A gentle, warm sunlight dyes the rooftop gold.
A unique element of the Fox Counseling Room's interior.
A place where, even though there was surely nothing outside the window, the soft sunlight of a clear day always shone through the curtains.
A space prepared for the patients.
Click.
The door to the counseling room beyond the waiting room is wide open.
Unlike the waiting room, the counseling room inside usually had its door closed.
It was only opened to a person during a counseling session, or when the Counselor called their name, so I had only been inside a few times myself.
But it remains unchanged.
Whoooosh-
A comfortable space with a soft sofa, where a green garden can be seen beyond a large window.
The green leaves of the potted plant where the Fox Bead Fruits grow sway in the wind.
The Counselor, who was watching the scene with me, smiles.
He speaks in a relieved voice.
"Since there are many who have difficulty moving, the counseling room will come to greet them directly."
"..."
"Mr. Roe Deer. Is it alright for the patients to enter now?"
....
"Yes."
The full view of the Fox Counseling Room covers the rooftop.
Inside the torn cocoon, the gentle sunlight touches the mutated face of Kim Soleum.
Finally, I am fully revealed from within the cocoon.
I am taken out.
The citizens of Segwang Metropolitan City, clumped together and stuck to the lower half of that torso, the countless distorted forms of human bodies, all enter the Fox Counseling Room as if being gently embraced.
A hidden place, a small space for the contaminated, visited by knocking, belonging to the Counselor.
That space willingly accepted all those distorted things hidden beneath the rooftop as its visitors.
No.
As patients who will now be with it for a long time.
....
"Welcome."
Next to me,
the Counselor's form completely melts away.
Like wrapping paper stuffed with countless unbearable things, like a cloth bundle filled to the point of tearing, it distorts and bulges as the outlines of its contents are revealed.
It grows faint.
The ghost story of the Counselor, which had swallowed whole the influence of Kim Soleum inside the cocoon that 'rejects all ghost stories other than myself,' and the mass of Segwang citizens contaminated by it, was collapsing.
Unable to withstand that influence.
It blurs completely, like watercolor paint being diluted in water….
"Don't worry."
"..."
"Hmm, but now… I'm worried it will be difficult to accept existing patients. A moment will come when I'm… needed."
His voice fades.
As if it can no longer affect reality.
"…Don't worry."
I said with difficulty.
And I listen desperately.
"Based on their past counseling experience, everyone will find a way…."
"You're returning my own words to me again."
I hear the sound of laughter.
"That's right. And since I've made my choice, I will go to meet the moment I've been waiting for."
"..."
"Mr. Roe Deer."
The warm energy of the counseling room that had draped over the rooftop begins to disappear the moment the last citizen of Segwang Metropolitan City enters….
Ho Yuwon looks at me.
"Goodbye."
"..."
"No, perhaps that expression isn't appropriate. We will continue to conduct counseling together, after all."
"..."
"It's just that Mr. Roe Deer won't be able to perceive it in your current form."
I finally opened my mouth.
"If we pull them out of the counseling room even now…."
"Pardon? I can't give up on the client who needs help the most. Surely you didn't see me as that kind of Counselor, Mr. Roe Deer? That's truly sad…."
I took a deep breath.
A soft voice is heard faintly.
"I'm just kidding, actually..."
....
"I'm not sad."
Ho Yuwon smiled and held out his hand.
"Ho Yuwon's first patient, and… last patient."
"..."
I also held out my hand to meet his.
We shake hands.
"Thank you."
Ho Yuwon's form completely collapsed.
The Counselor's form, disappearing from beneath my grasp, is sucked into the counseling room and scatters….
Now, the door to the Fox Counseling Room closes.
Through the slowly closing door, maybe, just maybe… I thought I saw the shape of a small fox's tail as it took a step….
Click.
The Emergency Exit on the rooftop was gently locked.
All around became quiet.
The nameplate I had hung fell to the floor from the impact of the Emergency Exit closing, like an ordinary wooden decoration.
"..."
I caught it with both hands.
That nameplate, from which no mystery could be felt.
Fox Counseling Room
(CLOSED)
I flip it to the back.
-On long-term leave-
Thank you for everything.
"..."
I raised my head.
The sunset is shining.
A red and warm yellow light, as if it were the sunlight of the Fox Counseling Room, emerged from a gap in the clouds and draped over the rooftop.
Upon the broken dream incubator, upon the panel of the Potion Maker that had stopped working and turned off….
Inside the empty cocoon.
"..."
Segwang Metropolitan City.
The day of May 4th was ending.
'Ah.'
Below the rooftop, I can see the scenery of broken roads and sidewalks, a city devoid of people.
Everything was aging rapidly.
As if the past several years were pouring down all at once, the city catches up to the time outside.
But today, the contaminated citizens in this city will be safe even within the flow of time.
Because they will be receiving counseling in a safe state, without having to repeat their deaths, trapped again on May 4th.
By a Counselor who had desperately waited for that moment.
By a Fox.
"..."
"Mr. Roe Deer."
I turned my head.
I see the figure of a person with a Lizard's head opening the rooftop door and coming out.
"Manager."
That form, which had been a faceless Researcher, had returned to the familiar head of Section Chief Lee Jaheon.
"You've returned."
"Yes. I moved immediately after waking up outside the Special City."
Ah.
"…The blockade is being completely lifted."
"Yes. Cracks and fissures are currently forming, and there are over twenty points of entry."
Section Chief Lee Jaheon's gaze turns to the area below the rooftop.
"The blockade will soon disappear completely."
....
Segwang Metropolitan City will thus be reincorporated as a part of reality.
And….
'It's terminated.'
Finally, it was the end.
The liberation of the city.
I took a deep breath in and out.
"...You arrived very quickly, did you receive help from 'Us' ?"
"I am 'Us'."
So that's back too.
"However,"
I turned my head.
The corners of the Lizard's snout are slightly raised.
"existing as a separate entity from 'Us' was a unique experience."
"It was.…Truly."
I feel my state, which had been swallowed by the Resort, slowly stabilizing.
My melting body regains its form.
And I, as a person who had been completely covered by the Golden Flower Mascot, also regain my identity.
Despite the identity and pressure of the overgrown Mascot, my identity maintains a precarious balance.
As if someone is observing my condition and constantly calming me down.
Even if the consciousness of the Good Friend, onto which madness is not projected, cannot know it.
As if I could feel that someone is surely conducting a counseling session with me even now.
"It was a… unique experience."
I carefully put the Fox Counseling Room's nameplate into my pocket.
I recognized the inventory function of the tattoo was back, but I chose not to use it....
....
No.
'Let's not get too swept up in it.'
I survived.
I am recovering thanks to someone.
Realizing that deep in my heart is the proper attitude for now.
I took a deep breath and spoke in a slightly brighter voice.
"…Are the other team members alright? I mean the Assistant manager and the Agent."
"Yes. All said personnel have shown signs of waking up."
"...! That's a relief."
Truly, it was a relief….
A deep sense of relief spreads.
'Now I should probably let the people out of Resort No. 2.'
Of course, as a Mascot, I knew that everyone was doing well….
I clenched my empty hand that had been holding the counseling room nameplate until just a moment ago and looked down.
Section Chief Lee Jaheon, who had watched me put the nameplate in my pocket intently, asks.
"Did Director Ho reach this place?"
"...Yes."
I said quietly.
"The Extinction-class supernatural disaster of Segwang Metropolitan City was terminated by Ho Yuwon."
"..."
"..."
"I see."
The Lizard replies.
"However, the fact that Director Ho was able to arrive here is due to your influence, Mr. Roe Deer."
"..."
"This attempt is an extremely exceptional case of Darkness Termination that occurred through Mr. Roe Deer's choice and effort."
I managed to reply in a small voice.
"Yes."
I swallow a lump in my throat.
And I try to speak in a calm voice again.
"Me, and the Fox Counseling Room, will probably be difficult to visit from now on. It has taken on a very… large-scale group of patients. It says it's closing its doors. The previous method of entry won't work anymore."
No matter how many times I hang the nameplate and open the door, the waiting room of the Fox Counseling Room with its warm sunlight will not appear….
"I see. That confirms why I was in an external space and not the Long-Term Inpatient Room when I awoke."
"…I see."
So in the midst of all that, he let out all the patients he was originally 'storing' in the inpatient room.
This is it.
"Well, as the Director in charge of the Project, Ho Yuwon wasn't the most comfortable direct superior."
I said in a bright voice.
"But he was a really great Counselor for his patients, wasn't he?"
....
"Yes."
The wind sweeps through my hair.
The empty shell of the cocoon is gradually breaking apart and disappearing from the rooftop.
I have a gut feeling.
Now, when I leave this city, this ghost story will completely disappear from this spot.
And….
"Director Ho's Project is over, then."
I said, looking back at Section Chief Lee Jaheon.
"Because the person in charge, the Daydream executive, is gone, and the Darkness to be explored is also gone."
"Yes."
But I wasn't disappointed by any of it.
No….
I don't know.
A poignant sadness, one I can't tell if it's relief or loneliness, spreads in my heart.
I try to think of good things.
Things to be relieved about.
'Are Yeongeun's parents safe?'
I really hope so. No, now that I think about it, Yeongeun ran out of the Resort as soon as I opened the gate for her.
She's probably on her way to find her parents' whereabouts right now.
I can see people who were hiding coming out from all over the buildings.
Everyone will go back home.
Home.
....
Can I go home now?
If I get out of here and the Dream Essence Liquid is successfully extracted, and I can make the 'Children's Paradise Syrup' with it, can I go home….?
'There's a usable dream incubator.'
And I have the Pop-socket that will be my button.
A small hope springs forth.
[Oh, hope is like a wellspring of endless motivation. Congratulations, Friend!]
…!
'Braun!'
[Just arrived at your newly opening resort, oh, you've prepared an early admission ticket for me. Friend, the monocle is a charming touch that suits you well.]
I perceive the sound of the Host's dress shoes from somewhere, and the Mascot's intention to specially provide a personal monorail for this distinguished guest, welcoming him.
And a feeling of gratitude toward the being who helped me this far.
'…Thank you.'
[My pleasure, Mr. Roe Deer!]
A gentleness settles in my heart.
I hear the sound of two hands in gentleman's gloves lightly dusting their palms and boarding the monorail….
Now, when the Agents arrive at the rooftop, I'll hand things over and leave here….
[Now…. Friend.]
Huh?
[The time has come to remember what you have forgotten.]
....
Forgotten?
[Hmm. That word seems overly serious. Right, the expression 'slipped my mind' would be more fitting!]
[Like after watching a deeply moving movie, you head home completely soaked in the afterglow, having forgotten about your dinner plans for that day.]
[And you realize on the subway. 'Oh no! I had plans!']
What does that mean?
[Now, since the emotional climax has passed, let's think.]
[Let's re-examine the hints you've been given at this ending point!]
....
....
"Manag– er."
"Yes."
"About the Project ending… I mean."
"Yes."
....
"Then, are the Project employees now in a state of having no job title or affiliation at the company?"
If so.
"Do we have to… return, to our original jobs?"
That's the answer.
I screamed and looked up.
GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE. GAZE.
A giant pupil.
A giant eye in the sky of Segwang Metropolitan City is looking down at me. The eye that peeks at me through the contract is there.
A giant vertically slit pupil black thing glistening flame. Sooooooo many pupils look at me
An amused eye!
Oh dear.
Dragon.
I've received the report that the project manager has disappeared, and the source of supply, the Darkness, has disappeared.
In that case, the duties you were assigned in Director Ho's Project are also finished.
No….
Gwang-cheol.
And it seems the reason the Dream Essence supply for that project disappeared in the first place, the party at fault is….
Countless joyfully curved pupils look at me from within th- th- those eyelids.
You.
You will be held liable for damages.
Ah.
Now, come back and undergo the disciplinary action procedures.
I will calculate and bill you a very generous and reasonable amount.
I am forced to return by a great force of gravity by a contract that I cannot refuse! This time, this time too, I'm caught in the same trap and will become 130666….
No, it would be better to come as a person for now.
Since you have to bring back the Dream Essence Liquid.
"Heup."
I-I-I try to maintain a human form and mind. I return, mushy and floppy. For a moment, I can do it. I gasp for breath and collapse on the rooftop, still in human form.
'Resist,'
Can I?
What can I do? What do I have?
Calm down, how do I calm down? No, there must be something I can do. A hint, a hint, the information given so far, about me, about Director Cheong....
....
Ah.
I,
realize.
"No."
Hm?
"I cannot follow your words."
I say with difficulty.
"Because I've found out."
I raise my head.
I remembered.
What Ho Yuwon had said.
-Director Cheong probably places this company's rules as her highest priority.
Right.
Director Cheong is a being who only cares about the rules of Daydream.
"You prioritize the company regulations, the rules of this Daydream, above all else."
And fittingly, the employment contract was terrifyingly powerful.
But.
"That's why you overlooked it."
That no matter how powerful a contract is, there can be a precondition that takes precedence over it.
That there is an undeniable logic, just as a fish cannot breathe out of water no matter how hard it tries.
"But before I made an employment contract with you, there was already a law that I had no choice but to prioritize on an ontological level."
That is….
....
"The Good Friend."
"I am, in essence, a Good Friend of the Cheerful Research Institute."
A truth that cannot be denied even if I tried.
Because I am a Good Friend of the Cheerful Research Institute, I cannot do anything that would harm the Cheerful Research Institute.
I am a 'Good Friend' in the first place because I am that kind of being.
Just as Braun, who was projected through the Good Friend, acted in a way that was advantageous and favorable to me.
All of it was a terrible restriction, a brutal truth.
A desperate fact that was burning my brain until just a moment ago.
However.
[There are two sides to everything, Friend.]
I look at the countless pupils.
"You betrayed the Cheerful Research Institute, didn't you?"
The Cheerful Research Institute will hate Cheong Dallae, and will never try to cooperate with her.
"Now that I know that fact, it means that I am, in essence, a being who is incapable of cooperating with you."
Therefore.
"As long as I am a Good Friend, your employment contract is null and void."
....
....
Hoooh.
The sky tears apart.
Fire and brimstone and famine rain down. I feel Section Chief Lee Jaheon catch my body as I'm pushed back and about to fall over the edge of the rooftop, forcing me into a sitting position. All pain in my body disappears and my senses are overwhelmed
An interesting argument.
Something…
is coming out
Then shall I try making you not a Good Friend?