NOVEL NEXT Chapter 25
# It Seems I Must Go to Work Even After Falling into a Horror Story, Episode 025
In a corner of the locker room within a theme park horror story, a small stuffed doll began to talk and move its limbs.
Just reading the sentence would make anyone faint.
Except for the fact that I was the one who created this situation.
– Friend?
The stuffed doll struggled atop the vanishing six-legged star.
“Ah,”
At that moment, it hit me.
I had successfully invited my ‘Good Friend’ to the doll!
The problem was that the invited guest was someone I knew—no, a monster I knew.
‘The Host…!’
The monster with a TV head conducting the horror story Tuesday quiz show.
-It would be great if you could join my new talk show as a crew member, Doe!
I swallowed hard, recalling the last scene as I escaped that insane horror story.
“…Nice to meet you, Host. Have you been well?”
– Ha ha, nice to meet you too! I remember how magnificently you shone in the quiz show, Doe. Have you been well?
– I have…
Silence.
– I don’t… remember well. Um… yeah. I’ve been well. I hosted a talk show.
The voice from the stuffed doll grew faint for a moment but then regained strength and friendliness.
– What’s important is that we’ve met again!
“…Yes.”
It felt like a supernatural overwhelming presence and fear had been muffled before bursting forth.
‘…Because it’s a Good Friend?’
It seemed like the consciousness behind that stuffed doll played a role in some form of control.
Still, I had to be cautious.
“Um, Host. I have a question.”
– Feel free to ask, Friend. Oh, by the way, it feels a bit hurtful to refer to each other like that!
– Just call me Brown, Doe! Let’s drop the cringe-worthy honorifics like ‘Sir’!
“…Right. Yes. Brown.”
Sure. The TV-headed creature living in the horror story would have a name too…
Anyway, the main point was urgent. I said as politely as possible.
“Actually, I’m trying to leave the theme park right now, but I can’t find my way out.”
– Oh dear! Theme parks are known for their complex structures and confusing paths. But don’t worry! I’m excellent at finding my way!
“…It’s not that I’m lost; it’s just that the mascot has blocked the exit gate.”
The stuffed doll fell silent for a moment as if it was stumped.
– Huh, hmm… that’s quite a unique situation?
What a rather human-like response.
I briefly summarized the structure of this theme park and the events that transpired.
The team and area divided by colors and the rampaging mascots.
The stuffed doll lying on the floor crossed its arms.
– Hmm. Those mascots sure have diva-like behavior! There are similar beings in the broadcasting industry.
– But there’s one that hasn’t appeared, and that’s bothering me.
One that hasn’t appeared?
I reflexively thought of it.
“…The yellow mascot?”
The last mascot mentioned only in the attractions, yet with no trace.
– Exactly! Was it called the yellow flower? Do you know where it is?
“…!”
Right.
‘Since I found the blue mascot’s area, there may be a place for the yellow mascot too…!’
If I could find it and exit through that gate…
– But it’s probably already dead.
…….
“Pardon?”
The yellow mascot?
“Isn’t there a place like a botanical garden or a greenhouse? Because it’s a flower…”
– Oh dear, you must already know this.
The friendly voice whispered softly.
– Didn’t you state it clearly? The yellow team also opened its eyes somewhere on the outskirts of the blue area.
“…!”
– If there was a yellow area, the yellow team would have awakened there. Wasn’t that the agreement?
“…That’s right.”
Originally, the rule says that you open your eyes in the area of the color of the piece you picked. But the yellow team couldn’t do that.
Was it… because there truly was no yellow area?
I thought.
And after a moment, I opened my mouth.
“……I’ve realized what I need to do.”
I need to verify.
– Oh, what is it? Let’s go together…
The stuffed doll flailed as if trying to get up but lost its balance and toppled over.
– Ahem, Doe, could you help me stand up?
I carefully approached and lifted the ‘Good Friend’ with a keyring in one hand.
I felt a warmth like body heat.
– It’s difficult to maintain my balance. It will take a little time to adjust… But don’t worry. I’m a very capable being!
I’m sure you are.
After thinking for a bit, I placed the stuffed doll in the front pocket of my jacket.
The stuffed doll raised one arm dramatically.
– Alright, let’s go! …But where are we going?
A place that could serve as a guide.
A location that typically has one in large public facilities.
“The information booth.”
*
Naturally, there were exploration records stating that an information booth could be found in the cheerful theme park. Most of the usual attractions of a typical amusement park were available.
‘The problem was that the services weren’t functioning properly….’
It provided a simple overview of nearby attractions.
However, when the requests were a bit complex or required material things, it turned out like this.
The information mascot raised a ‘Members Only’ sign.
‘It means a mere admission ticket won’t do.’
Although I was treated as a guest, this was a sign hinting that this place was originally not meant for you…
‘I happen to have a membership card in my pocket.’
Actually, the moment the ticket changed into a membership card, several exploration records related to this ‘Members Only’ matter popped into my mind.
Special souvenir shops, restaurants, separate attraction entrances with no waiting lines.
But the reason I wanted to avoid them was clear.
‘Because I have to interact with the mascot.’
I wasn’t sure what terrible consequences might arise if I interacted with that crazy mascot who had closed off the gate, especially without any information….
‘Just imagining it sends chills down my spine.’
But now that I had a monstrous friend who would serve as an alarm bell, I could give it a try.
“Brown, if the person I’m talking to seems displeased or may cause me harm, would you let me know?”
– Of course! That’s not difficult at all!
The stuffed doll cheerfully responded and promptly made several signals, demonstrating its quick processing as a media worker.
And a moment later.
– Oh, over there. Ooh, quite impressive-looking…
I approached the information booth, listening to the ‘Good Friend’s chatter. The booth was made of opaque blue glass and white curtains.
As I got closer, the curtain opened revealing the blue mascot’s face.
A blue dragon in a uniform.
“Hello. I’d like to see the map of this place.”
The blue mascot waved its hand warmly and swiftly offered up a high-quality catalog.
It was a handy map labeling various attractions, restaurants, and amenities of the ‘Blue Dream Water Park.’
Atop the catalog, the phrase ‘Members Only’ was printed.
I raised my head to look at the blue mascot.
“Thank you.”
It had a somewhat proud expression.
“However, is there one that shows the entire area?”
Thud.
The blue mascot’s movements halted.
Don’t freak out.
“As you probably know, I crossed over here from the red area without any procedure. I want to avoid making any mistakes…”
I asked in the most composed and polite voice possible.
“Where does the red area meet?”
A short silence followed.
The mascot reached out.
From here to here.
Crrrrack. The catalog map in my hands tore under the blue mascot’s claws.
Along the eastern edge, it wound around.
‘As I suspected, the eastern side of the blue area and the western side of the red area are directly connected….’
But… it’s too scary.
My hands holding the torn catalog shook as if vibrating…!
‘Please save me.’
It’s not like you’re going to split me in half with those claws, right?
I hurriedly nodded my head in thanks the moment the mascot lifted its claws from the map.
Now, on to the next topic!
“Thank you. If that’s the case….”
Tap tap.
“…!”
– Shh.
The stuffed doll in my front pocket gently patted its chest twice.
…This means.
‘The other person looks displeased.’
……Was this where it ended!
I quickly shifted into a proper stance and politely bowed.
“Yes. I will not go near the red area.”
The blue dragon paused for a moment, then nodded.
Then it rummaged through its pocket and pulled out a ‘Blue Soda Churros’ bag to hand to me.
“Thank you.”
The Good Friend tapped my bracelet and wrapped its arm around mine.
Swish.
The booth barrier smoothly closed.
“……”
‘Phew.’
I did it.
I lowered my head, holding my thumping heart.
I felt like I might die from fear, but….
– You’re smiling, my friend! Are you feeling good? Did you find what you wanted?
I realized.
“Yes.”
I raised my head and began to run.
“Now, I just need to move.”
If I had asked a few more questions to the mascot, I might have saved some time, but safety was paramount, so I would use the most reliable means from now on.
My feet.
‘Let’s hurry.’
Only a few hours remained.
I glanced at the darkening sky of the theme park.
*
A few hours later.
The sun had set.
“Whoosh.”
I was still running.
My feet felt shaky after searching every inch of the massive water theme park.
– Doe, you look quite exhausted.
“I’m fine.”
The stuffed doll asked with a pitying tone.
– I think it’s time to ask this question. Exactly where are you trying to go?
I wiped the sweat from my chin and replied.
“To the yellow area.”
– Oh ho!
– I believe we all agreed on the proposition that ‘There is no yellow area,’ but what’s the reason for your change of mind?
“I haven’t changed my mind. I still think there is no yellow area.”
But.
“There must have been one in the past.”
I lowered the map to look ahead.
For now.
“I don’t think it was directly adjacent to the red area back then.”
The east meets a forest, the north is the entrance, the south is a cliff, and the west is the blue area.
‘The terrain matches perfectly; there are no gaps.’
In that case….
“So it must have been adjacent to some part of the blue area. Surely there was a connecting passage.”
Among them, the northern part which was also an exit, and the eastern side adjacent to the red area was excluded.
What remained was…
– So you were rummaging through the west and south looking for it all this time? Hah!
That’s correct.
Unlike the red area, there were no mascots chasing me down to kill me here, allowing for this kind of laborious exploration.
And finally, I discovered it at the northwestern corner, behind the restroom’s flower bed.
A rugged dirt path leading up as if it were a closed mountain trail.
– Hmm. It certainly seems it could have been a pathway before.
The problem is that the moment I cross it, I will almost certainly be violating the theme park’s usage rules.
[No entry for unauthorized personnel]
I checked that sign, then stepped out a bit from behind the restroom and looked around.
Far away, I locked eyes with a mascot standing in front of a children’s attraction.
– Hmm, are you worried about that mascot?
“Yes. If I cross into the forbidden area, it will surely notice…”
– Then you just have to not get caught!
“……”
That’s easier said than done…
– Come on, cheer up. It’s not that hard!
– I’m here, right? Friend.
The voice of the Good Friend grew somewhat sly.
Its unique confidence and cunning, friendliness, all came out to the forefront.
– I will help you. First of all… it would be good to take me out of your front pocket for a moment!
I did as it said.
Then the stuffed doll resting on my palm pointed at me.
I flinched for a moment, recalling the scene of incineration from the Tuesday quiz show.
But this time, it was different.
Snap!
The sound of a finger flicking from the doll’s hand echoed heavily.
In that instant.
A strange shadow like a weight fell over me.
“…!”
I felt faint, as if sinking…
– Now… it won’t notice us. Let’s go.
The voice of the Good Friend, Brown, sounded a bit weary and faint.
“What is this…”
– I turned off your light.
– We promised not to pay attention to people without lights in the show, didn’t we?
It seemed that ‘incineration’ was not the only power of the Host.
‘Was he really controlling the entire set…?’
I felt a chill run down my spine as I looked down at the stuffed doll, but soon realized that wasn’t my priority.
I had to escape!
“Then, I will move.”
– Excellent!
I returned behind the restroom and stood in front of the forbidden trail.
Then I crossed the ‘No Entry’ sign.
“……”
Nothing happened.
“Thanks….”
– Let’s set compliments aside for now and just move!
I nearly felt moved enough to be grateful.
I climbed the steep trail at the maximum speed I could muster. Almost at a crawl.
Broken plastic pieces and decorations stamped beneath my hands and feet through the dirt.
– It seems something had been here before.
I urged myself to move faster.
Upwards, further up….
And finally, I reached the end of the path.
Thud.
I planted my foot and halted.
From the summit, I could see down below.
It was….
– A resort.
Large holiday buildings sprawled alongside a dark beach.
…They say many well-known franchise theme parks operate such enormous accommodations along with them.
Even just the sight of it was imposing, but…….
[Flower Golden Resort]
It was already an abandoned facility.
The once golden-hued shining resort must have seemed like a dreamy place long ago. But now, it was worn down, peeling paint, desolate.
I gazed at the sign, where a yellow flower was smiling brightly, now cracked.
And below that, a familiar yet outdated machine.
– There’s also a gate entering the resort!
“Right.”
That made sense. The path back to the resort through the theme park was also considered an exit.
‘I found it…!’
Forgetting my exhaustion, I dashed forward. The shadow that had been draping me lifted, quickening my strides.
– Hmm. But can we actually use the gate if it’s closed here too?
“Of course.”
I examined the old gate device, opening the emergency operation panel.
Just like I had done in the attraction.
Then, I inserted the emergency power.
Creeeek.
The lights blinked on the gate device sporadically.
‘It was because the mascot was glaring, preventing me from doing it.’
I could easily operate something like this.
I stood in front of the gate where the most intact lights lit up.
I took a breath.
Final confirmation.
“Brown, if I enter that resort with my membership card, will I have to use the facility?”
– Hah! That old place? It looks like its business ended ages ago; it’s really just an empty lot, not a theme park anymore!
Thanks for the blunt and accurate assessment, my friend.
I immediately presented my membership card to the gate.
Click.
The aging gate device scanned the card.
Ding. The lights on the device blinked.
[◎Welcome◎]
Done.
Filled with exhilaration, as I moved my foot…
– Oh dear, they followed us.
I turned around.
In the distance, a blue figure was crawling up the path.
‘…A mascot!’
It was the blue dragon!
The mascot in uniform I had seen at the gate approached at an alarming speed before coming to a stop.
It was… it was,
Sniffling.
“……”
– Tsk tsk. That mascot thinks it’s the protagonist of a drama. We need to hurry and get out of here!
I felt uneasy.
‘This seems completely like a grudge-plot twist.’
It wouldn’t do me any good to incur a grudge from a being in a horror story, right?
As I rummaged through my pockets, I found what little I had remaining.
[Alice’s Picnic Set – Cookie]
It was a flat cookie item I had never used before.
I gently tossed the paper-wrapped cookie toward the mascot.
……
– Doe, you’re too gentle…
Not at all.
‘I offered it, nonetheless, dear dragon.’
As soon as the mascot caught the cookie in its hand, I crossed the gate.
A Good Friend.
Escaping from the horror story.
Amidst the swirling world, I heard the faint voice of my ‘Good Friend.’
– Hmm, I can finally feel the strength returning! I think I can move….
*
I opened my eyes.
I realized I was sitting in a meeting room on the 17th floor of a dark, empty research team in the middle of Seoul.
‘…I’m alive.’
I succeeded in my escape!
“Ha!!”
The exhilaration shot through me as I immediately stood up from my seat.
‘Is no one here?’
Hours must have passed, and it looked like everyone had moved from the meeting room. I should call and let them know I made it out…
Oh?
I looked at my wrist.
[◎ (Cheerful) Fantasy Land Membership Card ◎]
The bracelet was still on my wrist.
“What is this,”
And it began to glow.
“…!”
In an instant, the shape of the ticket disappeared.
But something remained.
Exactly where the ticket had been, on my wrist, was etched in black letters.
: Socius :
What the heck is this?