Burn the doll immediately."
– Oh.
Aaaack.
"The summoning ritual was carried out in accordance with safety procedures, but the summoned entity appears to have the potential to break free of the ritual's restraints at any given time."
– This rude brute still doesn't know moderation.
Ah, please.
– If you're present somewhere you weren't invited, you should at least observe the unspoken rule of keeping your mouth shut. To prattle on so ignorantly! Unbelievable, but out of respect for my friend, I'll say a few words.
– I am an existence that respects my friend's privacy and is ready to help with anything for my friend. Because…
– I'm a Good Friend!
"When you placed your trust in those restraints, Mr. Roe Deer, you went missing for a month. Do not forget that."
– Oh, that was simply an expression of my affectionate heart, worrying over my friend's well-being. Thanks to that, Mr. Roe Deer, you were able to spend a month in the safest, happiest, most secure workplace for both body and mind… At least, until you dared to set your dirty feet in the great studio.
"Threats are being made."
"W-Wait a second."
In any case, since we're under contract, as long as I exist in this ghost story world, there's no way out, so there's no need for things to get ugly…!
"I told you I was determined to resign, and in the end you were persuaded and let me go, right?"
– Of course!
"What logic did you use to persuade him?"
That was…
"…I said I'd show him something more interesting."
– Ah, that's right. I was truly curious about the outcome of that promise…
– Of course, even if it turns out not to be interesting, this Good Friend will always protect you. Enjoying my friend's suffering is not what a Good Friend does!
"..."
What a peculiar way of speaking.
Come to think of it, this plushie-version of Braun is using language that feels much friendlier and more supportive, much more like he's on my side than when we spoke in the theme park.
Just like in the past.
'Now that he's been summoned into the Good Friend plush, is he bound by that rule again…?'
But unlike before, I could now be sure.
The other party is treating the Good Friend's restraint as a form of amusement.
Even though the restraint no longer served a purpose, he's acting this way out of a sort of nostalgia and willingness to play along… or something along those lines.
If things get boring, he might just break through the restraint and drag me back to work as a staff member at his talk show.
'…Thanks to Chief Lizard, I've become more vigilant.'
If I'm not careful, I could get swept up in the mood and become too attached to this Good Friend.
Right. I shouldn't take everything this 'Good Friend' says at face value.
I have to prevent a repeat of what happened last time.
"Right. Thank you. Then… Braun, is it okay if you go back into my front pocket for now?"
– Oh, I certainly wouldn't refuse that!
I barely managed to smoothly shift the topic and end the conversation with Braun.
Phew.
As soon as I put Braun into the front pocket of the top I was wearing, I let out a sigh of relief.
Still, there was a strange sense of stability, like I'd somehow gotten back on track.
For reference, the dokkaebi flame substituting as my right arm shook so badly when I tried to grab the plush toy with it, and I just ended up using my left arm.
'Since when did it take this much negotiation just to use my own body…'
I feel like I'm reaching enlightenment.
"Is it over?"
"…Yes."
Fortunately, the lizard didn't do anything rash like snatching up the Good Friend plush and throwing him out the window.
Though he did stare at the bunny for a while.
'…If Braun could move right now, a fight clearly would've broken out.'
In a way, it was a relief things were as they were.
To clear the air, I spoke up again.
"Um, Section Chief. Then, if the reason you visited today was because you noticed this…"
"It is not."
Then what is it?
"Is there another reason?"
"Yes."
"One moment."
Huu.
I finally sat back down at the table and set out some simple snacks and coffee for Chief Lizard.
He accepted the coffee without hesitation, and I also drank mine across from him.
"I'd like to hear it now, please."
I was ready to listen.
…It even crossed my mind that this might be about the D-squad.
"Yes."
After swallowing a snack, packaging included, the lizard looked at me and spoke.
It was an utterly unexpected topic.
"Mr. Roe Deer, during your last 'Cheerful Theme Park!' expedition, did you have a Dream Essence Collector with you?"
...
Hmm?
"The company didn't provide me with one."
"I see."
Right. I had been pretending to be part of the Security Team's special division.
Normally, the Security Team isn't given a collector because they're too contaminated. The collector only dispenses Dream Essence if it recognizes the user as human, and they can't pass that assessment.
But of course, I had brought one of my own.
An elite team collector.
The one I'd received from the Merch Box had, several times now, provided me with raw material so I could extract potions in the Dream Incubator.
'This exploration is supposed to be A-grade.'
Should I check it now?
I opened my mouth as I checked the elite team collector I'd stored in my inventory tattoo.
"But why are you asking about—"
The elite team collector was completely empty.
"..."
Huh?
"Mr. Roe Deer."
I carefully took out the collector again and checked to be sure, but still, nothing was inside.
'That's, strange.'
I definitely cleared the Darkness and escaped. That means the Dream Essence Collector should be full.
Why isn't it filled?
'Even if you clear the darkness, if the collector doesn't recognize you as human, it won't fill with essence…'
The phrase that just popped into my mind.
– The collector only dispenses Dream Essence if it recognizes the user as human, and they can't pass that assessment.
...
Wait a minute.
I'm not human, is that it?
I've been classified as a ghost story entity?
But…
'I'm still completely myself, aren't I?'
I didn't show any sudden or bizarre behavior like the time I went to the Fox Counseling Office.
So I feel like I'm maintaining my own sense of identity…
"Section Chief."
"Yes."
"Am I… contaminated?"
I met Chief Lizard's gaze.
He opened his mouth.
"Yes."
"...But I'm normal. It's different from when I went to the counseling office…"
"It's because you've been contaminated by a different Darkness."
...Ah.
'That… could be possible.'
That's when it happened.
A brilliant shaft of light descended from above.
I looked up without thinking, and there was the familiar notepad and message…
[Dark Exploration Records Real Merch Box]
– New merch unlocked! (!)
A special phenomenon I hadn't seen in a long time.
Almost unconsciously, I reached out and caught the item that dropped from the box.
A small silver music box.
"..."
It was the item I'd bought at the pop-up store.
Church of the Luminous Unknown Merch.
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Church of the Luminous Unknown
/ Items
Music Box of Praise
A replica of the music box acquired through a certain ritual at the Church of the Luminous Unknown.
It's said that the inside of the genuine article was engraved with the words 'Knowledge of the Truth is Power'.
If someone who has become assimilated with a ghost story listens to the melody of the music box, there is a chance they may regain their human rationality and sense of self.
However, if listened to repeatedly more than three times, it can instead lead to falling into madness and committing unpredictable and horrific acts. See usage records here.
Some claim this is merely a side effect of realizing the unknowable truths of this world, and that the music box's true usage only begins after listening more than three times.
As soon as the music box is closed, the melody is forgotten, and only the feeling remains, never to be recalled in your mind again.
Usage Requirement : One who has been granted the sacred scriptures of the Church of the Luminous Unknown, and has become assimilated.
========================
Here, 'assimilated' means those who have mutated so much within a ghost story that they can no longer be recognized as human, according to the Church of the Luminous Unknown's terminology.
So… the fact that I received this means.
I've met the item's usage requirements.
I've been completely contaminated by the ghost story.
And I'm aware of it.
"Mr. Roe Deer."
"..."
"If you still do not wish to visit the Fox Counseling Office, please nod your head."
This is driving me crazy.
"If you are unable to decide, please execute the alternative immediately."
That is…
"What is it?"
"Please take out the thank-you card you received from the Space Shopping Mall."
Reflexively, I did as he said.
A golden card popped out from my wrist, but Section Chief Lee Jaheon didn't so much as blink.
"Now, please take out the cell enclosed within the card."
A cell?
Was it referring to the gold chip, shaped like a SIM card, that had been enclosed inside the card?
"Place it under your tongue."
"..."
"Make sure the circuit is facing up, and press it under your tongue."
Normally, I would've hesitated and wasted more time.
But this time, a cold sense of crisis spurred me to act.
"Yes."
I pressed the 'cell' under my tongue.
-x-X-x-
Space Shopping Mall.
How much money have I spent there, I wonder.
Even if I don't remember every single item, it's easy to calculate that it's in the hundreds of millions.
I poured enough money into that shopping mall to buy all sorts of items, maybe about as much as the deposit for an apartment in the Seoul metropolitan area.
And then, one day, what I received was that golden card.
I am a Space Shopping Mall VIP!
~ Special Gratitude Cell Included ~
At the time, I had no idea what that gratitude cell even meant.
At least, not until this moment today.
"Dear Customer."
I looked up.
I remember putting the cell under my tongue, but after that, things are a bit hazy.
Did I… doze off for a moment?
"Dear Customer."
Wait a minute. Section Chief. I need to get a grasp of the situation and… Wait.
Dear Customer?
"Section Chief?!"
"No."
Only then did I properly register the figure in front of me.
A lizard was staring blankly at me.
"Section Chief."
"No. Dear Customer."
Twice, I heard clear, firm denial.
I looked closely at the reptile in front of me. The snout covered in scales and the gleaming vertical pupils were the same as before.
But the color was different.
'G-Grey?'
A grey lizard was now sitting where Lee Jaheon had been just moments ago!
The snacks and coffee I'd hurriedly set out on the table had also disappeared.
I swallowed hard.
"Who are you?"
"I am a shopper dispatched to assist VIPs in their personal shopping, and I act as a sales representative on behalf of the Space Shopping Mall."
Holy shit.
"Would you like to proceed with shopping?"
I stood up from my seat. Right, I was still sitting at the motel room table.
And Section Chief Lee Jaheon, who had been sitting across from me, had been replaced by some similar-looking alien… Wait a minute.
Space Shopping Mall's VIP shopping?
Don't tell me… an employee has come out to do some kind of personal, door-to-door sales for me?
'…Section Chief!'
Just a moment ago, we were talking about how I was completely contaminated!
Is this some kind of build-up to sell me items that are good for contamination? Well, even if that's the case, if I can get rid of the contamination, I can't exactly complain!
Barely calming myself, I quickly sat back down and spoke.
"I'd like to talk to Chief Lizard."
"Are you referring to the being named Lee Jaheon, who works as a section chief at Daydream Inc.?"
I hesitated.
"Do you require him for psychological stability because he is someone with whom you have built a friendly relationship?"
"What happens if I say yes?"
"I will explain that there is no problem."
The lizard's snout opened.
"We know who you are, Mr. Roe Deer, and what we know is exactly the same as what Section Chief Lee Jaheon knows."
"...!"
"Additionally, we wish to maintain a friendly relationship with you as well, Dear Customer."
"..."
It was strange.
Come to think of it, Section Chief Lee Jaheon often started sentences or explained things using 'we' as the subject.
And the button I used was called… 'We Can Help'.
We.
"Who exactly is 'we'?"
"We are the Coalition. Speaking to Lee Jaheon or to the being in front of you now is the same as speaking to the Coalition."
The conversation was getting more and more metaphysical.
So… a bizarre collective of alien beings sharing a single memory and emotion…
'I have heard about urban legends like this before.'
It really was like something out of a sci-fi story. I mean, of course it would be, since this was an alien shop at the end of the day.
I held my head in my hands as I replied.
"Just… let me speak to Section Chief Lee Jaheon. I don't want to shop right now."
"Mr. Roe Deer."
"...!"
I looked up.
But the white lizard was a different entity. It's not Lee Jaheon.
Yet, it spoke in exactly the same manner.
"You are in a situation where you need help. If you can receive the proper treatment in the form of shopping, please accept it."
"…What kind of treatment are you talking about?"
"I am here to assist you with your shopping. Would you like to start your VIP shopping at the Space Shopping Mall?"
It was an evasive answer.
But catching on to what the lizard meant, I nodded slowly.
So I can only proceed if I shop, huh.
"…Yes."
"Understood."
The grey lizard nodded.
The next moment.
The table began to grow enormous.
"…?!"
On the endlessly stretching table to the left, objects appeared, shrouded in mist. And in front of those objects, tentacles… No, wait. Where am I, exactly?
"We accessed you through the cell you ingested. Through your homepage UI complaints, VIPs are now provided with the most familiar and comfortable environment for shopping, as a service…"
"Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes. Please sit back and enjoy your shopping."
The lizard speaks in an extremely professional manner. No, wait, what does it even mean that I've been accessed through a cell…
"In that case, before proceeding with your shopping, we shall conduct identity verification. In your current state, it is difficult to clearly confirm your intent to purchase, so we will distinguish things to help ensure a comfortable transaction."
"Distinguish?"
"Yes."
Entities begin to appear along the endlessly extending seats at the table.
"…!"
They're hard to see, hidden in fog. But the closer they are, the more their features become faintly visible.
A supermarket cashier's uniform, a stylish broadcaster in a luxurious suit and elegant gloves, a kindergarten teacher holding an handbook, a high school student in a school uniform…
The ghost stories I've experienced.
Me, contaminated in those ghost stories.
"...!"
And the two figures sitting closest to me are not shrouded in fog, their forms are clear.
I slowly, stiffly turned my head to check.
Yellow mascot.
Black cat.
I t ' s O k a y
C a l m D o w n
[This way]
They're even speaking to me.
Chills ran all the way up my spine.
In front of each at the table, decorations and colors symbolizing their respective ghost stories have been added. I sprang up from the table, trying to run away…
"Dear Customer. You are currently connected to the Space Shopping Mall through the cell. This imagery is merely a projection of your mind. In reality, your personality and self have not been split."
"..."
"Please do not be overly wary of yourself."
"…Is this a visualization of my contamination? So I can refer to it while making purchasing decisions?"
"It is similar."
I'm going crazy.
For now, I sat back down and pressed my temples. The yellow mascot fidgeted, looking like it wanted to help me.
This is seriously driving me insane.
"Would you like to check?"
Check what?
"For a smooth shopping experience, would you like to take another look at the features of the projections sitting closest to you?"
"..."
Instinctively, I understood.
This is advice.
So I lifted my gaze and looked at the 'me's' filling the table.
WhereamII'mconfusedLet'sgofindthehandbookagainThrowingawaythehandbookwasareallyhugemistake.
Welcome to Looky Mart!
[The graduation ceremony will start again soon. I need to return to school.]
– What a unique place. If I do an in-depth report, the great host might prepare a new corner for me!
I'm going to hurl.
But that repulsion comes from things I know. It's fear that arises because I know them well enough to imagine them.
However…
"..."
I looked at the faces of those sitting closest.
Since they weren't shrouded in fog, their distinguishing features were relatively clear.
But then.
"Who are you?"
The one sitting just after the huge mascot at my side, obscured by it.
It was draped in something like an old rag.
"I've never seen you before."
A me I don't know.
I n t r u d e r
The mascot turned its body, clearing my view toward that figure.
As I looked more closely, I noticed the material of the unfamiliar me's rag.
That was… worn parchment.
"You."
I looked at the unfamiliar me.
"Take that off."
"..."
The figure sitting at the table slowly pulled the parchment rag off its head, revealing itself.
Me, dressed in a scarlet janitor's uniform.
– Caught me.
The mimic from the Church of the Luminous Unknown turned to look at me, twisting its head.
-Kekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekekeke
"Allow me to cover up anything that interferes with your shopping."
The next moment.
The me in the janitor uniform vanished from the table.
"..."
My heart pounded.
"Dear Customer. Did anything from your mind's image just now come to mind?"
"Yes."
I remembered.
I reached into my inventory tattoo and pulled out the item I'd forgotten… No, the item that had been subsumed so I'd forget it.
A worn, rolled-up piece of parchment.
The Mimicry Sect's Scripture, Verse 4
Story Usurper
The item that came out when the security sergeant disposed of the mimic I met while cleaning in the company basement, back when I was under disciplinary action.
A fragment of the Church of the Luminous Unknown's sacred law.
I also remember wrapping it up with 'Wrapper 12B357나' to block its effect.
'And… On Tamra Express, I unwrapped it and wrapped it around my body for defense!'
After that, as I got caught up in Braun's Late-Night Talk Show, I never had a chance to think about this Church of the Luminous Unknown's scripture.
Or maybe, at some point, my narrative had been manipulated so I couldn't recall it.
'…If I hadn't just received a music box from the Church of the Luminous Unknown in the Merch Box, I would've completely forgotten.'
It was thanks to seeing another item from the same source just now that I was able to recall it.
And…
"Dear Customer. The parchment is swallowing something."
"Yes."
I saw it too.
I forcibly pulled out a black, cylindrical object that was almost completely absorbed into the parchment.
A fountain pen.
"…!"
It was the brainwashing item from Sekwang Technical High School, the one I'd gotten back from Baek Saheon by turning the tables on him.
'I had forgotten about this too.'
I realized.
Apparently, the scripture had been stealing the narrative of this fountain pen.
It grew stronger through that, and one day when I was taken over, I was completely assimilated into the bizarre phenomenon of the Church of the Luminous Unknown…
...
Wait a second.
'What else have I forgotten?'
I racked my brain quickly. But nothing came to mind.
Of course, it must already be a stolen memory!
If that's the case…
"Can I receive a list of the items I've purchased so far from the alien shop?"
"Yes. Are you attempting to track down the whereabouts of your items?"
"…That's right."
"In that case, I have something to tell you."
The lizard looked at me.
"There is an item you have forgotten."
"What is it?"
"You received strength-enhancing gear from Section Chief Lee Jaheon and used it to craft new equipment, but the whereabouts of the crafted item are unclear."
"…!"
"Section Chief Lee Jaheon attempted to inform you of this fact, but soon realized that simply notifying you would not resolve the problem."
…I remember.
– Does it enhance strength?
– Something similar. Use it as a parent item when crafting a new special equipment.
– ...! Thank you.
We definitely had that conversation.
As I listened, I slowly realized what the item was.
'…It was a bracelet.'
It was something I last made together with Assistant Manager Eun Haje at the Daydream Inc. annex.
At that time, she had suddenly appeared in my room… just like Section Chief Lee Jaheon appearing in this motel room now.
But after making that custom equipment, I have no memory of what happened to it.
There were several crisis situations where I could have used it, but it never came to mind.
And it probably never will again… because it's already been devoured by the sacred scripture fragment.
…It's a chilling thought. I barely managed to speak.
"I'm sorry. After you went through the trouble of lending it to me."
"It's alright."
Even though it said it wasn't Section Chief Lee Jaheon, it accepted my apology as if it were natural.
'Huu.'
Calm down, calm down.
At least I noticed in time. That in itself is a relief.
'Was the Dream Essence Collector not filling up because the mimic had almost completely overtaken me?'
On top of that, I'd been playing all sorts of bizarre roles, from the Security Team's special division to the mascot, 'imitating' them all, so the effect would have been amplified.
…Most likely, that's why I was judged not as a human, but as a being of the Church of the Luminous Unknown.
'Huu.'
Thanks to that, it feels like the contamination has gotten even deeper.
With a gloomy gaze, I looked at the bizarre "me's" seated around the table.
The cat slapped its tail on the table with displeasure, its eyes blood-red as it stared at me, and the mascot drooped its horns, looking dejected.
All the other reactions left me feeling dazed.
And although I hadn't been expelled from the table, the part of me overtaken by the mimic was probably still inside me…
'Ha.'
For now, one thing at a time.
I signaled to the fragment of the Church of the Luminous Unknown's sacred law.
"Can I dispose of this parchment through the shopping mall?"
"It is not an item the Space Shopping Mall purchases."
"Do you deal with any of the contaminations sitting at this table?"
"They are not items the Space Shopping Mall purchases."
Huu.
Right. Either way, these are too dangerous to be sold to humans, so of course they wouldn't be accepted here.
'But Section Chief Lee Jaheon guided me this way as an alternative to the Fox Counseling Office.'
If so… it must mean there's some method.
At that moment, the 'We Can Help' button flashed through my mind.
"Then, is it possible to request the 'Coalition' to remove these, for a fee?"
"Yes."
"...!"
The lizard looked at me.
"Are you requesting an order to permanently destroy a part of yourself?"
D o n ' t
I t ' s D a n g e r o u s
Wait.
Something feels off.
I looked around the table. All those versions of myself, sitting there in the forms of various ghost stories.
Right now, my contaminations have been made visible and seated over there by the Space Shopping Mall's VIP shopping service so that I can perceive them.
And when I asked to have them all removed, what the lizard said was…
'…That they're going to permanently destroy a part of myself?'
That sounded as if it meant destroying my contaminated mind itself.
Like amputating a limb to prevent an infection from spreading.
Of course, sometimes you have no choice but to do that.
But normally, it's an irreversible decision you'd only make when there's truly no hope of recovery.
"…Is it impossible to remove just the contamination from there? That is, to restore the contaminated mind back to its original state. Permanently."
"That is not a service the Space Shopping Mall provides."
"…Is it possible anywhere else?"
"That is information I cannot provide."
I turned my head.
The yellow mascot was shaking its head at me.
Y o u C a n ' t
I looked down at my right arm.
In this ghost story world where your body can regenerate, there are times when people even cut off their limbs.
Because here, you can undo it.
But to cut away and destroy your sense of self… In this place, that's an even more extreme choice than cutting off a limb, isn't it?
"..."
Did Section Chief Lee Jaheon really intend to introduce this method to me?
"I'll change the question."
I don't think so.
'Then.'
I looked up.
"Rather than destroy my contaminated selves, I'd like to be able to recognize and manage them myself."
The problem with contamination is that it can turn you into something else without you knowing.
But if I'm fully aware of what mutations exist inside me, I can suppress them, or at the very least, use them if worst comes to worst.
"…So that I can control myself."
The gray lizard, meeting my gaze, nodded.
"I see."
"I want to purchase something that can help with that. Is that possible?"
"Yes."
The lizard moved its hand at once.
As if I'd picked the correct answer.
"…!"
Then, from far down the table, an object shrouded in fog was swiftly brought right in front of me by some excited tentacles.
"With my personal shopper authority, I recommend this suitable item."
It was… a small machine.
It looked like a piece of specialized surgical equipment, with a delicately crafted needle at the end of what looked like a robotic hand, and a crescent-moon-shaped lamp shining down on the machine from above.
I already knew something similar to this.
The tattoo machine from the Moonlight Tattoo Shop.
A miniature, item-like version of a bizarre device from an emotional ghost story was sitting right before my eyes.
Single-Use Automatic Moonlight Tattoo Machine
"This is an item produced for a short time before the Moonlight Tattooists all went out of business, except for a handful of survivors, due to certain events. You have acquired one of the three remaining units."
P r e t t y
U n i q u e
The tentacles that had delivered it waved boisterously like arms, then flinched as if glancing at the lizard for approval, and soon vanished into the mist.
My heart pounded.
"…What exactly does this help with?"
"The spirit of the Moonlight Tattooist residing in the machine inscribes a tattoo tailored to support the user's needs."
Just like at the Moonlight Tattoo Shop.
"The tattoo inscribed by this device is fluid. It adapts to the user's environment and changes into the most suitable form."
That's a bit different.
But for me, who would have to enter ghost stories and face different contamination risks in the future, it was even better.
'Did they recommend this with that in mind from the start?'
"Would you like to purchase it?"
I nodded.
"Yes. I want to buy it."
"Thank you. The price is 159,999,999 won."
[approx. 116,300 USD]
"..."
I almost choked on my own spit.
"Is it possible to pay with something else? By giving you an item you purchase, for example…"
"What item is it?"
Wait a second.
'No matter how I think about it, these guys aren't a buyback specialist business.'
I don't know where these aliens actually use the money they collect from people, but even so, the prices of the goods sold at the alien shop are already brutal compared to their cost.
Given their business sense… I felt like they'd really lowball me on the buyback price.
'Of course, just letting me buy at all is already doing me a favor, though.'
In the end, after some thought, I took out a jade token.
A reward I received from Team Leader of Black-Tortoise Team 3 at Cheerful Theme Park.
A disaster management bureau-issued item made at Baridegi Workshop.
"How about this?"
"That is not an item the Space Shopping Mall purchases."
"Hmm, is it perhaps something you're seeing for the first time?"
"Yes."
As expected.
'The alien shop really has no connection to the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau.'
That actually worked in my favor.
"I'm not offering this for sale, but as currency."
I held the jade token out to the lizard.
"It's a currency accepted in various places. You'll find it useful for acquiring a range of goods."
"Please provide a concrete example."
I gladly gave a few.
Mainly East Asian legends, ghost stories derived from folktales, and sometimes even European or American traditional fairy tales. All of them accepted jade tokens as currency.
'Hmm. Summing it up, I guess they work mainly in tales passed down in different cultures.'
The lizard silently looked at the jade token.
And after a moment's silence…
"Confirmed. I shall recognize it as currency and accept it as payment."
Of course.
'Nice.'
However, the lizard took all five of the jade tokens I offered.
'Not so nice…'
Still, considering the price, it felt like a reasonable deal.
At any rate, that's how the machine ended up in my hands.
Single-Use Automatic Moonlight Tattoo Machine.
"Would you like assistance with using it?"
"I'm fine."
I brought the device to my arm.
I planned to have it inscribed over my existing tattoos.
'It looks like you use it by pressing the switch like this.'
However.
Bzzzz—
The miniature tattoo machine, emitting a soft light and buzzing noise, floated off my arm and began hovering by itself.
"…!"
Then it started inscribing something just below my left collarbone.
As if gathering moonlight and searing the end.
Bzzzz—
Within that sound, I felt the anguish and artistic sensibility of someone who once inhabited the tattoo machine.
What the customer wants is clear.
To govern oneself!
The most fundamental and important thing. But when one's mind is filled with countless identities and anxieties, it is hard to unify and control them all.
Let's tag each one and give them a junction.
So that whenever you wish, you can organize and piece them together.
If that's the case… isn't the most striking spot right above the heart!
I felt something hot above my heart.
And as the light from the tattoo machine faded, I hastily unbuttoned my shirt to look at my bare skin.
"...!"
A star made of letters was revealed.
A tattoo in the shape of a circular puzzle, repeating like the intricate ring of a tree, as if depicting a halo.
Words from various unknown languages were inscribed in letters the size of the device, interlocked in several precise concentric circles.
There was still plenty of space between them, and I understood…
Now, the worries that made up the design would hold each other in check and maintain balance.
Through this tattoo, the customer can recognize himself and, as he desires, rule himself.
The light and sound from the single-use tattoo machine faded away completely.
Then, with a click, the crescent-moon lamp shut off.
"Usage complete."
"..."
I turned my head and looked at those who had been sitting at the table.
There was no one there.
No, from the beginning, they had all just been me.
Now that I could verify they were part of me with the tattoo, I no longer needed to see them with my eyes to make decisions.
"...Huu."
I looked down at the tattoo again.
And among them, I reached out to a word that looked as if its font had glitched out, like a computer error.
The bells of Sekwang High School tolled.
"…!"
I realized that, if I wished, I could instantly don a high school uniform and become a being from a horror game, living in a different time and light from the intruder.
No matter what the side effects might be.
'…Wait, hold on.'
So this tattoo doesn't just organize what's in my mind and show it to me?
It sorted out my contaminations so that I can 'take them out and use them' whenever I want?
This is insane.
'It really was worth one-hundred sixty million won.'
Of course, whether I'll actually use it is another question, but the important thing is that, for now, my contaminations have been organized and I won't be swept away by them immediately.
'Good.'
I carefully straightened my clothes, being especially cautious not to touch the worn Gothic-looking letters that, no matter how I looked at it, seemed to belong to the Church of the Luminous Unknown's mimic.
Whether it was fortunate or not, a grand, gold, antique script and some words scrawled as if with little claws were inscribed even more prominently in the center.
'Mascot and… cat?'
A strange sense of familiarity came over me.
Were these two on my side?
…Anyway, for now, this incident seems to have settled down.
Huu.
"Would you like to proceed with your next purchase?"
The lizard asked, as if it had been waiting.
I looked again at the piece of the Church of the Luminous Unknown's scripture still on the table.
'I need to deal with that too.'
Like buying something I could use to store it safely, for example.
The problem was, I didn't have enough money left.
The best thing would be to rush to Daydream Inc. right now and sell it off, but as a spy, the timing wasn't right…
"If I finish shopping, do you think I might forget about that item again?"
"There is a statistical possibility."
Hm.
As the penniless wretch I am, I thought for a moment, then asked,
"Do you happen to offer a storage service?"
* * *
"Kim Soleum-ssi."
"..."
"Kim Soleum-ssi."
Huhk.
I opened my eyes.
A lizard was looking at me from across the table.
But this time, it wasn't gray.
"Section Chief."
"Yes."
White lizard head, red pupils. Section Chief Lee Jaheon was standing in front of me. Huu.
"Did you experience any inconvenience during your VIP shopping?"
"No. It was very helpful…"
And then I saw it.
In front of Section Chief Lee Jaheon, a pink plush doll was now sitting on the table.
"...??"
Why is Braun here?
"Um, I thought I had… put that in my pocket."
"I set it aside so it wouldn't interfere with your shopping."
"..."
I asked, struggling,
"Section Chief, just asking, but… can you still hear Braun— I mean, the plushie?"
"Yes."
"But I can't hear him."
"I see."
"What… What's he saying?"
"Sighs, excessive excitement, criticism and threats."
Aaaagh!
"I determined it had no informational value."
"Y-Yes…"
Hurriedly, I carefully picked up the plushie from the table and returned it to my shirt's front pocket.
But at that moment.
– My goodness. Finally.
"…Braun?!"
– Mr. Roe Deer! Oh, we can speak again at last…
I quickly pulled the plush from my pocket and checked it.
But at that instant, the voice cut off.
'Huh?'
I put Braun back in my pocket.
– Mr. Roe Deer? Can you hear me?
Only one thing had changed.
'The tattoo on the left side of my chest.'
Could it be that, when Braun is near my tattoo, it counts as being inside a ghost story?
'Oh god.'
"Yeah. …It seems like, as long as I keep you here, we can keep talking."
– Near the heart, hm. How fateful! Excellent. I shall generously forgive you for leaving me alone with that crazy, boring fellow for a full 23 minutes, because I am a Good Friend.
– Now, hurry up and kick him out. Quickly.
"W-Wait."
I quickly soothed Braun, then spoke to Section Chief Lee Jaheon.
"Um, Section Chief… I saw someone who looked a lot like you while I was shopping."
"That was not Section Chief Lee Jaheon. However…"
"They are still part of the collective 'we', right?"
"Yes."
"Then, does that mean you already know everything I did?"
"Yes."
I asked a little awkwardly in return.
"So you know what I did at the very end, too?"
"You mean the item storage service request?"
That's right.
– I'd like you to store this item safely for me.
– Understood.
I entrusted the root of all evil—the Church of the Luminous Unknown's sacred law fragment—to the lizards… no, to the Space Shopping Mall.
'It seemed like it would be cheaper than removing it completely or buying an item to control it.'
And that expectation was correct.
…It was still hella expensive, though.
– The price is 8,999,990 won for 100 days, based on the planet you currently reside on.
– …Do you offer installment plans?
Installments, really.
I never thought I'd use a financial service I've never even tried in real life in a world of creepypastas…
'Still, Daydream Inc. would probably pay a higher price if they bought it, so this is probably for the best.'
When the time comes, I'll just find it and sell it right away.
Fortunately, according to Section Chief Lee Jaheon's explanation, I'll be able to retrieve it anytime.
The cell chip I put under my tongue had disappeared without a trace, but now, I can reactivate it by connecting to the Space Shopping Mall.
"Kim Soleum-ssi, you are now connected with us."
…I wanted to ask if that was also a kind of contamination, but since it didn't appear on my tattoo, I decided not to be rude. After all, he's someone who can squeeze steel with one hand.
He's also the one who always notices my contamination and takes care of it for me, and I'm grateful for that.
"I'm grateful. Thanks to you, I've come to my senses a bit."
"Yes. However, the choice is yours, Kim Soleum-ssi."
"…Do you think I made the right choice?"
The lizard's snout curved slightly.
"Yes."
"...!"
"You made a good choice."
Just as he's told me a few times before.
"..."
As expected.
When I was shopping earlier, the lizard had the same head and even spoke similarly, so I didn't notice, but seeing him in person like this, I could feel it.
'They're subtly different.'
How should I put it? With this lizard, you could feel intelligence and emotion, and there was personality, maybe… I'm not sure.
Of course, if those alien reptiles share a single mind and feeling, maybe I'm just projecting that difference onto Section Chief Lee Jaheon because I've built a connection with him.
'Honestly, I'm not even part of D-squad anymore, nor is it his responsibility, but he still looks after me.'
He probably does the same for my D-squad sunbaes, too.
He was a supervisor whose thoughts I was always curious about and whom I was grateful for in many ways.
"Thank you, Section Chief."
With another word of thanks, I escorted Section Chief Lee Jaheon out of the motel when our business was finished.
Instead of using the door, he quietly disappeared out the window.
– If any issues arise, please contact us.
That was the last thing he said.
"..."
– Is it over?
Yeah.
– Huu. Finally gone.
– By the way, don't you have any plans for us to leave this dreadful place too?
Hahaha.
"There is."
– Oh?
"I'm going to work tomorrow."
And by the way.
"I'm a spy infiltrating a government agency now."
– Show business, my goodness.
– A spy. Ah, yes. A classic and popular role, one that gets the audience's heart racing in any era.
– The catharsis of a twist, revealing the mysterious and powerful identity of someone who was anything but ordinary!
– Isn't it the perfect profession for you, my talented friend?
Hoho.
On my way to work, I listened to Braun's lively commentary as I entered the Disaster Management Bureau.
'Thank goodness the Disaster Management Bureau bomber jacket has a front pocket.'
The plush doll's ears were covered by the upper flap of the pocket, so at a glance, no one would notice.
I greeted the agents naturally as I crossed the bureau's main lobby.
– A special method for entering through a concealed entrance. It's the classic trope of a special agent. They seem to be a group that appreciates a bit of romanticism.
– Let's see where Mr. Roe Deer's workplace is, shall we? I'm looking forward to it!
It was a good start. Braun gave a pretty decent score to the Disaster Management Bureau's hidden entrance, and also a passable score to the sights inside.
'I'm glad you like it.'
Replying appropriately, I took the elevator, walked down the hallway, and opened the door.
That's how the Black-Tortoise Team 1 waiting room appeared.
And then…
– ...
'Braun?'
– Oh, I suppose they've nicely decorated the spare, temporary space to look like a lounge.
– Haha. Mr. Roe Deer, it's amusing to see you've learned to take it easy since I last saw you! Are you planning to enjoy a secret break here before heading to your real workplace?
'This is it.'
– Hmm?
'This is my workplace.'
There was no response from my Good Friend.
– Do you lure visitors here and extract information from them? What an impressive trick to use an unofficial lounge…
No.
'This really is my official workplace.'
– Friend, what exactly do you do here?
'I sit on the sofa.'
Still no response from my Good Friend. As if he'd just died…
– Oh. To think you'd play a prank on me.
Aaaagh!
'Then, when we're called, we go out on missions. To rescue people in all kinds of unusual disaster situations.'
– Aha.
'This is just the waiting room.'
– Hahaha. So the real work hasn't even begun yet.
– Oh, you got me! That was extremely amusing, Friend!
'Right? Hahahaha…'
Cold sweat trickled down my back. Yeah, this is what it's always like, hanging out with Braun... huuu.
At that moment, my right hand, which I'd kept in my pocket, moved discreetly.
It gave a thumbs up… then pointed sharply down.
"..."
Yeah. I get it.
– Very well. In that case, it seems this place isn't the absolute worst for resting alone!
'But it's a waiting room for the whole team.'
– ...
'It's fine. Everyone here is fun. They're good people.'
Braun seemed a bit shocked, but there was nothing I could do about that. He was probably comparing it to the private office I used to have at that major pharmaceutical company…
– …Very well. How many people work with you, Mr. Roe Deer?
'Ah, at the moment, there are three of us… but usually only two come into the waiting room.'
I looked at the waiting room's whiteboard.
It still held notes left by people who'd passed through Black-Tortoise Team 1.
'…Originally, about seven people worked here.'
That's just my own knowledge.
In the
But after some incidents, about half were killed or went missing, and it was reduced to three teams.
'It really was a chilling creepypasta.'
Anyway, there was a time when they were actively recruiting more people… and now seemed to be that time.
– That's a relief. Phew, to think of having seven people in such a shabby room. What are we, failed comedians who can't get a gig?
"...Ahem."
I just laughed bitterly
After some thought, I picked up a marker from the whiteboard and left a line myself.
Admirable people.
I was thinking of the Disaster Management Bureau's Black-Tortoise Team 1 in the early days of the wiki.
– You left a message? My! The mark of a spy… how intriguing. Could you bring me closer so I can get a better look?
It wasn't anything special, really.
"Sure."
That wasn't hard. I took the plush doll out of my front pocket and supported its body with both hands, bringing it close to the whiteboard…
Ka-chak.
"Grapes, you're here early again today? Did you sleep well last ni—"
Agent Choi, meeting my gaze, saw the doll in my hand.
And then saw my hands politely pressing the doll up against the whiteboard.
A-Ahhh…
"G-Good morning, Agent Choi."
"Yeah, good morning. Uh… are you donating that doll to our waiting room? That's great."
"N-No, it's not that…"
– Hoho?
Shrinking my shoulders, I hurriedly put Braun back in my front pocket.
But Agent Choi stopped me.
His eyes were scanning the phrase I'd written on the whiteboard.
"Hm? No, it's fine. Kids these days take pictures with stuff like this and post them as proof."
Then Agent Choi started asking about whether I posted stuff on SNS, and told me I couldn't upload internal photos because it's classified and to think of this place like the National Intelligence Service… and so on, and I scrambled to play along.
"No, uh, this is just, someone I always carry with me, um, a friend."
– Nice to meet you! Oh, that scar on your neck is quite stylish. I hope you'll tell us the story behind it someday.
"…Friend?"
"Yes…"
At that moment, Agent Bronze also opened the waiting room door and walked in.
"Hello—"
"Jaekwan-ah, come over here. Our rookie brought a doll!"
"A doll?"
Agent Choi hurriedly grabbed Agent Bronze and brought him over.
This was overwhelming.
– My goodness, isn't this the man who took up the serial killer role at that mountain lodge? …Aha! Could it be you infiltrated under the pretense of falling for his persistent recruitment?
No. He'd gotten suspicious of me and started watching…
– Well, not bad. Two sidekicks to support you!
No. They're my superiors…
Meanwhile, my two supervisors were looking at Braun with curiosity.
"If you always carry it, how come we've never seen it before? Jaekwan-ah, have you?"
Agent Bronze's expression turned strange.
He must have been remembering the times he'd glimpsed Braun hanging from my clothes or sticking out of my pocket…!
'But if he says so, it'll sound like we've known each other for a while!'
I cut in to ease his dilemma.
"Ah, the friend I had before got torn by mistake… so I just made a new one recently."
"..."
Agent Bronze's expression turned even stranger.
He muttered 'friend' to himself a few more times, then soon asked,
"Did you… make that 'friend' during your break?"
Amazingly, that was true.
"Yes, that's right! Ah, not that I made it myself, I just bought it at a store…"
"..."
"Grapes-ie, if you call a doll your friend, a ghost will possess it and—"
"Go fetch the documents."
"Eek!"
Agent Bronze kicked Agent Choi out by the seat of his pants and they left the waiting room together.
Then he turned back and said kindly to me,
"The Preliminary Investigation Unit has summoned you, Agent Grapes. We'll handle the rescue signals, so don't worry and just head out."
"Yes? Yes."
And the two disappeared in an instant.
Thud.
'Huu.'
I thought they'd pry further, but thankfully they didn't.
If I'd looked any more suspicious, Agent Choi might've whipped out his ghost story detection device… That could have gotten dicey.
Even though Braun always boasted, 'No matter what device they use, no one can figure out what I am,' there's no harm in being cautious.
'I figured it would be better to show him naturally from the beginning rather than risk getting caught hiding him later.'
I never expected it would play out like this, though.
Is this… good?
– Friend? So what kind of place is the Preliminary Investigation Unit?
'Ah, let's go there now.'
Anyway, since the Preliminary Investigation Unit had called for me, I decided to head out for a bit.
With Braun, I made my way past the real working spaces of the Disaster Management Bureau, the office corridors. And then…
– My goodness, I'd rather this was a comedy skit segment… To think my friend has fallen victim to an employment scam.
"..."
To the eyes of a host from a dazzling capitalist era mass media ghost story, the 21st-century public sector facilities must have seemed utterly dilapidated and substandard…
Fortunately, something else soon caught Braun's interest.
Right in front of the Preliminary Investigation Unit office was my fellow spy.
Go Yeongeun-ssi.
"Agent Grapes!"
Go Yeongeun, who greeted me with a bright smile and wave, gave me a curious look as she spotted the plush doll on my chest when I got closer.
"You're carrying that around again?"
"...Yes."
Now that I think about it, Yeongeun-ssi has seen Braun in the form of a Good Friend fairly often.
Even in that exhibition ghost story, 'Manor of the Blind', I used Braun to solidify Baek Saheon's impression of me… I think she saw that a few times in passing, too.
Anyway, it seems Braun has a greater presence than I thought.
'I-I figured he wouldn't stand out that much since it's so small, but…'
In this ghost story world's crazy pharmaceutical company, people carry around everything from bunny's feet to mummy bandages.
With everyone already wearing bizarre animal masks, I thought a little plush pendant would be fine.
Um. Apparently not…
Still, Go Yeongeun remains as kind as ever.
"Um, it's still cute! I think you picked a good one."
– Ah, someone with an eye for quality. An appreciative audience is always a delight for an entertainer.
Anyway, it was a relief that everyone seemed satisfied. I smiled and spoke.
"Thank you. Then, Agent Mint, perhaps you also—"
"Ah, no thank you."
"..."
No, I was just going to ask if you had one too. A plush pendant…
I was starting to sweat.
Ah, looks like the bunny plush stands out even more than I expected.
'This won't do.'
After asking Braun's permission, I pulled the front pocket flap down further to hide as much of the plush as possible.
"Agent Grapes! Please give your statement—huh? That's cute. Did your younger sibling give it to you?"
"Oh my, what's that? A doll?"
But even so, whenever I moved and it showed itself, it became a small talk topic several times…
And the finale came after I'd finished a quick statement with the Preliminary Investigation Unit and returned to the Black-Tortoise Team 1 waiting room.
Ka-chak.
"Grapes-ie!"
As I came in, the two agents who'd arrived earlier shot to their feet.
And Agent Choi had a suspicious grin plastered on his face.
...?
"Sorry. I was a bit harsh to your friend earlier! Calling it a ghost and all. Right?"
– Hm. Now he tries to make amends. I'll let it slide.
"N-No, it's fine."
What is going on?
Anyway, now that I know the plushie's more conspicuous than I thought, I should take steps to handle it.
I sat quietly on the sofa and muttered to myself.
"Um, I'll make sure to keep it out of sight as much as possible, so even if it's a bit uncomfortable, I hope you'll understand…"
"Hahaha, what are you talking about? Of course Grapes's friend can stay in the waiting room with us."
Suddenly, Agent Choi put his arm around my shoulder and showed me something.
"Here, this is your friend's spot."
On the plush armrest of the sofa by the window, a neatly folded navy blue handkerchief—standard issue for an agent—was laid out…
'...'
No.
What is this, seriously?
– Haha, I appreciate the kindness, but I'll decline! I have my own handkerchief… Wait, where did it go? That's strange, it seems to have disappeared!
I'll get you a new one later, just wait!
"T-Thank you…"
In the end, unable to resist the flow of the conversation, I set Braun down on the handkerchief.
Agent Choi, still smiling, asked kindly,
"What's our friend's name?"
"B-Braun." (Brown)
"…But it's pink?"
"Eh?"
"Hahaha, no, it's fine! That's possible. After all, the heart is free~"
"Yes… thank you."
What even is this situation?
I looked to Agent Bronze for help, but when he met my eyes, he just forced a strained smile.
He's really trying to look warm…
'...??'
I was even more lost.
"Here, take this too. It's a diary string, but if you tie it to its ear, it'll look cute."
And so, Braun received a cushion near the window and successfully blended into the Black-Tortoise Team 1 waiting room without suspicion…
'…??'
The cause of all this would soon be revealed in the group chat.
[Let's not make a fuss if the new Destroyer King Rookie brings a plush keyring, everyone. It's a precious friend.]
[?]
[so its not a supernatural phenomenon or whatever?]
[That doesn't seem to be the case. According to another team member, he's been carrying it around for a while, seems to use it to calm himself. Let's not pry into personal matters.]
[ah…]
[confirmed]
[we all get it, yeah]
[I was the one who asked if his younger sibling gave him the doll. if you're reading this, i'm sorry, agent. ㅠㅠ]
"..."
Agent Bronze…!!
* * *
– In that sense, I'll give this place… hmm. 39 points.
On my way home from work, I hurried back to the motel, listening to Braun's surprisingly generous Disaster Management Bureau rating.
Other than a brief dispatch for a minor supernatural incident in the afternoon, it had been a normal day, so my condition should have been fine, but…
'I'm exhausted…'
So much happened mentally, and on top of it all, an unexpected new facet to my 'character' was added as the grand finale…
'Ugh.'
I just want to rest.
'…Maybe I should sleep somewhere nicer, just for tonight.'
As I walked down the street at dusk, I searched for other lodgings on my smartphone…
Bzzzz.
A popup appeared along with a vibration.
A message.
[ J : got so m e in fo ]
[ J : abit ]
"…!"
It's the sergeant.
This was the first time since I handed over my phone.
But he says he got some information?
[ J : proble ]
[What do you mean?]
I quickly replied.
But there was no response for several minutes.
"..."
And then, much later.
[ J : i'll come out ]
A chill ran down my spine.
I called immediately. But he didn't answer.
'What the…'
There was definitely a signal, so why wasn't he picking up?
[Where are you, sergeant?]
[Are you alright?]
The '1' disappeared from the message, meaning it was read.
'Wait a second. He said… he'd come out, didn't he?'
I hurriedly narrowed my lodging search to the area around Daydream Inc. and grabbed a random unmanned motel.
Then I sent the address, room number, and door code via message.
[ If you've made it out, come here (link) ]
Then I immediately dashed back into the subway,
heading to the unmanned motel near the company.
A short while later.
"…?!"
When I opened the motel door, I saw a scene I never could have imagined.
"Mm!"
Kwak Jaekang was tied up and lying face-down on the floor.
And sitting on top of him, restraining him, was the sergeant.
And…
"R-Roe."
Supervisor Park Minseong, sweating coldly as he looked at me, was there too, in a security team uniform.
"..."
W-What kind of mess is this?
-x-X-x-
goblin's notes:
Yall I'm so sorry for the oversight, I've been translating two different teams within(?) the Security Department as just 'Security Team' im gonna cry
(Huge shoutout to kirinki at the server, thanks for pointing it out!)
So far, these were mentioned:
Security Management Department (보안관리부)
Security Team (보안팀)
Guard Team (경비팀)
*In line with this, Jay's full position title is 'Guard Sergeant' (경비반장), but shortened to sergeant for brevity.
Anyway, when I get the time, I'll comb through the past chapters and try to correct all other instances that these terms were mentioned. For now, please keep this in mind. Sorry for the confusion!
I'm still not entirely sure about this department's structure and idk what kind of entity the Security Team is within the Security Department, or if they're actually the same thing given that they have the same-ish name, but… I won't question things for now, I'll just follow you, author-nim ㅠㅠ * * *
So.
I opened the unmanned motel door, and Assistant Manager Kwak Jaekang was tied up, with the sergeant sitting on top of him?
And why is Supervisor Park Minseong here?
I mean, it's nice to see him after so long, but what kind of combination is this…
"Mmmpf!"
At that moment, Kwak Jaekang, who was pinned to the floor, started struggling again. Wait a second!
'This won't do.'
If he turns his head and sees my face, things will spiral out of control. I quickly got a hold of myself and tried to close the door and leave.
But apparently, the sergeant noticed something before I could move.
"Ah."
The sergeant struck the head of the man he was restraining.
Just like that, Assistant Manager Kwak Jaekang passed out.
"..."
– It's a complete mess, my goodness! How chaotic can things get! But there is a certain unique charm that comes from chaos.
Wah, please…
"What exactly is going on here?"
"Ah… I secretly followed…"
"…??"
The urgent explanation that followed can be summarized as this:
The sergeant said he had gone all around the company collecting various bits of information that might be useful for the 'Cheerful Research Institute' I'd asked about.
And in the process, he explored different places, and the place he went today was…
"I went to the… Research Team's special area in the annex…"
"…Wait. Isn't that a restricted area where only authorized staff can enter?"
"Ah… the Security Team… can go in if it's for work. Like, for patrols and stuff…"
Ah, I see.
"So you waited until you were assigned patrol duty?"
"No… I just filled in for another guard…"
"..."
"You said you needed information..."
'Now I feel bad…'
The sergeant looked so proud of what he did that I was at a loss for words.
Anyway, given how much our actions overlapped, it seems pretty clear that the Guard Team member Baek Saheon mentioned really was the sergeant.
Wait, now that I think about it…
"I heard that you got into a fight with Assistant Manager Kwak Jaekang… is that related to what's happening now?"
"I didn't fight with him… he kept picking a fight with me..."
"Ah, so you just got caught up in it."
"No… I ignored him…"
"..."
"He just ran into me by himself and fell over… um. Anyway."
Scratching his head, the sergeant returned to the main point.
He said that while patrolling the Research Team's special area today, he noticed something strange with the equipment or documents.
"It felt like someone was following me…"
"…!"
At some point, he felt a persistent, watching gaze.
He even sensed a strange kind of malice.
"So I just went outside… but this person kept following me secretly…"
And then you subdued him…!
"Well… and there was nobody around to see…"
I nodded, feeling like I wanted to hold my head.
"So you didn't know it was Assistant Manager Kwak Jaekang?"
"No, I knew…"
"..."
Aaagh!
"Well… it didn't matter much… I just didn't expect he'd call someone from the Security Team…"
My gaze turned to Supervisor Park Minseong.
His pupils wavered.
"Yeah. I was the one who got the call…"
"..."
"When I got here… he was already… yeah."
And so, this bizarre meeting occurred…
– Ahaha! My goodness! This is just like a sitcom!
Life is a comedy when you look at it from a distance. The problem is that I'm stuck right in the middle of it all!
'I'm actually going to lose my mind.'
I barely managed to restrain myself from pressing my temples as I spoke.
"If we just send Assistant Manager Kwak back like this, is it likely he'll report Jay-ssi, or otherwise exaggerate the situation and cause problems?"
"…Probably?"
Supervisor Park Minseong and I exchanged nervous glances, then looked at the sergeant.
The sergeant just looked annoyed by the whole situation.
'Whatever happens, happens', his reaction seemed to say.
"..."
"..."
No, I mean, this is about your own safety…!
"So then… Supervisor, does that mean you have to take the sergeant into custody?"
"Technically, yes, but… Umm. If you just send him back, I'll try to handle things on my end… I'll testify that Assistant Manager Kwak Jaekang was there alone."
Supervisor Park Minseong laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of his head.
"He gets up to so much weird stuff that I think it'll work ou—"
"It probably won't…"
"...!"
The sergeant stared straight at Supervisor Park Minseong.
"You just joined the Security Team… that's when the binding is strongest…"
Binding?
"It… hasn't even been a full 100 days since you started official duty, has it? It'll be hard to lie… to the company…"
"..."
"The clock. It's counting down right now, isn't it…?"
Supervisor Park Minseong's face stiffened.
But the very next moment, a picture-perfect smile appeared on his face.
And, as if unconsciously, his hand moved to his wrist. Under the Security Team's uniform, something resembling a wristwatch could be seen.
Right. A wristwatch.
'…The binding that falls on the Security Team.'
I recall.
At Daydream Inc., once a rescued employee has sufficiently recovered from contamination and regained their humanity, instead of investing further, they devised methods that could be put to immediate use.
That binding wasn't described in full detail in the Dark Exploration Records. They believed it would be more meaningful and chilling to let the reader imagine it.
But there were hints scattered throughout.
For example…
'The wristwatch.'
Yes, yes. The company's Security Team members really do wear wristwatches. What do they use them for, you ask? I don't know either. The only thing I know for sure is that if they ever… act out of line,
Like, if they try to leave the company during the day, for instance?
Anyway, when that happens, you could hear it. The ticking sound from the watch…
Tick, tock. Tick, tock. That sound.
Why was that so strange? Because it was supposed to be a digital watch, so why was there the sound of a second hand moving? That in itself was creepy, like a ghost story…
It would keep getting faster, and eventually, there would be an alarm, I guess?
And then, they'd suddenly vanish.
Not the watch. The Security Team member.
—Excerpt from Interrogation 26 of Glass Prison Inmate G56 (Origin: Daydream Inc.)
"Supervisor."
"…Ah! Yes."
Supervisor Park Minseong quickly snapped back to his senses and took his hand off his wrist.
The atmosphere in the unmanned motel grew a bit heavier.
But the sergeant spoke casually.
"Um, don't worry… I mean… It'll probably just be a disciplinary measure… It's not like you killed anyone…"
"…?!"
"Just… go explain it... But… wait."
The sergeant looked down at the researcher he'd tied up and muttered seriously,
"Isn't this a bit… wasteful…"
…??
"This guy… knows a lot… Mm, since it's come to this… might as well get some information out of him…"
"No. That's not necessary."
How suspicious!
And why would he suggest taking on even more disciplinary risk himself!
'Let's wrap this up quickly.'
If he hasn't seen my face, it's fine… Wait a minute.
Even if Kwak Jaekang didn't see me, someone else did.
"Supervisor Park Minseong."
"Yeah?"
"If it's difficult for you to lie to the company right now, when you're giving your statement… Do you have to say you saw me?"
"...!!"
Supervisor Park Minseong's face went pale again.
"If the company demands it. I might have to…"
Damn it!
From that point on, the problem isn't just that they'll find out I'm alive.
'…While trying to cover that up, Director Ho would definitely find out about it.'
If they ask why I was meeting with the sergeant, even the Dream Incubation Room could be exposed…
"I'll try my best to avoid that situation…"
"Hey…"
The sergeant raised his hand.
"Um… actually, I don't really want to… it's a hassle…"
Then he pointed at Kwak Jaekang.
"Should I just… kill him?"
"?!"