Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work - Chapter 185

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Even If I Fall Into a Ghost Story, I Still Have to Go to Work Episode 185

I remember.

When I had just been promoted to Team Leader at Baekillmong Corporation.

I got caught up in the Serial Killer Lodge ghost story because of my roommate, but somehow managed to clear it without killing anyone.

This tattoo that I ‘inherited’ from the Lodge Owner as a reward back then.

: :

I later upgraded it at the Moonlight Tattoo Shop and have been using part of the lodge space like an inventory, but that wasn’t actually the essential nature of this tattoo.

The authority to employ the Lodge Keeper.

It was a contract that allowed me to command the servant who operated the Serial Killer Lodge.

But I couldn’t use it.

-However, if I may be so bold, my employer requires certain qualifications.

-Innate, existential nobility is necessary.

That was fine with me. I had only taken the employment contract to stop the lodge ghost story anyway.

But…

Right now, at this moment.

One who possesses innate, existential nobility.

The employment contract says.

That I have met those criteria.

“Did you call for me.”

Before I knew it, across from me holding the employment contract stood a man in shabby clothes.

In his hands was the red wax that had originally sealed his contract, still unbroken.

The Lodge Keeper.

Though he wore old clothes that covered his entire head, there was somehow an air of dignity and formality about this employee as he quietly looked at me.

‘…!’

“Since you have acquired the qualifications to be my employer, I stand before you to work according to your instructions, following the authority of the contract.”

Wait a minute.

I hastily drew out black smoke and moved it.

Whether this ability was judged as unsuitable for a ‘Flower Golden Resort’ employee, it was much harder to move.

Moreover, though the black smoke I drew out turned golden partway through, the smoke still successfully wrote letters again.

I have the qualifications?

Where did such a judgment come from?

“I am somewhat puzzled myself, but that is not for me to judge.”

Hey!

Tell me your own understanding

of the criteria for nobility.

“Understood.”

The Lodge Keeper immediately opened his mouth like a proper servant.

“Extraordinary birth.”

…!

“Promised inheritance and power. The existence of those who request fear and mercy from him.”

And…

“Merciless and powerful dominion exercised as a landlord over parasites, visitors, intruders, and challengers to the territory.”

…I don’t know why he’s only giving explanations that remind me of a Calamity God. Wasn’t nobility usually a value related to goodness?

No, come to think of it, the master of that Lodge Keeper was a crazy bastard who lured people with inheritance and made them kill and be killed at the lodge.

‘How brutal…’

The more I hear each explanation, the more I think these are definitely not conditions meant for humans.

But it seems the things I’ve done since being reborn as a mascot in a ghost story have matched up.

‘The theme park’s Yellow Zone was judged as… my territory.’

However, there’s one thing I don’t understand.

Promised inheritance and power?

“That’s right. You’ve possessed it since the first time we met.”

The Lodge Keeper bows his head again.

But do I have such a thing?

Perhaps noticing my bewilderment, the Lodge Keeper politely extends both hands to point at something.

“It is proven by a mark more powerful than the token of my employment contract.”

…!

I reflexively looked down at my left arm, hidden by the Security Team uniform.

My other tattoo.

: Socius :

The mark given by the Blue Mascot.

I turned my head toward the gate. The Blue Mascot says somewhat triumphantly.

I

good child’s

guardian

‘…!!’

good child

must protect

Wait a minute.

So the meaning of this tattoo… didn’t it comprehensively mean ‘companion, member, kinsman’ and such in Latin?

Since the theme park annual membership card burned and attached to my wrist, I had been interpreting this as something like a VIP membership to the theme park.

But actually it was something more powerful than that…

‘He… marked me as family under his protection?’

I made eye contact with the cutely deformed Blue Dragon.

Gratitude and eeriness pass through me simultaneously.

It was surely goodwill, and thanks to it I’ve definitely gained benefits or overcome crises several times.

But in the end, wasn’t I… trapped in this Cheerful Theme Park by that mascot’s goodwill?

And furthermore.

Today, since dawn broke, I’ve had the strange feeling that I can hear the Blue Dragon’s words more clearly…

‘…’

I stiffened somewhat and continued to stare at the Blue Mascot, while the mascot and surrounding employees became restless with fidgety movements.

That’s when it happened.

The Lodge Keeper’s voice was heard.

“Shall I assign myself to manage your territory?”

Wait.

I can work

at this resort?

“Of course. Shall I instruct myself to operate this territory called ‘Flower Golden Resort’?”

Though expressing polite courtesy, somewhere in that question I could sense urgency or expectation.

I suddenly recalled that those completely bound by employee contracts at this resort had worked with great joy.

Including myself, who had been immersed in operations as a mascot.

Are you one who wishes to work?

“That is not important. Only the employer’s will matters.”

The employer’s will:

I’m curious

“…I exist to manage his territory on behalf of the employer.”

The Lodge Keeper opened his mouth.

“I have carefully tended to the noble one’s mountain lodge, but if you entrust me with a greater position, you will be able to command more powerful servants befitting that role…”

A desire to become a more powerful being briefly revealed itself before disappearing.

So, if he received a management position at this resort, which is larger than the mountain lodge, his available abilities would increase?

Wait a minute.

He said “on behalf,” didn’t he?

Then…

Even if I’m not here,

operations are possible?

“Yes. I am a servant employed for that purpose.”

A thrill ran through my body.

Operating zones of Cheerful Theme Park must always have a mascot present.

It’s impossible to pass off my mascot position that’s already been certified through the Ceremony Ritual, but if there’s a perfect proxy…

Can I leave?

“Shall we proceed?”

I nodded my head.

At that moment.

“I will follow instructions and work.”

The Lodge Keeper’s appearance began to change.

“…!”

The shabby rags disappeared, and a resort employee uniform and suit appeared.

White gloves, neatly combed black hair, dress shoes, monocle, and even the mask that was the Yellow Mascot’s symbol.

And…

[General Manager]

Even a name tag.

“Thank you.”

I had employed the Lodge Keeper as General Manager.

The Lodge Keeper, now in neat attire, straightened his posture and politely offered the red wax in his hand again.

The wax turned golden.

It sealed the employment contract made of light particles before me again, then the entire employment contract turned golden and became my tattoo once more.

: :

I saw the light disappear between my Security Team clothes.

“The employment contract period I inherited is 1,241 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 23 seconds by solar calendar.”

That was enough. I’d use my vacation days to leave here before then.

The important thing.

I could now leave here without having to tear myself away from being a mascot.

Because there was a General Manager to work in my place.

Just as relief was making my head tingle.

I heard employees whispering behind me.

“Is that also a Security Team special department employee?”

“Did they conduct this exploration for this purpose…”

“Wait, ‘for this purpose’? What does that mean? They caught him when there was no original plan to enter?”

“Huh? Oh, no. Probably that Security Team…”

Damn.

I hastily cut off the conversation before more information about me could be shared with the Disaster Management Bureau.

Golden smoke formed words.

Your choice

▶Resign

▶Stay

“…!”

“Re, resign!”

“I’ll resign!”

A wise decision.

‘I was going to make them escape immediately anyway.’

The atmosphere instantly reversed.

I watched the employees hastily tear up the employment contracts offered by the approaching Standard Mascot and sign resignation confirmations.

‘Let’s send them all out for now.’

One by one, the employees’ uniforms disappeared and they returned to their original attire.

I guided them to the Gift Shop through the Standard Mascot to give them the items I had promised.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but since part of the Red Zone had been incorporated into the Yellow Zone, the Gift Shop there had been absorbed too.

‘Let’s guide them to the safe areas.’

But some people didn’t move according to my guidance.

“Ah. Thank you.”

For instance, Lee Seong-hae gave his thanks but didn’t immediately go to the Gift Shop or exit through the Gate.

Precisely, when his uniform disappeared, he staggered and carefully sat down on the floor.

‘…!’

The injuries he had before becoming a resort employee reappeared.

Since he no longer needed to work as an employee.

“Oh my.”

The Team Leader with cracks in both legs looked at me from a comfortable position near the Gate leading to the Blue Zone.

For treating injuries

Quick return home recommended

“It’s fine! Let’s go together.”

Manager Lee Ja-heon also looked back and forth between me and the lodge keeper, checked the remaining personnel, then just stood still in front of the gate.

No!

‘Get out.’

Everyone get out!

“You go out first and report the rescue.”

“Yes!”

But why isn’t the team leader leaving either…!

I secretly wiped away cold sweat while looking at the Hyeonmu Team Leader who had sent his team member out first and remained in front of the gate with his arms crossed, the same person who had performed brilliantly with the signature sword yesterday.

Anyway, I had put out all the urgent fires.

What remained was one agent, one elite team employee, one lizard manager.

‘It’s a lineup that seems like they’d keep their mouths shut though.’

And…

Two employees wearing yellow mascot masks.

Those who cannot resign.

‘…’

Looking at Lee Seong-hae’s condition, if those two terminated their employee contracts… they would likely return to their state before being revived as employees.

In other words, as corpses.

‘Phew.’

I looked back at the lodge keeper again.

While I was handling work, he had been standing perfectly still in a polite bowing posture without moving at all.

And he asks again.

“Are those workers who will work at the resort?”

Pointing at the two remaining employees.

‘…!’

Suddenly, my mind flashed and an idea passed through.

What if I could leave while still being a mascot?

They will leave

the territory with me

Couldn’t the employees also come out following me?

“If I may ask, wouldn’t it be difficult for those contracted as resort workers to leave this place?”

When the standard mascot handed over the employment contracts I had signed to the lodge keeper, the lodge keeper carefully examined the documents and made that declaration.

But I didn’t give up.

The workplace doesn’t matter

Those who contracted with me

And I raised my hand to point at the signature part of the employment contract.

Employer: GOLDEN

Do you see?

They are subordinate to me

Not to the territory

To me

“…”

The lodge keeper seemed to be thinking for a moment.

He appeared to be reviewing whether there were any conflicts with the resort’s operational policies… soon, he raised his head and nodded.

“I have received the instructions.”

It worked!

“Then you’ll be taking the employees out…”

“Wait a minute.”

At that moment, the team leader who had been watching our conversation urgently interrupted.

Specifically, looking at me.

“You can take them outside, right? Then do you have any intention of selling your ’employees’?”

…!

I reflexively created smoke.

Employees are good workers, not objects for sale

“…”

The team leader seemed momentarily speechless.

He looked at me with eyes that seemed somewhat wronged or frustrated, but soon sighed and said.

“Ah, right. Then it would be good if you could send them on dispatch. I’ll pay compensation. I have quite a lot of interesting items.”

Ah.

“There, that long-haired employee. Please send that person.”

And the team leader raised his hand to point at one person.

…Jang Heo-un.

“I’ll take him with me.”

I momentarily looked back at the two employees, then realized something.

Jang Heo-un must not fall into Director Ho’s hands.

No matter how I thought about it, it would be better for him to go to the Disaster Management Bureau rather than Director Ho, because there was no telling what would happen to him if he went to Director Ho like this.

How interesting would it be? They had disguised one spy as a ghost story creature and sent him in, only to have another spy completely contaminated as a ghost story resident come running.

Even if Director Ho wasn’t malicious enough to find this amusing, it would still be a problem.

‘They lost a spy.’

After showing him favor, if it resulted in losses, the anger that would fall on me would also be directed at the innocent Jang Heo-un.

I had no idea what crazy method they would use to handle it, but I had a feeling it definitely wouldn’t be a humane measure.

‘But can he recover by going to the Disaster Management Bureau?’

Jang Heo-un had originally infiltrated as a spy, so couldn’t I be certain what would happen?

A fierce battle raged in my mind.

And after reaching a conclusion, I created letters with smoke once more.

Accepted

“…! Good. Then as compensation…”

Wait a moment.

Contract creation for

safety and wage guarantee of

dispatched worker comes first

“….”

After a long discussion with the Team Manager, I drafted a contract and we each took a copy.

And so Jang Heo-un’s affiliation was transferred.

“My workplace has been changed! Please take good care of me from now on, Agent!”

Jang Heo-un greeted me saying ‘I’ll return after work,’ then boldly followed the Agent.

‘Don’t come back.’

I sincerely hope the Disaster Management Bureau finds a way to properly restore Jang Heo-un.

Or else….

‘…at least enough for Jang Heo-un to pretend to work properly as a spy and deceive Director Ho.’

…Then I could earn a wish voucher.

Then.

With that wish voucher, I could heal Jang Heo-un back to when he was alive before becoming an Employee.

‘It’s… worth trying.’

I quietly clenched my fist.

And… I held back a sigh while taking care of the Ladybug Employee.

“Yes. I’ll prepare for the workplace transfer!”

Honestly, this bastard… there’s no way to earn another wish voucher for him, and what happened to him was his own fault, so I can’t help him.

‘Still, let’s at least transfer his custody to Daydream Company.’

That would be the right thing to do.

If I could take him with me, I absolutely had to.

“Have you finished organizing everything?”

Afterwards, I completed the handover and information sharing with the Lodge Keeper.

About resort management policies, profit distribution, and….

“I confirmed that you included a unique implementation method in the contract.”

About the Inventory Function of the tattoo as well.

“After organizing the Temporary Space you were using, I’ll prepare a new location in the resort. From now on, you’ll be able to conveniently send instructions to your Territory through that gap.”

From now on, this tattoo would serve as a strange communication channel.

‘Another upgrade, I suppose.’

Finally, I asked the Lodge Keeper.

For the most basic communication.

A name.

Introducing one’s name

“Please call me whatever is comfortable for you.”

Stating one’s preferred title

“…Then I would like to be called by the title of Resort General Manager.”

I nodded.

The one who would now be called General Manager instead of Lodge Keeper bowed his head to me, and I turned my steps toward the Blue Mascot in front of the Gate.

The Blue Mascot, having apparently overheard my conversation with the General Manager, spoke desperately.

Now here

Our home

Phew.

I shook my head.

The Blue Mascot seemed shocked.

Why?

Bad Mascot

Ate it

As if trying to persuade me somehow, the Blue Dragon waved both front paws.

Gone now

Safe

I shook my head as politely as possible.

And I created text with smoke.

Have things to do

My duty

The Blue Mascot drooped its shoulders but seemed to understand in the end.

It probably believed I would return since I was still guaranteed to be the owner of this Theme Park Zone.

Wait

Instead, it hurriedly used its other body to bring something.

And carefully handed it to me, gently tossing it from beyond the Gate.

Just like when it had given me churros and snacks before.

This

Take it

I reflexively reached out with both hands to receive it.

A scale.

The black and blue scale reflected sunlight, revealing a strange rainbow-colored reflection before blue wave-like patterns rippled within it again.

Me

Can call

‘…!’

…Could this scale be part of its original form that was inside the mascot costume?

‘I can… call it? Is it okay to call?’

In any case, it was definitely something exceptionally powerful, so I nodded and took the scale.

The Blue Mascot was staring at me intently, and I shook hands with the Mascot.

Then the Mascot reached its body completely beyond the Gate, pulled me in, and hugged me tightly.

‘I’m glad I’m being treated as an Employee.’

…And I was glad I was wearing the Security Team suit.

“Shall we head back now?”

I gladly nodded.

Supporting Lee Seong-hae, whose leg was cracked, together with Lee Ja-heon, we stopped by the Gift Shop before heading to the Exit Gate.

[◎Please come play again◎]

One of Fantasy Land’s entrances had somehow changed to display the symbols of the Yellow Zone.

Looking up at it, Team Leader Lee Seong-hae muttered.

“Hmm. Now even if we enter through the board game, won’t we keep coming here? When it interferes this much, usually, um… it seems to become ‘connected’.”

It was a meaningful speculation.

But for now, escape was the priority, and I… really, truly desperately needed rest.

‘Let’s go.’

We stood side by side and scanned our used boarding passes at the gate.

Beep.

And together we walked out through the gate.

Take care

From behind, the now-familiar voice of the Blue Mascot seemed to faintly reach us…

The next moment.

“Phew!”

We all opened our eyes together in the chairs of Daydream Corporation’s Research Team office.

It was our escape after 6 days.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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