Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work Novel (End Part 1) - Chapter 185

I remember.

When I had just been promoted to assistant manager at Daydream Inc.

I got caught up in the Serial Killer Cabin Ghost Story because of my roommate, but I managed to clear it without killing anyone.

And the tattoo I ‘inherited’ from the cabin owner as a reward then.

: Enju :

Since then, it’s been upgraded at Moonlight Tattoo Shop, allowing me to use parts of the cabin’s space like an inventory, but that wasn’t the essential nature of this tattoo.

It was the authority to employ the cabin keeper.

A contract that allowed me to command the servant who ran the Serial Killer Cabin.

But I couldn’t use it.

-However, if I may be so bold, my employer requires several qualifications.

-Inherent and existential nobility are required.

It didn’t matter, though. I only tried to take the employment contract to stop the cabin ghost story.

But…

At this moment.

The one with inherent and existential nobility.

The employment contract speaks.

It says I meet the criteria.

“Did you call?”

Across from me, holding the employment contract, stood a man in ragged clothes.

In his hand, the red wax that originally sealed his contract was held unbroken.

The cabin keeper.

Wearing old clothes that covered his entire head, yet an employee with a certain dignity and formality quietly watched me.

‘……!’

“As you possess the qualifications of my employer, I stand before you, ready to work according to your instructions and the authority of the contract.”

Wait a minute.

I hurriedly drew out black smoke and moved it.

It was even harder to move as if this ability had been judged unsuitable for the ‘Flower Golden Resort’ employees.

Moreover, the black smoke I drew out turned golden in the middle, but anyway, the smoke successfully redrew the letters.

Qualified?

Where did that judgment come from?

“I, too, have some doubts, but that is not for me to judge.”

Speak!

He speaks of the criteria for nobility as he sees it.

“Understood.”

The cabin keeper immediately spoke, as befits a servant.

“Extraordinary birth.”

…!

“Promised legacy and power. The existence of those who implore him for fear and mercy.”

And…

“The ruthless and powerful dominion as a landlord exercised over the parasites, visitors, intruders, and challengers of the domain.”

…I don’t know why he’s only giving descriptions that make me think of a disaster god. Isn’t nobility usually a value associated with benevolence?

No, come to think of it, the insane bastard who lured people with promises of inheritance to kill each other in the cabin was the cabin keeper’s master.

‘It’s brutal…’

The more I listened to each explanation, the more I felt that these were definitely not conditions for humans.

However, it seemed that the things I had done since being reborn as a mascot in a ghost story fit the bill.

‘So the Yellow Zone of the theme park was judged as my domain…’

There was one thing, though, that I didn’t understand.

Promised legacy and power?

“Yes. You have possessed it since the first time we met.”

The cabin keeper bowed his head again.

But do I have something like that?

As if noticing my bewilderment, the cabin keeper politely extended both hands and pointed to something.

“It is proven by a mark more powerful than the symbol of my employment contract.”

…!

Instinctively, I looked down at my left arm, hidden by my security team uniform.

My other tattoo.

: Socius :

The mark given by the blue mascot.

I turned my head to the gate. The blue mascot said something triumphantly.

Me

Good child’s

Guardian

‘…!!’

Good child

Must protect

Wait.

So, this tattoo’s meaning… did it comprehensively mean ‘companion, member, relative’ in Latin?

Since the theme park annual pass burned and attached itself to my wrist, I had interpreted it as a VIP membership for the theme park all this time.

But in fact, it was something more powerful than that…

‘He marked me as… a family member he protects?’

I met the eyes of the adorably deformed blue dragon.

Gratitude and eeriness flashed through me simultaneously.

It was clearly goodwill, and thanks to it, I had definitely benefited or overcome crises several times.

But ultimately, wasn’t it because of that mascot’s goodwill that I… became trapped in this Cheerful Theme Park?

And what’s more.

Today, ever since dawn, I’ve felt like I can hear the blue dragon’s words more clearly…

‘…….’

I continued to stare at the blue mascot, somewhat stiff, and the mascot and surrounding employees seemed flustered, their movements frantic.

It was then.

I heard the cabin keeper’s voice.

“Will you assign me to manage your domain?”

Wait.

Can I work

at this resort?

“Of course. Will you instruct me to operate this domain called ‘Flower Golden Resort’?”

Though he professed meticulous politeness, there was a hint of urgency or expectation in his question.

I suddenly remembered that those who were completely bound by the resort’s employee contract worked very happily.

Even me, immersed in operating as a mascot.

Are you one who wishes to work?

“That is not important. Only the employer’s will matters.”

Employer’s will:

Curious.

“…I exist to manage his domain on behalf of the employer.”

The cabin keeper opened his mouth.

“I have diligently cared for the noble one’s cabin until now, but if you bestow upon me a greater office, you will be able to command even more powerful servants befitting it…”

A desire to become a more powerful being subtly appeared and then vanished.

So, if he gets a management position at this resort, which is larger than the cabin, will his abilities increase?

Wait a minute.

You said ‘on behalf’?

Then…

Can it be operated

even if I’m not here?

“Yes. I am the servant employed for that very purpose.”

A shiver ran through my body.

The operating areas of Cheerful Theme Park must always have a mascot.

It was impossible to pass off my officially recognized mascot position, having even completed the ceremony, but if there was a perfect proxy…

Could I leave?

“Will you proceed?”

I nodded.

At that moment.

“I will work according to your instructions.”

The cabin keeper’s appearance began to change.

“…!”

The ragged cloak disappeared, replaced by a resort employee’s uniform and suit.

White gloves, neatly combed black hair, dress shoes, a monocle, and even the yellow mascot’s symbolic mask.

And…

[Manager]

Even the name tag.

“Thank you.”

I had employed the cabin keeper as the manager.

The now dapper cabin keeper, with a straight posture, politely held out the red wax in his hand again.

The wax turned golden.

It resealed the employment contract, which was made of shimmering light before me, and then the entire contract turned golden and became my tattoo again.

: Enju :

I watched the light disappear behind the security team uniform.

“The duration of my employment contract, which you have inherited, is 1241 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 23 seconds by solar calendar.”

That was enough. Before then, I’d get my wish ticket and leave this place anyway.

The important thing was that I could now leave without tearing myself away from being a mascot.

Because there was a manager to work in my stead.

It was a moment where relief made my head tingle.

I heard the employees whispering behind me.

“Is that a special department employee from the security team too?”

“Did they come on this expedition for this…?”

“Wait, ‘for this’? What do you mean? Were they not originally planning to enter but caught it?”

“Huh? Ah, no. Perhaps that security team…”

Damn it.

I hurriedly cut off the conversation before more information about me was shared with the Disaster Management Bureau.

Golden smoke formed words.

Your choice

▶Resign

▶Stay

“…!”

“Re-resign!”

“I’ll resign!”

A wise decision.

‘I was going to make you escape right away anyway.’

The atmosphere instantly reversed.

I watched the employees, running towards the supply mascot, hurriedly tear up their employment contracts and sign resignation confirmation forms.

‘Let’s get everyone out first.’

One by one, the employees’ uniforms disappeared, and they returned to their original attire.

I guided them to the gift shop through the supply mascot to give them the items I had promised.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but a part of the Red Zone had been incorporated into the Yellow Zone, and the gift shop was swallowed up there too.

‘Let’s guide them to safe things first.’

However, some people did not move according to my guidance.

“Ah. Thank you!”

For example, Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae, while expressing gratitude, didn’t immediately go to the gift shop or exit through the gate.

To be precise, as soon as his uniform disappeared, he stumbled and carefully sat on the floor.

‘…!’

The injuries he had sustained before becoming a resort employee reappeared.

Because there was no longer a need to work as an employee.

“Oh dear.”

The assistant manager with cracked legs looked at me comfortably near the gate leading to the Blue Zone.

Recommending quick return

for injury treatment

“I’m okay! Let’s go together!”

Section Chief Lee Jaheon also looked at me and the cabin keeper once, then checked the remaining personnel, and then just stood still in front of the gate.

No!

‘Get out.’

Get everyone out!

“You go first and report as a rescued person.”

“Yes, sir!”

No, why isn’t the team leader leaving either…!

I secretly wiped cold sweat, watching the Hyunmu Team Leader, who had sent his own team members first and remained at the gate with his arms crossed, and who had played a significant role with the sword yesterday.

Anyway, I had put out all the urgent fires.

Remaining were one agent, one elite team employee, and one lizard section chief.

‘It’s a lineup that seems tight-lipped.’

And…

Two employees wearing the yellow mascot’s mask.

Those who cannot resign.

‘…….’

Judging by Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae’s condition, if those two terminated their employee contracts… they would likely return to their state before being revived as employees.

In other words, as corpses.

‘Phew.’

I looked back at the cabin keeper.

He stood still, politely bowing, without moving, while I handled things.

And he asked again.

“Are these the workers who will work at the resort?”

Pointing to the two remaining employees.

‘…!’

Suddenly, an idea flashed through my mind.

What if I could leave as a mascot?

They would leave

the domain with me

Couldn’t the employees follow me out?

“If I may be so bold, wouldn’t it be difficult for those contracted as resort workers to leave this place?”

As the supply mascot handed the employment contracts I had signed to the cabin keeper, the cabin keeper carefully examined the documents and declared that.

But I did not give in.

Workplace doesn’t matter

Those who contracted with me

And I raised my hand, pointing to the signature part of the employment contract.

Employer: GOLDEN

Do you see?

They are subordinate to me

Not the domain

But me

“…….”

The cabin keeper seemed to ponder for a moment.

He appeared to be reviewing whether there was any conflict with the resort’s operational policy… but soon, he raised his head and nodded.

“I have heard your instructions.”

Done!

“Then, regarding the export of the employees…”

“Wait a minute.”

At that moment, the team leader, who had been watching our conversation, hurriedly interrupted.

To be precise, he looked at me.

“You can send them outside, right? Then, would you consider selling your ’employees’?”

……!

I instinctively created smoke.

Employees are benevolent workers, not commodities for sale.

“…….”

The team leader seemed speechless for a moment.

He looked at me with eyes that seemed both wronged and exasperated, but soon sighed and said,

“Uh, right. Then I’d appreciate it if you could send them on dispatch. I’ll pay for it. I have quite a lot of interesting things.”

Ah.

“Hey, that employee with long hair. Send that friend.”

And the team leader raised his hand and pointed to someone.

…Jang Heoun.

“I’ll take him.”

I glanced back at the two employees for a moment, then realized something.

Jang Heoun should not fall into Director Ho’s hands.

No matter how I thought about it, it was better for him to go to the Disaster Management Bureau than to Director Ho, who knows what would happen to him if he went to Director Ho like that.

How entertaining would it be? They disguised a spy as a creature from a ghost story and inserted him, only for another spy, completely contaminated by a ghost story resident, to rush in.

It would also be a problem if Director Ho wasn’t malicious enough to find it entertaining.

‘I blew one spy.’

The anger that would fall on me for causing a loss despite being accommodating would also be directed at the innocent Jang Heoun.

I don’t know what crazy way they’ll handle it, but I have a feeling it won’t be a humane measure.

‘But can he recover if he goes to the Disaster Management Bureau?’

Jang Heoun was originally infiltrating as a spy, so aren’t I unsure of what will happen?

A fierce debate raged in my mind.

And, after reaching a conclusion, I once again created words with smoke.

Accept

“…! Good. Then, as payment…”

Wait a minute.

For the safety and wage guarantee of dispatched workers,

Contract drafting comes first.

“…….”

After a long discussion with the team leader, I drafted a contract, and we each took a copy.

Thus, Jang Heoun’s affiliation was transferred.

“My workplace has changed! I look forward to working with you, Agent!”

Jang Heoun saluted me, saying he would ‘return after work’, and then fearlessly followed the agent.

‘Don’t come back.’

I earnestly hoped the Disaster Management Bureau would find a way to return Jang Heoun to normal.

Or…

‘…At least enough for Jang Heoun to deceive Director Ho by pretending to work as a normal spy.’

…Then I can get the ticket.

Then.

With that wish ticket, I can heal Jang Heoun back to his state before he became an employee, when he was alive.

‘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 of workplace!”

Honestly, this bastard… there’s no way to get another ticket, and it’s his own fault he ended up like this, so I can’t help him.

‘Still, let’s transfer his custody to Daydream Inc. at least.’

That would be the right thing to do.

If I could take him out, I absolutely had to.

“Are you finished with the arrangements?”

Afterward, I finalized the handover and information sharing with the cabin keeper.

About the resort’s operational policy, about the distribution of profits, and…

“I have confirmed that you have included a unique enforcement method in the contract.”

About the tattoo’s inventory function.

“I will arrange a new space in the resort after tidying up the temporary space you used. From now on, you will be able to easily send instructions to your domain through that gap.”

From now on, this tattoo seems to function as a peculiar communication channel.

‘Another upgrade, I guess.’

Finally, I asked the cabin keeper for the most basic form of communication.

His name.

Introduce your name.

“You may address me as you please.”

State the title you prefer.

“…Then, I would appreciate it if you would call me Resort Manager.”

I nodded.

The one who would now be called Manager, not Cabin Keeper, bowed to me, and I turned and walked towards the blue mascot in front of the gate.

The blue mascot, as if eavesdropping on my conversation with the manager, spoke somewhat desperately.

Now here

Our home

Phew.

I shook my head.

The blue mascot seemed shocked.

Why?

Bad mascot

Ate it

As if desperately trying to persuade me, the blue dragon waved its front paws.

Now gone

Safe

I shook my head as politely as possible.

And created words with smoke.

I have work to do

My duty

The blue mascot’s shoulders slumped, but it seemed to have finally understood.

Perhaps it believed that since I was still the owner of this theme park area, my return was guaranteed.

Wait

Instead, it hurriedly used its other body to bring something.

And cautiously, from beyond the gate, it lightly threw it to me.

Just like before, when it gave me churros and snacks.

Take this

I instinctively reached out both hands to receive it.

A scale.

The black and blue scale reflected the sunlight, revealing strange rainbow-colored glints, and then a blue ripple seemed to shimmer within.

Me

Can call

‘…!’

…Could this scale, perhaps, be part of its original form from inside the mascot suit?

‘Can I… call it? Should I call it?’

Anyway, it was undoubtedly something extraordinarily powerful, so I nodded and kept the scale.

The blue mascot watched me intently, and I shook hands with the mascot.

And the mascot reached out its body entirely beyond the gate, pulled me in, and hugged me tightly.

‘It’s a relief to be treated as an employee.’

…And it was a relief I was wearing the security team suit.

“So, shall we go back now?”

I willingly nodded.

Supporting Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae, who had fractured legs, with Section Chief Lee Jaheon, we stopped by the gift shop, and then headed for the exit gate.

[◎Please visit again◎]

One of Fantasy Land’s entrances had already changed to the symbols of the Yellow Zone.

Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae muttered, looking up at it.

“Hmm. Now, even if we enter through the board game, won’t we keep coming here? When they get this involved, usually, well… they seem to get ‘connected’.”

It was a meaningful conjecture.

But for now, escape was the priority, and I… truly, truly yearned for rest.

‘Let’s go.’

We stood side by side and scanned our used tickets at the gate.

Beep.

And together, we stepped out of the gate.

Goodbye

From behind, the now familiar voice of the blue mascot seemed faintly audible…

The next moment.

“Whooooo!”

All of us, we opened our eyes in the research team’s office chairs at Daydream Inc.

It was an escape after six days.