Chapter 120
Chapter 120
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: Even If I Fall Into a Ghost Story, I Still Have to Go to Work
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Click.
The archaic television set hums to life with a faint static buzz.
The empty dark screen spreads across my vision, gripping my thoughts entirely.
Looking away is no longer an option.
I am forced to watch.
A lively, classical symphonic melody begins to play in the background.
Then, a gray-toned video begins to roll.
Starring: Kim Soleum
A worn-out salaryman in his late twenties, dressed in a plain dark suit.
In some scenes, he sits hunched over a desk, filling out paperwork with a pale, exhausted expression. In others, he wears a bizarre horned mask, barely dodging fatal traps as he navigates terrifying supernatural occurrences.
It is undeniably my own face.
Are you feeling completely drained?
Worn down to the bone?
Suffering from endless tasks, harsh demands, and toxic workplace politics?
Are you living in constant anxiety, unable to trust a soul, terrified of when your next fatal mistake might occur?
When the pressure builds up, the best remedy is to sit back and enjoy a fresh, entertaining program!
I watch the screen depict my own routine: returning to my cramped company apartment and collapsing in front of the television. I try to quiet my racing pulse by watching simple children's cartoons. Yet the animated show ends far too quickly, as children's programs always do.
I sit motionless in the dim room, staring at the blank screen for a long time before retreating to my bed to try and force myself to sleep.
Do you dread the moment the screen goes dark?
Are you terrified of the next morning arriving?
Do you loathe returning to a daily grind that slowly suffocates you with panic, stress, and misery?
Does thinking deeper only make you feel more cornered, as though every exit has been sealed?
Are you pushing through this unbearable suffering simply because you believe there is no other path?
"......"
I... I...
We have the solution for people exactly like you!
Stay calm. Take a slow, deep breath.
An ideal alternative,
A brand-new path has opened before your eyes!
Ba-bam!
On screen, a sharp spotlight focuses on my bedroom door.
The door swings open with dramatic flair, revealing a figure in a tailored brown suit whose head has been replaced by an old television set.
It is the host of the show.
The exact solution you've been searching for!
I scramble out of bed, grasp the host's hand, and smile with immense relief. Without a second thought, I hurl the horned mask and my heavy briefcase out the window.
With a simple snap of the host's fingers, the dreary company housing crumbles to dust, giving way to a brilliant, glowing studio stage.
The host and I stand under the bright lights, wearing joyful expressions.
Fictional scenarios weave effortlessly into my real memories, striking my mind with a vivid, disorienting sense of realism.
It feels entirely indistinguishable from actual events.
Our new talk show host is quick-witted, charismatic, full of humor, and always ready to understand your heaviest worries!
Simply accept this generous offer from the presenter you personally invited, and watch your life transform.
It is an opportunity so perfect that no one could possibly turn it down.
Prepare yourself for a brand-new beginning!
"No."
No, I...
I have to go home...
Oh dear!
Is homesickness holding you back from your potential?
The scene shifts abruptly.
The person on screen is still me, but not from some past memory.
It is the current version of me.
Staring straight into the glass display.
Our eyes meet.
Face-to-face.
Starring: You
I look at the television, which reflects my current state like a mirror.
However, the version of me on the screen looks miserable, his face contorted as if he is on the verge of breaking down in tears.
No, that can't be right. I'm not making that face right now... am I? Am I actually frowning like that? Stop! A wave of dizziness washes over me. I press both hands against my face, trying to ground myself.
My vision goes dark.
Yet the television screen remains perfectly clear.
Below my reflection, a caption appears:
Why do you constantly pine for home?
Do you simply crave the relief of escaping a stressful, demanding environment?
Do you weep at night, longing for a peaceful sleep free from terror and nightmares?
Do not be afraid.
The most spectacular talk show is waiting for you!
"No..."
This is a personal message intended solely for you—the viewer:
The staff members of this magnificent show have no faces. You will never feel uncomfortable around strangers. No awkward social encounters. It is the perfect workplace.
Join us today!
"This is complete madness."
Faceless coworkers? Who would ever want that? I certainly wouldn't—
In this environment, no one has to struggle with hiding who they truly are. And neither should you, dear viewer.
Feel free to show the world your true self!
Your natural talents and unique ideas will flourish in this unparalleled position. The legendary host has turned away countless candidates just to save this spot for you!
"......"
It is a role so incredibly appealing that anyone would accept it.
Welcome to your new home!
"No, that's a lie!"
He is deliberately repeating the word "home." He is using my desire to return against me.
But a new house is not what I want. I have never wanted that.
What I want...
My only wish... is to return to my original world, the familiar place I belong. That specific world.
A world where I don't have to fear being cornered by creatures on the street. A place where scary stories are merely fiction. My friends and family are waiting for me there.
And I must remember!
I still hold the silver ring in my hand right now.
I can fight this influence. I can hold on.
The person smiling on the television screen is not me.
I am not laughing.
You will find happiness.
In your new home.
I won't let my mind be swayed.
I am going back to where I truly belong.
"This place is not my home."
I am enduring this work to find a way back, and I will never abandon that purpose.
In your new home.
This twisted talk show is not my home.
This twisted talk show is not my home.
THIS TWISTED TALK SHOW IS NOT MY HOME!!
[Hmm.]
Technical adjustments are currently underway...
The glass screen of the television shattered instantly.
"Hah..."
I gasped for air, collapsing onto the floor.
The cold tiles of the narrow train bathroom anchored me back to reality. At least, that was how it felt.
[I understand, Mr. Soleum.]
A second later, I found myself standing in a warm, welcoming studio.
No, this space had always been a studio from the start.
However, the small, quiet room was completely empty of an audience. Two plush armchairs were positioned opposite each other.
Standing right in front of me was the TV-headed host, offering his hand with a polite, serious demeanor.
[My, you look incredibly tense... Why don't we take a seat first? Let's straighten your clothes, clean up the blood, and discuss this in a calmer manner.]
[It appears the promotional message was a bit too intense for my friend, both physically and mentally.]
Gentle piano chords began to float through the air.
[I pushed a bit too hard, didn't I? After all, you aren't accustomed to the media industry. Let's take a moment to collect our thoughts.]
With a wave of the host's hand, a steaming mug materialized on the table between our chairs.
...Hot chocolate.
[Ah, do you recall? This is the beverage I always suggested whenever you were feeling drained, Mr. Roe Deer. Chocolate! A warm, sweet drink is always the best remedy for a weary body...]
A smiling emoticon flashed on the television display, and its antennae twitched slightly, as if in high spirits.
He quickly stirred a few marshmallows into the drink.
[Though this is the first time I've been able to serve it to you myself. Back when I was merely a plush toy, I had to rely on others for these small tasks.]
"......"
[There were so many limitations to that form. Now, come. Let's take a proper rest.]
Under his soft persuasion, I found myself sinking back into the armchair.
...Mainly because there was no alternative.
Surprisingly, the host did not try to press his advantage. He didn't force me to take the drink, nor did he make any sudden gestures.
While I quietly wrapped a bandage around my arm to stem the bleeding, the host simply waited in patient silence.
[Are you feeling a bit more composed, Mr. Roe Deer? Take a slow, deep breath... Let's talk openly.]
The host folded his hands and leaned forward slightly from his seat.
[You've made it quite clear that you have no intention of resigning from your current position. Is that correct?]
"......"
I gave a slow nod, cold sweat dampening my back.
The antenna on the television set tilted slightly in curiosity.
[That is truly fascinating... especially since you absolutely detest this job, Mr. Roe Deer!]
"...!"
[We have spoken about this many times. I have listened to countless complaints about how much you loathe this work and how you never want to look back once your task is complete.]
But that was only because I had to endure the path to reach my goal. To claim the wish ticket and return home, I had to keep moving forward.
[Just a moment.]
[Yes, Mr. Roe Deer, that is the exact point I wanted to address!]
[My friend—you insist that you desperately wish to return home. But in truth...]
The host leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.
[I understand the real reason behind your longing for home, Mr. Roe Deer.]
Why would anyone need a complex reason to want to go home? I braced myself for the illogical arguments he was about to present. I would let him speak his mind and let the moment pass.
[Oh, this might be quite shocking, but please remain calm.]
His voice grew even softer, drawing me in and forcing me to focus on his words.
[It is because...]
I found myself leaning forward slightly, straining to catch every syllable.
[...you don't actually want to go back.]
......
What?
[Deep down, you're already aware of this, aren't you?]
[You are letting two powerful emotions cloud your judgment, leading to confusion and bias.]
[Fear and desire.]
What is he talking about...?
[Oh, Mr. Roe Deer... You don't actually miss your old home, nor do you believe it was truly perfect. You are simply terrified and exhausted by the trials you face here.]
"......!"
[Tell me, Mr. Roe Deer, do you truly hate the fact that the stories you once enjoyed have come to life?]
[Did you feel absolutely no excitement when you saw the things you once imagined taking form in reality? Is it truly absolute hatred that you feel?]
I don't...
It's not that I hate it, but the danger of this place is simply too terrifying.
[Danger! A very common and reasonable excuse. But let us look at the facts, Mr. Roe Deer.]
The old television screen serving as the host's head buzzed with static.
[Is the world you wish to return to truly a safe haven?]
A series of grim, monochrome news broadcasts flickered across the screen.
[Conflict, poverty, environmental collapse, illness... and countless other tragedies. Misfortune can strike anyone, and your original home is no exception.]
[In any reality, we have no control over which disasters might occur. Unless, of course, it's part of a television broadcast!]
But that's...
[Oh, you already know this deep down. Your original world and this place are not as different as you think.]
[Does it truly matter if the threats are fictional entities or real-world disasters? The only constant is your suffering.]
Braun held up his hand, folding his fingers down one by one as he listed the points.
[Death that strikes without warning? Tell me, is there any place where mortality gives you a polite notice beforehand? It is equally terrifying regardless of the world.]
[The peace you seek in that other world is incredibly fragile. It could end in an instant at the whim of some distant figure...]
[Ultimately, isn't this entirely a matter of your own subjective perspective, Mr. Roe Deer?]
I stared blankly at the screen.
[And subjective experiences are not truth. They are merely your own colored perceptions.]
[Let go of your preconceptions, my friend.]
That... that can't be right...
......
......
Is it?
I felt a logical contradiction somewhere, but my muddled thoughts were too slow to form a proper argument.
His words carried an unsettling weight of truth.
But surely, my desire to return isn't just a simple misunderstanding.
[That is perfectly fine. Acceptance is a gradual process. This Braun is always ready to talk things through with you... just like we've always done!]
[Let's take this conversation a step further. Let's examine the core of the issue.]
Braun's tone became incredibly gentle as he asked:
[What is it that you truly desire, Mr. Soleum?]
[Let's put aside the concept of 'returning home' for a brief moment.]
......
What do I actually...
No, wait.
How does he possess such detailed knowledge about my circumstances?
He is reading my thoughts as they happen.
How deep does this link go? How much of my mind has he mapped out? If he already knows my next thoughts, is there any point in resisting? Is there any way out of this room?
Wait. Can he hear this thought as well? How much of my consciousness can the host perceive? Is he aware of the details I uncovered in the Dark Exploration Records...
[Mr. Soleum.]
A suffocating sense of panic began to close in on me.
The anxiety was overwhelming. I simply wanted to escape this endless pressure...
[Precisely! That is the key!]
Huh?
[You've finally realized it, Mr. Soleum. The true desire of your heart!]
The host snapped his fingers with a sharp crack—
[To be free of fear.]
"......!!"
The television screen drew closer to my face.
[And we have a simple, guaranteed path to that freedom...]
How to Escape Fear:
Join Braun and Create a Talk Show Together
[You will find comfort and joy within my studio.]
[With the passion of a show creator, your creativity and brilliance will shine brighter than ever in the absence of terror. This Braun guarantees it fully.]
[A work environment where you don't have to overthink your survival—where you can simply focus on producing great television. Free from any outside threats, welcome to the studio of the legendary host.]
The words are the same, yet the impact feels entirely different.
The proposal no longer sounds absurd to me.
That realization is the most terrifying part of all.
[Calm your thoughts now, quiet down. There is no need for anxiety. Just listen to what this Braun has to say...]
[Now, my friend, take a look at your hand. Yes, just like that... What do you see?]
...The silver ring on my index finger.
[Indeed! And what does wearing that ring prove?]
......
'That I—haven't lost my mind to the anomaly.'
It meant my judgment was still sound, untouched by corruption, and that I was capable of making rational decisions like any other human being.
[Exactly! If this were a game show, you would have won a grand prize—what a pity.]
[In any case, this proves that your current thoughts are not irrational. Take a deep breath and let go of the tension.]
[How do you feel right now?]
I—
[Let me guess... 'Braun's logic is sound, and perhaps there's no harm in giving it a try, just this once.' Is that right?]
......
......
But...!
[Exactly!]
[Let's seize this opportunity together, my friend.]
Braun stood up, smoothing his suit with the professional grace of a business partner ready to seal a contract.
[All it takes is a simple handshake.]
[There is no need for complex paperwork between us. A simple handshake is enough to begin our partnership.]
......
[Don't you want to enjoy peaceful days, free from the threat of pain and terror? All you need is a stronger companion by your side and a more fulfilling career ahead.]
[And if, by some chance, you find that it doesn't suit you... you are always free to return to your previous job.]
......
"Really?"
[Of course.]
......
[Take this chance, my friend.]
[This is your moment.]
I raised my trembling hand.
And reached forward.
Toward his outstretched hand.
[That's it.]
Our hands met in a firm, steady clasp.
[You won't regret this decision, my friend.]
The dim surroundings began to brighten.
Warm lights flooded the room from every angle, and the narrow studio expanded outward, emerging from the dark corners...
[Now, let me show you your new workplace, Mr. Soleum! Your new colleagues! Your new life!]
A flawless set appeared, complete with a stage framed by glowing bulbs, and a classic golden sign shining with quiet elegance above it...
[The thrill of creation, the warmth of connection, the excitement of the unknown—all of it resides in this humble space, which asks for nothing more than the audience's appreciation.]
Braun's Late-Night Talk Show
I...
[Welcome to the team, Mr. Soleum.]
...had successfully changed my career path.