Team Hyumoo 1 and Deputy Manager Eun Haje, and I.
The Disaster Management Bureau, which had permitted this group's outing, had set similar conditions to last time, but their attitude was quite different.
'It seemed like they were trying to figure out the Supernatural Entity Management Act.'
It's similar to offerings.
Rather than checking if I was safe to send outside, it felt more like helping an elderly person from the countryside come out for a stroll in the city.
Or, a filial piety tour….
-Have fun sightseeing in Seoul! But please refrain from giving pocket money to passing children with theme park funds….
...Hmm. Recalling the words of the Sumaeksae Agent assigned to me, it really seems like it.
Of course, I have no intention of doing something crazy like scattering Pleasant Coins to passersby.
The problem is that even without that, I'm making choices that would likely make the Disaster Management Bureau flip out if they knew.
Namely….
Exploring a colossal Extinction-class Disaster sealed by the Disaster Management Bureau, by bringing in Director Baekilmong.
"Noruya, so… you're saying you'll include Director Ho in the exploration?"
Positive.
We cannot expect help from the Disaster Management Bureau for the Segwang Metropolitan City exploration.
And yet, we'll receive help from Baekilmong?
'It doesn't seem like the situation will turn out well at all.'
They'll probably just research how to extract Dream Weave from Segwang Metropolitan City.
But at the same time, since I am bound to that company, I need a way to ensure freedom of movement.
Thus, to satisfy all conditions, this sentence emerges.
·A third party with a purpose, exerting influence over Baekilmong.
Ultimately, it is Ho Yuwon.
Of course, he probably proposed it confidently because he knows that himself….
"…Will it be alright? I have to do as I'm told working under that guy… but the agents will obviously not like it."
"Ah, what problem is it if we don't like it!"
Agent Choi replied with a laugh.
But he's probably not genuinely happy.
"The problem is that it could lead to big trouble."
"..."
"Grapes-ie. You've already experienced it, haven't you?"
There is a certainty in the agent's words, who almost died by Ho Yuwon's hand, that makes it impossible to refute.
However, I also have something to rely on.
Variable:
Ho Yuwon's desperation.
"…!"
The conditions are different from back then.
'We are probably the only ones who have actually entered and returned from Segwang Metropolitan City.'
He must be that desperate.
Even though it's a situation where he could afford to wait more leisurely since there are no other candidates besides himself, Ho Yuwon didn't stay still and butted in as soon as we gathered and brought up the related topic.
Even if he was watching through Deputy Manager Eun Haje, one thing is certain.
He is so desperate that he's willing to let me place restrictions on him.
And.
When the desperate and the objective align:
Possibility of betrayal ▼
"..."
"Well, that's true. As they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend."
Of course, Deputy Manager Eun Haje, glancing at the cafe's smoking room with a look that suggested she craved a cigarette, muttered that he's a disgusting fellow to be considered a true comrade.
"In any case, I don't think it's bad to use what we can. Hmm… that guy probably has connections in the Disaster Management Bureau too."
"Of course. He does."
…!!
"It seems you've finally made up your mind. Everyone."
A group of office workers passed by our table with coffee.
One person walking in the middle turned back and spoke to us with a smile.
"Hello?"
The cafe, near the end of lunch break, was crowded with office workers, and as if one person had seamlessly disappeared without anyone noticing, the group of office workers left outside as if entranced.
"..."
"..."
Ho Yuwon.
The person who appeared like a lie sat at our table with a smile, as if he were part of the group.
"To talk about me without me… that's hurtful."
"Well, they say you can curse the king when he's not around, so please overlook this much. It's not a full-blown curse."
"Of course. Deputy Manager Eun Haje."
And turning to me, Ho Yuwon put on a sad face.
"Actually, you've cursed me to my face several times already, but I was too scared to retort…."
Why on earth is he acting like this?
[Good heavens, how hypocritical.]
[But he does seem excited. He must have been desperately wanting to work with Mr. Noru!]
That… might be true.
"What do you think, Mr. Noru?"
....
"I trust you won't miss a good opportunity because of agents worrying about their affiliated organizations…."
....
There seems to be a misunderstanding.
Exploration team members:
Excluding Disaster Management Bureau agents.
"…!"
"…What?"
I have no intention of exploring with the agents.
I can't let them receive undue suspicion.
I only brought up the topic here to clarify, as I was worried about what might happen next or wanted to investigate separately.
"…You."
"Hmm. Surely public officials have a harder time taking time off, don't they? And it's hard to hide from the Disaster Bureau."
Deputy Manager Eun Haje nodded as if she understood.
"But Noruya, your choice of words… it would be hurtful to say unnecessary, wouldn't it? If you were human, that is."
....
"…No."
…!
"I know you said that out of consideration for my circumstances as an agent."
Agent Cheongdong.
The agent, whose eyes were darker under his eyes from days of deep thought over this unprecedented situation, looked at me and spoke silently.
The conclusion he seemed to have already reached.
"…However, excluding agents from a rescue operation is not a good choice. In the first place, both the supernatural disaster and the passage into it were under the jurisdiction of the Bureau."
Segwang Metropolitan City and the Well.
"Ultimately, once the work is finished, we will have to cooperate with the Disaster Management Bureau for safety. Moreover…."
A firm light shone in Agent Cheongdong's hardened eyes, and he exchanged glances with Agent Choi.
Agent Choi smiled faintly.
"Grapes-ie. If your companion is trapped in a supernatural disaster, it's harder not to participate in the rescue."
Ah.
"Let's go together."
....
....
Acceptance.
Exploration team members added: Team Hyumoo 1 agents x 2.
"You made the right decision."
Agent Choi's voice, with a hint of playfulness returning, tapped my horn-mounted goblin as if to encourage me.
"And, Hubae. Without us, how would you plan to impose the restriction?"
Ho Yuwon's smile deepened. Agent Choi smiled back.
"The Bureau has about nine hundred types of restriction spells they can cast on a supernatural pest, so why go through the trouble of looking for another?"
"I'd rather die than receive a restriction from the Disaster Management Bureau."
"Oh? Then we can't work together."
"Well. In that case, wouldn't you be the one leaving the team? Unfortunately, it seems you barely managed to join as it is."
"Oh, so the day Director becomes officially registered as a supernatural disaster will come sooner~?"
Hmm.
Actually, I had something prepared for that as well.
I took out what I had prepared from my inventory tattoo.
A rolled-up paper. Its contents were….
Employment Contract
I accept with deep emotion and joy my employment in the Flower Golden Resort mascot team and pledge to dedicate my existence for the cheerful and safe exploration of ■■■■ City.
The employer must agree to the employee's request for resignation, and all actions that intentionally threaten the safety of team members must be avoided.
Employer:
Employee:
"…!"
It's a resort employment contract.
'Since I could take out Pleasant Coins, I figured I could use powers like this too.'
It's one of the few advantages of becoming something other than human.
As a mascot, as the owner of the resort, I can act without worrying about contamination.
Now I could even modify the wording to sound more plausible. Although I still had to manually delete the mandatory clauses, this was sufficient as a recommended contract.
Therefore….
Target: Ho Yuwon.
You are to become my Familiar.
"...Are you forcing contamination upon me? You're too cruel, Mr. Noru…."
I wish you wouldn't tremble with such whining, even though you're not human….
And also.
Mutual contractual relationship:
Equal footing.
Since I am also bound to Baekilmong, I cannot exercise life-or-death authority over Director Ho Yuwon as an employer.
In other words, it's a position that allows us to maintain a good distance from each other.
[What a generous offer, Mr. Noru! Will this person not enjoy the privilege of employment stability at the resort even after the exploration ends?]
[However, I, Brown, am concerned about my friend's business. Hiring someone like this cunning individual who seems to only scheme would undoubtedly harm the resort's dignity.]
That… it's fine. I will dismiss him immediately after the exploration.
'And we'll cut ties without looking back….'
This was purely a measure for safety.
So, I deliberately added a clause at the bottom of the contract where it would be clearly visible.
Official employment period:
Until the end of the special exploration project.
"…You're quite humane."
To be honest, I thought Ho Yuwon would struggle a bit more.
I expected some back-and-forth, maybe a few threats, and then it would proceed, but….
"Alright."
…!
Ho Yuwon picked up the antique golden pen that was placed on the resort counter and that I offered.
And wrote.
Employer:
Employee: Ho Yuwon.
The pen was returned.
"Now, it's Mr. Noru's turn."
I also took the pen.
And the moment I signed the employer section, just like before, the employment contract turned golden and was bound to me.
"..."
"..."
Thus, the employment relationship was reversed once.
"Agent Grape."
Of course.
"What… did you just do?"
It wasn't something a normal person would do.
"Isn't that an action that accelerates contamination?"
....
Current state: Stable.
"Please explain in more detail. For the past few days, you've been like this…"
"Jaegwan-ah."
That is.
Inability to form sentences.
Please understand.
"…!"
Actually… although my mind has recovered, speaking like a human is no longer possible.
Forming natural spoken sentences with smoke felt as vague and difficult as trying to do calculations in a dream.
'…I wonder if it will recover if I stay like this.'
I'm a little anxious in case it stays like this forever, but I'm trying to calm my mind by relying on the bubble.
Apology for discomfort and strangeness.
"No! That's,"
"Wait, just a moment."
Agent Choi intervened.
"Grapes-ie. When you went to see our Team Leader, did you feel discomfort and strangeness because you only saw him in dreams?"
....
Denial.
"Right?"
He patted my shoulder.
"It's like that."
I nodded.
"I said that out of concern. There's no other intention. Right, Cheongdong-ah?"
"…Of course."
Gratitude.
Deputy Manager Eun Haje, sitting next to me, smiled bitterly as she watched this, then gave my back a strong pat.
"You rascal. Well, since the story seems to be settled… let's consider this the start of the exploration team's outing."
"Ooh."
The sound of applause echoed softly on the table.
And Ho Yuwon, with a face that looked like he was about to demand immediate re-entry into Segwang Metropolitan City, opened his mouth to speak, but….
There is something that must come first.
Proposal: Recruit additional personnel for the exploration.
This was a major factor in accepting him into the team.
If we go like this, we'll all likely die together again and wake up with aftereffects in the Bureau's main building.
"Ah, right."
Deputy Manager Eun Haje asked heartily.
"Director, can you spirit away Section Chief D?"
"Are you referring to Section Chief Lee Ja-heon?"
"Yes. That person. He's so famous, you know his abilities, right? He'll definitely be needed for the exploration."
Deputy Manager Eun Haje must have expected a reaction like, 'Is he needed for the Segwang Metropolitan City exploration? Then of course, I'll kidnap him right away.'
However.
"Hmm… that might be a bit difficult."
"Yes?"
"It seems Mr. Lee Ja-heon hasn't been able to get out of the last darkness he entered."
"...!!"
As expected.
Question: Attempted rescue?
"Ah, of course, you thought the company would consider a rescue, right? Mr. Lee Ja-heon is a capable employee."
Naturally.
But to hint at this means….
"However, it seems it has been judged impossible for now."
Ha.
Question: Reason.
"They say that darkness can no longer be entered using the existing methods."
…!
"Thanks to that, the company has lost a source of C-grade Dream Weave, so they are disappointed."
Wait a minute.
So… they're planning to just discard that darkness entirely?
Deputy Manager Eun Haje's urgent voice could be heard.
"Are you giving up on it completely?"
"It would have been handed over to the research team… but if the grace period runs out, then perhaps so."
....
Request: More detailed information available immediately.
"Hmm… Ah. Right. Among the employees who last explored that darkness with Section Chief Lee Ja-heon, there is someone you know, Mr. Noru."
Huh?
"The one who wore the Goat mask."
...!
'Baek Saheon!'
That evening.
Citizen-nim
I intend to give you the promised item.
Where should I deliver it?
I apologize for being late.
You said you couldn't give it.
Look here.
Are you from a cult?
Yes. Just recently.
I succeeded in escaping.
Thank you for your concern.
Concern, my foot.
Anyway.
Then, give me the item.
How should I deliver the item?
If it's small,
Put the item inside the paper,
And fold the paper boat back.
Yes.
After item transmission.
Are you playing with me?
What, a string that clears your mind?
I have that too, lol.
I'm sorry.
I had to get it in a hurry as soon as I got out.
It seems it wasn't very good after all.
Please just accept it as a gift.
It's okay if you don't return it.
Don't get ahead of yourself.
I had no intention of returning it in the first place.
Well, this time too,
Are you contacting me because you have something to ask?
Perhaps regarding a specific supernatural disaster?
It seems to be darkness that your company handled.
This is absurd.
Is that even possible? lol.
Are you kidding me? A public official asking about company information?
I'm sorry.
A few minutes later.
It's fine. This company doesn't care about this sort of thing anyway.
Yes?
They don't even catch you if you steal items and resell them. They have no system.
What darkness are you curious about?
Oh.
'This works again.'
I read the text with a newfound gaze.
It seems Baek Saheon is also at an age where the initial excitement of working for a large corporation is wearing off.
And Baekilmong is no exception to the common grievances of all office workers.
'They really lack system in their work….'
Though, a company that pushes its employees into ghost stories and grinds them down might not have had one from the start….
'No, perhaps pushing them into ghost stories created a strange illusion of mysticism.'
Either way, I'm grateful it worked. It seems they want to continue the transaction.
'Was saying the item wasn't great also a way to haggle a bit?'
It was an item that Ho Yuwon distributed like supplies to project members, and I managed to get one. Anyway….
You asked,
Don't make people wait.
Okay.
It's said to be a supernatural disaster set in a certain boarding school.
Have you entered such a supernatural disaster recently?
Surprisingly, a response came back immediately.
The crazy school where they receive Groom's Class?
…?!
Why? If it's a place that makes you sick by pretending to be chaste despite being darkness, I've been there.
Wait a minute.
Groom's Class?
'If it's there….'
I realized what ghost story Baek Saheon was talking about.
And then I realized.
'Ah!'
Why Section Chief Lee Ja-heon couldn't get out…!
A few days later.
Question: Location of the crazy boarding school receiving Groom's Class.
"…!?"
With Ho Yuwon's help, I managed to extract all the information about that darkness and the Security Team's current situation from Kwak Jegang.
'Got it.'
And thus, I devised a method of entry.
To go and rescue Lee Ja-heon.