I remember.
Back when I had just been promoted to Assistant Manager at Daydream Inc.
Back when I got caught up in the Serial Killer Cabin Ghost Story because of my roommate, but barely managed to clear it without killing anyone.
The tattoo I 'inherited' from the owner of the cabin as a reward back then.
:恩主:
Since then, I’ve upgraded it at the Moonlight Tattoo Shop and have been using a portion of the cabin's space like an inventory, but in truth, that wasn't the essential attribute of this tattoo.
The authority to hire the Caretaker.
It was a contract that allowed me to employ the servant who used to run the Serial Killer Cabin.
However, I couldn't use it.
—But if I may be so bold, several qualifications are required for my employer.
—Innate, existential nobility is necessary.
I didn't care. My only goal back then was to seize the employment contract to stop the cabin's ghost story.
But….
At this very moment.
One who possesses innate, existential nobility.
The employment contract says.
That I have met those criteria.
"Did you call for me?"
Before I knew it, a man in shabby clothes was standing across from me, while I held the employment contract.
In his hand, he held the red wax that originally sealed his contract, unbroken.
The Caretaker.
Wearing worn-out clothes that covered his entire head, the employee, who nonetheless exuded an air of dignity and formality, watched me quietly.
'……!'
"Since you possess the qualifications of my employer, I stand before you to work according to your instructions, following the authority of the contract."
Wait a second.
I hurriedly pulled out the Black Smoke and moved it.
Perhaps because this ability was judged not to fit a 'Flower Golden Resort' employee, moving it was even more difficult.
Moreover, the Black Smoke I pulled out turned golden halfway through, but regardless, the smoke successfully formed letters once again.
>I’m qualified?
Where did that judgment come from?
"I, too, find it somewhat questionable, but that is not for me to judge."
Explain!
>State the criteria of nobility
as you perceive them.
"I understand."
Like the servant he was, the Caretaker immediately opened his mouth.
"Extraordinary birth."
…!
"A promised legacy and power. The existence of those who entreat you for fear and mercy."
And….
"A ruthless and powerful dominance as a landlord exerted over the parasites, visitors, intruders, and challengers of the territory."
…I don't know why he's giving explanations that only bring a Calamity God to mind. Isn't nobility usually a value related to kindness?
No, come to think of it, the master of that Caretaker was a madman who lured people with legacies only to make them kill each other in the cabin.
'How chilling….'
As I heard each explanation, I felt that these were definitely not conditions meant for a human.
However, it seemed that the things I had done since being reborn as a Mascot within the ghost story fit the bill.
'So, the Yellow Zone of the theme park... has been judged as my territory.'
But there is one thing I don't understand.
Promised legacy and power?
"That is correct. You have possessed it since the first time we met."
The Caretaker bowed his head again.
But do I have such a thing?
As if sensing my confusion, the Caretaker politely extended both hands to point at something.
"It is proven by a mark more powerful than the token of my employment contract."
…!
Reflexively, I looked down at my left arm, which was hidden by the Security Team uniform.
My other tattoo.
: Socius :
The mark given to me by the Blue Mascot.
I turned my head toward the gate. The Blue Mascot spoke somewhat triumphantly.
I ‘ m
G o o d C h i l d ‘ s
G u a r d i a n
'…!!'
G o o d C h i l d
M u s t P r o t e c t
Wait a minute.
So the meaning of this tattoo... did it comprehensively mean things like 'companion, member, kin' in Latin?
Since the theme park's annual membership pass burned and stuck to my wrist, I had interpreted this as something like a VIP Membership Pass for the theme park.
But in reality, it was something more powerful than that….
'He marked me... as a family member he protects?'
I locked eyes with the cute, deformed blue Dragon.
Gratitude and a sense of dread washed over me at the same time.
It was definitely a gesture of goodwill, and thanks to it, I had certainly benefited or escaped crises several times.
But in the end, wasn't I... ensnared in this Cheerful Theme Park because of that Mascot's goodwill?
And one more thing.
Ever since the day dawned today, I strangely feel like I can hear the blue Dragon's words more clearly….
'…….'
I froze slightly and continued to stare at the Blue Mascot, and the Mascot and the surrounding employees began to move busily as if they were restless.
It was then.
I heard the Caretaker's voice.
"Will you assign me to manage your territory?"
Wait.
>You can work
in this resort?
"Of course. Will you instruct me to operate the territory under the name 'Flower Golden Resort'?"
Though he maintained a polite formality, a hint of urgency or anticipation could be felt somewhere in that question.
I suddenly recalled that those who were completely bound by this resort's employee contract worked very joyfully.
Even I, while I was immersed in operations as a Mascot.
> Are you one
who wishes to work?
"That is not important. Only the employer's will matters."
>Employer's will:
I want to know more
"…I am an entity meant to manage the territory on behalf of the employer."
The Caretaker opened his mouth.
"I have cared for the noble one's cabin with all my heart, but if you entrust me with a greater duty, you will be able to command a more powerful servant befitting of it…."
A desire to become a more powerful being flared up slightly before vanishing.
So, he’s saying that if he receives a management position in this resort, which is larger than the cabin, the abilities he can exercise will increase.
Wait a second.
You said 'on behalf of,' right?
If so….
>It's possible to operate
even if I am not here?
"Yes. I am a servant employed for that representation."
A thrill ran through my body.
In the operating zones of the Cheerful Theme Park, a Mascot must be present.
It’s impossible to hand over my Mascot position, which has already completed the Ceremony ritual and been officially recognized, but if there’s a perfect proxy….
Can I leave?
"Will you implement it?"
I nodded.
At that moment.
"I shall work according to your instructions."
The Caretaker's exterior began to change.
"…!"
The shabby rags vanished, and a uniform and suit befitting a resort employee appeared.
White gloves, neatly slicked-back black hair, dress shoes, a monocle, and even the mask that was the symbol of the yellow Mascot.
And….
[Manager]
Even a name tag.
"Thank you."
I had hired the Caretaker as the Manager.
The Caretaker, now in dapper attire, stood with his back straight and politely held out the red wax in his hand once again.
The wax turned golden.
It resealed the labor contract made of light in front of me, and soon the entire labor contract turned golden and became my tattoo once more.
:恩主:
I watched the light disappear through my Security Team clothes.
"The duration of my employment contract that you have inherited is 1241 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 23 seconds by the solar calendar."
That was enough. I planned to get a Wish Ticket and get out of here before then anyway.
The important thing was.
That I could now leave this place without having to tear myself away as a Mascot.
Because there was a Manager who would work in my stead.
It was a moment where my head felt numb with relief.
I heard the employees whispering behind me.
"Is that also an employee from the Security Team special division?"
"Maybe they conducted this expedition for the sake of this……."
"Wait, 'for the sake of this'? What does that mean? Did they catch him even though they hadn't planned to enter?"
"Eh? Oh, no. Probably that Security Team…."
Damn it.
I hurriedly cut off the conversation before more information about me could be shared with the Disaster Management Bureau.
The golden smoke formed words.
"…!"
"Qu-quit!"
"I'll quit!"
A wise decision.
'I was planning to get them out right away anyway.'
The atmosphere shifted in an instant.
I watched the employees sign the resignation forms after I hurriedly tore up the labor contracts held out by the standard-grade Mascots who had run over.
'Let's send them all out for now.'
One by one, the employees' uniforms disappeared, and they returned to their original attire.
I guided them to the gift shop through the standard-grade Mascots to give them the items I had promised.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but it was because a portion of the Red Zone had been incorporated into the Yellow Zone, and the gift shop there had been taken over as well.
'Let's guide them toward safe things.'
However, a few people did not move according to my guidance.
"Ah. Thank youuu."
For instance, Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae didn't immediately go to the gift shop or exit through the gate even while giving her thanks.
To be precise, as soon as her uniform disappeared, she stumbled and carefully sat on the floor.
'…!'
The wounds she had received before becoming a resort employee had reappeared.
Because she no longer needed to work as an employee.
"Oh boy."
The Assistant Manager, whose two legs were fractured, looked at me in a comfortable posture near the gate leading to the Blue Zone.
> recommend:
quick return home
for wound treatment
"I'm okay! Let's go together."
Section Chief Lee Jaheon also looked back and forth between me and the Manager, checked the remaining personnel, and then just stood still in front of the gate.
No!
'Get out.'
I said everyone get out!
"You go out first and report the survivors."
"Yes!"
No, Team Leader, why aren't you leaving either…!
I secretly wiped away a cold sweat as I looked at the Hyunmoo Team Leader, who had sent his team members ahead and remained in front of the gate with his arms crossed after his great performance with the Sai Sword yesterday.
Anyway, I had put out the urgent fires.
What remained was one agent, one elite squad employee, and Section Chief Lizard.
'It’s a lineup that seems like they'd keep their mouths shut.'
And….
Two employees wearing the yellow Mascot masks.
Those who could not quit.
'…….'
Judging by Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae's condition, if those two terminated their employee contracts... they would likely return to the state they were in before being resurrected as employees.
That is, as corpses.
'Whew.'
I looked back at the Manager.
He was standing perfectly still in a polite posture, bowing while I handled the matters.
Then he asked again.
"Are they workers who will work at the resort?"
He pointed at the two remaining employees.
'…!'
In an instant, an idea flashed through my mind.
If it was possible for me to leave while remaining a Mascot.
They will
leave the territory
with me
Couldn't the employees follow me out as well?
"If I may be so bold, wouldn't it be difficult for those contracted as workers of the resort to leave this place?"
When the standard-grade Mascot held out the employment contracts I had signed to the Manager, the Manager scrutinized the documents and declared so.
But I did not yield.
>The workplace is not important
The ones contracted to me
Then I raised my hand and pointed to the signature part of the employment contract.
Employer: GOLDEN
Do you see it?
They are subordinate
to me
Not the territory
but to me
"……."
The Manager seemed to ponder for a moment.
He seemed to be reviewing if there were any parts that conflicted with the resort's operation policy... but soon, he looked up and nodded.
"I have heard your instructions."
It worked!
"Then, regarding the removal of the employees…."
"Wait a minute."
Just then, the Team Leader, who had been watching our conversation, hurriedly cut in.
Specifically, while looking at me.
"You're saying you can send them outside, right? Then by any chance, do you have any intention of selling your 'employee'?"
……!
Reflexively, I created smoke.
Employees are
good workers
not objects for sale
"……."
The Team Leader seemed momentarily speechless.
He looked at me with eyes that suggested he didn't know whether to feel wronged or exasperated, but he soon sighed and spoke.
"Uh, right. Then I'd like you to send him on a dispatch basis. I'll pay the price. I have quite a few interesting items."
Ah.
"Hey, you see that employee with long hair. Send that friend."
Then the Team Leader raised his hand and pointed at one person.
…Jang Heowoon.
"I'll take him with me."
I momentarily looked back at the two employees and realized something.
Jang Heowoon must not fall into the hands of Director Ho.
No matter how I thought about it, it was better for him to be handed over to the Disaster Management Bureau; there was no telling what he would suffer if he went to Director Ho like that.
How entertaining would it be? He had sent a spy disguised as a ghost story creature, only for another spy, completely contaminated as a ghost story resident, to come running to him.
Even if Director Ho didn't have a malicious personality enough to find it amusing, it was still a problem.
'It means one spy was wasted.'
The anger that would fall on me for causing a loss after being granted a favor would also be directed at the innocent Jang Heowoon.
I didn't know what kind of crazy method he would use to deal with him, but I had a feeling it wouldn't be a humane measure at all.
'But can he be recovered if he goes to the Disaster Management Bureau?'
In the first place, Jang Heowoon had infiltrated as a spy, so I couldn't be sure what would happen, could I?
A fierce debate raged in my head.
And, after reaching a conclusion, I once again formed letters with smoke.
Accepted
"…! Good. Then as the price…."
Wait a minute.
For the safety and wage guarantee
Of the dispatched worker
Drafting a contract takes priority
"……."
After a long discussion with the Team Leader, I drafted a contract, and we each took a copy.
In that way, Jang Heowoon's affiliation was transferred.
"My workplace has been changed! I look forward to working with you. Agent!"
After saying to me, "I will return after this assignment," Jang Heowoon followed the agent without hesitation.
'Don't return.'
I sincerely hope the Disaster Management Bureau finds a way to return Jang Heowoon to normal.
Or….
'…At least enough for Jang Heowoon to fool Director Ho by pretending to work normally as a spy.'
…Then I can get a Wish Ticket.
Then.
With my share of the Wish Ticket, I could heal Jang Heowoon to the state he was in when he was alive before becoming an employee.
'It's... worth a try.'
I quietly clenched my fist.
And... I held back a sigh while taking care of the ladybug employee.
"Yes. I will prepare for the change in workplace!"
To be honest, this guy... I can't do much for him since there's no way to get another Wish Ticket, and becoming like this was his own doing.
'Let's at least transfer his custody to Daydream Inc.'
That was the right thing to do.
If I could take him out, I had to take him.
***
"Is the cleanup finished?"
Afterward, I finished the handover and information sharing with the Manager.
Regarding the resort's operation policy, the distribution of profits, and….
"I have confirmed that you have included a unique implementation method in the contract."
Also regarding the inventory function of the tattoo.
"I will arrange a new place in the resort after tidying up the temporary space you were using. In the future, you will be able to conveniently send instructions to your territory through that gap."
From now on, this tattoo would likely serve as a bizarre communication channel.
'Another upgrade.'
Lastly, I asked the Manager.
The most basic thing for communication.
Name.
Introduce your name
"Call me whatever you find convenient."
State the title you want
"…If that is the case, I would like to be called the Resort Manager."
I nodded.
The man who would now be called the Manager, not the Caretaker, bowed to me, and I turned my steps toward the Blue Mascot in front of the gate.
The Blue Mascot spoke somewhat desperately, as if he had overheard my conversation with the Manager.
N o w H e r e
O u r H o m e
Whew.
I shook my head.
The Blue Mascot seemed shocked.
W h y ?
B a d M a s c o t
I A t e I t
As if trying to persuade me somehow, the blue Dragon flailed its front paws.
I t ‘ s G o n e N o w
I t ‘ s S a f e
I shook my head as politely as possible.
And I formed a phrase with smoke.
I have work to do
My duty
The Blue Mascot slumped its shoulders, but it seemed to have finally understood.
Perhaps because I was still the owner of this theme park zone, he seemed to believe that my return was guaranteed.
W a i t
Instead, he hurriedly used another part of his body to bring something.
Then he carefully threw it from beyond the gate and handed it to me.
Just like he had given me churros and snacks before.
T a k e
T h i s
Reflexively, I held out both hands and caught it.
A scale.
The black and blue scale revealed a strange iridescent reflection when it hit the sunlight, and then something like blue waves surged inside it again.
Y o u
C a n C a l l M e
'…!'
…Could this scale be a part of his original form that was inside the mascot suit?
'Can I... call him? Is it okay to call him?'
Anyway, it was undoubtedly something exceptionally powerful, so I nodded and tucked the scale away.
The Blue Mascot watched me intently, and I shook hands with the mascot.
And the Mascot pulled me, who had stretched my body all the way across the gate, and hugged me tightly.
‘I’m glad I’m being treated as an employee.’
…And, I was glad I was wearing the Security Team suit.
“Shall we go back now?”
I nodded willingly.
After supporting Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae, whose leg was fractured, along with Section Chief Lee Jaheon, and stopping by the gift shop, we headed toward the exit gate.
[◎Please visit again◎]
One of the entrances to Fantasy Land had already been replaced with symbols of the Yellow Zone.
Looking up at it, Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae muttered.
“Hmm. Won’t we keep coming back here even if we enter through the board game from now on? Usually, when you get this involved, well… it seems to get ‘connected’.”
It was a meaningful speculation.
But for now, escaping was the priority, and I… really, really craved rest.
‘Let’s go.’
Side by side, we scanned our used Boarding Passes at the gate.
Beep.
And together, we walked out of the gate.
B y e B y e
From behind, I thought I heard the now-familiar voice of the Blue Mascot faintly….
The next moment.
“Phew!”
Together, we all opened our eyes in the chairs of the Research Team office at Daydream Inc.
It was an escape after six days.
Discussion