In a corner of a locker room within a theme park ghost story, a small plush doll speaks and moves its limbs.
Looking at the sentence alone, it’s enough to make one faint from shock.
Except for the fact that I was the one who created this situation.
-Friend?
The plush doll flailed on top of the vanished hexagram.
“Ah,”
Only then did it sink in.
I had succeeded in inviting a ‘Good Friend’ into the doll!
The problem was that the invited guest was someone I knew—no, a monster I knew.
‘The Host…!’
The TV-headed monster who hosted the Tuesday Quiz Show Ghost Story.
-I’d love for you to join as a crew member on my new talk show, Mr. Roe Deer!
I swallowed hard, recalling the final scene from when I escaped that insane ghost story.
“…It’s a pleasure to meet you, Host. Have you been well?”
-Haha, it’s a pleasure to meet you too! I remember how wonderfully you performed on the quiz show, Mr. Roe Deer. Have you been well in the meantime? I…
-I.
Silence.
-I… don’t remember very well. Hmm… yes. I’ve been well. I was hosting a talk show.
The voice coming from the plush doll grew faint for a moment, but soon regained its strength and friendliness.
-What matters is that we’ve met again!
“…Yes.”
It felt as though the supernatural sense of overwhelming dread and horror had been suppressed into a hazy fog.
‘…Because it’s a Good Friend?’
It seemed the plush doll and the ritual were serving as some kind of control mechanism.
Still, I had to be careful.
“Um, Host. I have a question for you.”
-Feel free to speak, friend. Ah, now that I think about it, using such a title between friends is a bit disappointing!
-You can just call me Braun, Mr. Roe Deer! Let’s drop the itchy, formal honorifics like ‘-nim’ too!
“…Right. Yes. Braun.”
Right. I suppose even a TV-head living in a ghost story would have a name….
Anyway, the main point was urgent. I spoke as politely as possible.
“Actually, I’m trying to leave the theme park right now, but I can’t find a way out.”
-Oh dear! Theme parks are famous for their complex structures and dizzying paths. Don’t worry. I’m quite good at finding my way!
“…It’s not that I’m lost, but a mascot has blocked the exit gate.”
The plush doll fell silent for a moment as if at a loss for words.
-Huh, hmm…. That’s quite a unique situation.
It was a surprisingly human reaction.
I briefly summarized the structure of this theme park and what had happened.
The teams and zones divided by color, and even the mascots that had gone berserk.
The plush doll lying on the floor crossed its arms.
-Hmm. They truly are diva-like mascots! There are beings in the broadcasting industry who act that fussily as well.
-However, the one that didn't appear bothers me.
The one that didn't appear?
I instinctively thought of it.
“…Are you talking about the yellow mascot?”
The final mascot, mentioned only at the attractions, with no trace to be found.
-Exactly! Did you call it a yellow flower? Do you know where he is?
“…!”
Right.
‘Since I found the Blue Mascot’s zone, the yellow mascot’s zone might be somewhere as well…!’
If I find that place and leave through the gate there….
-He’s probably dead by now, though.
…….
“Excuse me?”
The yellow mascot?
“Shouldn’t there be a space like a botanical garden or a greenhouse? Since it’s a flower….”
-Oh dear, Mr. Roe Deer, you must already know as well.
The kind voice spoke in a whisper.
-You said it clearly yourself, didn't you? That the Yellow Team also woke up on the outskirts of the blue zone.
“…!”
-If there had been a yellow zone, the Yellow Team would have woken up there. Wasn't that the promise?
“…That’s right.”
The rule was to wake up in the zone corresponding to the color of the pawn one had picked. But the Yellow Team hadn't.
Was it… truly because there was no yellow zone?
I pondered.
And after a moment, I opened my mouth.
“……I’ve realized what I need to do.”
I had to check.
-Oh, what is it? Together….
The plush doll flailed as if trying to stand up, but unable to find its balance, it fell flat on its face.
-Ahem, Mr. Roe Deer, could you help me up?
I approached cautiously and lifted the ‘Good Friend,’ which had a keychain attached, onto my palm.
I felt a warmth, like body heat.
-It’s hard to steady my body. It’ll take some time to adjust… but don’t worry. I am a very capable being!
I’m sure you are.
After some thought, I tucked the plush doll into my suit’s front pocket.
The plush doll raised one hand in an exaggerated gesture.
-Now, let’s go! …By the way, where are we going?
A place that could serve as a guide.
A place that every large-scale public facility always has.
“The information booth.”
Naturally, there were Exploration Records of people finding information booths even in the Cheerful Theme Park. Since it had most things a typical amusement park would have.
‘The problem was that they didn't function normally….’
They would provide simple information, like the location of nearby attractions.
However, if a request was a bit complex or required something material, this would happen:
The information mascot would hold up a ‘Members Only’ sign.
‘It means just a boarding pass won't cut it.’
Although it treated people as guests, it was intended to create an eerie atmosphere by implying that this place wasn't originally meant for them….
‘I just happen to have a Membership Pass on my arm.’
In fact, as soon as the boarding pass turned into a Membership Pass, I had recalled a few Exploration Records related to this ‘Members Only’ status.
From special souvenir shops and restaurants to separate attraction entrances that allowed entry without a line.
But the reason I had avoided them if possible was also clear.
‘Because I’d have to interact with a mascot.’
It was because I didn't know what terrible consequences would result from contacting a crazy mascot who had closed the gates without any information….
‘It’s dizzying just to imagine.’
But now that I had a monster friend who could serve as a crisis alarm, I decided to give it a try.
“Braun. If the person I’m talking to seems offended or likely to harm me, could you let me know?”
-Of course. That’s not a difficult task at all!
After answering cheerfully, the plush doll even made a few hand signals and taught them to me. It was indeed the quick processing of someone in the mass media industry.
And a moment later.
-It’s over there. Oh, it looks quite decent….
Listening to the chatter of the ‘Good Friend,’ I approached the information booth. The booth was made of opaque blue glass and a white screen.
And as I drew closer, the screen opened, and the face of the Blue Mascot appeared.
It was a blue dragon wearing a uniform.
“Hello. I would like to see a map of this place.”
The Blue Mascot, who had been waving its hand as if glad to see me, moved its hands quickly and held out a high-quality catalog.
It was a convenient map marked with various attractions, restaurants, and convenience facilities of the ‘Blue Dream Water Park.’
The words ‘Members Only’ were printed at the top of the catalog.
I looked up at the Blue Mascot.
“Thank you.”
It looked somewhat proud.
“By the way, do you happen to have one that shows the entire area?”
Click.
The Blue Mascot’s movements stopped.
Don’t, don’t be scared.
“As you probably know, I crossed over from the red zone to this side without going through the proper procedures. Just so I don’t make a mistake… I want to avoid going near that area again.”
I asked in the most composed and polite voice possible.
“Where exactly are the boundaries that touch the red zone?”
A brief silence.
The mascot reached out its hand.
F r o m h e r e
T o h e r e
Screeeech. The catalog map I was holding was torn by the Blue Mascot’s claws.
Allllll the way along the eastern edge.
‘As I thought, the east side of the blue zone and the west side of the red zone were structured to be directly adjacent….’
But… this is too scary.
My hands holding the tearing catalog were trembling as if vibrating…!
‘Please spare me.’
You’re not going to rip me in half with those claws too, right?
The moment the mascot took its claws off the map, I hurriedly nodded to express my gratitude.
Now, the next topic!
“Thank you. If so, by any chance….”
Tap, tap.
“…!”
-Shh.
The plush doll in my front pocket lightly tapped my chest twice.
…It meant this.
‘The other party seems to be in a bad mood.’
……I guess this is as far as I can go!
I immediately shifted my stance and only gave a polite greeting.
“Yes. I won't go near the red zone.”
The blue dragon remained still for a moment but soon nodded.
Then, it rummaged through its belongings and pulled out another bag of those ‘Blue Soda Churros’ and handed it to me.
“Thank you.”
G o o d c h i l d
The blue dragon tapped my bracelet and withdrew its arm.
Rumble.
Soon, the screen of the information booth closed smoothly.
“…….”
‘Whew.’
It’s done.
I looked down, clutching my pounding heart.
I felt like I was going to die of fright, but….
-You’re smiling, my friend! Are you in a good mood? Did you find what you wanted?
I found it.
“Yes.”
I looked up and started running.
“Now I just have to move.”
I might have been able to save time if I had asked the mascot a few more questions, but safety comes first, so from now on, I’ll use the most reliable means.
My own feet.
‘Let’s hurry.’
There were only a few hours left.
I looked up at the theme park sky, which was starting to grow dark.
A few hours later.
The sun had set.
“Huff, huff.”
I was still running.
My legs, which had been scouring half of the massive water theme park, were shaking.
-Mr. Roe Deer, you look very exhausted.
“I’m fine.”
The plush doll asked in a tone of concern.
-It seems the time has come to ask this question. Exactly where are you trying to go?
I wiped the sweat from my chin and answered.
“The yellow zone.”
-Oho!
-I thought we all agreed on the premise that ‘there is no yellow zone,’ but what is your reason for reversing that judgment?
“I haven't reversed it. Even now, I believe there is no yellow zone.”
However.
“There must have been one in the past.”
I looked ahead, lowering the map.
First of all.
“It probably wasn't directly adjacent to the red zone at that time.”
That place has the forest to the east, the entrance to the north, a cliff to the south, and the blue zone to the west.
‘The terrain matches up perfectly, with no gaps.’
In that case….
“It must have been adjacent to somewhere in the blue zone. There must have been a connecting passage.”
Excluding the north, which was also an entrance, and the east, which was adjacent to the red zone.
What was left was….
-So that’s why you were searching the west and south like you were hunting for lice? Haha!
Bingo.
Unlike the red zone, there was no mascot chasing me down to kill me here, so I could use this kind of manual labor method.
And finally, in a corner of the northwest, at a flower bed behind a restroom, I found it.
A bumpy dirt path leading up the mountain, like a closed hiking trail.
-Hmm. It certainly looks like it could have been open as a passage before.
The problem was that the moment I crossed this, it was almost certain I would be breaking the theme park’s rules of use.
{No Entry Except For Personnel}
After checking that sign, I walked back out from behind the restroom and looked around.
I made eye contact with a mascot standing in front of a children's attraction in the distance.
-Hmm, is that mascot bothering you?
“Yes. If I cross into the prohibited area, it will definitely notice….”
-Then you just have to not get caught!
“…….”
That… isn't as easy as it sounds….
-Oh dear, cheer up. It’s not difficult!
-Don’t you have me? Your friend.
The voice of the ‘Good Friend’ became somewhat crafty.
Its characteristic confidence, slyness, and friendliness came to the fore.
-I will help you. First… why don't you take me out of your front pocket for a moment!
I did as I was told.
Then, the plush doll sitting on my palm raised a hand and pointed at me.
I flinched for a moment. It was because I remembered it incinerating people on the Tuesday Quiz Show.
But this time was different.
Snap!
A dull snapping sound rang out from the doll’s fingerless hand.
At that moment.
A strange, shadow-like weight covered me.
“…!”
I was now faint and submerged….
-Now… it won't notice you. Come, let’s go.
The voice of the ‘Good Friend,’ Braun, grew slightly faint as if he were tired.
“This is….”
-I’ve turned off your spotlight.
-Didn’t we agree in the show not to pay attention to people who aren't illuminated by the spotlight?
It seemed ‘incineration’ wasn't the only ability the Host had.
‘Was he controlling the entire filming set itself…?’
For some reason, I felt a chill and looked down at the plush doll, but I soon realized that wasn't the priority.
Escaping was!
“Then I’ll move.”
-Excellent!
I went back behind the restroom and stood before the closed path.
And I crossed the no-entry sign.
“…….”
Nothing happened.
“Thank….”
-Save the compliments and let’s move!
I almost felt moved out of genuine gratitude.
I climbed up the steep trail at the maximum speed I could muster. I was almost crawling.
Broken pieces of plastic and ornaments among the dirt pressed into my hands and feet.
-Something was definitely here before.
I hurried my pace even more.
Up, further up….
And finally, the end of the path appeared.
Step.
I planted my feet and stood.
From the top of the hill, I could look down.
It was….
-It’s a resort.
A large-scale resort building stretched out beside the dark seashore.
…I’d heard that a certain famous franchise theme park also operated such a massive accommodation facility.
The scale alone was overwhelming, but…….
{Flower Golden Resort}
It was a facility that was already completely dead.
The resort, glowing with a golden light, must have looked like quite a dreamlike place once. But now, it was old and the paint was peeling, giving it a desolate air.
I looked at the cracked sign where a yellow flower was smiling broadly.
And beneath it, a machine that was familiar but an even older model.
-There’s a gate at the entrance to the resort as well!
“Yes.”
It made sense. The way back to the resort from the theme park was also a type of exit.
‘I found it…!’
Forgetting my exhaustion, I ran again. The shadow covering my body vanished, and my steps grew even faster.
-Hmm. But the gate is turned off here too, will you be able to use it?
“Of course.”
I checked the area around the old gate machine and opened the emergency control panel.
Just like I had done at the attraction.
And I turned on the emergency power.
Whirrrr.
With a creak, lights flickered on here and there on the gate machine.
‘I only couldn't do this before because the mascot was watching me like a hawk.’
I can do this much on my own.
I stood in front of the gate that had lights coming on in the most intact-looking shape.
Catching my breath.
And one last check.
“Braun. If I enter that resort with my Membership Pass, do you think I’ll have to use those facilities?”
-Haha! That old, worn-out place? It looks like business ended ages ago; it’s already ownerless land. It’s just ground now, not a theme park!
Thanks for the biting and accurate assessment, friend.
I immediately tapped my Membership Pass against the gate.
Beep.
The old gate machine read the Membership Pass.
Ding. A light flashed on the device.
[◎GOODBYE◎]
It worked.
Feeling a thrill, just as I was about to step forward….
-Oh dear, it followed you.
I looked back.
In the distance, I saw a blue figure crawling up the path.
‘…The mascot!’
It was the blue dragon!
The mascot in the uniform I had seen at the gate was approaching at a terrifying speed… then it stopped.
It… it was,
It was sobbing.
“…….”
-Tsk, tsk. That mascot thinks it’s the protagonist of a drama. Let’s get out of here quickly!
For some reason, I felt uneasy.
‘This feels like a complete foreshadowing of a grudge.’
Wouldn't it be bad to earn the grudge of a Ghost Story Entity?
After some thought, I rummaged through my pockets and found the last thing I had left.
[Alice's Picnic Set – Cookie]
It was this flat cookie item that I had never used.
I lightly tossed the paper-wrapped cookie toward the mascot.
……
-Mr. Roe Deer, you are far too kind….
I’m not.
‘Anyway, I gave it to you, Mr. Dragon.’
As I confirmed that the mascot had caught the cookie in its hand, I crossed the gate.
G o o d C h i l d
I was leaving the ghost story.
As the world swirled around me, I heard the faint voice of the ‘Good Friend.’
-Mmm, I finally feel strength returning to my body! I think I can move….
I opened my eyes.
I realized I was sitting in the middle of Seoul, inside the empty, dark meeting room of Research Team 1 on the 17th floor.
‘…I survived.’
I succeeded in escaping!
“Ha!!”
With a sense of liberation that made my hair stand on end, I stood up from my seat immediately.
‘Is no one here?’
Since several hours had passed, it seemed everyone had moved from the meeting room. First, I should call and let them know I’ve escaped too….
Huh?
I looked at my wrist.
[◎ (Cheerful) Fantasy Land Membership Card ◎]
The bracelet was still hanging there.
“What is this—”
And then it began to burn.
“…!”
In an instant, the form of the Boarding Pass vanished.
But something remained.
In the exact spot where the Boarding Pass had been, black lettering was engraved on my wrist.
: Socius :
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