Author note: Updated
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Good Friend.
The preparations for the summoning ritual were already complete.
No more of that tearful act from before, like using a substitute for a substitute at the theme park resort, making do with what little I had.
This time, I had prepared everything exactly as I had when I first performed the Good Friend summoning ritual.
A necktie, a Silver Serpent Coin, and… most importantly, a plushie from the theme park gift shop.
I picked up the stuffed toy.
This plush, fuzzy toy was, surprisingly… keyring-sized, and a pink bunny!
How did I end up with a bunny instead of a yellow-horned cat, even though I got it from the gift shop in the yellow zone?
Simple.
'With a mascot's authority, I set up a special sales booth.' [DIY Plushie]
That's right, a custom-made Good Friend.
Thus, I succeeded in acquiring an original Good Friend that looked nearly identical to the 'Good Friend Keyring' I had gotten from the Real Merch Box, except it didn't have any of the keyring hardware attached.
Now, I just have to avoid thinking about what the raw materials for this stuffed toy are…
It's all fine.
But, but…
"..."
"..."
I can feel one pointed stare.
"Um… If I just follow the instructions written here… I can proceed with the summoning ritual."
"Yes."
The lizard's unblinking eyes were unnerving...
But Section Chief Lee Jaheon didn't look away or seem inclined to compromise, so in the end, I conducted the ritual as he checked the manual.
'It didn't specifically say the ritual had to be done alone, but…'
Somehow, rather than tense, I just kept sighing as I went through the motions.
This time, I drew the lines to the right size and placed Good Friend's small body in the center, then added the Silver Serpent Coin and performed the ritual exactly as before.
'The necktie is also… same product as before.'
Salt in my mouth.
Burn the necktie with a lighter.
Ssshhh.
…I'm reminded of the first time I tried this.
Before I was desperately looking for an escape route after being suddenly trapped in a ghost story. Back when I was less scared and less resigned than I am now.
And, I recalled the being that answered that ritual.
Flicker, flicker.
The necktie burns and the flames flicker. In that flickering light, the shadow of the stuffed toy sways as if it's moving.
And then…
The doll's mouth opens.
– AAAAAAGH!
...
Huh?
– Stop! STOP! I got here first Forgive me dear passenger There are too many I see O you who knows honor Teacher, sir?
A consultation like this is Rock paper scissors You called for me so I Worthless beings BEGONE! Sangun-nim is descen aaaAAAAAAGH!
The tiny doll jerks and writhes as if countless things are crammed inside it. But soon…
– Oh.
It stops.
– Ooooo the great Master of the Stage has arrived!
It is a chorus.
Like someone already holding all the authority, rousing the audience's applause.
– He's here! He's here! He has returned! He has come to see you! He has come to see you—— that person!
The doll raises both hands high.
And then…
He speaks in a cheerful voice, child-like in his enthusiasm.
– Wow! My friend called me again!
"...!"
In the next moment.
Everything disappeared.
The hexagram drawn with moisture, the necktie I had been holding, the coin, even the salt in my mouth.
As if it had all been that way from the start.
All that remained was the doll, left alone on the motel floor.
This fuzzy stuffed toy.
"…Braun?"
But there was no response.
I almost panicked for a moment, but quickly realized what was happening.
'The Good Friend originally only moves and talks inside ghost stories!'
And this is reality. Unless the plushie is reinforced with the Bloodbathtub, certain conditions are required. So…
'Prepare for conversation!'
I quickly set Braun on the bedframe, turned off the lights, and left only the bedside lamp on under the bed.
The lamp's light shone on the plushie, casting its shadow on the wall.
My hands trembled slightly the whole time.
Whether it was from anticipation, or from what I'd just witnessed, I couldn't say.
'…What exactly just happened?'
It was as if countless somethings had been summoned into the Good Friend stuffed toy, but everything passed so quickly, I couldn't analyze anything.
Reflexively, I looked at Chief Lizard, who nodded.
"It was conducted safely."
"..."
Alright…
Anyway, finally finished with preparations to converse with Good Friend in reality, I leaned against the bed and looked at Good Friend's giant shadow cast on the wall…
And then.
– Friend!
"…!"
A lively, familiar voice echoed through the room.
The voice coming from the bunny plush.
"…Braun."
– We've finally met again! How moving this is. Ah, what a perfect scene this would be for a talk show opening!
– Mr. Roe Deer, I heard you've been through a lot. But there's no need to worry anymore. Your most faithful advisor, your best guide, your one and only friend in the world has returned to your side!
That tone, overflowing with showmanship.
Strangely, just hearing his voice brings a quiet sense of… nostalgia and a lump in my throat.
– At times like this, a hug and cheers would be ideal! The audience should be… hmm. Not moving, I see.
– Mr. Roe Deer, for some reason my body feels as heavy as waterlogged cotton… but with my friend's support, I think I could manage. Come, would you stand in front of the camera with me?
"Haha… No, it's fine."
Even hearing such spine-chilling words from him was almost nostalgic now.
Leaning against the bed, I looked at the plushie's shadow on the wall with relative ease.
"Let's talk a bit more first. How are you feeling?"
– I couldn't be better! As long as I can talk to you, Friend, even if my limbs feel heavy, it's a comfort I can bear. I'll get used to it again, little by little!
– Then, once more, to the place where each joyful day with this Braun begins anew...
There was the sound of clothes brushing, as if he was looking around at his surroundings.
His voice faltered.
– …Oh my heavens. Friend, where on earth have you been staying?
Ah.
I looked around the room.
As you'd expect from a cheap motel behind a train station, it was a, um, rundown place…
– Has my body really been leaning against this filthy wall? Gracious!
"It's not dirty. I cleaned it thoroughly before the summoning ritual… It's just old, that's all."
It only looked dirtier because of the floral pattern!
But it wasn't enough to convince the talk show host.
– 'Just old'? No, this is an insult to the very concept of housing. My friend is staying in a place worse than a trailer where even third-rate actors wouldn't stay!
– Whatever happened to the humble haven you used to have, Mr. Roe Deer?
"That's… um. My work changed, so I can't stay there anymore."
– What a terrible company!
Well…
In truth, Director Ho suggested I get an officetel for the sake of stability in my spy activities and clear proof of identity.
He even said the company would cover the cost.
But I refused.
How should I put it… I just didn't want to create something here that I'd end up calling 'home'.
The company-provided dorm felt less personal since it was clearly provided by the company, but if I made a place that was truly mine, I felt like my guard might drop.
"It's actually not so bad here. I'll make sure your spot is well taken care of."
– My heavens…
– Friend, I supported your independent and autonomous choices, even cheered you on to resignation. But to think you had to stay in a place like this.
The plushie spoke in a mournful voice.
– Please remember that Braun's Talk Show is always wide open for you, even now, Friend. Though, these days, you might need to go through a light interview first…
"Mr. Roe Deer, is this stuffed toy currently tempting you with a talk show-style Darkness?"
"No, well, that's always the case…"
...
...?!
I turned to look at the lizard.
The guy with that white lizard head, who was sitting on the bed, was looking at me nonchalantly.
Nonchalantly?!
"You can you hear this?!"
"Yes."
I nearly fainted on the spot.
Wait a minute. Does that mean he's been hearing our conversations this whole time? Even when I entrusted Braun to Section Chief Lee Jaheon and went into the ghost story… no, even more than that!
"U-Usually, with this item's characteristics, only I should be able to hear him. How on earth are you able to hear him…?"
"? The other party is expressing intent to communicate."
I stared at him, mouth agape.
"…Ordinary humans shouldn't be able to hear him."
"Yes."
"To other people, it would look suspicious."
"That is correct."
The lizard just stared blankly at me, as if asking what I expected him to do.
"There is no one else in this space."
"..."
I gave up on everything.
Come to think of it, Section Chief Lee Jaheon recognized me even when I was turned into a child, or when I wore the Security Team suit, or even when I put on the mascot costume.
'Is he specialized in mental identification or communication…?'
It's probably better to just chalk it up to the abilities of a reptilian alien.
That's just easier…
"Mr. Roe Deer."
"Yes."
"Would you like some advice?"
"…Pardon?"
"Burn the doll immediately."
– Oh.
Aaaack.
"The summoning ritual was carried out in accordance with safety procedures, but the summoned entity appears to have the potential to break free of the ritual's restraints at any given time."
– This rude brute still doesn't know moderation.
Ah, please.
– If you're present somewhere you weren't invited, you should at least observe the unspoken rule of keeping your mouth shut. To prattle on so ignorantly! Unbelievable, but out of respect for my friend, I'll say a few words.
– I am an existence that respects my friend's privacy and is ready to help with anything for my friend. Because…
– I'm a Good Friend!
"When you placed your trust in those restraints, Mr. Roe Deer, you went missing for a month. Do not forget that."
– Oh, that was simply an expression of my affectionate heart, worrying over my friend's well-being. Thanks to that, Mr. Roe Deer, you were able to spend a month in the safest, happiest, most secure workplace for both body and mind… At least, until you dared to set your dirty feet in the great studio.
"Threats are being made."
"W-Wait a second."
In any case, since we're under contract, as long as I exist in this ghost story world, there's no way out, so there's no need for things to get ugly…!
"I told you I was determined to resign, and in the end you were persuaded and let me go, right?"
– Of course!
"What logic did you use to persuade him?"
That was…
"…I said I'd show him something more interesting."
– Ah, that's right. I was truly curious about the outcome of that promise…
– Of course, even if it turns out not to be interesting, this Good Friend will always protect you. Enjoying my friend's suffering is not what a Good Friend does!
"..."
What a peculiar way of speaking.
Come to think of it, this plushie-version of Braun is using language that feels much friendlier and more supportive, much more like he's on my side than when we spoke in the theme park.
Just like in the past.
'Now that he's been summoned into the Good Friend plush, is he bound by that rule again…?'
But unlike before, I could now be sure.
The other party is treating the Good Friend's restraint as a form of amusement.
Even though the restraint no longer served a purpose, he's acting this way out of a sort of nostalgia and willingness to play along… or something along those lines.
If things get boring, he might just break through the restraint and drag me back to work as a staff member at his talk show.
'…Thanks to Chief Lizard, I've become more vigilant.'
If I'm not careful, I could get swept up in the mood and become too attached to this Good Friend.
Right. I shouldn't take everything this 'Good Friend' says at face value.
I have to prevent a repeat of what happened last time.
"Right. Thank you. Then… Braun, is it okay if you go back into my front pocket for now?"
– Oh, I certainly wouldn't refuse that!
I barely managed to smoothly shift the topic and end the conversation with Braun.
Phew.
As soon as I put Braun into the front pocket of the top I was wearing, I let out a sigh of relief.
Still, there was a strange sense of stability, like I'd somehow gotten back on track.
For reference, the dokkaebi flame substituting as my right arm shook so badly when I tried to grab the plush toy with it, and I just ended up using my left arm.
'Since when did it take this much negotiation just to use my own body…' I feel like I'm reaching enlightenment.
"Is it over?"
"…Yes."
Fortunately, the lizard didn't do anything rash like snatching up the Good Friend plush and throwing him out the window.
Though he did stare at the bunny for a while.
'…If Braun could move right now, a fight clearly would've broken out.'
In a way, it was a relief things were as they were.
To clear the air, I spoke up again.
"Um, Section Chief. Then, if the reason you visited today was because you noticed this…"
"It is not."
Then what is it?
"Is there another reason?"
"Yes."
"One moment."
Huu.
I finally sat back down at the table and set out some simple snacks and coffee for Chief Lizard.
He accepted the coffee without hesitation, and I also drank mine across from him.
"I'd like to hear it now, please."
I was ready to listen.
…It even crossed my mind that this might be about the D-squad.
"Yes."
After swallowing a snack, packaging included, the lizard looked at me and spoke. It was an utterly unexpected topic.
"Mr. Roe Deer, during your last 'Cheerful Theme Park!' expedition, did you have a Dream Essence Collector with you?"
...
Hmm?
"The company didn't provide me with one."
"I see."
Right. I had been pretending to be part of the Security Team's special division.
Normally, the Security Team isn't given a collector because they're too contaminated. The collector only dispenses Dream Essence if it recognizes the user as human, and they can't pass that assessment.
But of course, I had brought one of my own.
An elite team collector.
The one I'd received from the Merch Box had, several times now, provided me with raw material so I could extract potions in the Dream Incubator.
'This exploration is supposed to be A-grade.'
Should I check it now?
I opened my mouth as I checked the elite team collector I'd stored in my inventory tattoo.
"But why are you asking about—"
The elite team collector was completely empty.
"..."
Huh?
"Mr. Roe Deer."
I carefully took out the collector again and checked to be sure, but still, nothing was inside.
'That's, strange.'
I definitely cleared the Darkness and escaped. That means the Dream Essence Collector should be full.
Why isn't it filled?
'Even if you clear the darkness, if the collector doesn't recognize you as human, it won't fill with essence…'
The phrase that just popped into my mind.
– The collector only dispenses Dream Essence if it recognizes the user as human, and they can't pass that assessment.
...
Wait a minute.
I'm not human, is that it?
I've been classified as a ghost story entity?
But…
'I'm still completely myself, aren't I?'
I didn't show any sudden or bizarre behavior like the time I went to the Fox Counseling Office.
So I feel like I'm maintaining my own sense of identity…
"Section Chief."
"Yes."
"Am I… contaminated?"
I met Chief Lizard's gaze.
He opened his mouth.
"Yes."
"...But I'm normal. It's different from when I went to the counseling office…"
"It's because you've been contaminated by a different Darkness."
...Ah.
'That… could be possible.'
That's when it happened.
A brilliant shaft of light descended from above.
I looked up without thinking, and there was the familiar notepad and message…
[Dark Exploration Records Real Merch Box]
– New merch unlocked! (!)
A special phenomenon I hadn't seen in a long time.
Almost unconsciously, I reached out and caught the item that dropped from the box.
A small silver music box.
"..."
It was the item I'd bought at the pop-up store.
Church of the Luminous Unknown Merch.
========================
Dark Exploration Records / Church of the Luminous Unknown / Items
Music Box of Praise
A replica of the music box acquired through a certain ritual at the Church of the Luminous Unknown.
It's said that the inside of the genuine article was engraved with the words 'Knowledge of the Truth is Power'.
If someone who has become assimilated with a ghost story listens to the melody of the music box, there is a chance they may regain their human rationality and sense of self.
However, if listened to repeatedly more than three times, it can instead lead to falling into madness and committing unpredictable and horrific acts. See usage records here.
Some claim this is merely a side effect of realizing the unknowable truths of this world, and that the music box's true usage only begins after listening more than three times.
As soon as the music box is closed, the melody is forgotten, and only the feeling remains, never to be recalled in your mind again.
Usage Requirement : One who has been granted the sacred scriptures of the Church of the Luminous Unknown, and has become assimilated.
========================
Here, 'assimilated' means those who have mutated so much within a ghost story that they can no longer be recognized as human, according to the Church of the Luminous Unknown's terminology.
So… the fact that I received this means.
I've met the item's usage requirements.
I've been completely contaminated by the ghost story.
And I'm aware of it.
"Mr. Roe Deer."
"..."
"If you still do not wish to visit the Fox Counseling Office, please nod your head."
This is driving me crazy.
"If you are unable to decide, please execute the alternative immediately."
That is…
"What is it?"
"Please take out the thank-you card you received from the Space Shopping Mall."
Reflexively, I did as he said.
A golden card popped out from my wrist, but Section Chief Lee Jaheon didn't so much as blink.
"Now, please take out the cell enclosed within the card."
A cell?
Was it referring to the gold chip, shaped like a SIM card, that had been enclosed inside the card?
"Place it under your tongue."
"..."
"Make sure the circuit is facing up, and press it under your tongue."
Normally, I would've hesitated and wasted more time.
But this time, a cold sense of crisis spurred me to act.
"Yes."
I pressed the 'cell' under my tongue.