Chapter 177
Chapter 177
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 177
Chapter Title: Blue Mascot
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Blue mascot.
The bizarre entity that had turned my boarding pass into a membership card. It had even treated me, who escaped from the gate, like a lost child and put out a wanted notice for me.
The more I thought about it, the cuter its blue dragon appearance seemed, yet it only grew more chilling...
Good
child!
It's strangely affectionate.
Now, just seeing it brings a sense of calm somewhere deep inside.
I approached right up to the gate and waved at the blue mascot, who didn't know what to do.
Realizing once more that we couldn't cross into each other's zones, the blue mascot looked a bit dejected, but soon vigorously waved back.
A few visitors around the gate smiled and watched the sight of the two mascots waving across it.
Good
child
I
came to
meet you
And then I realized something odd.
'The words... I can hear them more clearly.'
Like that deep, grand voice I'd heard once before, beyond the mascot's characteristically short phrases.
But it didn't bring the same blood-spewing pressure as back then.
A pure will seeped through like a blade.
Is it because we're both mascots?
Right now, the blue mascot seemed to be conveying a mix of 'You finally came to meet me' and 'I'm so happy and grateful that you came like this.'
Can mascots communicate this richly with each other?
'Then... the visitors around can't grasp this level of meaning.'
This allows for more direct communication.
I
want to
play!
!
Why
did you
invite me?
We definitely promised to play at the theme park, so why do I have to work even here?
As I grumbled about why invite me then, the blue mascot fidgeted and spoke up.
And what it said was...
We can
play!
...!
Our
zone
only
What?
And the blue mascot showed me a vision.
'...!'
Develop a zone that the yellow and blue zones share.
'Ah!'
Of course! We can make the third zone like that!
Then we spend time together there.
I can cross into the blue zone! The blue dragon can come to the yellow zone!
Visitors have double the rules to follow, but double the fun too!
Our rules don't conflict, so we can definitely make it.
We can enjoy each other's theme parks happily and forever in this wonderful Jolly Theme Park, happily and enjoyably and jolly and enjoyably and jolly and enjoyably and jolly and enjoyably and jolly and enjoyably and jolly and enjoyably and jolly and enjoyably and jolly and enjoyably...
'...!'
I bit my tongue.
...Barely pulling my mind out of that vision...
'I almost... went along with it.'
The blue mascot's will seems to be corrupting me. No good.
Even without malice, it's dangerous.
'Making more work now is suicide.'
I waved my hands to calm the blue mascot and spoke.
Like
that
if I quit
being mascot
how about?
Just quit being mascot and cross into the blue zone as a guest—what about that?
But the blue mascot sadly lowered its head.
No
......
Mascot
must
be there
An activated theme park zone requires a mascot without fail.
So I can't just quit being mascot carelessly.
'As expected.'
I knew it would be like this.
Even if I force it, the risks that come with it...
Good
child
disappears
'......!!'
This yellow mascot remains as is.
And the non-mascot me... gets stripped away and vanishes from the mascot.
But if deeply assimilated into the mascot's identity, everything—self and power—gets sucked in, leaving not even 'discarded scraps'...
'No!'
It's only been four days. I'm... not that assimilated with the mascot yet!
I haven't lost myself to the point where quitting mascot erases my existence!
I know who I am. It's fine.
The non-mascot me can leave!
'......Hoo.'
I grabbed the gate with my trembling hands to steady myself.
The creepiness of wanting to rip off this mascot head right now, the reluctance wondering if I can even do it, the comfort and coziness giving stability—all swirled dizzyingly...
I
good
child
give me
The blue mascot fidgeted and spoke.
It hadn't intended for me to become the resort's mascot, but it seemed ready to provide full help and advice on that too.
Full support.
And from somewhere, other blue mascots came rushing to the gate.
They held envelopes in their hands.
They gently tossed the envelopes across the gate, and I caught them neatly.
Visitors nearby clapped as if watching an amusing show.
And peeking inside the envelope...
'Jolly coins...!'
A bag full of a hundred blue and red coins.
It seemed to be settling the lodging event it had started on its own. No, but...
Too
many
It's
fine
The blue mascot looked a bit proud.
Good
child
came
My god.
But a mascot that's successfully run its zone for a long time seems wealthy. Doesn't look like it's overdoing it, so I'll take it for now.
Invest in the resort. No, there might be uses elsewhere!
'...Get a grip.'
I stuffed the envelope into the pouch around the mascot's belly and sorted my thoughts.
'Gotta hurry.'
Open the third zone as soon as possible, stamp the boarding pass, quit mascot, and escape.
'Can't... hold out much longer.'
Hurry and recruit more staff, do the mascot ceremony ritual.
Plan hasn't changed. Stick to it.
And my mascot instincts were telling me to return inside the resort.
Operating hours, can't leave the post empty too long or it's neglect.
Hurry and ask the blue dragon what I need.
Ceremony
ritual
how to do?
Fun!
The blue mascot raised its hand.
Its ceremony ritual was fireworks.
Beautiful lights bursting over the water park reflected on the surface, reminding of its deep sea ■■ that I missed but now faintly... what?
'Ah, whatever. It's the theme park's signature event.'
Seems choosable based on mascot's taste. For example... Magic Bunny does parades.
Mine will be similar.
Goodbye
The blue mascot looked proud again.
Then it snatched something another of itself had brought and hurriedly offered it to me.
Good
child
gift
Snacks.
Full of water park vending treats. Hot dogs to chocolate. And like that time... churros too.
'...!!'
Hold on.
Eating it causes vomiting of contamination in the form of seawater.
Its description is vague, and since it's from a horror story, I haven't used it unless in dire straits with no alternatives... but now the maker itself is right here!
I picked up the churros and shook it.
Tell me
in detail
The blue mascot stared at me as if hearing an incomprehensible question.
Hold on.
A non-intentional effect... you say?
'......'
I looked at the churros.
If it's just a natural description.
In normal horror stories, what happens if you eat the food from the horror world...?
-You become part of that world.
Right.
If a human eats the theme park's food, they gradually turn into a being suited for this theme park...!
'That's why it made me vomit the other contaminations.'
The ones that didn't fit the theme park!
The realization electrified my head, but instead of excitement, a cold shock took over.
'Then...'
It's useless for Jang Heo-un.
Jang Heo-un, revived as staff, is already perfectly suited to the theme park.
Because it's a horror story.
'......'
No effect at all.
Good
child
sad?
I don't know.
'...Gotta do my job.'
Moved to the next topic.
I
need
this
I appealed hard, shaping my front paw into a plush doll form.
Good Friend doll.
Getting that item, originally from the Jolly Theme Park gift shop, was one of the many reasons I entered here.
But the blue mascot shook its head.
Not
here
Ah.
Right, a water park doesn't fit selling furry plush dolls thematically. They'd sell cute tubes instead. Damn!
I
need
this
Can't you get it from the Magic Bunny zone somehow?
No
dangerous
Magic Bunny is a crazy bastard.
You think something from that gift shop will really help you? ...Something like that.
'...Saying it like that makes me hesitate.'
It's true, but Good Friend's power was proven in [Darkness Exploration Records].
No difference no matter the theme park or zone.
Need it
You said you'd help with anything!
In the end, the blue mascot drooped its horns and ears and nodded.
Dangerous
Will try to get it if possible.
But stay away from Magic Bunny zone, never approach—that's the last warning.
Of course, I'll keep it in mind.
'Good thing the blue zone is in between.'
I groaned recalling the gruesome state of the red team, where only one rational assistant manager survived.
Come to think of it, how did that rational assistant manager survive outside after closing...
Huh?
Good
child?
I turned my head.
Just now.
Something happened in the resort.
The yellow mascot knew. Turmoil in my zone. Must find out!
Return!
I
have to
go
The blue mascot's eyes calmly watched me.
Other
bodies
here
...!
Come to think of it.
The blue mascot couldn't distinguish special individuals from mass-produced ones.
All doll heads are the blue dragon, and it could freely control all its bodies.
They were all it.
The blue zone was its.
And...
The yellow zone is mine.
Good
child
in resort
too
I understood that teaching as if enchanted.
Thus, the me inside the resort.
I focused my mind on the mass-produced mascot. Then...
I became it.
'...!'
Blink, and I was the mascot standing guard inside the resort.
'My god.'
But no time for surprise or dizziness before witnessing a shocking scene.
Lee Jaheon Section Chief was binding Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae in the lobby.
'...?!'
And that wasn't all.
Next to the bound Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae, limbs sprawled like trash.
Blood soaking the lobby.
Dead scarab staff.
A knife plunged in the neck, blood gushing. Hands bloody as if grabbing the throat to stop bleeding before death...
'...!!'
And blood splattered on bound Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae's uniform too.
All circumstances pointed to one sentence.
...Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae killed the scarab staff.
"Guhk, Section Chief, it's fine. I've done my job!"
But Lee Jaheon Section Chief didn't release the binding.
However, as our eyes met, he seemed to recognize this mass-produced mascot as me and brought the bound Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae over.
"Huh?"
Why
"Oh, Mascot-nim's here."
Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae said in a nonchalant voice.
"Um, can the cost for restarting that over there come from my pay? I don't mind not taking souvenirs from the gift shop..."
Why
kill
Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae looked at Jang Heo-un.
The resort staff no longer wearing the bison mask.
"Killed that nice person for no reason."
...!
"Would kill others if given chance, so can't leave alone! Honestly, death might be more beneficial for the resort reuse."
Head spinning.
But know what the problem is?
...Somewhere inside, I feel refreshed.
Plus, guests aren't agitated.
Some even clapped like it was fun to watch or tried tipping Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae.
So...
Even more problematic.
My
job
Punishing scarab staff is my job as mascot.
Whether make him attend horrific poisonous bath users in spa, force room service on foot, fulfill any guest demand—it's my decision.
But...
"But Mascot-nim seems too nice."
......
"This needs someone who doesn't stress like me!"
Sigh.
Such person
none
"...!"
From now on
discuss
always
"...Yes, sir."
In the end, I assigned Assistant Manager Lee Seonghae to spa cleaning via mass-produced mascot.
Less demotion, more showy punishment for overstepping.
Grateful, scary, horrific—which, I don't know... ha.
'Head hurts.'
I clenched my teeth and revived the scarab staff too.
...Whether you can call this revival, unsure.
"I'll work hard, Mascot-nim!"
Thus, two deaths.
Two perfectly replaced as staff.
"......"
Lee Jaheon Section Chief seemed to stare quietly, but I avoided his gaze and went to the front desk.
Drained.
But there was Jang Heo-un as staff.
'Fuck, really.'
Just work.
Work faster, escape sooner...
Next
And it was while receiving guests.
"Team Leader, those are Daydream guys!"
...!
"Yeah, I see. Not like it's our first or second time seeing those crazies in disasters, quit fussing."
...Familiar title.
Whisper-small voice, but mass-produced mascot nearby let me hear.
"Still, gotta note they're working fine. Got it, detective?"
I looked up.
Two in Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau coats approaching the front desk.
'...!'
My god.
Casual impression but tough-looking 'Team Leader' came forward... and spoke to me.
"Hi?"
Hi
"Came to ask something."
And the Team Leader explained while looking at me.
"Heard a guest in hoodie and jeans, similar build to us, checked in recently."
That civilian.
Clearly dispatched on his rescue request.
Then these people are...
'One of the other Hyeonmu teams...!'
My god.
I've seen Team 2 next door on and off for weeks, but these are unfamiliar.
Only one possibility.
'Hyeonmu Team 3!'
"Tell me which room that guest is in."
I barely replied to Hyeonmu Team 3 Team Leader.
Personal
info
no
"......Strict work ethic?"
"Right?"
Hyeonmu Team 3 folks blankly met my eyes then shifted to 'staff'.
"Any other way?"
"Sorry, guest! As Mascot-nim says, Flower Golden Resort can't leak precious guest personal info. Need help with anything else?"
"Ah, then..."
"Wait."
Then, the Team Leader scrutinizing the staff hardened her face.
She approached, checked the front desk staff's build. Peered into the eyes under the yellow mascot mask...
"...Cleanup Team newbie?"
...!
Recognized Jang Heo-un.
"Why's this kid here... No, this place isn't registered. That's why two-assigned, right?"
"Pardon? Yes! Right. And this newbie, I thought was on leave..."
"......"
"......"
The two agents shut up and looked at Jang Heo-un staff.
And...
"What can I help with, guest?"
A small curse slipped from Hyeonmu Team 3 Team Leader's lips but vanished back.
...Still, they quickly calmed like pros used to this.
Eyes more sunken looking at me, but didn't forget purpose.
"...Can't tell which room the guest is in. Then call the guest. Say we're here."
Like
that
I gladly fulfilled the request.
And the civilian panicked dropping calls several times, finally picked up terrified dropping or crying, but eventually believed rescue and came down.
Problem is...
Room
items
damaged
Broke some room items in the process...
"...!!"
"S-Scared...! S-Sorry......"
It's
fine
payment
will help
I politely extended both hands to the civilian.
But naturally, civilian has no means to pay.
Realizing, Team Leader shoved him back and stood before me.
"No money, but can pay other ways?"
Sigh.
Work
"...!?"
I extended hand pointing at the group.
And made a bold proposal.
Three
people
hire
Or...
You
alone
20 days
The pointed civilian froze.
"Th-That..."
Agents immediately shielded the civilian.
And Team Leader calmly checked.
"If we say we'll work, do we turn into that form?"
Pointing at Jang Heo-un.
......
"Or work like other staff?"
If real mascot, might not understand the meaning.
But I do.
Can
do
I bowed.
It's
fine
bad staff
gone now
"......"
Agents flinched.
Hyeonmu Team 3 Team Leader eyed me measuringly.
And after tens of seconds, declared.
"...Fine. We three want to work here."
"Team Leader!"
"Yeah. Good experience. And you know..."
Team Leader eyed the sneakers.
Precisely, the strings tied to them—evoking some item.
Escape item.
"Brought it."
"...!"
Agents would protect civilian, look for chance to rescue Jang Heo-un, it seemed.
The three took employment contracts, read meticulously, signed.
...Thus, staff fully staffed.
'......'
Now the last.
Time to prepare the ceremony.