Ghost Story Custom Service Chapter 204
A video begins to play on the glass walls. No way! I’m trapped in a bizarre prison! Where is this? Ah, so this is inside the Crystal Caves of ■■ City? Thanks, Braun! What? You’ll even explain how to get out? Thank you so much! We really are the best of friends! It’s a miniature-style classic animation. A dialogue between a protagonist dressed exactly like my current self and a rabbit doll. It's strange. So strange....
I turn my head. But a video plays there as well. I see! You break the glass beads around me to kill the prisoners and use them as bait to lure the guards!
‘...!’
As if following my gaze, the video follows wherever I turn my head.
It plays on every glass wall.
Oh my god, it's such an easy method!
You’re truly amazing, Braun!
The rabbit doll in the video, the same size as the one I have, kindly explains how to navigate the space and escape. How to move while still inside the glass bead, how to torture the guards, maps, and even movement routes. It explains horrifyingly detailed and absurdly cruel methods with a nonchalant air.
As if it were a guide in a children’s animation....
Ah.
-That is correct! Does it not suit your preferences, Mr. Roe Deer? It seems effective for immersion. Excellent, truly excellent....
The video, drawn in an extreme children’s art style, shows blood and screams, the severed limbs of guards, and Disaster Management Bureau personnel fleeing.
And it ends with the ‘protagonist’ and the rabbit doll Braun high-fiving each other as they watch.
Alright! This is how we escape!
The final phrase of the video lingers in my ears... and I hear the sound of clapping.
Clap, clap, clap.
The light, crisp sound of gloves hitting each other.
-Whew! It was a short but grand journey! How about it, friend? Are you ready to escape now, just as Mini-Braun taught you?
“…….”
The TV footage was intense, ostentatious, and even creepier because it was classic.
It’s the kind of work I’m starting to get used to from Braun.
But I noticed one thing.
-Oh, do not hesitate. As I said, watching TV is such a mundane part of daily life, is it not!
‘No.’
-Hmm?
I looked at the shadow of the rabbit doll.
‘You didn’t break the rules of the Glass Prison that way.’
-Oh.
Because....
‘The video was played from outside the glass walls.’
It was simply being projected into this prison. Just as I had conversed with Agent Bronze when he stood outside the glass wall.
‘You got the idea from that, didn’t you?’
That’s how he bypassed the rules.
‘You probably aimed for a more shocking production by making it feel like it was happening inside the Glass Prison.’
After a brief silence.
-My goodness... you are correct, friend! Your sharp eyes and brilliant deduction would be a nightmare for magicians!
-What a wonderful talent. Oh, indeed. Every time I am impressed like this, it feels like such a waste....
-But that is not what is important right now, is it? I have yet to hear your thoughts on the program!
“…….”
-Well, how is it?
I opened my mouth.
‘I’ve grown curious about something.’
-Oh, a question about the escape?
‘No.’
It wasn’t that.
What I was curious about was....
‘Just how much of my thoughts do you know?’
…….
-Aha.
-I know as much as is necessary for understanding between friends!
‘I see.’
It was an answer I had expected for some reason.
After the Midnight Talk Show incident, I realized the Host was reading my mind quite a bit. Perhaps even the information I unconsciously recall.
It was to the point where I wondered if the Glass Prison escape method I just saw was based on that information.
But….
‘That’s as far as it goes.’
-…….
-Mr. Roe Deer. I sense an absurd nuance in your words… Oh, haha. It must be my imagination. Surely you don’t mean to imply that this Braun… does not understand his friend well enough?
‘No.’
A hollow laugh escaped my lips.
‘I mean you understand exactly as much as you need.’
He must be cherry-picking.
Based on his own most important criteria.
‘And that is entertainment.’
A cheerful voice rings out.
-Nothing is more important to an entertainer than that!
-And this is also something you, Mr. Roe Deer, willingly promised. I remember quite clearly you declaring that you would entertain me….
‘That’s right. But… I think I was laboring under a bit of a misconception.’
-A misconception? Could you share what you mean by that?
I said, holding back a sigh.
I could finally face it now.
‘I unconsciously thought you would consider my position before the enjoyment of the show.’
In truth, it was an absurd expectation.
I don’t know what I was expecting from a bizarre talk show host within a ghost story.
But after sharing so many secrets and incidents, and even succeeding in escaping from the talk show through an agreement, a vague trust of a different sort from rational judgment seemed to have formed.
A ‘feeling that he might do that.’
I had even forgotten the logic I used every time to persuade him: ‘for a more enjoyable show.’
It was only natural, as receiving help at every decisive moment couldn't help but create an emotional bias.
Toward that ‘Good Friend.’
It was a one-sided trust that had formed inductively.
‘I don’t plan to do that anymore.’
And honestly, saying this didn’t mean much.
I’ll just be more careful myself.
But….
I suppose I can say this much.
‘You said you felt hurt earlier, didn't you? I felt similarly.’
…….
-My goodness.
I hear the Host sigh.
-Right. That was it…. I had my suspicions, but I see. Mr. Roe Deer, you were deeply disheartened that I refused your help a few days ago.
Phew.
-What a misunderstanding! This Braun only wanted to give his friend the best possible help. Now, let’s think about it a bit more….
The Host’s voice drops lower.
-What would have happened if I had ‘simply’ helped you then? You would have disappeared like magic.
-Then, rather than continuing this wonderful role as a spy, you would have had to flee without any context.
This is driving me crazy.
-To have all the stories you’ve built up so far end in such a hollow interruption. Could there be a more futile conclusion? Is that truly what you wanted, Mr. Roe Deer? It isn’t, is it?
“That is….”
At that moment, the Goblin Fire that had been stuck to the wall approached.
Eh?
“What is it?”
I carefully held the little guy in one hand. Then, as if gathering great courage, the Goblin Fire stretched its body and formed a shape toward the rabbit doll.
A thumbs-down.
“…….”
Then it hid, burying its (presumably) head in my side.
-Oh, dear.
‘Don’t be angry. It’s funny. You have to accept it then.’
-…….
‘Sorry. But it’s similar to what you said, isn't it?’
I thought it was a bit crazy, but doing this openly made me feel somewhat refreshed.
‘Anyway… that was all I wanted to say. I’m not saying your actions were wrong.’
Since the Host’s reaction was also as expected.
…I won't be disappointed from now on.
I’ll just be satisfied with having a conversation partner I can receive help from occasionally, based on probability.
-…Friend. You do not believe my words.
-Very well. Misunderstandings always follow any relationship. I shall consider this a burden I must endure as well….
The sound of boots clicking in dissatisfaction was heard a few times, but it soon faded.
This was a bit surprising.
I didn't think he would know how to hold back.
‘Is it because he has something more important ahead?’
-There are more urgent matters than a dispute between involved parties right now. It is not very pleasant to see my friend left to waste time in this cramped and suffocating place.
Escape.
-Are you mentally prepared?
Hmm.
I stood up from my seat.
Inside the small glass bead, I see the circular solitary cell.
And the ‘escape method’ from the video is already etched into my mind.
Now, strangely enough, I know a way to cause a terrible riot and break out of this notorious Glass Prison.
If I followed it, it would become an Irregular Incident worthy of being recorded in the <Dark Exploration Record>.
But….
…….
‘No.’
I pondered.
And I reached a conclusion.
To choose the best method I could take right now.
-Surely you don’t mean you intend to undergo the interrogation as you are?
…….
‘That’s exactly what I mean.’
I sat back down in the chair.
‘…I’m going to undergo the interrogation, all of it.’
“…….”
Agent Choi lowered his head.
Inmate Number: 37-999
Inmate: Kim ■■ (Agent Code Name: Grapes)
Affiliation: Emergency Rescue Squad Hyunmoo Team 1 (Pending)
The updated interrogation records of the inmate were in his hands.
With every page he turned, he saw the records of the week-long interrogation that were nothing short of disastrous.
Refusal to testify and worsening health. Interrogation methods that were becoming increasingly extreme.
But passing that agonizing section, changes began to appear.
Like this.
Day 8.
Inmate condition: Poor. (In recovery)
Significant changes observed in the inmate's attitude following the interrogation conducted the previous day.
The uncooperative responses—such as inducing audiovisual disturbances to avoid hearing questions or remaining consistently silent—have drastically decreased.
Sleep and meal times have increased to near-recommended levels; witnessed caring for the Goblin Fire and checking the doll in possession (referred to as a friend).
Presumed to be the influence of a familiar Agent being selected as the new interrogator.
It was after Ryu Jaekwan arrived.
Interrogator’s personal opinion: It appears certain that the inmate is regaining stability. It would be more efficient to draw out a natural confession rather than increasing the intensity of the interrogation.
Most involved parties agree with this opinion without dissent.
The pages continued to pile up.
Day 9.
Inmate condition: Poor. (In recovery)
Provision of a special meal (Galbitang) authorized. The interrogator brought the same menu and proceeded with the interrogation while eating with the inmate.
The inmate responded sincerely to the questions and answers.
Admitted that the traces of Contamination originated from a separate Supernatural Disaster experienced prior to working at the Disaster Management Bureau.
The person imprisoned in the Glass Prison began to talk more and more, and hints that he shared deeper conversations with the interrogator appeared everywhere.
From his personal history and personality, his fondness for the Disaster Management Bureau, his fear of Supernatural Disasters, to his sense of relief and worth when rescuing civilians.
After a few more days….
It finally reached this point.
Day 12.
Inmate testified to the fact that he had worked at ■■■ Inc.
Confirmed that there was involuntary pressure during the process of applying for the open recruitment of the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau and that there was a separate goal to be achieved while on duty.
However, it was determined to be true that there was a powerful Binding Restriction equivalent to death, that there was no intent to harm the Management Bureau, and that no actual damage had ever occurred to the Management Bureau during the inmate's tenure.
Confirmed the inmate’s desire to continue working regardless of the purpose of joining.
Interrogator reported the testimony to the higher authorities.
“…….”
The Agent momentarily steadied his slightly trembling hand and turned to the next page.
The last page.
Day 13.
Inmate condition: Good.
And.
The testimony obtained during the inmate's interrogation passed the reliability test.
The detention of 37-999 (Agent Code Name: Grapes) is lifted, and the restoration of Agent status is approved.
Scheduled for release tomorrow.
And that tomorrow was today.
Tak.
Agent Choi closed the pages.
Tension and relief crossed his weary face.
“He’ll be out soon.”
“Right.”
“Stop pacing.”
“I should.”
But Agent Choi was still walking back and forth in the waiting room.
Because future plans were becoming clearly solidified in his mind.
‘This isn't the end.’
Since it was as good as officially recognized that he was a spy, he might have to go through some quite difficult procedures.
But those were the audits and disciplinary actions given to an Agent.
Kim Soleum would receive that investigation as an Agent of Hyunmoo Team 1….
‘Then I can help him somehow.’
That was what mattered.
Now, the Glass Prison supervisor would retrieve the glass bead Grapes was held in, release the Binding Restriction, and hand over custody to them.
Then, prior to the disciplinary action, they would have to have a heart-to-heart about Daydream Inc., and they’d also have to talk about the secrets, items, and abilities he had been hiding….
‘We can take that slow too.’
The important thing was that the interrogation process ended well and that Kim Soleum had regained his stability.
It was a long way around, but it was a success.
Agent Choi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The blood-drying past two weeks were over.
He didn't know just how many things he had tried to achieve this conclusion. And….
“…Jaekwan.”
“…….”
“Thanks. You worked hard.”
Agent Bronze, who was sitting across from him, gave a small nod.
His attitude was blunt, but Agent Choi, who read a soft gesture of reconciliation within it, just looked at his Hubae warmly.
A smile returned to Agent Choi's face.
Apology and gratitude intertwined.
“First, all three of us should go to a hot spring. Seriously. I’ll pay for everything we do there.”
“Yes.”
It was just as he tapped Ryu Jaekwan on the back.
Knock, knock.
“…!”
The door opened, and the supervisor appeared.
“The detention has been lifted.”
“Then….”
“Yes. Agent Grapes is currently waiting in the waiting room.”
“Thank you.”
After hurriedly shaking hands with the supervisor, Agent Choi moved quickly.
“Wait, wait a….”
He already knew the location of the waiting room. Agent Choi strode into the cave and headed for the iron door with the nameplate near the entrance.
He would be inside.
Kim Soleum.
“…….”
…He was still at a loss as to what story to start with.
To be honest, he didn't even know his true identity.
‘What on earth was that?’
That bizarre laboratory and even the appearance of that supernatural being.
However, one thing he was certain of was that on the night the Binding Restriction was triggered, Kim Soleum had tried to save him.
Risking the danger of death.
“…….”
That’s why.
‘We can just get to know each other from now on.’
Without hesitation, Agent Choi threw open the iron door. And….
There was no one there.
“…….”
There was no trace of a person in the empty waiting room.
As if they hadn't been there from the beginning.
“Agent?”
Agent Choi stood frozen, then looked around the waiting room again.
Only something pure white remained unusually on the steel chair.
A single sheet of well-folded paper.
A single word was written on the front.
Resignation Letter
Agent Choi picked it up.
Small objects contained within the paper fell to the floor with a clatter.
From Eyeball Candy to stick-type injections.
They looked like junk, but every single one of them was an Item.
“……."
He froze again for a moment, then unfolded the paper.
He saw handwriting that had been pressed down firmly.
Hello, Agent.
I wanted to make sure to apologize for everything that has happened so far.
I am truly sorry.
So began Agent Grapes’ letter.
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