MTL
From the glass wall, an animation began to flow.
'Oh no! I've been trapped in a weird prison! Where is this place? Ah-ha, it's inside a crystal cave in ■■ City? Thanks, Braun! What? You're even telling me how to escape? Thanks so much! We really are the best of friends!'
A miniaturized classical animation. The protagonist, dressed exactly as I am, converses with a rabbit doll. Strange. Very strange...
I turned my head, but the animation appeared there as well.
'Of course! Just break the glass marbles around me, kill the prisoners, and
lure out the guards!'
'...!'
The animation followed my gaze no matter where I looked as if it followed my gaz. It was appearing on every glass wall around me. 'There's such an easy way! You're amazing, Braun!'
The rabbit doll, sized exactly like the animated protagonist, cheerfully moved through the scenes explaining how to escape. How to move within glass marbles, torture guards, maps, and escape routes—all described with terrifying detail and chilling cruelty.
It was explained with the cheerful simplicity of a children's educational
animation.
Oh.
-That's right! Perfectly suits your preferences, doesn't it, Roe Deer? Great immersion effect! Wonderful indeed...
The excessively cute children's animation vividly depicted blood, screams, dismembered guards, and fleeing Disaster Management Bureau personnel. It ended with the animated "protagonist" and rabbit doll Braun high-fiving each other.
'Great! That's how you escape!'
The final line echoed, followed by clapping.
Clap, clap, clap.
The crisp sound of colliding gloves.
-Phew! A short but spectacular journey! What do you think, friend? Ready to escape as mini-Braun showed you?
"...."
A strong, dramatic, classical—and therefore more chilling—animation from the TV. I'm becoming accustomed to Braun's style, but there's one thing I've noticed.
-Oh, don't worry. As I've said, watching TV is an everyday activity!
'No.'
-Hmm?
I noticed the rabbit doll's shadow.
'You haven't violated the glass prison's rules in that way.'
-Oh?
Because...
'You're projecting the animation from outside the glass prison.' Just like when I talked with Agent Bronze standing outside. 'You got the idea from that, didn't you?' It circumvented the rules that way.
'You just staged it as if it were happening inside the prison to make it more shocking.'
After a brief silence:
-My goodness... Correct again, friend! Your keen eye and brilliant deductions are surely a magician's nightmare!
-What an outstanding talent! Every time I witness it, I feel amazed... However, that's not important now. I haven't heard your thoughts on the show yet!
"...."
-So, what do you think?
I finally spoke.
'There's something I'm curious about.'
-Oh? About the escape?
'No.'
That's not it.
What I wanted to know was—
'Just how much of my thoughts do you actually know?'
... ...
-Aha.
-Just enough needed for understanding between friends!
'I see.'
It was the kind of answer I expected. Since the late-night talk show incident, I'd realized that Braun was reading quite a bit of my mind. Possibly even things I casually thought about.
It seemed even the glass prison escape method animation was created based
on that.
However...
'That's the extent of it.'
-...Roe Deer, your tone feels somewhat absurd. Oh, ha-ha. Surely it's my misunderstanding. You can't mean Braun... doesn't understand his friend enough?
'No.'
A small laugh escaped my lips.
'I mean, you only understand exactly as much as you need.'
Selective understanding based on the most important criterion for himself:
'Entertainment.'
A cheerful voice responded:
-For an entertainer, nothing matters more! And this was indeed something you willingly promised. You explicitly said you'd entertain me... 'Right. But... I was mistaken about something.'
-Mistaken? Could you share what you mean?
I held back a sigh. Now I could see it clearly.
'I unconsciously thought you'd prioritize my situation over the joy of the show.'
Honestly, it was an absurd expectation.
I didn't know why I'd expect that from a strange talk-show host within a ghost story. But sharing so many secrets and events, and even escaping the talk show through agreement, had formed some irrational trust beyond rational judgment.
That vague feeling of "somehow it would be okay."
I'd even forgotten my own logic, "for the sake of a more entertaining show,"
that I'd repeatedly used to persuade him.
But after receiving help at critical moments, emotional bias was inevitable towards this "Good Friend."
It was a unilateral trust formed inductively.
'I won't expect that anymore.'
Frankly, saying this was pointless. I'd just be more careful.
Still...
This much was okay to say, right?
'Earlier, you said you felt disappointed? I felt similarly.'
... ...
-Oh dear.
Braun sighed.
-So that's it... I suspected as much. Alright. Roe Deer, you were deeply disappointed when I refused your help a few days ago.
Phew.
-What a misunderstanding! Braun only intended to give you the best possible assistance. Think about it carefully... His voice lowered.
-If I'd helped you directly at that moment, what would've happened? You would've disappeared like magic.
-Then you wouldn't have been able to continue your wonderful spy role and would've had to escape without context. I'm going crazy.
-Imagine all the stories you've built so far abruptly ending meaninglessly. Is
there a more futile conclusion than that? Is that really what you wanted? I
doubt it.
"Well..."
Just then, the Goblin Flame, previously stuck to the wall, approached.
Huh?
"What's wrong?"
I cautiously lifted it with one hand. It courageously stretched itself out, forming a gesture towards the rabbit doll.
1 thumbs-down. "...."
Then, hiding its head (probably) against my side.
-Oh, dear.
'Don't get angry. It's entertaining, right? Then you have to accept it.'
-....
'Sorry. But isn't it similar to what you said?'
It felt somewhat crazy, but openly saying this actually made me feel better.
'Anyway, that's all I wanted to say. Your actions weren't wrong.'
Braun's response was as expected, anyway.
From now on, I wouldn't be disappointed. I'd just be satisfied having a conversational partner who could probabilistically help. -...Friend. You don't trust me.
-Alright. Misunderstandings always accompany any relationship. I'll try to endure this as well...
There were several discontented footsteps, then silence.
That surprised me a little.
I didn't expect him to tolerate it.
'Maybe because there's more important things to focus on?'
-There's something more urgent than arguments between involved parties.
Watching my friend being confined in this small, stuffy room longer is not
pleasant.
Escape.
-Are you ready?
Hmm.
I stood up. Inside the small glass marble, a circular solitary confinement
room was visible. The escape method shown in the animation was already
vividly etched into my mind. Strangely, I now knew exactly how to cause
terrible havoc escaping from this notorious glass prison. It would surely be
an irregular event worthy of being recorded in the Record>.
But...
...
'No.'
I deliberated and reached my conclusion:
I'd choose the best method currently available.
-You can't possibly mean you're going to stay for interrogation?
... ...
'Actually, yes.'
I sat back in my chair.
'...I'll go through the interrogation.'
"...."
Agent Choi lowered his head.
Prisoner Number: 37-999
Name: Kim ■■ (Agent Name: Grapes)
Team: Black Tortoise Team 1, Dispatch Rescue Unit (Status: On Hold) Within his hands were the updated interrogation records. With each page turned, he saw the grim record of the past week.
Refusal to testify, declining health, and increasingly extreme interrogations.
But after that painful phase, a change began appearing...
Eventually leading here.
Day 8:
Prisoner status: Poor (Recovering)
Significant changes in the prisoner's attitude observed following the previous day's interrogation.
Non-cooperative behaviors, such as deliberately creating audiovisual disturbances or consistently refusing to respond, greatly decreased during questioning sessions.
Increased sleeping and eating durations closer to recommended amounts were noted. Observed engaging in activities such as caring for the Goblin Flame or checking on the doll he had been carrying (referred to as a friend). Change attributed to the introduction of a friendly agent as the new interrogator.
These changes began following Ryu Jaekwan's arrival.
Personal note by the investigator:
The prisoner appears to be regaining stability. It would be more efficient to draw out natural confessions rather than intensify the interrogation.
Most of the involved staff agreed unanimously with this assessment.
The records continued to accumulate in this trend.
Day 9:
Prisoner status: Poor (Recovering)
Special meal (beef rib soup) approved. The interrogator shared the same meal with the prisoner while conducting the session. The prisoner responded earnestly during questioning.
Admitted that his contamination marks originated from supernatural disasters experienced independently before joining the Disaster Management Bureau.
The imprisoned individual gradually began discussing more topics, suggesting deeper conversations with the interrogator.
Topics ranged from personal history and character, positive feelings
towards the Disaster Management Bureau, fear of supernatural disasters,
and feelings of relief and fulfillment experienced when rescuing civilians.
Thus, several more days passed—
Eventually reaching this point:
Day 12:
The prisoner testified to previously working at ■■■ Corporation.
Confirmed experiencing external coercion during the Disaster Management Bureau's recruitment process, and stated there were additional, separate objectives required to be achieved during employment.
However, it was established as truthful that an extremely powerful supernatural restriction, near-death in severity, was placed upon the prisoner, who had no intent to harm the Bureau. Additionally, no actual damage had occurred to the Bureau during their employment.
Confirmed the prisoner has a desire to continue working at the Bureau regardless of the initial reasons for employment. Interrogator reported these statements to higher authorities.
"...."
Agent Choi steadied his trembling hand briefly and flipped to the next page.
The final page:
Day 13:
Prisoner status: Good
Furthermore:
The testimonies secured during interrogation passed credibility testing.
Approved the release of Prisoner 37-999 (Agent Grapes) from confinement
and reinstatement as an agent.
Scheduled for release tomorrow.
And that tomorrow was precisely today.
Agent Choi closed the record.
He felt tension and relief intertwining across his weary face.
"He'll be out soon."
"Right."
"Please stop pacing."
Agent Choi stopped, but plans clearly formed in his mind.
'It isn't over yet.'
Given that he officially confessed that he was a spy, there would likely be tough procedures. It would be both a punishment and recognition of him continuing to be an agent.
Kim Soleum would undergo them as an agent of Black Tortoise Team 1...
'So I can help him.'
That was crucial.
That was what mattered.
Now, the person responsible for the glass prison would retrieve the marble containing Agent Grapes, remove the restriction, and hand him over to them.
Then they'd have an honest conversation about Daydream Corporation, and perhaps discuss the secrets, items, and abilities he'd concealed... 'We can handle all of that slowly.'
What was important now was that the interrogation had concluded successfully, and Kim Soleum had regained stability.
It had been a long and complicated journey, but they'd finally reached a successful conclusion.
Agent Choi released a deep breath of relief.
The stressful two weeks were finally over.
He couldn't count how many things he'd had to do to reach this point.
And...
"...Jaekwan."
"..."
"Thanks. You worked really hard."
Agent Bronze, who was sitting opposite him, nodded slightly.
Although the gesture was characteristically curt, Agent Choi sensed the subtle warmth of reconciliation behind it and quietly looked at his junior. A faint smile appeared on Agent Choi's face, gratitude and remorse mingling.
"First, we should all visit a hot spring. Seriously. I'll cover all the
expenses."
"Yes."
Just as he gently patted Ryu Jaekwan's back— Knock, knock.
"...!"
The door opened, and the prison attendant appeared.
"The confinement has been lifted."
"Then..."
"Yes. Agent Grapes is now waiting in the waiting room." "Thank you."
Agent Choi quickly shook the attendant's hand, then hurriedly moved his
feet.
"H-hold on a second—"
He already knew the waiting room's location. Agent Choi strode confidently into the cave, heading directly towards a marked iron door near the entrance.
Kim Soleum would be inside.
"..."
...But he still had no idea what he'd say first.
To be honest, he still didn't understand what exactly had happened.
'What was that all about, anyway?'
That bizarre laboratory, the appearance of the supernatural entity, everything was still unclear.
But he knew one thing for certain—on the night the restriction was placed,
Kim Soleum had tried to save him.
Even at the risk of his own life.
"..."
Therefore—
'I can just find out from now on.'
Agent Choi opened the iron door without hesitation. And...
The room was empty.
"Agent?"
Agent Choi froze only for a single moment before looking around the waiting room.
There was only a white and strangely removed item on the iron chair.
A neatly folded piece of paper lay on a metal chair.
Two words written on its front:
Resignation Letter.
Agent Choi picked it up. Small items fell onto the floor—candy, syringes, items clearly left behind.
And then, he unfolded the letter.
Written in a neat, careful handwriting:
Hello, Agent.
I sincerely apologize for everything that has happened.
I'm truly sorry.
That's how Agent Grapes' letter begins.