Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work - Chapter 359

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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 359

A fantastic and eerie moment.

The Segwang Special City subway tracks transform as if being devoured.

“Ah…!”

As if the stopped years were all falling at once, the rapidly aging subway tracks flip over, sparkle golden in the air, and settle back on the ground.

That appearance like a precision toy.

Drawing elegant lines on the black and white floor while sparkling, and the grimy, shabby arched walls of the tracks take on an ivory-smooth, enchanting hue.

That fantastic wave-like change rushing in instantly from the distant end of the visible rails…

Eventually sweeps over the surroundings of the exploration team members.

“…!”

It swooshes past all sides of people who reflexively stepped back or raised their equipment.

“Oh.”

Lee Seong-hae sniffed.

Even the smell had changed.

Instead of the damp, stuffy underground air, there was a sweet and pleasant fragrance.

The scent of Cheerful Theme Park, the golden zone.

Two shadowy figures in Flower Golden Resort uniforms who watched the entire scene without moving speak with smiling mouths.

“Construction has been completed.”

“Confirmed.”

Those employees from the ghost story confirmed that even the tracks had been neatly changed and turned around.

And they walk back along the precision golden tracks.

“Wait…!”

Go Young-eun urgently ran out as if chasing the two.

‘Hmm.’

Lee Seong-hae followed behind her.

The twin-like two employees walking along the tracks at an unusually fast pace eventually headed to the nearest station.

…Segwang Station.

“…!!”

Go Young-eun stopped in bewilderment.

What was there was not a modern platform.

Monorail City

Flower Golden

An elegant and antique sign sparkles at the train station.

The station platform is like walking into a theme park painting, with enchanting golden lighting and ivory pillars, purple velvet laid on the floor making it elegant and sweetly melting.

All of that…

“Oh! It’s really Flower Golden Resort.”

“…Are you referring to that popup store that was at Ohu Station?”

“Yes!”

Lee Seong-hae approached the two strange resort employees without hesitation and asked warmly.

“What are you doing?”

“We’re in the middle of business maintenance. Dolphin!”

“We’re going to check the train operation now. Would you like to watch together?”

And at that moment.

♩♪♬♬~♩♬♬~♩♪♪

A clear bell-like melody rings out.

It’s an intuitively recognizable sound.

The train arrival signal.

From the far end of the opposite tracks, riding the golden rails, a train begins to come into view entering the station.

“…!”

Go Young-eun swallowed her breath.

Chiiiiiiik-!

The subway had become a precision monorail.

The white gleaming car body has golden decorations and crystal lights sparkling warmly, and at the front car’s head is attached a deformed feline character face with flowering trees like horns.

It’s the Flower Golden mascot.

That fantastic train stops at Segwang Station, no… the ‘Monorail City’ station.

And the screen doors, now transformed into antique glass doors, open as someone gets off from the first car of the monorail…

Yellow and round body, soft fur.

It’s the conductor mascot.

The mascot that looks exactly like the monorail’s head section eagerly steps down and stands at Segwang Station.

“Mascot!”

“It’s really a wonderful space. I’m happy to be working here!”

The two employees run over joyfully.

“Oh!”

And when even Lee Seong-hae ran over to greet them, Go Young-eun felt even more mystified.

“…”

Looking up, the ‘mascot’ in conductor uniform looked at her and took something out from its chest and held it out.

As if calling.

“…!”

Go Young-eun hesitated for a moment but eventually moved her stiff legs forward…

What the conductor mascot held out was a flyer.

Cheerful Theme Park

Flower Golden Resort No.2

Monorail City Branch

Ride the cute monorail and enjoy the attractions at each station.

Stay in special rooms themed after your favorite attraction.

When you bring this coupon,

resort accommodation is available at no additional charge.

Target rooms:

Suite Room (Attraction Garden View)

“Ah, you received a coupon. Congratulations. Sanyang.”

“The accommodation guide for guests of the Monorail City branch is currently being prepared.”

The voices of the two employees echoed dully in her head.

Go Young-eun, who had been holding the flyer-shaped coupon in a daze, looked up.

With a strange premonition.

…A mascot with horns.

Someone who knew unusually well about the popup store that newly appeared at Ohu Station.

Someone who showed strange guilt about Jang Heo-un’s contamination too.

…

“…Noru?”

The mascot didn’t answer.

The large eyes of the expressionless character costume looked at Go Young-eun for a moment, then patted the back of her hand a few times.

As if comforting her.

And then boarded the train again.

The mascot sitting in the engineer’s seat tipped its hat in greeting, and the train began to depart.

“There are people on the tracks…!”

“It’s okay! The Flower Golden Monorail runs by avoiding obstacles on its own.”

‘Jang Heo-un’s’ gentle voice could be heard.

Go Young-eun reflexively turned her head.

She could see the corner of the smiling employee’s mouth.

“Do you have any other questions, guest?”

“…”

It was a familiar face she had seen just a few days ago.

Go Young-eun had occasionally visited the popup store over the past few months, having conversations with the two people. She had even brought books for Jang Heo-un in case he might be bored…

But.

“…Mr. Buffalo?”

“Yes. Sanyang guest! I’m a reception desk employee named Buffalo!”

Different.

Something was different.

It felt like looking at something deeply contaminated.

Clearly, the body and memories were the same, yet it seemed like a different being. As if the things that made a person human had disappeared…

When Heo-un was quarantined at the Disaster Management Bureau due to contamination, was this his condition?

Why did he suddenly return like this?

‘Because the Special City blockade was lifted…?’

Or because this resort that used to be a popup store expanded…?

Just as she was getting an ominous feeling.

“Oh! You came too!”

“…!”

“Isn’t this place quite unique?”

Several people newly appeared on the platform.

It was Gwak Je-gang and Researcher Lee Yeon-hwa.

“Very interesting, isn’t darkness devouring other darkness? We can directly observe this phenomenon even though it wasn’t artificially grafted! Haha! Very interes…”

Go Young-eun quickly turned away from Gwak Je-gang and greeted Lee Yeon-hwa with her eyes.

Now that she looked, they seemed to have gotten off from the back seats of the monorail, and a mascot holding a Flower Golden Resort flag was leading the way as if guiding them.

Behind them, even the Security Chief was trudging along with lifeless eyes and a dejected appearance.

In his hands were flyer coupons similar to her own, and she could also see a handful of strange coin-like objects inside.

Coins?

“Um, Security Captain. What are those…”

“Hmm…”

Though they were two people who hadn’t talked much, the Security Chief answered obediently.

“Noru gave them to me… before leaving…”

“…When?”

“Before going out… when I asked if there was anything I could help with… he told me to distribute them later… Hmm.”

The Security Chief held out what he had in his hands. Go Young-eun, who received it reflexively, read the words written on the golden coin.

No, it wasn’t a coin but a small badge.

EARLY

ACCESS

Early access.

“What is this…”

The two employees answered cheerfully as if they had been waiting for the question.

“It’s an early access pass. Those who possess it can enjoy this wonderful Flower Golden Resort Monorail City Branch in advance for today, before the official opening!”

…!

“It’s an honor to serve you! If your accommodation experience was satisfactory, could we ask for a brief review at checkout…”

“W-wait a moment.”

Go Young-eun, who couldn’t bear it any longer, spoke up.

“It’s okay. I’ll be leaving now.”

If the blockade was being lifted, she couldn’t wait.

Whether she went out through the maintenance tracks where Noru had left, or went out to reality and approached here again, she would definitely go to the surface.

…Because she felt like she couldn’t bear it if she didn’t find her parents.

‘Our house…’

Before her aunt lost her memory, she had already heard the house address. She was still reciting it now.

She wanted to go there immediately and find her mom and dad.

And, and she also wanted to confirm Noru’s safety if possible…

‘What on earth is he doing?’

Was the termination attempt proceeding safely?

Was this resort his doing?

If so, what was it preparation for?

Guilt, anxiety, resentment, and worry mixed together as Go Young-eun looked at the two employees urgently.

However…

“…”

“…”

“Excuse me?”

The two employees with bow ties and brown long hair smiled simultaneously like a picture.

“Currently, there is no way to leave the Flower Golden Resort Monorail City Branch.”

“…Pardon?”

“The customer entrance gate hasn’t been constructed yet. Guest.”

“What do you mean…!”

A rough voice interrupted.

“That’s probably literal.”

“…!”

“The maintenance tracks completely disappeared. And the entrance at the end was also blocked. Heave-ho.”

Agent Choi made a fuss with his mouth as if joking around, but his actions were quick.

He opened the track glass door and walked out with big strides as if he was about to grab his opponent by the collar, and in contrast spoke leisurely.

“Staff members, what’s going on here? Why did the existing tracks suddenly disappear?”

“We don’t think! This is something the mascot decided!”

Agent Choi’s eyes narrowed.

“…Is that so? Then there was a door where the original maintenance track entrance used to be, why won’t that door open?”

…!

“Is that also the mascot’s decision?”

“That’s correct. Guest.”

“…”

Agent Choi paused before opening his mouth.

“…What if I’m not a guest?”

“Pardon?”

“What if I have no intention of staying at this resort at all?”

“…”

The employees looked at each other.

“In that case, unfortunately, for security reasons you’ll have to stay only in the restricted transit area until opening.”

It means they intend to confine us.

“By any chance, would you be interested in staying with us?”

Go Young-eun noticed.

She could feel gazes upon her.

…The yellow mascot that had guided the researchers was looking this way.

No, now that she looked… from various spots on the platform, or rather, this place that had now become the Enchanting Theme Park Resort Station.

Mascots of the same appearance had appeared everywhere.

A mascot holding balloons, a mascot wearing a monocle, a mascot waving from the stairs.

All of them were looking this way.

“…”

Deputy Manager Lee Seong-hae’s bright voice could be heard.

“No way! We’d all like to stay for now, please. Um, once the entrance opens, we’re free to come and go, right?”

“Of course. Dolphin guest!”

Go Young-eun swallowed, her back crawling with unease.

She felt a creepy sensation and a strange premonition.

“Could this be… Noru’s doing?”

“Yes. It seems that way.”

“Of course it would be. That guy is the owner of this place!”

Agent Hae-geum also climbed up onto the tracks.

“…Sister.”

“I went to check the other stations. It seems the entire subway has changed. And…”

Hae-geum Agent’s eyes darkened as she looked at Agent Choi.

“You tried to open the door to the surface, didn’t you?”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

Agent Choi, who readily admitted it, remained calm.

“Well, with the containment being lifted anyway, it’s not really a big deal. This subway will disappear anyway and the May 4th subway will remain…”

“…”

“Agent Choi?”

“So, when the containment is lifted, we would naturally be ejected somewhere, but he’s deliberately keeping us here…”

Her voice hardened.

“He’s consumed all the supernatural phenomena that would disappear when the containment is lifted.”

“…”

Agent Choi approached one of the mascots.

“What is this about.”

…

“Why are you trying to keep people trapped here.”

But the mascot gave no answer.

The standard mascot just drooped its ears and tried to hand over a flyer as if telling them to enjoy themselves.

“You…”

“Wait a moment.”

Go Young-eun hurriedly intervened.

She was sorry for interrupting the interrogation, but her personal objective was urgent. And the most effective question for her would be…

Becoming an insider.

“I’m interested in working at the resort, so I’d like to ask something!”

“Ah!”

The employees immediately showed interest.

“You’ve come at a good time. We’re currently recruiting new personnel!”

“Yes.”

Go Young-eun spoke calmly.

“How on earth did you manage to turn this place into a resort so quickly? And perhaps… are you planning to do the same above ground, not just underground?”

“…!”

She could feel people’s gazes.

The researchers’ interested looks as well.

“Yes! We’ll answer that.”

Go Young-eun swallowed.

“Within what I’m allowed to know, the mascot had already finished surveying this entire place beforehand. Thanks to that, such rapid progress was possible.”

“…!”

“He visited all the important areas, inspected all the railway lines, and also drove out any groups or entities that were renting or illegally occupying this property.”

Ah.

Go Young-eun realized.

‘They’re talking about Kim Sol-eum’s exploration…!’

Kim Sol-eum had visited almost every station in Segwang Special City, clearing or temporarily resolving more than half of them.

That action… had come back as a result that helped bring about this outcome…

“However, in the case of the library entrance, since it’s a public facility, he didn’t acquire it through agreement!”

“And there are no plans for expansion to the surface yet.”

…

“I, I see. Thank you.”

Go Young-eun staggered back.

Her head was spinning.

The result of exploration.

Or what could be seen as a reward… this eerie and enchanting resort expansion area.

Her jaw trembled.

Because no matter how she thought about it, this wasn’t a reward that a human should receive and carry out.

“…Is it really okay to do something like this?”

“Pardon?”

“I mean, isn’t this mascot person overexerting themselves?”

“Absolutely not!”

The two employees chorused.

“Flower Golden Mascot will become even more powerful and magnificent. His territory is expanding!”

“Countless guests will come from countless places. Reservations are already coming in. A celebrity, a talk show host is coming right now!”

“I hope the mascot comes quickly, quickly, quickly so we can all be together in the beautiful Golden Flower Resort…”

Ah.

“I understand.”

Agent Choi quickly pulled Go Young-eun back, separating her from the employees.

“If the resort grows… this mascot person becomes more powerful, is that what you’re saying. I understand perfectly!”

Then, like a ritual cleansing, some light mystical action was performed with fingertips.

“Hup!”

Suddenly Go Young-eun’s breathing cleared again.

And.

“Sister.”

A low voice came from beside her.

“I just… had a thought.”

“…”

“The more powerful the dokkaebi fire, the more a person can transform into an elder by replacing just a few body parts, right?”

“…”

“This current situation, wait, this damn bastard, don’t tell me…”

“That’s right.”

Hae-geum Agent’s anxious voice rang out through gritted teeth.

“He’s deliberately increasing his own contamination, this bastard…!”

I knew.

‘People go insane when they hear the music box.’

So, if a moment comes when I might go insane because of the music box… I just need to escape the prerequisite condition.

-Become a being that is not human.

Then wouldn’t I be able to become free from the harmful effects of the music box melody?

However, I couldn’t directly abandon this identity that I had barely managed to reclaim.

I had endured this far because I thought of myself as human.

‘I want to keep being human.’

So then…

-Instead of giving up on my own, what if I naturally get swallowed by contamination?

To a precarious level.

To a level where I could recover if I took the time.

But on the surface of Segwang Special City, which rejects ghost stories other than itself, it’s not easy to cultivate contamination either.

‘Besides, if I get too contaminated, I might just disappear as a ghost story.’

Just like the counselor did.

So, I needed just one moment.

-One moment when I would be overwhelmed by more powerful contamination.

Even if I was already insane or contaminated by the Segwang Special City ghost story, so that state could be pushed back for a moment.

How is that possible?

It’s simple.

One of my existing identities as a ghost story becomes extremely powerful, breaks the balance, and overwhelms me.

And so I did it.

By expanding Flower Golden Resort.

‘Ah.’

My mind and body twist.

Territory doubled in size.

A role that has become more massive.

I perceive my role in the nearby place below, in the distorted Segwang Special City Subway, in the Flower Golden Resort built within it.

The golden resort.

Flower Golden Mascot.

The moment all those sensations overwhelm me as a human.

My body distorts and twists into the form of a mascot.

At the same time, it melts away.

I

must aim for this moment.

I actually

I threw my body into the torn cocoon.

And…

Inside the cocoon, I tore out the music box from Kim Sol-eum’s embrace with both hands.

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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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