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Cosmic shopping mall.
Also known as the Alien Shop.
It was a bizarre ghost story website that sold expensive, supernatural, and mysterious items, which had allowed me to equip myself with useful items and gear.
But….
‘…Group Leader Lizard is an alien from there?’
I tried to swallow, but I was startled to realize that I had no physical body.
Because right now, it seemed like Section Chief Lizard was inside my body.
So I asked instead.
It was a truly unbelievable question.
“…Are you the operator of the Cosmic shopping mall?”
And the answer was….
-No.
Ah.
‘Then what kind of affiliate is he?’
I was a bit curious, but that wasn't what was important right now.
The situation had been handled.
‘Phew.’
I looked at my waiting room through a vision that felt like a CCTV feed.
The dark blue masses of water that had been pouring out were now pooling on the floor and dispersing, and the waiting room looked fine, aside from being a bit cluttered.
Whatever it was, it seemed the situation was resolved when I was kicked out and Group Leader Lee Jaheon entered.
Seeing as he was no longer spitting out water.
‘I’m really grateful for that….’
It was a relief that my body didn't die, thanks to Group Leader Lee Jaheon. I let out a mental sigh of relief and said: “Anyway, thank you. Since things have calmed down now, I’d like you to leave my body.”
-…….
“…Group Leader Lee Jaheon?”
-Executing Escape Protocol via the Emergency Pager.
Suddenly, my field of vision moved.
“…?!”
I—that is, Section Chief Lee Jaheon—moved and seemed to sweep up all my items on the table, storing them in the tattoo.
Wait a minute, what are you doing—
-In 3 minutes, I will authorize a Holy Fire Barrage….
What?
“St-Stop. Please stop.”
What kind of crazy talk was this? A barrage?
“I don’t know what that is, but why on earth would you use it now?”
-As an optional feature included in the Emergency Pager, it mobilizes all means of force available for export by the Union until the user is transported to a safe location.
-During the process of Kim Soleum’s escape, it will be mobilized….
“I said!”
This Lizard… no, this Reptilian Alien!
I spoke as if I wanted to grit my teeth.
“I’m asking why I have to escape.”
The footsteps in my vision stopped.
I was just living a meaningful and fun life at my new job on the talk show, so I didn't know why the word "escape" was suddenly being brought up.
It had already been over a month since I escaped Daydream Inc.
“I’ve adjusted well to my new workplace, and I’m doing fine without any particular problems. This isn’t even a dangerous situation.”
It was lucky that this was a break time; if it had been in the middle of a meeting or the talk show, I don't know what kind of nuisance this would have been….
-I see.
Right. So now that you’ve handled everything, if you just return my body to me— -When was the last time you slept?
“…….”
That was…….
Before I came to this talk show, so….
A month ago.
-Animals must eat and sleep to survive.
“…….”
-The fact that those are not necessary means that you are closer to a supernatural being than a natural animal.
So, that meant I...
Had become a ghost story.
“……No. I… have not been contaminated. I can think properly, and my ethical standards haven’t changed.”
-Is that so.
“Of course.”
-Then why was the waiting room flooded with water?
“That’s because I ate a churro…….”
-Do you mean the snack you stated you received from the Cheerful Theme Park?
“…….”
-If you were in your normal state, there is a high probability you wouldn't have consumed food derived from the Darkness without hesitation.
-Why did you press the emergency call button?
“……That’s because the water was pouring out like I was suffocating.”
-In a situation of suffocation, it is unnatural to press a bizarre escape button of unknown origin or effect.
-You agonized countless times over whether to press the button when you were at risk of dying on the Death Road, but you gave up on your superior's advice.
“But….”
-It is normal to ask others for help.
“…….”
Was I… using objects from ghost stories so naturally, like everyday items, without even realizing it?
-You have become subordinate to this Darkness.
“…! That, that’s not it!”
That much I could definitely refute.
“Even now, if I want to, I can leave at any time. I just have to ask the Host for a vacation.”
-‘The Host.’
-Is that what you originally called the talk show presenter?
“…!”
B-But.
Even if we were partners, the one hosting this talk show was Braun.
So wouldn't it be natural to call him "the Host" with respect while working?
I was starting to feel strange.
Section Chief Lee Jaheon had certainly been my superior before, but now that I had resigned, he was just an acquaintance. Was it right for him to interfere in my private life like this?
Shouldn't I be offended?
-Assistant Manager Kim Soleum.
But the one using my body right now was Section Chief Lee Jaheon.
No!
“D-Don’t use the barrage. So many staff members put their heart and soul into making this talk show.”
I spoke desperately.
“It’s not like the audience members are dying. So….”
-They die.
“…….”
What did you just say….
-The people invited as audience members to this talk show receive a thank-you card the day after the viewing. The card is sent through the medium they used to apply for the audience seats.
-And on that card, detailed instructions on how to meet the guest of that day's talk show, who was ‘particularly impressive,’ are written.
“…….”
-Several audience members show a tendency to be completely fascinated by the talk show. Therefore….
-They willingly enter the Darkness to meet the guest.
It felt like my non-existent heart was thumping, echoing throughout my entire body.
I thought of the audience member I interviewed yesterday.
The… sight of the ‘Happy Ending Teddy’ staring intently at that audience member who wanted to adopt him.
What I felt then was definitely….
Repulsion.
-We have confirmed at least three cases of confirmed death or disappearance of past audience members.
“…….”
My mind was reeling.
I felt nauseous.
Since I didn't have a physical body right now, feeling nauseous was strange.
It was a psychological reaction.
So….
The shock of realizing something absurd.
“…….”
What had I been doing all this time?
What kind of broadcast was this talk show, exactly?
But Braun… no,
No.
Braun never promised not to harm the audience.
He only guaranteed that he wouldn't make me scared.
I shouldn't have conveniently interpreted the situation based on my common sense.
‘A ghost story is….’
Originally, that's what it was.
“…….”
-Kim Soleum, you must escape from this talk show immediately.
My head felt cold.
“Group Leader.”
I knew it.
I wasn't contaminated.
At least, not in that train restroom where I decided to come to this talk show.
But, but….
“I… think I was thinking about something wrong.”
I had overlooked it.
Even if they aren't contaminated, humans can always make wrong judgments.
They get scammed, commit crimes, have illusions, misunderstand…… and sometimes believe in things they shouldn't.
Perhaps….
That was the case now as well.
“For now… if possible, leaving this talk show and thinking about it a bit more… wouldn't be bad.”
I thought I needed some time to think alone….
-Yes.
“But no barrage!”
If I had a body, I would have wiped my face with my dry hands.
“With something like that, you can never beat the Host in this studio….”
I was sure of it.
‘The moment we’re caught, we’ll be incinerated.’
On the day I’m generously just charged a fee, I might have to work on this talk show without pay until I die—no, even after that.
…It was even more terrifying that the thought of that not being so bad crossed my mind.
-Do you know the exit of the studio?
“…I don’t.”
I didn't even know how large this studio was.
I knew there were an unbelievable variety of sets and warehouses. But I didn't know how many floors there were or how far each area extended.
At some point, I naturally became able to find my way around the staff area, but everything else was still vague.
I had mostly stayed in the waiting room area or only briefly visited other areas when accompanied by other staff members….
‘I haven't left here once in a month.’
It made sense, as my waiting room was comfortable enough, I didn't feel the need for food, clothing, or shelter, and I was busy with the adjustment period.
“But it would be foolish to just walk out the exit without even taking a vacation, so I’d rather sneak out…….”
…….
Ah.
-Were you going to suggest sneaking out?
“No. We can’t.”
Good god.
The idea of sneaking out was impossible. Because….
“…The Host knows where I am, no matter where I am.”
Because he checked the tag.
Since I called him through the ‘Good Friend’ contract, he can find me forever, until I die.
So no matter where I went, he could follow me now….
…….
-Do you want to try persuading him to give you a vacation?
“No.”
When the Host asks why I want a vacation, there's no way he won't notice that Section Chief Lee Jaheon is in my body instead.
Besides, even if I did it myself… I wasn't confident.
‘I feel like I’d be persuaded back….’
Because it seemed like I would blindly and happily accept working on the talk show again, whether the audience died or not.
Being the host of a legendary ghost story talk show wasn't just about having great eloquence; he was terrifying to the point of feeling like a supernatural phenomenon himself….
The fact that I was able to scare the Good Friend before was likely only thanks to the constraints of the ‘Good Friend’ contract.
My heart grew cold.
-I see.
-Even if we escape after partially destroying the studio, the source of the danger can find Kim Soleum immediately, so it is meaningless. Is this description correct?
“…Yes.”
There was no way out.
No, even if I got out, it was meaningless.
It felt like a perfect airtight seal.
…….
‘……No.’
There’s a crack everywhere.
‘The Host probably doesn't know yet that I called Section Chief Lee Jaheon with an item.’
In that case.
“…Section Chief, how long can you stay in that body?”
-As Section Chief Lee Jaheon, I can remain for 60 hours.
-Furthermore, the caller cannot arbitrarily stop its use. The Emergency Pager is only deactivated when the caller escapes the dangerous situation.
It was an obscure choice of words.
But that amount of time was plenty.
Enough to time it for when there might be a gap.
“Let’s wait while we prepare.”
I calmed my anxiety and began to rack my brain.
“…Until just before the talk show starts.”
Time passed.
Preparations for the live broadcast of the talk show began.
Then, most of the staff would be busy setting up equipment, moving between the backstage and the stage.
Normally, I would be in the thick of it, checking equipment or talking with the Host. Or I could just attend meetings, and sometimes I would snoop around other departments.
‘As production staff, not the cast, I can do that.’
Especially since I worked as the creator of the talk show rather than on-site preparation staff, there was nothing I was specifically required to do during the live broadcast.
So, whatever I did was reasonably natural….
For instance, even if I wandered all over the place as if I were on an errand or looking for something.
“It’s over there.”
I was frantically searching the studio, where almost all the Faceless Staff had left.
I was looking for one thing.
“There must be a place where the guest waiting rooms are clustered.”
I had definitely heard it.
‘They said there’s a guest entrance.’
Every guest had a place where they originally existed, and I heard that something… ‘considerate’ was done so that they could be comfortably invited to the studio.
‘I have to find that.’
Of course, finding the waiting room itself was a tricky task for me.
The moment I left the waiting room or the staff area, I couldn't find my sense of direction, as if I were in a maze.
However, Section Chief Lee Jaheon….
‘…He’s incredibly fast.’
Is he winning by sheer volume…?
My field of vision shifted rapidly as he checked numerous paths and signs, moving with strength and speed that made it hard to believe he was using the same body as me.
‘His performance is the same as if it were his own body.’
Maybe Section Chief Lizard could use that kind of stamina and strength in any body….
The only problem was….
Tap, tap.
“…!”
My field of vision turned.
A Faceless Staff member gestured as if asking why I was here and offering to guide me if I was lost.
“……Tell him I have an errand and will return as soon as I’m finished.”
-I have an errand and will return as soon as I’m finished.
The Faceless Staff member didn't suggest it a second time and seemed to disappear… only to reappear from around a corner with another staff member!
“…….”
Gulp.
If I had a body, I would have swallowed hard….
‘No.’
If I looked suspicious here, news would get to the Host immediately. And if that happened….
I’d go back to hosting the talk show happily.
With my doubts cleanly resolved, thanks to his kind ‘persuasion.’
‘…….’
The new staff member gestured.
“It looks like that staff member is offering to do the errand for me….”
-It is not necessary.
Group Leader!!
“Te-Tell him it seems more meaningful if I do it directly. Tell him it’s not a big deal, so a newcomer like me wants to do it quietly and quickly.”
-I-It seems more meaningful if I do it directly.
“…….”
No, that…….
-It is not a big deal, so a newcomer like me wants to do it quietly and quickly.
Fortunately, the staff members nodded at those words and disappeared. Since the live broadcast was just around the corner, it seemed they had no more time to waste here…….
‘Phew….’
-Moving out.
‘It’s like controlling a robot.’
A robot with about ten times more strength and stamina than me.
I let out mental sighs of relief one after another, sharing the vision of Section Chief Lee Jaheon as he continued the search.
There were a few more heart-stopping, close-call moments, but we passed them safely.
And not long after.
-Found it.
“…!”
Click.
A door opens in my vision.
Guest Area
The vision before me, which felt like a CCTV feed, now showed a dark corridor with a classic atmosphere.
Numerous doors were lined up, and the doorplates of the guests who had appeared over the past month were still attached, having not been replaced….
As if one was used each time a guest appeared.
“…….”
…A bizarre and ominous feeling, which I hadn't felt over the past month, was transmitted even through a single layer…….
I swallowed hard.
“Now, please find the door labeled ‘Happy Ending Teddy.’”
Soon, my vision moved rapidly, and in an instant, it found one door.
A light was brightly lit on the bulb above today's guest waiting room door nearby, but I ignored that and went to the door next to it.
The previous day's guest waiting room, with its bulb almost extinguished.
Happy Ending Teddy
Click.
…The inside of the dark waiting room hadn't been cleaned yet, and everything was scaled to the size of a rag doll.
And traces left by the Teddy Bear remained.
…Including the traces left over from making teddy bears.
“…….”
I tried hard not to look at the body parts and skin.
It was a relief that it wasn't difficult since Section Chief Lee Jaheon was the one controlling my body right now.
Section Chief Lee Jaheon checked the inside of the waiting room, turning his vision quickly, and finally found something.
-It is a dollhouse door.
The colorful door on one side of the wall was barely small enough to reach my waist, and it looked as if it had been made for a child's toy….
“Let’s go out through there.”
Creeeeeak.
…In my vision, I saw my hand open that small door, and then I saw myself crawling on my stomach toward the dark space…….
A light was visible ahead.
And after a moment.
“…!”
My vision became bright again.
I saw a modern corridor.
A modern style finished with concrete and paint, contrasting enough with Braun's classic and elegant studio.
And a voice could be heard from over there….
-Now! The item I’m going to introduce today is one that turns your hair into living snakes….
The voice of a home shopping host selling an impossible item.
Delusion Home Shopping!
‘I knew it.’
Since the ‘Happy Ending Teddy’ said he received sponsorship from this side during the last broadcast, I thought the door might be connected here.
‘Good.’
I breathed a sigh of relief.
Hadn't I tried this before on the Death Road? Moving from ghost story to ghost story.
‘Since it’s also a broadcasting station studio, it might take a while for the Host to notice.’
Besides, the live broadcast would be starting soon, so he wouldn't have the luxury of chasing me here.
No, maybe I could find a good item here to prevent the Host from tracking me.
'If it's Section Chief Lee Jaheon's physical strength, it shouldn't be dangerous here.'
Let's bet on that.
As my vision shifted, I was heading out into a bright corridor.
I said, calming my excitement.
"Manager, for now, in a way that isn't conspicuous and would be helpful..."
[Oh dear.]
Gr
ab
I am dangling in mid-air.
Someone's hand is holding me.
[I see you've taken a wrong turn, Friend! To think you'd leave the studio. The passages are quite complicated, aren't they?]
A kind, smiling emoticon appears on the massive... truly massive TV before my eyes.
[The live broadcast is just around the corner, so I have no time. I've brought you back like this for now. Please rest well. You'll actually find it more comfortable!]
Beneath it, a giant gloved hand, which had been holding me by the scruff of my neck, supported my back and bottom before carefully placing me on a dark brown desk.
[Oh, I, who have already experienced a similar body, can guarantee it.... Seeing you like this makes me feel a bit nostalgic.]
[‘Good Friend’.]
Now I have a body.
But I cannot move.
The lights of Braun's Late-Night Talk Show twinkling before my eyes, the audience seats, and....
A space where everything is giant.
My reflection is shown on the black TV screen....
[Now, now... please sit here comfortably and watch the talk show. It's about to begin!]
I am.
A plush doll.
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