《I Became A Ghost In A Horror Game》


 Prologue

    Prologue


    I like horror games. If you ask me if I like the thrill of being chased by something grotesque, I would say yes.


    I was never chased by a real monster, but it''s like riding a rollercoaster. Because cowardly people get a chance to experience death. I was able to feel that thrill from horror games.


    The joy of surviving and the secrets hidden in the horror tempts me, so I always go back to ying these types of games.


    But this.


    It''s too much.


    The faint sound of crickets tickles my ears. Dust that has been neglected and dances in the air. Old, creaking wooden nks. Antique furniture that looks like something out of an old western horror movie.


    I''m sure. This is the suspicious mansion behind the school from the horror game [Mystery Investigation Club ~Summer Vacation Nightmare~].


    Yes. I''m in a horror game.


    "Oh my goodness! Who are you? Are you here to y with E?¡±


    And to describe the beautiful girl in front of me right now, she has blonde hair with buns on both sides, and they''re both decked out with a red flower-shaped essory.


    She has fair white skin like a doll and was staring at me with her ruby red eyes.


    If you saw it in real life, you would hear people going "Wow!", and even the outfit is an old-fashioned western-style dress. You might even wonder if a celebrity was cosying.


    The problem is that she''s holding a knife <strong>and talking to me in a mirror</strong>.


    "Why don¡¯t you say anything~? You''re making me feel bad~"


    This kid is the first monster you encounter in the [Mystery Investigation Club], in which the main character in this game belongs.


    And she''s [E In The Mirror], a vicious monster who kills one person in the club of only four people ording to the story.


    E''s smile gradually hardens. E enjoys ying hide-and-seek, and she enjoys watching her opponent die in fear. If there''s no response, she gets angry.


    <em>''But I''ve just entered the game and I don''t know what to do!''</em>


    I''m not being bold, it''s just my body stiffened with extreme fear. God, why are you giving me such an ordeal? I just fell asleep while ying it yesterday!


    "Well, whatever. If you stab it with a knife, it will bleed. Mister! Let''s y hide-and-seek with E! Let''s start on the count of three!"<sup>1</sup>


    She says with a cute voice. This mansion is full of mirrors. In other words, I knew very well that no matter where I hid, I couldn''t run from E who moves between mirrors.


    "Eins (one)... Zwei (two)...."<sup>2</sup>


    E stares at me as she twirls the sharp knife in her hand. She was like a wolf hunting its prey.


    In my head, my life shes in front of me. It was a very ordinary life.


    There is nothing different from the others. Such a life in which you were born, studied, ate, yed, wandered, achieved something, or failed. Ah. Right. There was at least one thing that was different from others.


    It''s that he has a horribly unfortunate constitution.


    From falling potted nts from apartments, stepping on a banana on the street and getting seriously injured, or identally stepping on a puddle where electricity is shorted.


    Ever since I almost died, I have always lived carefully, calcting all the misfortunes that coulde to me.


    It reminds me of a conversation with someone.


    <em>-You''re really unlucky, are you enemies with the world?</em>


    <em>-People less fortunate than me can be seen just by watching TV documentaries. It could be worse. Maybe.<sup>3</sup></em>


    <em>-No. It''s because you epted the idents that came your way and acted to solve them. If it was someone else, they would have be a disabled person?</em>


    <em>-Is that apliment?</em>


    <em>-Well, if you take away this point, it''s a step back.</em>


    Yes. I''ve been through bad luck all the time, but I''ve always been struggling to solve it. Let''s try it again.


    I made up my mind.


    Thanks to that, the body that had been frozen until just now moves to live.


    "Huh? This!... I''ve changed my mind. I''ll spare mister."


    When I was thinking of escaping somehow, like the way the main character survived, E looked over my body and said that. Spare me? This killer? I asked back to see if I heard it correctly.


    "You''re saying... You''re going to spare me?"


    "Yeah! I''ll spare you. To be precise, I''ll let you live in this mirror!"


    "What?"


    Suddenly, my vision changed. When I came to my senses, I was in the mirror. Beyond the mirror is my own reflection. I can''t believe it, this...!


    "Kyahahahaha! Seeded! Sess! All I needed to do was drag it to the mirror! Mister is a bit peculiar. I did it just in case, but it worked!! Kyahahahaha!!!"


    E and I switched bodies...? E can only function in the mirrors in the mansion. Even at a nce, it''s a mansion that has been neglected, so she must have been locked up for a long time.


    Not only was she deprived of her freedom, but if the mansion copsed, she herself would die, so she must have been trembling with anxiety. It was a no-brainer to get a body.


    Now E has the body she longed for. Then now, am I going to be trapped here forever..? I screamed.


    "Turn me back right now!"


    "No way~! Although it''s not a cute body like E''s, I''m sick of mirrors! Goodbye!"


    It can''t be like this, it''s not enough to enter the game, but getting your body stolen too! What should I do? I have to do something...!


    E runs down the stairs. It was disgusting to see her jump and skip excitedly. However, when she ran like that...


    "What?"


    I''ll warn you in advance, before you get fed up with the absurdity of what happened here. E died in a really stupid way.


    First of all, E is not familiar with her new body. After all, she had been stuck in the mirror for a long time. And the stairs are quite old.


    Can you roughly guess? The stairs copsed and E lost her bnce. There was no way E, who was unfamiliar with her new body, could ever regain her bnce. Did she fall and die? No. The highlight is this:


    My unfortunate constitution. It affected E. The slight vibration caused by the impact of falling down the stairs to the floor made a huge chandelier sway in the hall of the mansion.


    "Ouch... It hurts..."


    After that, the ceiling copsed with a bang and hit E, who fell and was in pain. This happened less than a minute after my body was stolen.


    No matter how well I ept and adapt to situations... It took three minutes to understand what happened.


    <strong>"My body!!!!!!!"</strong>


    If you steal it, you should treat it well!!


    In the messy mansion, only the faint scream of a girl who was once a man echoed.

 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    The dark red blood flowing from the corpse by the chandelier reminds me that my body is already dead. The fishy smell of blood... I could smell it even in the mirror. It sucks...


    Worse still, the mansion has a risk of copsing because of the chandelier falling. I became uneasy and started fiddling with my hands, realizing these white, soft hands aren''t mine.


    The girlish voice that leaks out from time to time, and this bun hair that keeps getting in the way, are also very confusing.


    It''s quiet. There was no sign of the mansion copsing. I finally took a breath. Changing bodies is a big deal, but if the mansion copses, you''ll die right away...


    After getting out of the crisis, it became a rtively insignificant matter, so I was able to calmly ept it. Suddenly bing a woman. He''s not even human, he''s a monster.<sup>1</sup>


    Usually, when your body changes like this, you look in the mirror and ask yourself, "Is this... Me?" I''m in the mirror, and while I can move between them, my reflection doesn''t appear.


    ...


    Time has passed since E''s death. Five days. For five days I was trapped in the mirror of the mansion.


    Have I been exploring all this time? Of course, I tried a lot of things. I examined E''s abilities as a monster. One of them is [Mirror Movement].


    As long as it''s a mirror in the mansion, you can move to it. I checked the inside of the mansion with this... But there was no significant gain.


    There was nothing more to know about E... At least, a few children''s books were found... In the first ce, I know E''s backstory from the game lore.


    Pitiful... No, not pitiful, the psychopath girl [E Trapped In A Mirror]. As in all horror games, it doesn''t exin everything about the monsters, so it''s not certain what I know, as the spections are based on foreshadowing and clues, but... It''s probably urate.


    E was born in a western family. She was not unlucky, rather, she was born into a wealthy family and enjoyed all sorts of luxuries, but she had one strange desire.


    She has a mad desire to kill people. Despite her young age, E killed small animals in therge mansion to avoids prying eyes, and ended up killing one of her attendants by faking it as an ident.


    The first attempt was difficult, but after that she killed the people in the mansion one by one, until she killed her own parents.


    Only then the people close to the dead identified E as the culprit and came together to set fire in the mansion. Seeing that, E stabbed herself in the throat while in front of the mirror.


    <em>-Now there''s only me left~</em>


    She was smiling as she watched herself die...


    "Crazy bitch..."


    Now she died again, except this time with my body.


    There is one inconsistency here. That is the very existence of this mansion. It''s strange that after Emitted suicide the mansion didn''t burn down.


    It''s also contradictory that the mansion has an ideal number of mirrors, and above all, it doesn''t make sense that the mansion that should''ve been in the West is in Korea, as shown in the game settings.


    Well, it''s a game where Slenderman, Gargoyle, Eight Ghosts, and other non-ghosts in our country pop out all over the ce, so it''s not something I should pay attention to...<sup>2</sup>


    And E''s second ability is that she can physically interfere with the outside world. But it''s not possible to materialize her body outside the mirror.


    I held the knife in my hand and stared at one of the candles outside the mirror. I cut the air with the knife, like drawing a line on a paper.


    A candle that has been cut and dripped. This is the ability that allows E to kill people with her slender arms. Other than cutting with a knife, the physical force that can be exercised is weak, so I can''t use it properly, but I have no choice.


    Thest one is the ability to pull something into a mirror. This can only be used when someone touches the mirror. I think E used this on me, but I don''t know if there''s other ways to use it.


    It can suck up the dust that is stuck on the mirror. So it''s useless when no one is around.


    "Sigh..."


    There is nothing more I can do. I''d do anything to get out of the mansion. I''ve checked everything.


    "Ah."


    There''s something I haven''t checked yet.


    The body of a beautiful girl who I am now.


    Nope. No way. Being caught up in this nonsensical incident and touching a girl''s body! Absolutely uneptable.


    "..."


    Being conscious of it, I feel a emptiness in my groin. A heaviness in the chest, too. My face was filled with shame.


    I can''t be stressed out like this. Let''s practice exercising physical force outside the mirror once again.


    Because it''s in a mountain, if you roll the mirror down, you might be able to get outside. As long as there''s a reflection, I will be able to get into it somehow, so if I go down the streets full of ss, I will be able to move anywhere.


    Honestly, I haven''t tried it, so I''m just guessing.


    Still, I was training all day.


    And on the third day, while cleaning my blood and flesh scattered on the floor, I finally seeded! What I seeded? Bang! To closing and throwing things away.


    And this has be possible. I lifted one of the spoons in the distance and pulled it.


    A spoon that enters the mirror. I was good at pushing, but it was difficult to pull, but the control of physical power... No, telekinesis has also greatly increased!


    In this game, when the main character and the others entered the mansion, the main door was closed to prevent escaping, so the original E must have been stronger. But I am gradually catching up to that power.


    Even so, with this level of power, preparation is perfect. Let''s send it down the mountain carefully to keep the mirror from breaking. Even if there is no ss, if it rains, I will be able to get through the puddles.


    I''m half convinced that this method works. What bothers me is why didn''t E try this method in the first ce?


    I can only guess one thing.


    [Game Authority].


    Didn''t I say it was strange that this mansion was located in Korea? This is an extension of it.


    E is the first monster you encounter, but she is also a tutorial boss. In order for her to fight properly, she needs to have a stage where she can move actively and a level of difficulty that she can easily y around, so her mansion, which is her main stage, is unusually full of mirrors.


    Of course, it makes no sense for the boss to be able to leave the mansion, and even this world, which has been brought to reality, cannotpletely ignore suchws.


    Yes, E implicitly has the [Premise] that she can''t go outside... That''s why, unless you''re an irregr like me, you wouldn''t have even thought that you could go out like this. But I''m different.


    I don''t follow that mon sense". Because I''m a being with a will independent of themon sense of this world.


    Shall we try it?


    When I was about to throw a mirror out of the mansion with telekinesis.


    Squeak...


    The front door of the mansion opened.


    Who the hell? Who would dare to enter such a suspicious mansion?


    Huh? No way?


    Only then she remembered the existences she had put aside.


    Four children who show up. The protagonist and extras of this story. One of the extras who is brutally murdered at the start, and an unlucky protagonist who eventually ends up being chased by E.


    The [Mystery Investigation Club].


    With a hopeless future, they have entered the prologue.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Four children were struggling to climb the mountain. And then one of them suddenlyins.


    "Oh, it''s hard! Do we really have to climb the mountain? It''s night!"


    Said Kim Eun-jeong, one of the two girls with rtively weak stamina. She hates using her body, so she joined the [Mystery Investigation Club] toze around.<sup>1</sup>


    Her friend Shin Ha-rim is also a member of this club. However, Eun-jeong did not expect that she would climb a mountain as a club activity. She was thinking it would end with collecting scary stories on the Inte.


    Shin Ha-rim flinched after hearing that. Kim Eun-jeong came here because the majority of the members agreed, she was the only one against it.


    It was because Ha-rim thought there was no better way to submit club activities reports as summer vacation assignments. She was just trying to fulfill her role as the president...


    Then, Lee Kyeong-min, who is the most rational of the group, said while his sses were shining.


    "How is it that there are no haunted spots nearby? This is a famous ce at our school, so if we say we''ve been there, it''ll get a lot of attention. If that happens, I will receive a certificate of merit and a lot of prizes!"


    And beside him, Yoo Suho, a male student so tall he didn''t look like someone from elementary school, helped.<sup>2</sup>


    "That¡¯s right. Besides, if you don¡¯t give a good report, the club might be disbanded."


    Ha-rim pumped her fists after hearing these two opinions. She thought she did a good job. It was worth it to entice them to go to a haunted spot and enjoy the thrill.


    At this point, Kim Eun-jeong had no choice. She put up with her displeasure and continued to climb the mountain. As rumored, there was arge western-style mansion at the top. A mansion sorge that even a shlight couldn''t fully illuminate it. Yoo Suho let ou an exmation.


    "Wow, I never thought I would see a mansion like this in my country."


    Then, Lee Kyeong-min exined from the side.


    "It must have been built in the past when western culture was introduced and western-style mansions became popr. A mansion like this on top of a mountain... Rich people have a lot of entricities."


    Ha-rim was delighted as she patted her aching leg. Finally arrived! However, the face of Eun-jeong next to her wasn''t good.


    "Eun-jeong, what''s wrong?"


    "It''s creepy and it makes me feel ufortable..."


    "Isn¡¯t that what haunted spots are supposed to be?"


    "It is..."


    She was feeling ufortable, so she decided to quickly take a picture as evidence and go back. The club is important, but friendse first.


    Anyway, there would be no wild beasts, let alone ghosts, so it would be over soon. Yoo Suho confidently stood in front and entered the mansion.


    "The inside is cleaner than I thought."


    Kyeong-min walked in.


    "No, it''s a mess. What fell? A chandelier?"


    "I felt like I had to say that line for some reason."


    The mansion could not be said to be in good condition even with empty words. It''s a dark night, so they have to shine a light to check what''s ahead, stepping on the chandelier debris strewn on the floor.


    Kyeong-min was so focused about the difort of walking between the debris that he didn''t notice the red blood stains on the floor.


    Eun-jeong said.


    "Wow, it¡¯s really creepy here. Isn''t it on a different level from other haunted spots?"


    Ha-rim switched her cell phone to camera mode to fulfill her duties as the president. After all, you need a photo to write the report.


    "I''ll take a picture."


    A clicking sound filled the mansion. Kyeong-min took out his notebook and surveyed the surroundings, while Suho took the lead and removed dangerous objects such as shards of ss. Eun-jeong stayed by Ha-rim''s side as she warned others not to walk alone.


    Kyeong-min found something. Arge mirror up the stairs to the second floor. Therge mirror was wrapped in cloth. Kyeong-min carefully unwrapped it. It was because he was curious about the design of the old western-style mirror.


    He took down the cloth. In the mirror was a pretty girl like a doll. For a moment, Kyung-min mistook himself looking at a painting rather than a mirror, but then realized. It''s real. It is a real ghost! Kyeong-min screamed.


    It was Suho who reacted immediately.


    "What happened!"


    Ha-rim and Eun-jeong followed behind. What they witnessed was the real thing out of the many fakes. There is a ghost in the mirror. A beautiful girl ghost.


    With a knife...


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    It must have been unreasonable to hope not being seen with the cloth that was hastily put. I thought for a moment about what to do with the four children who were scared to see me in the mirror.


    Right now I am E. Let''s think about how E treated them in the original story.


    <em>-Wow! You have so many friends! Then you should y games, right?</em>


    First of all, she proposes a game to the main characters with a cute tone and facial expression. Hide-and-seek.


    Kyeong-min carefully asked first what would happen if he didn''t y the game.


    <em>-Of course, I''m going to kill you~!</em>


    After hearing the answer, Kyeong-min has no choice but to participate. The rules of the game are simple. You win if you get to the front door by avoiding [E In The Mirror]. Obviously, if you lose, you die.


    And at the end of her words, E, as if showing mercy, said that while it''s one at a time, if one of them wins, she will spare the rest.


    Then, Suho tried to go first, but Kyeong-min was faster because he was confident in the game.


    At this moment, Kyeong-min bes a yable character, and the yer controls him, being able to save and load the game. What happens to Kyeong-min who reached the front door?


    He dies.


    E doesn''t keep her promise. As she swings the knife by the mirror, Kyeong-min''s throat is cut and he falls to the ground.


    <em>-Kyaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!</em>


    Seeing such a shocking scene, children who are mere elementary school students cry, scream, and uproar. Of course, the front door could not be opened because of E''s power.


    Now the game changes the yable character to Ha-rim and the victory conditions are different. Defeat E.


    There are three survivors, but if Ha-rim, the yer, avoids E''s eyes and breaks all her mirrors or burns her mansion, her powers will weaken and they will be able to escape the mansion.


    The ruthlessness of the Game Producers who killed Kyeong-min, that sacrificed himself for the sake of the other children, makes me shudder.


    <em>''Except for the main character, the other two survivors will die one after another even if they get outside.''</em>


    Of course, I don''t have the guts to help the doomed characters. Knowing what kind of disaster will happen if the original story is twisted... About the main character who continues to explore the secrets and somehow achieves results.


    What if the progress goes a little wrong and the protagonist dies sacrificing himself for others? Then, what will be of this world!


    Can you reach the "Ending"?


    Even so, the minimum conscience within me is crying out not to kill them.


    No matter how important the original story is, I''m honestly not confident in killing people.


    Even though I know what I should do, I just can''t take the lives of children. You got to be joking.


    Once again, it''s impossible to help them. I can''t figure out how to help them with this body trapped in the mansion.


    Even if I intervene in the original work, it is not now.


    If so, don''t kill. For now, I give the horror simr to the original as much as possible so that the history is not distorted.


    Yes, this is for the best.


    Then let''s start ying.


    Keep things flowing as closely as possible to the original!


    "Hi, I''m E~! I live in a mirror!"


    Deliberately making a cute voice. I feel my stomach twisting, but I have to act like a crazy bitch. I''m wondering if I''m doing it correctly, but it can''t be helped.


    "Are you... Are you really a ghost...?"


    When Ha-rim asked, I pretended to be angry.


    "A ghost?! E is just trapped inside the mirror!"


    Ignoring the flinching and surprised Ha-rim, she said with a pitiful expression.


    "I''m stuck in the mirror... I was so lonely! Did you know? I killed the snail hiding in the mansion. Because I was bored!


    Then I also killed the cat. Because even though E said E was lonely, it didn''t even listen!"


    "What the hell are you talking about?"


    "Then a bigger one came in and I killed that too! Why? Of course it''s because I''m lonely and alone... <strong>So lonely that I want to kill everything I can see!!!!"</strong>


    "Heek!"


    Basically, crazy bitches are unpredictable things. It shakes the psychology of children who were anxious about facing a ghost.


    Okay, seeing their reaction, I think the acting is fine. The distorted face was restored and changed to a terrifyingly calm expression.


    The children were so overwhelmed by this attitude that they stayed quiet.


    "Still~? I''m d my friends are here."


    "Fri... Friends?"


    "Yeah! Friends! You really don''t want to be friends with E? Then that''s what it would happen?"


    I pointed my hand under the fallen chandelier. When Eun-jeong shines a shlight on it, she finds (past) me under the chandelier.


    "Heo-eok! That... That person is dead!"<sup>3</sup>


    "Hu... Huh."


    Suho is shocked and Eun-jeong even sheds tears. Kyeong-min calmly asks me.


    "What do you want from us?"


    ¡°It''s a simple game! You''re ying with poor E! The game is hide-and-seek! If you go out through the front door without getting caught by E, you win!"


    "What if... If I don¡¯t y the game...?"


    What if you don''t y the game? Obviously you have to die. Only in the original, of course. Still, I have to be scary like the original. I shouted out E''s line, making the best use of E''s appearance.


    "I will kill you of course!"


    cing my hands on my cheeks and slightly flush my face. A voice that tickles your ears. Even to me, it looks like a crazy bitch. No, I shouldn''t take pride in scaring children.


    Kyeong-min breaks out in cold sweat. He has to answer right now.


    "...I will join the game."


    "As expected, I was blessed with friends!"


    As I mocked him, a groan came out of Suho''s mouth. It seems that he thinks he''s pathetic for not being able to do anything. My heart trembles again. No, you can''t be weak here.


    "The game is one yer at a time. If you get caught, you die! But if even one person passes, I''ll let everyone go!"


    Knowing the original, I know how Kyung-min will act. A guy who would risk his life for his friends. Then, shall we prepare the "key" now? I telekically ced the bottle of red wine near the front door without anyone noticing.


    "I''ll go."


    When Kyeong-min said that, Suho stopped him.


    ¡°It''s too dangerous. I''ll go."


    Even so, Kyeong-min didn''t care.


    "No. I''m confident in winning the game, because I''m smart."


    "Still!"


    "...I want you to believe in me just this time.¡±


    There was a will in Kyeong-min eyes. It was the same look in his eyes when he was protecting other children, so Suho had no choice but to agree.


    "I get it..."


    Kyeong-min stepped forward to me. Yes, that''s how it should be.


    "I will go first."


    Iughed and shouted.


    "Then the other friends gather in front of the stairs~! It''s old and breaks easily, so be careful going down~!"


    Don''t die in vain like some idiot.


    The first-floor structure of the mansion has a staircase going up to the second floor in the front of the entrance. And there are several rooms connected by doors in the back. Kyeong-min starts there, and the children wait in the center.


    She told the children that if they gave even one word of advice to him until he reached the front door, she would tear their mouths, so they didn''t try anything.


    Once everyone was in position, the game started. In a room with so many mirrors that could not be ignored, Kyeong-min swallowed his saliva and moved on.


    Calcting the blind spot and the visible side of the mirror and passing by one after another. In order to not let him rx andmit a mistake, I appeared in the mirror right before Kyeong-min passed by and scared him with a knife.


    And.


    <em>''There are no blind spots...!''</em>


    It''s all down to chance here. You have to be prepared to be caught and run quickly to pass through.


    Hah... Hah... Hah...


    Kyeong-min''s breathing bes rough. The smarter you are, the more difficult it is to gamble. That''s why I passed by the spot right before him. As soon as he saw myself passing by with a knife, he would gain confidence.


    Ah! A ce that has been passed once is unlikely to be passed through twice! He thought. Sure enough, Kyeong-min, who did not miss the opportunity, quickly left. With this, the hurdle was passed.


    After getting through the room, he gets closer to the front door. Everyone held their breath and looked only at Kyeong-min. He was getting more and more rxed at the thought that he had done it.


    However, that attitude led to mistakes. It was because I randomly moved and we met eyes. Kyeong-min quickly hid. Kyeong-min thought he was in trouble.


    It''s also because of the increased difficulty. Because the front door has a lot of mirrors. I couldn''t show that I was too caring, so I decided to scare him more.


    In the mirror, I cut the spot where he had been with a knife.


    sh!


    "!!!!"


    "Did I see it wrong~?"


    Hah... Hah... Hah...


    A sound of holding back the gasping breath. Did I scare you too much?


    Kyeong-min calmed down and went on again. And finally! Reached the front door.


    "Win! I won! Now free the kids!"


    ¡°Wow! You''re really smart~! But what about it?¡±


    Nope.


    "What?"


    "s! You can go now, but the kids can''t! If you win from the beginning, who am I ying with? Don''t be so mad! If you get angry, I''ll kill you!"


    "That... But..."


    ¡°Ah~ I¡¯m annoyed. Are you going to save them? Ah, I had a good idea. I''ll let you go then I will kill the children! If you don''t like it, you cane back~!¡±


    A devilish idea in my opinion. You can go, but if you go out alone to live, I will kill all of these children. Even if you win or lose, someone dies. What to do now...? The game never ends unless someone is killed.


    "I... I..."


    He seemed conflicted. He lowers his eyes and look around in uneasy restlessness. Looking at the hesitant Kyeong-min, Iughed out loud.


    "Ahahaha! You''re conflicted! You are so funny! Hahahahaha!"


    Now I will only be seen as irredeemable trash. Kyeong-min, who was trembling, said.


    "...Sorry guys..."


    Kyeong-min shakes his head.


    And then.... He throws the wine bottle lying on the floor at the mirror where I was! I can suck it into the mirror, but I''m justughing and pretending to be careless and let it hit. Crash! The wine shattered and the contents temporarily covered the mirror, blocking my sight.


    "Now!!!"


    Children running with all their might as if they had been waiting for it. These guys didn''t think that he would betray them at all... My nose crinkled at the warm sight.


    Ah, by the way, is it time to get angry here?


    "These guys~!! I can''t forgive you!!! How dare you run away!!!"


    She shook the furniture with her telekinesis. Because of the dramatic effects, the speed of the children increased, probably realizing that they would die if they were caught.


    <strong>"I''ll kill you! If you get out of here, I will definitely kill you. So wait AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"</strong>


    And bang! The children are all out and the front door is closed.


    Silencees to the mansion that was shaking violently. The crazy E, no, I calmly organized my thoughts. Did I make any mistakes?


    "Looks like I''m done."


    Let''s leave the future to them and escape from this damn


    mansion.


    In order to shake off the guilt of tormenting the children, I stretched out and moved to the mirror in another room. now the worry about getting involved in the original story is over. I am me, the original is the original.


    Let''s leave the future to them and escape from this damn mansion.<sup>4</sup>


    However, this idea is shattered by the children who return to the mansion in less than an hour.


    What...? Why did you guyse back...?

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Leaving behind the children who escaped from the mansion, I prayed for their souls.


    This is a cruel world. There are terrifying things ahead of them besides E.


    I didn''t want the original story to be twisted, so I''ll just watch.


    Besides, ording to the original story, everyone except for the main character would die.


    Would wishing for fate not to be twisted be wishing for those young children to die?


    Am I feeling guilty now? ...Indeed I am.


    It''s really embarrassing to scare children as an adult, even though I''m in a little girl''s body.


    I''m a coward. The original is the the original, and I am me.


    I stretched. The road won''t open even if you''re depressed. Let''s walk, if we walk, the road will open. Let''s forge my own path.


    Anyway, I have to find a way to leave the mansion and return home.


    Besides, there''s no guarantee that they won''t die even if I help them with my body trapped in the mirror. I made that excuse.


    The silence of the mansion is more painful today.


    I picked up a small hand mirror. If it has a lot of mass, it will break easily when thrown out.


    I wrapped the hand mirror in the quilt of the bedroom. It was sewn with thread to form a roughly circr shape. I''ve never used thread before, so it took me a long time... But the finish isn''t bad. This won''t break.


    If you throw this outside to go down the mountain, you''ll need to use Mirror Shift. I cut the nket with a knife and let ite out the mirror. The nkets are limited and the number of hand mirrors is small, so I have to be careful. I''ll need to throw it.


    I took the duvet with the hand mirror in it and moved to the mirror near the window.


    I opened the window with telekinesis and looked for a good spot to throw. I chose a ce with few trees.


    I threw it with all my might. I didn''t hear any cracking. Instead, I could see the nket rolling away. I hope it doesn''t get blocked by trees.


    After a while.


    Slowly, the nket should have reached the bottom. And...


    At this point, the children will be at the bottom of the mountain, right? I hope you went down safely


    Squeak-


    That thought was shattered. I can feel the footsteps of four people at the front door. Why are these guys back?


    Could it be that you fell in love with this body? No, no. Was E''s unique narcissism passed on? First of all, I saw that the appearance of them entering was cautious.


    It seems like you don''t want to be heard. I can''t figure out what''s going on, or was the "warning"cking?


    I moved to the mirror in the room where the children were, thinking that if they returned without a sense of danger and for an absurd reason, I would be very angry.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person (A while back)</strong>


    The [Mystery Investigation Club] seeded in running away from the crazy girl, E. The children, out of breath from running frantically out of the mansion, came to their senses only when their lungs reached their limit.


    "Hah... Hah... Everyone... Huh... Calm down. If you run like this and fall, you will roll down and die."


    Kyeong-min said as he wiped his sses that were damp with sweat. They stopped as if they agreed, even though they couldn''t answer because they were out of breath, except for Suho.


    "That¡¯s right, whoa.. Eun-jeong seems to be at her limit. Meeting a real ghost, What the hell is going on here?"


    When Suho said that, Ha-rim was downhearted and apologized.


    "I¡¯m sorry. I didn''t know it was such a dangerous ce. Just because I asked you toe... Because of me..."


    Kyeong-min shook his head.


    "Originally, we all decided to go. You can''t put the me on only one person."


    After taking a breath, Eun-jeong patted Ha-rim on the back.


    "That''s right. And thanks to Kyeong-min, everyone survived. Thank you, Kyeong-min."


    "Why are you saying such embarrassing things..."


    The sight of everyone caring for each other even in midst of hardships made Ha-rim forget her fears and her heart was touched. She couldn''t even imagine parting with them, because their friendship is just that precious.


    Let''s go down and call the police. Even ghosts can''t defeat those who have been mobilized with public power. Let''s go slowly now.


    "Wait a minute, was the mountain always foggy like this...?"


    When Suho said that, Ha-rim looked around. The fog, which wasn''t there when she came up, is obstructing her view. Could it be that E did it? It became a credible hypothesis because it was not unusual for anything to happen as long as one suffered a supernatural phenomenon.


    "Maybe we''re notpletely safe yet. Rather than rushing down, let''s find a ce with few trees and turn off the shlight."


    The members swallowed their saliva at Ha-rim¡¯s words, but their eyes continued to search. Kyeong-min, who has good eyesight, quickly found a ce.


    "This is a ce with fewer trees. There is a slope, but there are fewer stones, so you won''t be seriously injured if you fall."


    They went down slowly, while being wary of our surroundings. But it''s weird. The air is getting colder and she can''t erase the uneasy feeling. The senses are ringing the rm. Is she the only one feeling this?


    "Wait a minute, everyone. Look around carefully."


    Hearing Ha-rim''s words, they start to look around. Then Suho found something. From very far away a man dressed in ck was standing there. Could he be a human?


    Suho tapped Kyeong-min''s shoulder. He just had his new sses fitted, so he could see much better.


    Kyeong-min opened his eyes and looked at the man, hisplexion turning blue. His reaction was unusual, so Suho whispered as low as possible.


    "What do you see?"


    "There is a thin and tall man. He''s wearing a suit, but his skin is pale. Not only pale. He is so white he can be seen even in the night...!"


    After hesitating, Kyeong-min added a few words.


    "And if my eyes weren¡¯t wrong, he didn¡¯t have a face."


    The children who quietly listened to Kyeong-min''s words realized the seriousness of the situation. The monster wasn''t only E. For this to happen right after escaping... The group only noticed it because there were few trees. Being almost unaware of its existence. They have to figure out a way to escape now while they haven''t been caught yet...


    "Hey guys, isn¡¯t that monster looking for us?"


    At Eun-jeong''s words, Ha-rim definitely thought so. At first nce, it was looking for something. Less trees helped, but it was rather difficulty to hide. If so, you should lower your posture and lean your body in the bushes as much as possible and move away.


    "Damn, why it''s looking for us?"


    "We need to get down and slowly get away from him."


    As Ha-rim said that, the children lowered themselves and slowly gained distance. But squeak, squeak. They heard the sound of wild rats. Fortunately, it wasing from another direction. The man just stood there looking at the same ce.


    Is it insensitive to sound?


    The moment she thought so. The monster vanished from sight. Ha-rim took a breath. A monster appeared in an instant in the direction where the sound came from.


    The man swung his arm, and in the aftermath the thick log was dug in half. The mice that lived inside the logs became chunks of meat.


    It''s dangerous. Maybe more than E.


    Ha-rim was rolling her head around to find a way to survive. She finally made a decision. And then, even quieter than a whisper... She made a barely audible suggestion with the shape of her mouth.


    "We. Go. Back. House."<sup>1</sup>


    "...!"


    The other side is a monster that teleports whenever it hears a noise. She has no confidence in not making a single sound while moving. Besides, there''s four people.


    The risk of getting caught by that monster is too great if you rely on the bushes to hide until daylight. However, in E''s case, it would be possible to survive in the mirror''s blind spot if they remained undetected.


    Ha-rim''s conclusion was that hiding in a building was the safest way to avoid the monster.


    Maybe...


    "But-"<sup>2</sup>


    It''s dangerous, Kyeong-min tried to say. Until they saw the monstering towards them.


    Kyeong-min face turned blue again, and everyone became tense. In fact, there may be a better way.


    If they''re really careful, they might not get caught. However, he wants to leave this ce right now. And he was frightened of the monster destroying trees, so he followed Ha-rim''s suggestion.


    Everyone kept a low posture and moved towards the mansion. The problem is that the monster was approaching from the distance faster than them.


    However, if they ran, he would teleport, so they couldn''t do that, he bit his lips and continued moving.


    Kyeong-min, being a bit worried, looked back. The monster was getting closer. It was so far away before that it seemed blurry, but now he could see it clearly, walking towards them.


    "Heo-eok..!"


    Trees and bushes began to hide their presence as they approached the mansion. He could hear the man steps from time to time.


    Oh my god. Did he find us?


    Just as Kyeong-min was thinking that, he heard something fall. It was a ball made of nkets. It rolled down the mountain. The monster''s attention was diverted to it.


    The group increased their speed and seeded in reaching to the front of the mansion without getting noticed.


    "Let¡¯s go in carefully."


    The members silently agreed. Kyeong-min carefully opened the front door. A lot of mirrors looked back. But E''s figure was nowhere to be seen. Thinking that this was an opportunity, he hurriedly entered one of the many rooms in the mansion.


    Only then did everyone catch their breath.


    "It isn''t over yet. He chased the nket ball, but he''lle this way eventually. Because this is the only ce the ball came from."


    Who threw the ball? Could it be E? No, there''s no way she would have done it to save them. Or maybe someone else is hiding?


    "Anyway, we have to stay out of E¡¯s eyes here and wait until daylight. I don''t think there are any mirrors here other than that one."


    E couldn''t attack them when he covered the mirror with wine. He covered the mirror with the cloth he had found across the floor. Please I hope this helps. Thought Kyeong-min.


    A tall, skinny white ghost on one side, and a crazy girl ghost on the other. It was truly a nightmare.


    We kept our mouths shut and waited for day toe. He hoped the silence would continue like this, but a strange reaction appeared in the mirror


    The cloth covering the mirror split as if it had been cut with a knife.


    Kyeong-min wanted tough at the naivety that they wouldn''t get caught.


    Despair looms in the eyes of the members.


    E noticed.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    As soon as I moved, the cloth blocked my vision, so I cut it with a knife. When I saw the kids looking at me and making devastated faces, my mind wasplicated.


    Did you really think you guys wouldn''t get caught?


    I kicked them out while making such cheesy lines! Annoyance rises to the top of my head, but I have to ask something first.


    "Oh! Did youe here to y with E again? But well? I just want to kill you guys~"


    I fiddled with the knife with a smile on my face. Ha-rim shuddered and Kyeong-minpletely stiffened because of the memory of being chased by me. Suho wrapped the children in his arms and Eun-jeong burst into tears.


    Kyeong-min shouted as if to make an excuse.


    "There''s a monster that teleports out there, so there''s nowhere else to hide!"


    I was a little surprised and froze for a moment by the scream. Firstly, I need to react.


    "Ahaha! Do you think I''ll save you if you make an excuse? That''s funny~"


    She said so, but her head was full of confusion. Another monster? The main character gets depressed here and goes back to school, where she grieves the loss of her friends.


    And the first chapter ends with him gradually noticing the strange things happening around her.


    That means you won''t encounter another monster.


    Could it be because I let Kyeong-min alive?


    Putting this issue aside...


    Teleportation... There are a few monsters like that. Some of them have workarounds, though.


    If so, figure out their identity and help...


    No, no, wait. If I help here, what will happen to the original? It''s already been twisted, so is it okay if I twist it further?


    There is the option to ruthlessly kick them out of the mansion. And then what if they all die? The original story was twisted, so I don''t know about the main character, but the rest could die.


    What an idiot! Other than the main character, everyone else dies anyway, so it would be going ording to the original story. what am I worrying about?


    No, I still want the kids to live...


    While I was fighting in my head, something opened the front door of the mansion and came in.


    With a wide stride. Bowing your head when entering the mansion.


    He is very tall. And for someone like that, the sound of footsteps is light.


    It sounds like you are tall and thin. It can teleport...


    Ah. This monster is... Slenderman!


    Slenderman, one of the foreign urban legends. He is quite famous as a monster who kidnaps children. But he''s not something that would appear in the beginning.


    It''s a monster as strong as E, the tutorial boss, but his true strength lies in not having any "weaknesses"''. If E''s weakness is to burn the mansion and break the mirrors, Slenderman has none of those things.


    The characters in this game are just children. If the creator doesn''t give a way to beat the monsters, the only solution is to run away.


    As it is a monster with teleportation, the difficulty level rises sharply when you encounter it! It''s best to memorize the pattern with the save and load function and escape out of sight without getting noticed. In real life, there is no way you can use that method.


    Besides, since Slenderman came into the mansion, it''s impossible to escape his sight. Even more so, since there are four of them, at least one will surely die.


    The sound of Slenderman''s footsteps are getting closer. It''s headed exactly this way. It seems to have a instinct for finding children.


    Hearing the sound, the children shuddered. They really thought they''re going to die now. So what do I do now? Should I protect the children or just watch? There is no time. Bystander. Responsibility. Adult. Children. Original. Twist. Conscience. Decision. Confusion.


    I heard Eun-jeong''s voice as I couldn''t make a decision.


    "Help me... Please..."


    "..."


    I made my decision ording to my heart.


    A monster that helps people. Would someoneugh if they saw it?


    "Hide behind my mirror for now."


    "!!!!"


    E''s tone, which had beenughing and mocking, calmed down. As her children hesitated, E frowned at them.<sup>3</sup>


    "Don''t make me say it twice."


    Then the children hurriedly stood up straight behind my mirror and hid themselves. A fairlyrge mirror was enough to cover all of them.


    Squeak...


    A skinny man without a face came in putting his long arms inside like a spider goes into a hole. He looked around for a while, then approached the mirror...


    Crash!


    There was the sound of ss breaking elsewhere. Shortly thereafter, the man''s figure disappeared. I returned from the other mirror and telekically shut the door that had been opened.


    "Nowe out."


    One by one, the children came out from behind the mirror, hesitantly. These guys would be wondering why I helped them. After all, I was trying to kill them just now, but suddenly I helped.


    It''s pitiful to see them looking at me like a scared rabbit, so I''m scratching my head about what to do with these children. As long as I have already intervened, it is not possible to follow the original story.


    It''s all because of my contradictory behavior. If I really wanted it to go the way it was originally, I should have killed one person in the beginning. Don''t they say there is no paradise at the end? I never thought I woulde back with this result.


    I do not regret it. Could I have killed a child? Never...!


    "Sigh..."


    The four people flinch at the sound of sighing. Do you know how I feel? Well, it looks like they''re going to die right away, but there''s no way I can afford paying attention to it right now.


    "Do you want to live?"


    After looking at each other at my words, Ha-rim said yes as the representative.


    I have an idea how to defeat Slenderman, even though he had no weaknesses in the game. However, since this is a task that requires cooperation, it is necessary to provide a minimum safety device.


    "In that case, promise me.... No, promise E. I will never do anything stupid. And offer a partner to y with. Then, E promise not to kill? Really mean it."


    I think this is a truly E-like proposal. In the first ce, E wouldn''t do anything to help people... But at least they''ll believe if I say it this way.


    I mean, E wants something from them. Of course, the kids care so much for each other, so they''ll break their promise and run away once Slenderman is defeated.


    I also broke my promise, but I have no conscience telling these kids to trust me... And I hoped they would break it.


    "Okay. I promise. Save us instead."


    "Yeah~ I promise~"


    I smiled lightly. It broke my heart to see the children in disgust. E''s face is pretty though...


    Anyway, be happy, kids.


    The sight of a ghost fighting a ghost is a spectacle hard to see.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Slenderman wandered around the mansion. He lifts furniture with his long arms and goes looking for hidden children. Since it was an old mansion, dust rolled over every time, but since he was a monster without a face, let alone a nose, he hasn''t affected by it. Suddenly, a voice came from behind him.


    "Hey, bastard. Don''t you know that it''s rude to search around other people''s mansions?"


    When he looked back, he only saw a mirror that was reflecting himself. Slenderman eagerly tried to find the source of the voice. A child''s voice. It''s a child''s voice!


    "It¡¯s this way, where are you looking at?"


    A voice came from the first floor. Slenderman teleported to a hall filled with mirrors. Yes. Full of mirrors. And it seemed to have more mirrors than before he went to the second floor.


    "It¡¯s fast~"


    Slenderman turned his head. There was a little girl there. She was smiling in the mirror.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    This is the first time I''ve witnessed a monster other than myself. Because of my small stature, I felt pressure from the body of Slenderman, who was twice asrge as an adult. Anyway, a guy who is worst than a pedophile, who is crazy about children. Thinking about it made my heart feel better.


    In the game, there was no system for fighting monsters, but I''m really curious how it will turn out. Curiosity in the midst of this, maybe I''m having fun with this situation.


    "Because it''s a long time, I''ll suggest a game, Mr. Pedophile. The rules are simple. If I cut you, you get cut, and if I stab you, you get stabbed."


    No consent is required. I drew a line in the mirror using the knife as a brush. The sharpness of the knife that transcended space attacks Slenderman.


    Slenderman''s neck was scratched with a knife. Red blood drips down. If it was an ordinary person, I would have cut his throat with a single sh. it''s so damn tough.


    "!!!!"


    Slenderman was furious. At the same time, he seemed to understand how I attack. The guy runs into the mirror where I''m reflected. He swings his long and pale arm with a booming sound.


    Crash!<sup>1</sup>


    The mirror shattered into pieces of ss. Debris and dust from the floor that had been smashed together created a mist for a while.


    You don''t think this is the end, do you? I had just moved to the mirror behind you. Slenderman''s back is visible. I shed again.


    Swish!<sup>2</sup>


    "!!!!"


    This time he got a scratch on his back. It doesn''t have a mouth, but since it''s trembling, it looks like it wants to scream. I wickedlyughed a little because it was funny.


    <strong>"Pfft..."</strong>


    Hearing the sound, Slenderman swings his long arm once more, and a mirror is shattered again.


    But at the same time, his side is cut. The first floor is full of mirrors. You won''t be able to hide in blind spots with that long body.


    Perfect for giving a beating.


    I moved around the mirrors at a speed that ordinary people could hardly follow with their eyes. No matter how much he teleported, the reaction speed of his body couldn''t surpass my movement speed.


    Slenderman chased after me and attacked the mirrors.


    No matter how hard you attack, you won''t hit me. Because if you attack once, I will cut you three times from the other mirrors.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    Left. Right. Up. Down. Down. Left. Right. Left. Middle. Down. Middle. Down. Down. Left. Right. Right.


    A storm of cuts randomly flying from among the mirrors arranged in a spherical shape. The smell of blood overflows, and I, as a monster, enjoy the feeling of exaltation.


    If you see a gap, cut it. If you are careless, you will be cut. A few mirrors were broken, but Slenderman was soon covered with scars.


    The good-looking suit that he used to show off a mysterious aura has long since be a rag.


    Even so, it seemed that it''s life was not affected. It''s more monstrous than I expected... I realized that I couldn''t kill it this way.


    I decided to activate the n I had prepared.


    p!<sup>3</sup>


    The sound of pping spreads. This is a signal. The children who received the signal from a distance made very loud noises and ran around.


    The sound of iron striking iron. To be precise, it was the sound of pots and utensils colliding. I asked the kids to make a loud noise on purpose.


    Upon hearing the sound, Slenderman immediately teleports to where the children are.


    "Not a chance."


    This is E''s mansion, my realm full of mirrors. At the ce where Slenderman arrived, there was Kyeong-min and me at the same time.


    I cut off the hand that was outstretched to Kyeong-min. Even though Kyeong-min was scared, he made a loud noise.


    Giggle.


    "!!!!"


    It seems that he gets angry when Kyeong-minughed. Slenderman teleports to target another child, ignoring him.


    I also follow using mirror shift. let''s see, I found where he was and went to Suho


    "It''s useless."


    Scratch!


    Stop all the attacks targeting the children. Slenderman''s teleportation and my mirror shifting are already on an equal footing.


    You can''t ignore me and target the kids. Slenderman seemed to realize that too.


    ck and grotesque forces gathered around Slenderman. I know what that is.


    "Phase two."


    Bundles of ck tentacles protrude through the ragged suit.


    It was truly disgusting to see it constantly wriggling. I shed the tentacles approaching the mirror while aiming for the body at the same time.


    "Tsk."


    Not even a scratch this time. It''s not even a boss mob, but it''s filthy strong.


    Slenderman, who took no damage, approached aggressively and broke the mirrors. I also resisted, wielding my knife as best as I could.


    Slenderman''s second phase is not a power that can be sustained for long. As long as I hold on, it is my victory.


    I continued to run away through mirror shifting. After destroying most of the mirrors in the hallway on the second floor, Slenderman chased me down to the first floor again.


    "Isn''t it about time?"


    Slenderman''s powers were gradually draining away. Even so, the tentacles did not disappear.


    This is where the mirrors are concentrated. In phase two, it''s easier to break mirrors using tentacles.


    The tentacles stretched to full length. They were long enough to touch the ceiling, knocking all the mirrors off the top of the room and walls.


    He rxed as if it was his victory.


    Even though the phase just ended, there are not many mirrors left on the floor.


    The tentacles are gone, but I know there''s nothing I can do if he destroy them all with his own hands. I raised three fingers at such a Slenderman.


    "You missed three things, idiot."


    In the mirrors that fell like rain, Iughed at Slenderman.


    The first.


    "Are these mirrors you dropped all the ones I have?"


    Slenderman didn''t even notice. He didn''t knew that arge mirror wasing towards him. I telekically moved the mirror to touch him. Then, one of E''s three abilities, "the ability to drag into the mirror" was activated. Slenderman''s shoulder was swallowed by the mirror.


    The second.


    "Aren¡¯t you missing something in the loud noises the kids make?"


    Three children were making noise. Kyeong-min, Suho and Eun-jeong. Ha-rim, who had been hiding, appeared from behind and ran towards Slenderman with a metal candlestick.


    Panicked, Slenderman tried to teleport, but his ability didn''t trigger. This is something I realized while using mirror shift. In order to move, not only the coordinates to the destination, but also the coordinates where you started are important.


    Slenderman exists both outside and inside the mirror. The coordinates have be unclear. If you don''t know the trick, you can''t teleport.


    The third.


    "You misjudged that I wouldn¡¯t be able to inflict lethal wounds."


    He will pay for that mistake with death. Slenderman struggled, but the part sucked into the mirror was so deep that he couldn''t reach his hand to push the mirror. To make matters worse, After phase two, he couldn''t even use the tips of the tentacles.


    I hugged the upper body that had entered the mirror and said a question in his ear.


    The Question. What will happen if you break the mirror while being sucked into it?


    Ha-rim''s metal candlestick collides with the mirror. Let''s break the mirror with a bang! The part sucked into the mirror disappeared, leaving only the part that wasn''t. The lower half of his body lost strength and it fell down. In another mirror, E whispered to Slenderman.


    The correct answer is "division".


    "Weak~"<sup>5</sup>


    I taunted Slenderman''s upper body in my arms while stroking his face.


    "...Heo-eok!"


    My personality, which was distorted, returned.


    What did I just do? Excited by the smell of blood, he mocked Slenderman. Lastly, saying "weak~" at him? Apparently, E''s body is affecting me to some extent. I may be human, but E is a monster.


    Still, a sense of self-doubt washes over me, acting like a little kid, I felt embarrassed.


    First of all, I have to throw away the upper half of the Slenderman in my arms.


    It was then. Slenderman''s body turned into smoke and began to enter my body.


    "?!"


    I felt the ck smoke permeate me and give me a power. Hopefully this power. Maybe. I don''t know if that''s even possible.


    I''ll have to think about thister.


    Now that the situation is over. It''s ourplete victory. s. I was an ordinary person until recently. I never thought I would end up fighting a life-and-death battle like this. It''s the first time since I was chased by thugs.


    Children stepping on the glittering shards of ss on the floor and sneaking towards me. They didn''t even run away. Or was it because Ha-rim was in front of me so they couldn''t?


    The children were nervous. It was because they had seen countless fragments and numerous knife marks in the aftermath of the fight. This is E''s true strength. They were realizing that the likes of them could easily be killed. The perpetrator of the tragedy was smiling brightly in the mirror.


    "Now, it''s your turn to keep your promise to E~?"


    How long do I have to use a cheesy third-person line? There is no point in changing it now, so I have no choice but to endure it. All I asked for was someone to y with. However, it will sound like a request to give away a toy that will die.


    There is no need to intimidate them as long as you have already cooperated with them. However, it would be awkward to change your attitude all of a sudden.


    ¡°E needs someone to y with. Since you helped me diligently, I''ll forgive you by leaving only one person.~¡±


    "...We can''t just leave one person behind..¡±


    "Oh, I¡¯m d. So, is everyone ying with E?"


    Ha-rim trembled with fear. It is no different than a mouse in front of a beast. I''m proud of myself for thinking of all that, But if you don''t y, someone''s going to be a broken toy? So what are you going to do?


    "I''ll y with E. But we are tired. Can''t you give us time to rest? Please."


    that''s how it came out. Even though she knows that if I get offended, she will die. Is this the mentality of an elementary school student? Kids these days are fast.


    "Oh~..."


    Gulp.


    I heard Ha-rim swallowing saliva. She must be imagining the scene where I suddenly get angry and shes my knife. I wonder if the real E would act like that. But I''m different.


    "I just had a lot of fun, so tonight I¡¯ll give you special permission! You know what happens if you try anything, right?"


    "!! Yes! Of course!"


    Ha-rim''s face brightened. Yes, you''ve been through a lot. She''s probably mentally tired, so at least heal your fatigue. I showed them to a room on the second floor. I deliberately guided them to a ce where there were no mirrors. After all, if you look in a mirror, you will think of me and get stressed.


    "Ah~ The mirror on the second floor is broken, so it¡¯s difficult to guide you~"


    "...!"


    I guided them while saying that. Get it? If you break the few remaining mirrors on the second floor, I''ll have a hard time chasing you. Where else can you find an opportunity as good as this one? If you weave a nket, you can easily make a rope to go down to the first floor.


    After guiding them, I disappeared. And I said my goodbyes inwardly. Bye then!


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    When the door was closed, the children finally breathedfortably. It was because they were so afraid of E that it was difficult to breathe just by being close to her. Fortunately, they got a grace period, but if they y the game with her again, there will be casualties.


    "Is everyone okay?"


    When Eun-jeong asked, Everyone nodded. Kyeong-min looked around the room to see if there were any mirrors.


    "There are no mirrors here. I think we can rx."


    As soon as Kyeong-min said that, the silent children began to actively talk.


    "Thanks to Ha-rim, we bought time. Thank you."


    "No, I¡¯m thankful that everyone endured well."


    We didn''t forget to take care of each other. Ha-rim wiped Eun-jeong''s teary eyes with her sleeve. Everyone survived. This is something you can genuinely rejoice about.


    "Now what? Do we have to wait like this until dawn?"


    "....Maybe. Because there might be more monsters in the forest. Ah! Wouldn''t it be okay if I reported it on my phone?"


    Cell phone! Turns out, they forgot all about it. they didn''t have time to make a phone call. Suho took out his cell phone. But no signal was picked up. The cell phones of Kyeong-min, Eun-jeong, and Ha-rim were the same.


    "Ugh. In a horror movie, There''s never signal. It''s just like that."


    "Actually, there are ghosts too. E says she won''t touch us tonight. As soon it''s dawn, let''s escape her mansion. We can weave nkets to make ropes."


    The children agreed to Ha-rim''s proposal began to weave the nkets. With four people working together, they were able to make a rope right away. As consequence, they were tired. At least because of the separation from E, the tension was relieved. Mental fatigue was no joke.


    One by one, the children fell asleep. However, Ha-rim did not fall asleep. Instead, she searched the room. No one could tell if this was a characteristic of a yable character in a horror game or her personality. She searched the room with particr persistence. and then, she discovered something that even the present E had not been able to find.


    [E''s diary]

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    The way to find out E''s backstory was to get an item in the game. After defeating E, you will be able to enter her father''s study, and the item you can obtain there is [Father''s Diary].


    It''s an old and smeared diary that''s hard to read, and even the textes out broken, so I don''t know the exact story, because most of the pages were torn. Even so, E''s figure that her father saw on the remaining pages was not normal.


    [I went to see XXX XXXXXX because her body felt XXXX. After receiving XXXX XXXXX from him, her body became worse. He warned me that it was due to XXXXXXXXXX, or constant exposure to XXX XXXXX. The cause lies in that XXXXXXXX. I couldn''t believe XXX XXXXXX. I left the church after saying X XXXX XX XX to XXX XXXXXX.]


    [Today, I saw E ying around with XXXXXXs. I''m sure XXX XXXXXX said to not let her y with XXXXXXs. Unsurprisingly, E XXXXXX the XXXXXXs. She thinks that she hides the XXXXXs well, but I always count the number of XXXXXXs in the yard and the smell makes me frown. When I yelled at her, E begged me saying XXX XXX XXX. XXX XXXXX is afraid of me, but someday it might not. I''m afraid of XXX XXXXX, and E is XXXXXXX XXXXX. I have to go back again and listen to XXX XXXXXX.]


    [As advised by XXX XXXXXX, E will no longer XXXX XXX XXXXXXs. I''m d. But XXX XXXXXX doesn''t know. E is the devil. I will never get caught off guard, I have to keep XXXXXXX XXX. E, I love you. If youe back I will stop doing this.]


    [Loretta died while cleaning the roof today. They said it was an ident. It can''t be. It''s definitely E''s work. XXX XXXXX was smiling when I nced at E. Wickedly. I have to XXXX E somehow. Or we will all die. The only thing I can use to punish E is the medicine XXX XXXXXX gave me. I have to do it, before the medicinal effect stops working.]


    [No. Nothing works anymore. It''s already toote. XXX XXXXX became E. Priest, please help. That bitch, XXX XXXXX, is not my daughter. They killed everyone in the mansion and are knocking on my door. Ah! I hear it. The voice of an evil demon calling for father. How much I loved you! Ah, please, XX XXX XXXX this diary, please XXXX that devil.]


    The father''s struggle to bring back E, who enjoyed killing animals, by asking the priest for help. In the end, the tragedy ended with E killing him. It''s really unfortunate. However, it is regrettable that this was written strictly from the father''s point of view.


    <em>''Because it''s an indie game with a small number of people. It would be unreasonable to expect more foreshadowing.''</em>


    I Thought.


    There are other clues, but what we find out is that the vigers tried to set fire to the mansion to execute E, and that shemitted suicide in front of a mirror.


    Now I am E, a psychopath whocked even a millimeter of sympathy, but I still have no pity for her. And I even recalled her past three times.


    <em>''Why did I suddenly think of this...? Have the children escaped yet?''</em>


    In any case, no one would sympathize with E. She''s scum. I waited for the children to escape. I was touching four very small mirrors that someone wouldn''t even notice if I put them in their pocket.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    I turned over the diary even while drowsy. It was torn and only a few pages remained, even those pages were smudged and eaten by insects, making it difficult to read.


    [XXXXXX beat me badly. XXXXXX hates me ever since he went to XXX XXXXXX. Why. I was so sick that I begged. But XXXXXX continued to beat me. And after XXXXXX beat me, he fed me holy water. Then he beats me again.]


    [It hurts. It hurts so much. Someone please save me. Even if I tell everyone in the mansion, no one listens. I. When I turned 1X, I wanted to go to town to make friends. XXXXXX said I can''t be XXXXXXX with anyone while being XXXX.]


    [I was found out by XXXXXX while ying on the yard. When my XXXXXX saw me, he trembled, as if shocked. Why? When the animals saw XXXXXX, they freaked out and ran away. And that day I was beaten close to death.]


    [XXXXXX brought in a goat with horns. My XXXXXX said it was to XXXX XXXX. He said that XX was a sacred animal. He told me that if I kill XX, he will kill me too. XXXXXX. I''ve never killed a friend, but I was happy. XXXXXX, I made a friend.]


    [One day, Ms. Loretta fell from the XXXX. Surprised, I ran to XXXXXX and asked XXX XXXX. However, when my father saw my face, he shuddered. Hell started again. Father. Please, I didn''t kill anyone. It''s not me.]


    [The goat talks to me.]


    [Now I have a lot of friends.]<sup>1</sup>


    I was able to catch my breath only after finish reading the diary that gave me goosebumps. The sparse bloodstains made me feel E''s pain indirectly. I felt sorry for her because I had seen many cases in the media where peoples tragic deaths turned them into evil spirits.


    Maybe, really, maybe... She might have genuinely needed a friend. Her father''s abuse and the indifference of those around E must have changed her.


    Even so, she was dangerous. I can''t put my friends in danger because of my sympathy.


    s, poor E. We, too, have no choice but to betray her. While thinking so, I couldn''t stand the drowsiness and fell asleep.


    When I woke up, the sun was slowly rising. A rope made of nkets was attached to the window railing.


    I considered breaking the mirrors in the hallway just in case, but I didn''t want E to hear the noise so I just left it alone.


    We threw all the pillows down, a safety measure just in case the rope snapped.


    After going down one by one, when it was my turn, I took out a chocte from my pocket.


    I wrote "I''m sorry" on my notepad and left it on the mirror by the door with the chocte. I approached from an angle that, of course, couldn''t be noticed.


    After escaping the mansion, we made our way down the mountain.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    I was looking in the mirror at the kids running away. And the small mirrors were put in each of their pockets.


    Why? After all, there must be a mirror in the children''s house. Through that mirror, I will bepletely free from the mansion!


    The nket ball that I threw the other day just failed... It seems that the mirror was broken as if something had stepped on it and it was unable to move. As long as the kids don''t notice the mirror and throw it away, you won''t have to throw a nket ball again.


    Since I had nothing to do, I experimented with the power I gained after defeating Slenderman.


    It was [Materialization], and although it was only for a short period of time, it became possible. The strength of my body also increased, making it difficult to see me as a "weak" girl anymore.


    I felt that with this much strength, I could break a wooden nk with my fingers. When I get used to handling this power, teleportation might be possible. I might even be able to pull out its tentacles.


    Pat, pat, pat-


    It was dusty, but I felt pleasure walking around the mansion barefoot. Ah, this feeling. If it was the real E, wouldn''t she have been moved to tears? Even I, who spent rtively little time confined to the mirror, trembled with the refreshing feeling.


    When I went up to the second floor, I stepped on something. It wasn''t a piece of ss.


    "What is this... A note?"


    And chocte. The note says sorry.


    "????"


    I can''t understand the Englishnguage. Do you mean sorry for running away? Do you usually apologize for running away from a killer?


    I scratched my cheek and picked up the chocte. Come to think of it, I haven''t eaten anything since I fell into this world. I peeled off the packaging and put the round chocte in my mouth.


    "Ah."


    Sweetness overtook my head. What? Was it always this tasty? No, it can''t be, I used to hate sweets.


    But the tongue was honest. I stopped chewing and ate the chocte while gently melting it. If you chew it, it will disappear quickly.


    "Ah."


    After some time, all the chocte disappeared. Involuntarily, I made a sound of regret.


    At the same time, my face turned a little red. Has even my taste turned into a girl? Even though I''m an adult, I''m obsessed with chocte like a kid... I''m d no one saw me.


    "...If I go out of the mountains, I''ll have to look for sweets first."


    I hope the children get home soon.


    But...


    After they get home...


    There won''t be anything to be happy about...


    Because this game is "their" nightmare.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    After safely escaping the mountain, the children had to return to their respective homes first. There must have been an uproar because they stayed out overnight without permission.


    Maybe even the police were called. However, it wasn''t scary. What they were really afraid of was what they had just experienced, so they missed the arms of their families, whether they were scolded or punished.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    After everyone decided that we should discuss today''s matterter at school, I returned home.


    "I''m home."


    No answer is heard. It''s been a long time since my parents passed away. It was sad that there was no one by my side even after I had gone through such a terrible thing.


    However, since it was impossible to hold on to my friends who were returning to their families, I sighed in frustration.


    I took out the chocte I had been saving from my refrigerator.


    Because it is quite expensive, I did not want to eat it except on special asions, but if not now, when should I eat it?


    <em>''What happened at the mansion... it felt like a dream.''</em>


    If there are vivid dreams, then there are also realities that doesn''t look real. In a way, it may have been a rare experience... But it''s something I don''t want to experience again.


    I should eat some chocte.ying down on my bed, I started to open the wrapping.


    Chocte. I remembered the chocte I had left in the mansion. She must have seen the note...


    <em>''What will E do to me when she finds out that I broke her promise?''</em>


    I imagined E stabbing me with her knife. A chill ran down my spine, and I tossed and turned my body.


    I then realized that I had something in my pocket. Is it my cellphone?


    I decided it was time to call my friends, so I decided to call the person I was most concerned about.


    <em>''Because Eun-jeong has a weak heart. She''ll struggle a lot.''</em>


    Without thinking, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the contents. But what was in my hand was not a cell phone, but a round hand mirror...


    Why is this in my pocket? I look into my reflection in the ss. An ordinary mirror. But if it''s a mirror... At this time, an ominous thought shed through my head. No way... No way!


    "!!"


    Behind my own reflection in the mirror, E was staring at me.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    I have sessfully escaped from the mansion. It''s just that it doesn''t seem like it''s time to be happy after seeing Ha-rim, who is pale blue as if she''s seen a ghost. Oh, I am a ghost.


    She thought they had barely escaped, but it would be scary if I followed her. Still, seeing her like that hurts me.


    The small mirror was inconvenient, so I moved to the full-length mirror next to Ha-rim. When switching from mirror to mirror, it is impossible to move unless it is marked.


    What is "marking"? It means that it must be a mirror that I saw with my own eyes at least once.


    You can move to that mirror just by marking it, and once a mirror is marked, it bes possible to move to it even if I''m far away. This means I can use it to travel long distances.


    "..."


    The neck creaks and turns toward me.


    Why don''t you just stand there and make an excuse? I''ll y E, who has a low mental age.


    Children are gullible, so maybe even the original E will forgive you for breaking your promise. In order to awaken Ha-rim''s spirit, I took out my knife. Will you still be collected?


    Only then did Ha-rim''s mouth open.


    "Ca-... Calm down! E! Put the knife away!"


    This is not the correct reaction. There''s no way a psychopathic girl would grant such a request.


    "Hmm~? Is that yourst will?"


    When I said that, Ha-rim broke out in a cold sweat and said.


    "Ah, it''s a misunderstanding! I didn''t break my promise!"


    Oh. That''s how it''s going to be. I continued to pretend that I was interested.


    "What do you mean by that? You threw a wine bottle at E, and even after saving everyone, you ran away, right? Eh~? By the way, misunderstanding? What I misunderstood?"<sup>1</sup>


    Ah, I hear it. I hear the sound of you desperately rolling your head. Think carefully, Ha-rim. The opponent is a child. Of course, you are also a child, but if it''s not an irrational excuse, I''ll let you go.


    "So! That... Didn''t I tell I wanted to leave the mansion? I was going to prepare toys and gifts to have fun with E.¡±


    "Gift?"


    "Right! A gift!"


    Ha-rim held out the choctes she had been keeping next to her while in front of the mirror. The quality is somewhere between the high-end specialty stores and the choctes sold at convenience stores. It''s a pretty expensive chocte. I''m sure the sweetness and taste will be good.


    But Ha-rim. No matter how childish I look, I can''t fall for something like this. If you had just gone to buy a toy, I would have let it go.


    A psychopath who casually kills people likes chocte... Chocte...


    When I came to my senses, I was frantically stuffing chocte into my mouth.


    A sacred fruit called sugar that drips into your mouth. Like a sprout absorbing the raindrops that fell after a thirsty drought, I covet it. Modern civilization is amazing... even devils would be angels!


    "Um... Do you like the gift?"


    "..."


    Fuck. I couldn''t raise my head. What kind of bullshit is this. You''re being controlled by food! The original E, how much do you like sweets!


    No, let''s think positively. Because with this, there is an excuse for forgiveness. Actually, this is a good n. Huh. I''m not blushing, right?


    I pretended nothing happened and put the knife back, and asked Ha-rim.


    "I see. I know you didn''t break your promise~ But where are the other kids?"


    "That''s because... They''re still picking out gifts! If you get bored waiting, I''ll buy you more chocte!"


    As she spoke gibberish, her right pocket vibrated. It felt like time slowed down as I noticed it.


    "This... This is called a cellphone, and it''s a device that allows you to talk from a distance. It looks like your friends have chosen a present! So just wait a bit!"


    Do I know?! Who are you treating as an old man? Did you say that because of my outfit?


    Even if I''m an old monster, I never thought I would get misunderstood like this.


    Oh right, If I, a monster, were left alone, I wouldn''t know electronic devices such as phones.


    I suppressed my power as much as I could and nodded. Ha-rim was relieved and answered the phone.


    "Um, hello, Suho? Huh. What?"


    [No one is home. No sister, no parents, no one! I contacted the others, but they all said the same thing.]


    Ha-rim''s expression became serious.


    "Why all of sudden... The police. Did you contact the police?"


    [...They don''t pick up the phone. Not just the police, even the convenience store owner. I can''t see any other residents, it''s like we''re the only ones left in the world.]


    "There''s no way..."


    I decided to say something to the confused Ha-rim. It''s better to be honest. It may hurt to tell the cruel truth, but it''s better than to have to act clumsily.


    "Oh, didn''t you know? E though you knew everything?"


    Ha-rim, who heard my meaningful words, ended the call asking to everyone to group up in the school and turned her head to me.


    "E... What do you mean by that?"


    "What are you talking about? This is not your world!"


    The stage of the game [Mystery Investigation Club ~Summer Vacation Nightmare~]. This is where monsters gather. A barrier that separates here from the real world. The Ghost Story Paradise.


    Unfortunately, you have fallen into a world of nightmares.


    "What!"


    "Can''t you believe it even when you''ve already seen a monster? At some point, you all fell into this world."


    "..."


    "You have to struggle an lot to survive. It''s a ce full of terrifying monsters!"


    "The monsters... There''s a lot?"


    Ha-rim''s pupils violently shake. Please keep your heart strong. I haven''t even started, your heart shouldn''t already be broken. Compared to the despair you''re going to go through, this is just a taste.


    Yes, bite your lips and clench your fists. Because you''re the main character of this world.


    ...That''s the way it is.


    It looks like Ha-rim made up her mind. She has a mind too strong to be considered an elementary school student. I hope she doesn''t break.


    "E. What should we do? Can you help us?"


    This is a bit surprising. Are you asking me that? It seems that she thinks that I, a monster, knows better, but from your point of view, didn''t I try to kill you? Besides, it felt like I tried to kill you just now.


    "Why should I?"


    "Ah, that''s... Because we want to be friends with E! If we die, E will be bored. Weren''t you looking for someone to y with?"


    Ha-rim said without stopping.


    "If you help us, I will be your best friend. I¡¯ll introduce you to delicious snacks and provide fun games!"


    Desperation shines in her eyes. She seemed to think that at least she could save her life if she was with me who defeated Slenderman.


    That''s a lot of courage. Trying to make a bomb that doesn''t know when it will explode as apanion. As long as I''ve already been involved in the original work, I have no intention of quitting.


    It''s difficult when an unexpected situation urs like Slenderman... More than anything, the problem is Ha-rim.


    Can this kid really survive to the end? Although she is the protagonist of this game, it is the yer who actually ys the game.


    If the yer does something wrong, she easily dies. A perverse number of dead scenes prove this.


    Maybe Ha-rim is not a yer, but just a yable character, and it was acent idea to think that she would survive even if the story flowed as the original.


    Besides, I died a few times while ying.


    "So please! Help us..."


    If you read game transmigration novels... It''s a standard to see the ending if you want to go home. And the ending will need the main character. It''s an insecure protagonist, but it''s definitely one.


    I''ll get the kids to the ending.


    As soon as I made that decision, the guilt in my heart eased.


    I answered with a smirk.


    "What~ fine."


    "!"


    Why are you surprised. The one who suggested it was yourself. I smiled and said to Ha-rim.


    "If you are E''s friend, there''s nothing I cannot help. But are you aware you are going to have to entertain me? You know if you don''t keep your promise, right?"


    I reached out my hand through the mirror to signify that I''d do it. Ha-rim was surprised to see the materialized arm, but she immediately answered by holding it.


    "Ok! I got it!"


    The contract got concluded. Shall we start working?


    "Now let''s go."


    "Were are you going?"


    "The school. Ah. Wouldn''t your friends be in danger if they already arrived?¡±


    "What?!"


    Ha-rim immediately called Suho, whom she had just spoken to. But there was no signal.


    This happens when either the sender or the receiver is close to a monster. Since I have suppressed my power, it means that Suho is close to one...


    The reason why children heading to school are dangerous is because there are many ghost stories in schools.


    And since elementary schools are usually not far from home, it wouldn''t be strange if they arrived already. Once they enter the main gate, they will be within range of the monsters'' attacks, so you better hurry.


    Apart from this, it was a good decision for Ha-rim to get the children there.


    If you look at zombie games or novels, the survivors will set up their own base, doing something simr to this.


    You just need to remove the monsters from the school.


    "Hehe..."


    Ha-rim watched E smile.


    She wanted to run away.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Suho received Ha-rim''s call and gathered the other members. Him, who is big, yed a role in relieving the anxiety of the team members when Ha-rim, the president, was not there.


    The school was located within walking distance. However, it did not make sense not to run into a single person even for a short time on the way to school.


    Despite the sense of incongruity as if it were a ghost town, the members did their own roles. Suho took the lead, Kyeong-min wrote down something on his notepad, and Eun-jeong carefully looked around to see if anyone was there.


    "Are there people at school?"


    Eun-jeong asked. Kyeong-min answered by raising his slipped sses.


    "I don''t know. Normally, there would be a security guard or a teacher, but seeing that even the police can''t be contacted, it''s serious."


    Eun-jeong''s expression darkened. Suho patted her on the shoulder and reassured her.


    "Don¡¯t worry too much. Let¡¯s think about what to do once we join with Ha-rim."


    Suho and the members pondered for a moment whether to wait for Ha-rim in front of the school or inside. And when there was an opinion that it would be better to check whether a teacher is present, Suho nodded his head and entered the front gate first.


    It was then. He saw someone on the side of the garbage dump at the back of the school. The outfit is that of a security guard.


    "There is a security guard!"


    "Good. Let''s ask why we can''t see anyone before Ha-rimes."


    They followed the guard and entered the garbage area.


    There was no one there.


    "He''s not here?"


    When Suho tilted his head in doubt, Kyeong-min pointed to the open back door and said that it seemed that he had gone inside. There was no other ce to go, so they entered the school. Eun-jeong touched Suho''s arm.


    "Suho. Look, There are dirt footprints on the stairs."


    "Really, did the security guard leave it there?"


    Dirt footprints on the stairs going upstairs, it''s strange. Normally, even when children go up the stairs, they don''t get this dirty, and strangely, there seemed to be a lot of footprints. It seems that he went back and forth several times while working. Patrolling seems to be hard work.


    "If we can''t find him upstairs, let''s go back down and go to the principal''s office."


    After the members agreed, Suho climbed the stairs. There were footprints on the second floor as well, but they ended in the hallway. And the window next to the spot where the footprints were cut off was open. Eun-jeong looked out the window and said.


    "Did he go out the window?"


    "No way."


    <strong>Thump!</strong>


    Suho''s words were cut off for a moment. He reflexively turned his head in the direction of the sound. The back door leading to the downstairs garbage dump. That''s where ising from.


    <strong><strong>Thump</strong>! <strong>Thump! <strong><strong>Thump!</strong></strong></strong><strong>Thump!</strong><strong>Thump!</strong></strong>


    They heard the sound of several heavy people running. The noise was loud, so the children took a step back without even realizing it. Are people running? Then what is this ufortable feeling?


    On the stairs at the end of the hallway, the guard''s face popped out. Then he rushed at the children, dragging his body with twelve legs.


    Suho shouted.


    "Run away!!!"


    <strong><strong><strong>Thump</strong>! <strong>Thump! <strong><strong>Thump!</strong></strong></strong><strong>Thump!</strong><strong>Thump! <strong><strong><strong>Thump</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>! <strong><strong><strong>Thump</strong></strong></strong>!<strong><strong><strong></strong></strong></strong>


    <strong>"oebuyiyiineueueunjug!!!"<sup>1</sup></strong>


    "!!!<strong>!!!"</strong>


    Everyone ran in terror.


    "Where! Where do we go!?"


    "Downstairs! Go downstairs!"


    As soon as Kyeong-min said that, he ran downstairs. But before he even went halfway down, he bumped into something.


    It was a tattered corpse, as if it had been eaten bit by bit by a small animal. A bloody piece of flesh from which the eyes, nose, and mouth were gnawed. Even so, he could tell that it was smiling at them.


    "Ah... Go up!! We have to go up!!!"


    The children busily heads upwards again. Eun-jeong screamed at the footsteps of something pretending to be a security guard getting closer and closer.


    3rd floor.


    "No, it''ll catch up!"


    Suho said it screaming.


    "Maybe we can buy some time if we go into a ssroom! The desk will slow it down!"


    Kyeong-min said so. With a body that big, it''s going to slow you down. However, it wasmon to lock the door of the ssrooms to prevent theft.


    "But if it''s locked-"


    "I heard that the 6th grade ss 3 on-duty guy was very forgetful and often didn''t lock it!"


    Eun-jeong who speaks despite being almost in tears.


    Her words gives hope. By the way, what do they do after slowing down the monster?! Suho doesn''t know. For now, he ran upstairs to live.


    4th floor.


    A ce shared by 5th and 6th graders. He rushed straight to the 3rd ss of the 6th grade. But Kyeong-min, who has good eyesight, saw something outside the window. It was Ha-rim running from the side of the yground. She pointed to her pocket and shouting something.


    "... Th... pock... Chec... Hem..."<sup>2</sup>


    He can''t hear it. It''s too far.


    "Ha-rim is outside!"


    "I don''t have time to look now!"


    A monster is chasing them right now!


    <strong>"Neoheeyiyiyiyidododuyiyiyiyi!!!!!"</strong>


    Suho prayed for the door of the 6th grade 3rd ss to be open, and then pushed with force.


    Bam!


    it wasn''t locked. The children hurriedly entered the ssroom. Before he had time to lock it again, the guard who was chasing them pushed his body through the door.


    <strong>"Yinoooomdeu!!! Jabassdaaa!!!!!"</strong>


    Suho was opening the door at the other end of the ssroom. The guard stepped over the desk with his heavy body and fell down. However, even as he fell, he grabbed Eun-jeong''s ankle, who had fallen behind. She was slowly being dragged away.


    "Kyaaaah!"


    Suho picked up a chair and mmed at the guard''s hand.


    "Let go! stop, release her!"


    In an extreme situation, Kyeong-min''s head suddenly spinned in order not to miss even a little bit of clue. Ha-rim''s message shed by his mind. She was clearly emphasizing the pockets.


    Kyeong-min rummaged through his pockets. There was a small hand mirror.


    <em>''When the hell this got here?''</em>


    "Urgh!"


    Even Suho was caught in the guard arms. There is no time to hesitate. He has to do something!


    The moment he was about to throw the mirror at the guard. The guard stopped after being reflected on it.


    "...?"


    The guard was looking in the mirror. As if there is something else in there. And- sh!


    The guard''s neck snapped and fell. A fountain of blood gushes out. Eun-jeong and Suho, who had been caught, hurriedly escaped to avoid it.


    "What the hell is this..."


    Kyeong-min looks into the mirror. Inside there was something that gave him fear. A nightmare he thought they barely escaped. A crazy girl ghost. E.


    "Hello~?"


    "Ah..."


    "Ah?"


    "Aaaahhh!"


    Kyeong-min threw the mirror and broke it.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    I didn''t expect him to break the mirror right there. Fortunately, I moved to the full-length mirror, which there''s one in each ss, so I didn''t have to go back to Ha-rim''s hand mirror. Kyeong-min, this bastard... Let''s re at him! He whimpers and cower. I shouldn''t be doing this, but it''s fun.


    "Um... Are you following us?"


    "I remember you. Aren''t you the guy who threw the wine bottle at E?"


    Kyeong-min, who gathered the courage to speak up, cowered once again. I have to stop ying. But how do I exin it so that you understand it well? While I was thinking about it, Ha-rim came into the ssroom. She was out of breath from running all the way home to here.


    "Haa... Haa... Just like E said... Haa... I got around and came in through the back door of the garbage area..."


    "Good job."


    Fortunately, it seems that she didn''t encounter any other monsters.


    The eyes of the children are focused on Ha-rim, who is talking to me casually. I will have to leave the exnation to her. It''s absolutely not because it''s annoying. No.


    Ha-rim looked at me and started exining to the children about me helping. However, it was said on the premise that Ha-rim herself and the members should prepare gifts and games for E.


    The members still have doubts in their eyes. Ha-rim sent me a signal asking me to stay still.


    "Listen, don''t be surprised. This is not the world we used to live in. ording to E, this is a world full of monsters. A ce where monsters might attack us just like before."


    We fell here.


    The atmosphere gets cold.


    "It can''t be! How did we end up in a ce like that?"


    "Do I have to live with monsters forever?!"


    Mainly, Suho and Eun-jeong were greatly shaken. It seems that even Kyeong-min, who has maintained hisposure in everything, could not stand it this time. Yes, this is a normal reaction. Ha-rim who got over this so quickly is the strange one.


    What a mess this is. It''s good that the story moves quickly though...


    "Sigh..."


    Let''s signal it by making ufortable sounds and squinting our eyes. Ha-rim was startled and offered her chocte to me. No, I didn''t mean to ask for chocte. Chomp, chomp... What do you look at people as... Chomp, chomp...


    "Guys, no matter what the future holds, we have to survive. Let''s calm down for a moment!"


    "..."


    The children''s confusion subsided. The club president. It doesn''t seem to be a job for everyone. Ha-rim calmly continued her exnation.


    "Because we are E''s friends, E said that she would help us survive. We lived right now thanks to her. Do you see what I mean?"


    "Huh?"


    "We. Are. Friends. Right?"


    "Yes! You''re right, we''re E''s friends. Hahaha."


    Kyeong-min, you can''t act. I barely managed to hold back myughter. After bing E, it was hard not tough or ridicule someone. It feels like even my brain became like E''s.


    I''ve heard absurd stories about transnting a depressed patient organs to someone else and making them depressed, butpared to that, the whole body was changed, so I think it''s a virtue the personality hasn''t disappeared.


    "I''ll exin moreter. The priority right now is to follow E''s word and survive."


    The other kids looks with doubt in their eyes. They seem to think I''m more dangerous than any other monsters right now. However, it''s true I just saved them, so they had no choice but to silently obey my words.


    "I''ll tell what to do first."


    I materialized outside the mirror for a moment. The kids were shocked, but I didn''t want to pay attention to them right now. I put my hands on the corpse of the guard monster. Like Slenderman''s case, it began to turn into smoke and got absorbed by me.


    By feeling, I can tell the time of materialization increased.


    After the corpse disappeared, something fell. A glowing white talisman.


    "Exterminate the monsters and find these talismans, of course."

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    "Exterminate monsters and collect talismans?"<sup>1</sup>


    Kyeong-min asked.


    "Yeah, you can call them freaks, monsters, or ghosts, whatever you like. Anyway, get a talisman so you can survive. I''ll tell you why we are collecting talismanster."


    Kyeong-min has a lot of questions, but he decided to ask only the most important things because he thought she would pull out a knife if he asked too many questions.


    "But... What about those monsters?"


    If a monster rush in like the guard did just now, they won''tst long. They are elementary school students. If they don''t have a gun, they can''t even inflict a single scratch on a monster. This was an objectively reasonable worry. E exined to him.


    "There''s no need to specifically kill the monsters. Most monsters have a way to get rid of them. Of course, there are cases where special conditions or physical methods are needed, but at least the monsters living in this school have strategies. Using an analogy, it''s like riddles."


    Being able to kill it without any physical damage, Ha-rim imagined exorcists defeating monsters with supernatural powers. However, they do not have the means to do so. It wasn''t easy to figure out how they would do it.


    "If it''s really dangerous, call E with the hand mirror, but you know if you call her for something trivial...?"


    Kyeong-min nodded fiercely.


    "...Isn''t E going with us?"


    "E can''t deal with all of the monsters. She doesn''t have enough mirrors here, and she can''t use her power properly with that small hand mirror. Besides, if you can''t even do this in this world..."


    "If not..?"


    "Can you do anything more than just die?"


    E shrugged her shoulders and said. Blocking the option of running away, only the choice of living or dying remains. It also sounded like a warning that if you do something boring like run away, you will be killed. Ha-rim said with a grim expression.


    "Okay. How many do I need to collect?"


    "A total of four. I just collected one, so there are three left? Don''t be so nervous, there might be some that are surprisingly easy? Now, go find the monsters. Disband!"


    E urged them to go. Because the children were afraid of her, they could not resist and were kicked out of the ss. However, two ces were spoken to Ha-rim, who left the ssst. 3rd floor men''s restroom, and kennel.


    When Ha-rim looked back to ask what she meant, E had already disappeared.


    Children watching each other in the hallway. From the gazes, Ha-rim felt the anxiety of her members. It''s fine. She spoke to her teammates and walked down the hallway.


    "Where should we go?"


    "...3rd floor bathroom, let''s go there."


    Kyeong-min had doubts about the strangely specific ce, but he was convinced, thinking that the club president who had experienced the most supernatural spots would have a special sense of ces where ghosts would appear.<sup>2</sup>


    She went down the stairs and stood in front of the men''s bathroom. Suho and Ha-rim took the lead, and the rest of the team stepped in, being wary of their surroundings. There was arge mirror in the room. Everyone looked at the mirror reflecting themselves and thought that maybe E was watching.


    E, where did she go? Nevermind, she should investigate the bathroom first.


    "Let''s open the doors one by one."


    "Before that, wait a minute."


    Kyeong-min held up his sses and stopped Ha-rim. He opened the notepad in his hand.


    "It''s better to prepare first. About what kind of ghosts wille out."


    "Which ghost? Can you tell?"


    Kyeong-min liked to gather information. Him, a member of the [Mystery Investigation Club], used the Inte to collect ghost stories and supernatural spots, which were written on this notepad.


    "There''s no information about E, but it''s written about the monster that chased us before. It''s probably Slenderman from a foreign ghost story. Teleportation, skinny and tall. Besides, he has no face and even uses tentacles!"


    There are many things that are difficult to see as a coincidence. Ha-rim realized what Kyeong-min wanted to say.


    "Are you saying that those monsters are rted to ghost stories?"


    "To be honest, I''m not sure, but there''s nothing wrong with being careful."


    "...Well... There are ghost stories about bathrooms..."


    What immediately came to mind was Hanako-san In The Bathroom, and the Red Tissue And Blue Tissue Paper ghost. Except for the two most famous, ghost stories in the bathroom are mostly unknow.<sup>3</sup>


    "Hanako-san and the Red Tissue And Blue Tissue Paper ghost... Hanako-san, you mean the ghost that answers when you knock on the bathroom door, right?"


    "Yeah, but I don''t know if there''s a way to get rid of both of them."


    Red And Blue Tissue Paper ghost appear from the toilet bowl and asks "Do you want a red or blue paper?" If you choose a red paper, you will die covered in blood, and if you choose a blue paper, you will be strangled to death.


    On the other hand, Hanako-san story isn''t clear if she kills people or not, and that the results differ depending on the region, but they''re in Korea, so it is quite vague.


    "Mmm..."


    Then Suho intervened.


    "Wait, meeting Hanako-san requires a special ritual besides knocking on the door, right?"<sup>4</sup>


    "What?"


    "Isn''t that right? E said it was a monster <em>inside</em> the school. That means it must be a monster you can meet without doing anything."


    Kyeong-min nodded as if he had a point. Then, what narrows it down is the Red And Blue Paper ghost. Even if it''s not that ghost, it''s better to be prepared.


    If you choose red paper, you will die, if you choose blue paper, you will die. How to do this?


    <em>-Using an analogy, it''s like riddles.</em>


    Ha-rim remembered E¡¯s words. And a crazy idea came to her. A simple idea that a kindergartener would do. As E said, if it''s like a riddle...


    "Hey guys, I have an idea."


    ...


    Ha-rim and the members carefully opened the toilet doors. First toilet, second toilet, third toilet... And stopped at the fourth toilet.


    Toilet 4 gave off an ominous aura... Ha-rim felt that if there was a ghost, it would exist there. Suho opened the door.


    There was a toilet. Four pairs of arms slipped out of the toilet and groaned ufortably. Eun-jeong was disgusted with the limp appearance, not paying attention to the crunchy joints.


    [Would you like a red paper? Or would you like a blue paper?]


    Suho answered without hesitation.


    "Red paper."


    [Red paper... Red paper.]


    "..."


    [You already have it.]


    After saying that, the ghost disappeared. Instead, a shining white talisman remained.


    "It''s fortunate that this method worked! And the ghost was a Red Paper Blue Paper ghost!"


    This was Ha-rim''s idea. Using the color light app, an app that was installed on Kyeong-min''s phone, Suho was illuminated with red light.


    Suho picked red tissue paper, but his body was already stained with red light, so the ghost didn''t touch Suho''s body, and the white tissue he had taken, without knowing it, turned red due to the red light, so it seems that the red tissue paper he was supposed to receive was treated as already there.


    Suho wiped away his cold sweat and was genuinely happy.


    "It wasn''t like a fight at all, but we did it somehow!"


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    <em>''[Dyeing the body in the color of choice and having the corresponding tissue paper]. Ha-rim Satisfied these two conditions beautifully. Isn''t it just like a yable character?''</em>


    Thought E, who was hiding in the corner of the bathroom mirror watching the delighted children.


    In the game, you have to paint your body with red chalk in the ssroom, dissolve the leftovers in water, and dye the white tissue paper.


    <em>''Fortunately, I didn''t have to worry.''</em>


    When an unexpected attackes, like Slenderman''s, the children themselves had to learn how to respond.


    Aside from being attacked, it''s time to be active, especially outside, and if there''s no mirror nearby, they''ll have to defeat the monsters by themselves. The help that a small hand mirror can give is limited.


    If you can''t defeat even this easy monster, it''s hard to survive in this world.


    "Ah."


    Ha-rim and I meet eyes.


    Startle.


    Are you really going to be so surprised every time our eyes meet?


    In order not to spoil the happy mood, I raised my index finger and brought it to my mouth.


    "...?"


    I guess she didn''t understand, but anyway, since I''ve confirmed that the [Mystery Investigation Club] is trustworthy, I''m going to do my own job.


    The destination is the 5th floor. It was easy to move up to the 4th floor by marking other mirrors on Ha-rim''s hand mirror, but on the 5th floor, you have to materialize yourself and go up.


    There is a [Suicidal Wannabe] who is too dangerous to leave to the children.


    <em>''I''m going to get rid of that guy.''</em>

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    After materializing my body in the bathroom on the 4th floor, I came out into the hallway and went up the stairs to the 5th floor.


    The calm before the storm. Climb all the stairs and he will be there.


    It is fortunate that the children stopped on the 4th floor when they ran away from the guard. Otherwise, one person might have died.


    Climbing all the stairs, you can see a human figure hanging danglingly in the middle of the hallway on the 5th floor. A monster looking like a corpse that seems to havemitted suicide by hanging itself with a rope. [Suicidal Wannabe].


    Stepping into the hallway, the monster speaks.


    <strong>[Let''s Die.]</strong>


    <strong>[How can I live in this world when I am bullied, can¡¯t study, and my parents hate me, let¡¯s just diefortably.]</strong>


    At the same time, countless ropes descend from the ceiling. Like snakes, they aimed at my neck.


    sh.


    I cut one of the ropes with my knife and ran to him. Materialization has a time limit, so I have to finish it quickly.


    <strong>[You know you have no future if you don''t go to college, right?]<sup>1</sup></strong>


    So many ropes came out that covered my field of vision. It was impossible to cut these countless ropes one by one, but avoiding them was possible if you knew the pattern.


    If you look at the floor of the hallway as abination of square tiles...


    <em>''There is a gap in the 9 o''clock tile at my location''</em>


    9 o''clock, when I threw myself away at a tile, the nooses passed by just barely.


    Indeed, the pattern seems to be the same as the game. A trivial mob that is not even a boss, boasting a level of difficulty that pissed me off. How many saves have I loaded because of this guy... You''re dead.<sup>2</sup>


    <em>''If you move quickly to the next one at 1 o''clock, pay attention to the time difference and move to 12 o''clock''</em>


    His reaction intensifies when he sees me passing through the rope like a rat.


    Either way, the distance gradually closed. He prepared the final berserk pattern, but I had no intention of waiting for it.


    Thump!


    The hallway was filled with an unbelievable heavy sound of a weak girl''s leg kicking the floor.


    After absorbing other monsters, I used my increased physical abilities to throw my body at the creature, skipping the pattern.


    I flew straight to him and swung my knife.


    sh.


    What I cut was the rope strangling him. The monster who fell to the ground had a seizure and screamed.


    <strong>[Can''t die, failed, failed, failed, failed!!]</strong>


    "You don''t exist. So you didn''t die."


    <strong>[No, Imitted suicide because I was bullied by Choi Mi-young and my grades were low]</strong>


    "A student named Choi Mi-yeong does not exist at this school. There never was and there isn''t now"


    <strong>[Liar.]</strong>


    "You know you have to be alive tomit suicide, right? Besides, what suicide because of poor grades? This is elementary school."


    <strong>[...Lies.]</strong>


    "Why do you keep lying, is this all you can say? Sigh, what is this? I thought you were a [Suicidal Wannabe], but you are just an idiot? If you''re going to lie, you have to be usible. Even getting caught and crying. Idiot. I''m in a bad mood so go away~"


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    After a silence, he turned into smoke and was absorbed by me.


    Materialization time increased again.


    A clich¨¦ made up of a school ghost story in which a studentmits suicide.


    A fake student ghost who forcibly took the ce of a school ghost story. That was the true nature of this monster. It is possible to eradicate it by interfering with suicide and denying its existence itself.


    Could all the children have been able to avoid such a wide-area attack by telling them how to dodge it? Not at all. Half of it was possible because my body was of a monster.


    By the way, it would have been much easier if I had used Slenderman''s teleportation, but I can''t use it.


    Is it because I''m less adaptable? I thought that if I absorbed this monster, I would be able to somewhat fly like the ropes, but nothing came out.


    Maybe the other monster''s skills can''t be used.


    In the first ce, monster fighting doesn''t even appear in the game, so it''s strange to expect it.


    Time will tell if it''s possible or not.


    I picked up the talisman and one special item left behind after the monster disappeared and returned to the mirror.


    Now let''s go back to the children.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim (A while back)</strong>


    E, who had been watching us from the corner of the mirror, disappeared.


    <em>''Did she stay by our side in case we were in danger?''</em>


    I doubted that E was going to keep her promise this time.


    Although it was what I asked for, I didn''t expect that she would help us so easily. It was a far cry from the one who lied to us at the mansion.


    When I saw the diary in the mansion, I thought that maybe she just wanted a "friend", which I''m half-sure. But why would she want to kill us?


    Could it be that killing people is considered "ying"? She might have thought that trying to kill us was a game between friends. E is both a monster and a child.


    If so...


    "Ha-rim, why are you so quiet?"


    Suho asked as if there were monsters in the mirror. His face was serious because we were in a situation that wasn''t strange even if it was true.


    "Ahaha. I got the feeling that E was watching..."


    "...It might be."


    Kyeong-min said that if it were a ghost, hiding and watching would be as natural as breathing.


    To him, E is a terrifying ghost. Whenever the word E was mentioned, he was the most agitated.


    I understood Kyeong-min''s reaction. No wonder, he was directly tormented by E, and even threw a wine bottle at her, so he must be thinking that he would be the first person to be killed if she got angry.


    "If she''s really watching, isn''t that a warning to catch another ghost quickly? We better hurry."


    I and the kids agreed with the idea. No one thought E''s patience would be good.


    "Let''s go to the kennel next."


    Again, a strangely specific ce. Kyeong-min intends to follow the president''s words, but among the four, there was one mysterious monster that only Ha-rim didn''t know about, so he decided to tell her.<sup>3</sup>


    "By the way, there is one ce where we found a monster"


    "Huh? Where?


    "When we tried to go down the floor on the stairs opposite were we came in, there was a terrifying corpse monster. I don''t think you''ve met it... It''s really disgusting... Urgh..."


    He wasn''t affected too much because he saw it in such an urgent situation, but when he thought about it again, it was the first time in Kyeong-min''s life that he felt so disgusted.<sup>4</sup>


    The other members also had a badplexion. They reacted like that just by thinking about it. They thought it would be better to be chased by E.


    If E gave me the locations, why did she only said two ces? There are three talismans left, and since I just got one, now I have two. It seems that there''s only two monsters left.


    "Let''s think about a strategy and then go there. A corpse... Was there anything unusual about it?"


    "It was a mutted corpse, as if it had been gnawed by a small animal. I met it while being chased by the guard, so I don''t know much else."


    Suho answered instead of Kyeong-min, who still had a badplexion. Since it is a small animal, there was one that came to mind.


    "It''s an small animal that gnaws... isn''t it a <em>rat</em>?"


    "If it''s a rat... that definitely fits the image. But, are there any ghost stories about rats?"


    At Suho''s words, Kyeong-min opens a notepad while fixing the slipped sses. However, the more he flipped through the notepad, the more vague his expression became.


    "...I don''t have any guesses this time around. Rats that carry diseases. Pied piper. Rats that eat fingernails and turn into humans. To say those are ghost stories...."


    It''s pretty vague. After a moment of silence, when he couldn''te up with an idea, I suggested it.


    "I guess I''ll have to see it for myself this time."


    The members nodded. I stood on the stairs on the other side of the second floor guided by the members. If you go down here, you''ll encounter that monster, right?


    "Be careful, Ha-rim."


    Giving an okay gesture to Eun-jeong, I quietly went down the stairs.


    Then, a muttering sound came directly from below. I stick my head out and observe the source of it.


    What I saw was a corpse that had been mutted and devoured to the point of nausea. A human-shaped piece of meat with holes drilled and eaten. Urgh. I barely endured the retching.


    I gave a detailed look. He was about the same height as me and wore a nametag . He couldn''t be seen properly because he was covered in blood, but the words "on duty" were clearly visible.


    [Tosun-ah, Sando-ah, let''s eat. Today, I secretly brought carrots from the garden... If I get caught...]


    "...?"


    After that, something came out of the corpse''s mouth. It''s a rabbit. A rabbit with a red mouth. It met my eyes.


    [Kieek!!!!]


    Rabbits began toe out of the corpse''s mouth without stopping. I ran away from the screaming rabbits.


    "Everyone run!"


    "Aaaaaagh!"


    The rabbits drool and chase after us. No matter who gets caught, nothing good will happen. So we ran nonstop. But I shouldn''t just run away. I have to find a way to do something.


    "Was there any ghost stories about rabbits?!"


    "There isn''t! But I heard about them raising rabbits in the kennel before!"


    It''s the first time I''ve heard of it, but Kyeong-min is good with information. The kennel is also the ce E told me about. Rabbits and breeding grounds. I realized that there is a big connection between the two.


    "Let''s go to the kennel!"


    "Okay!"


    We started running towards the kennel, which was empty.


    Strangely, there were many surveince cameras installed, so it was noticeable. And why was the school raising rabbits?


    They tried getting out of school. However, the speed of the rabbits was faster than expected.


    Even if you look for clues in the breeding grounds right now, can you respond if there is a rabbit right in front of your nose?


    "Cafeteria! Let''s go by the cafeteria and block the rabbits!"


    The kennel is behind the cafeteria. There are no disruptions in the route. Besides, I heard that the cafeteria door is open for teachers whoe out during vacation.


    I kicked the cafeteria door and got inside. At the same time, the members who entered together closed the door and blocked it.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    "Ugh... We can hold on! Ha-rim, we''ll be blocking it. You find a clue!"


    "Got it!"


    The moment I was about to leave through the back door of the cafeteria, Eun-jeong said.


    "I don¡¯t know if it will help, but the nametag <em>on duty</em> is in a box when you go out the back door! Whether it¡¯s the meal number or the vegetable garden number, they all use it!"


    "Okay!"


    When I came out of the cafeteria, I saw the kennel. However, the breeding grounds, which were supposed to be empty, were crowded with countless rabbits swarming like cockroaches. For the first time, I hated rabbits.<sup>5</sup>


    "What are you eating?"


    There were unidentified meats in the rabbit''s feeder.


    <em>''Calm down. This is a riddle and a ghost story at the same time. Just find out the ws in the structure.</em>.. <em>Like the Red And Blue Tissue Paper ghost...''</em>


    I organized the clues so far. Rabbits, devoured corpses, food, on duty, a kennel that is no longer in operation, and lots of surveince cameras.


    "..."


    There are many surveince cameras in the kennel because children are at risk.


    I can''t see any dangers now, but there are a lot of cameras.


    In the past, there were risk factors. That is, an event that urred before.


    Does it have to do with the kennel''s closing?


    "Okay..."


    The focus is on our school rather than the usual urban legends. If a story that only circtes among students at our school is considered a ghost story... Let''s try to connect it with the nature of the school.


    The principal of our school always emphasized safety, saying the first priority is safety and second priority is safety too.


    That is why safety is the number one teaching in each ssroom.


    The principal emphasized it even during the training, and because of that, the tedious training time was prolonged, so we all cried out.


    Our homeroom teacher rebuked us forining as this was needed after a person from our school disappeared in the past...


    "That''s it!"


    The puzzle fits. If a student at the kennel goes missing, it makes sense that the breeding grounds has a lot of surveince cameras! If it was the principal''s personality, he would have abolished the operation of this ce.


    What matters is the reaction of the children. So absurd rumors were created. The missing child was on duty at the kennel. So, what if there was a ghost story about a child being eaten by a rabbit? And it''s these rabbits who reproduce that ghost story.


    <em>''Even if I think about it, it''s a ridiculous idea, but wouldn''t it work somehow?''</em>


    I put the nametag "on duty" that was next to the back door of the cafeteria. I picked up a broom that had been rolling around and pulled out all the meat from the feeder with it.


    The rabbits who had been disturbed from eating ran wildly as if they were angry.


    At this time, I found carrots that hadn''t been there before. As if doing it right, it seemed to lead me to the right answer.


    "Come on! Eat!"


    However, the rabbits do not eat the carrots even if given. What should I do...


    I, who was worried, had an idea.


    "Tosun-ah, Sando-ah, let''s eat. Today, I secretly brought carrots from the garden."


    [...]


    The rabbits disappear one by one. And there were only two rabbits left, but they were gentle, normal rabbits. They came over and ate the carrots.


    As a result, there were no rabbits who coveted meat, and no one on duty was killed or ate by them.


    "Is it done?"


    As if in response, a white talisman suddenly fell down. After picking it up, the rabbits that was eating the carrots were also gone.


    "...With this, there is only one talisman left. Ah, is everyone okay?!"


    What if they got hurt?


    I hurriedly returned to the group.


    There are broken doors and children stuck together. And there was E, who was roughly wiping off a liquid presumed to be the rabbit''s blood from her knife.


    E''s red eyes met mine.


    "You''re here~?"


    For some reason, I thought that E''s red eyes were pretty.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    "Hey... E. I just need to collect one talisman, so can you wait a bit?"


    Ha-rim speaks quietly so as not to offend me. I guess I know roughly what kind of misunderstanding there was. First of all, I denied Ha-rim''s words after wiping the knife that was soiled by killing the rabbits that attacked the children.


    "Wrong. They''re all gathered now."


    I took the remaining talisman and handed it over to her. With this, all the talismans have been gathered. Four talismans glowed and ascended into the sky, then spread out in all directions around the school.


    A transparent barrier is created. The scope is the whole school and the convenience store right in front of it. This barrrier ys the role of preventing the "physical invasion" of monsters. It doesn''t y a particrly meaningful role in games where save and load is possible, but it was a necessary task for survival now that it has be a reality.


    Anyway, with this I can take a breather.


    The children who had been staring nkly at the barrier turned their gazes back to me. They seem to be wondering what I''ve done.


    "This physically prevents monsters from entering. You can rest assured."


    Ha-rim''s expression improved at those words. She fell down as the tension left her body. The children went to help her.


    "Thank you for your help, E..."


    "...Right."


    I nodded and replied to her, who spoke in a weak voice. It is natural that both the body and mind are exhausted. Stress exhausts even those who stay still, let alone children who have been running around, so I need to give them a break.


    I pretended to be tired and yawned.


    "Ah~ I''m tired from acting so much outside~ I''m going back to the full-length mirror in the ssroom. See youter."


    After that, I went back to the mirror in the ss. A full-length mirror isfortable, and it''s a small consideration since they won''t be able to rest well if I''m next to them.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    "Haa... I lived."


    When E disappeared, Kyeong-min said. As I sensed that everyone needed a rest, I took each one to seat on the cafeteria floor. The group looked at me. They seem to have a lot of questions.


    I exined it one by one to them.


    "E agreed to help us? On the condition of providing snacks and games?"


    "Yeah.... Somehow it happened like that."


    It was hard for Suho to believe that. Obviously, E helped us, but the figure in the mansion was a blood-crazed ghost. It''s possible that so far it''s only been a whim, and it''s much more believable that she''s slowly harassing them and then try to kill everyone.


    "Didn''t you say <em>see you tonight</em>? If we y games with E again, won''t our lives be in danger?"


    Kyeong-min''s face seemed to read "I''m anxious". It might have been traumatic ying hide-and-seek. I made a suggestion to the group.


    "Be true friends with E?"


    The reaction of the members were "the hell this means?". I opened the diary I had brought from the mansion and exined it to the rest.


    E may be a vicious ghost now, but she was once an innocent child who was abused. Sorrow and pain warped her personality. If we correct it, she will no longer be a danger.


    "If E just wanted a friend and she considers killing to be ying... Then maybe we can survive by teaching her normal y?"


    "As expected, Kyeong-min is correct."


    "After listening to it, I feel sorry for E."


    Because Eun-jeong had a lot of affection, she forgot the memory of her fear and sympathized with E. Seeing her kindness, the rest of the group leaned toward agreeing with me.


    "...If it wasn''t for that transparent barrier, we''d still been chased by monsters... And she saved us from the rabbits... Alright, let''s try it!"


    Kyung-min clenched his fists and made up his mind.


    Growl... But there was an ugly sounding from his stomach.


    "First, let''s fill the stomach..."


    Giggles.


    Friends are still friends even if we are in different worlds. Being able tough just by being together. Will theree a day when we canugh with E too?


    I imagine a smiling E. Wrong. I see Eughing at us with her bloody knife. I''m is worried if we will be able to corrupt(?) E into our friend. Let''s think about it after eating something.


    "Looks like the barrier extends all the way to the convenience store. Let''s go get something to eat!"


    Eun-jeong said to me.


    "I don¡¯t have any money, can I just take it?"


    Since Eun-jeong was an exemry child who usually crossed the road with green light with her hand raised, she might feel guilty. But this is a different world, the same as where we live, except for being uninhabited, so maybe parallel world is the right expression?


    After hearing my thoughts, Eun-jeong nodded her head and got convinced.


    That''s how we brought various snacks from the convenience store. There were some foods that needed hot water, so I went into the home practice room and boiled the water.


    It''s a different world, but electricity and gas seem to be working. It''s a world we don''t even know. While taking a bite of triangr gimbap, I set up a strategy with the kids to deal with E, whom we would meet at night.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    After all, a full-length mirror isfortable. It''s a good ce to organize my thoughts because there is a sense of security.


    Let''s organize our thoughts, first of all, we defeated the monsters and activated the barrier, and thanks to that, the children''s safety was secured to some extent. But it isn''t entirely safe.


    What can be prevented is a physical invasion. For example, if a beast-like monster rushes into the school, it will be blocked by the barrier surrounding the school. However, it is possible for a monster like me to move through something as a medium to infiltrate.


    The same goes for the type that teleports like Slenderman... This can be prepared by going on patrol every day, but there were cases where even that didn''t work.


    If you simply break through with "power". In this case, it breaks the barrier and invades. A monster capable of such a thing... Yes. This is the so-called "boss".


    There are four bosses in total. Excluding me, [E In The Mirror], there are three more. I once ran into the school surrounded by the barrier when trying do defeat one of the bosses in the game. As a result, the barrier was shattered. I remember it was shocking to see the ce I thought was a safe zone copse.


    Judging by the fact that the developers intentionally put in such a thing, it must have been what they were aiming for.


    <em>''Tsk, perverted developers. Fucking clowns!''</em>


    If that''s the case, can I, a boss, break the barrier? Not at all. Although [E In The Mirror] is a boss, it is more like a tutorial boss. If you ask me what that means, it means weak! Only the mean of attack is noteworthy, but it is not particrly strong. The defeat difficulty is also very easy.


    To be honest, one of the reasons I tried to entrust everything to the original characters in the first ce was because of the bosses. I, who struggled against Slenderman, a trash mob, in my mansion where I can exert my full power. How can I deal with bosses who are stronger than me outside!


    Thankfully I got the ability to materialize after defeating Slenderman... If I didn''t get it, it was really hopeless.


    While I was nning to deal with these bosses that had been patched in reality using gimmicks in the game.


    Suddenly the ssroom door opens.


    Ha-rim and her teammates? I hadn''t even gone to meet her yet, but she came on her own, and she had a strangely stiff expression on her face. She, who didn''t even tremble when dealing with monsters, getting this tense, to the point where I wondered if she hade to exorcise me for a moment.


    "...Oh? What do you need for you toe to me first?"


    E''s acting, which I''m used to. A smirk and a rxed manner of speaking. There is no feeling of incongruity. When I asked that question, Ha-rim said as the representative.


    "Of course I''m here to <em>y</em> with E!"


    <em>''y?''</em>


    <em>''Come to think of it, I made that suggestion...''


    </em>


    I epted it because it was strange to just reject the conditions proposed by the other side, but it''s impossible to refuse it now. I smiled as if it was interesting.


    "Are you doing something special? What game would you like to y?"


    It wouldn''t be bad to hang out for a change of mood. Would it be a game like Bonama, Shiritori, or simple Halli Galli. No matter how old I am, I know about the games that kids y these days, right?<sup>1</sup>


    However, the game that came out of Ha-rim''s mouth was unexpected.


    "It''s called house y... Each person decides on a role and ys with each other!"


    What do you mean ying house?! Isn''t that a game that is yed by kindergarteners, not elementary school students? Am I misunderstanding? I don''t know because I''m old? Is it like that?


    To begin with, calling it a game would be ambiguous. Because it''s more like role y.<sup>2</sup>


    I can''t refuse. Sigh. ying house at this age... No, let''s think positively. Because I didn''t have any friends from kindergarten to middle school. Let''s think that we can experience something that we couldn''t then.


    "...Okay. What is E''s role?"


    Ha-rim''s face, which agreed to the y, was bright. She told me my role right away. My role was that of "mom". I''m already getting a sense of bewilderment...


    The kids were busy moving around. It was as if the scenario had been nned in advance.


    Why are you so serious.


    Kyeong-min said to me who was sitting at a distance.


    "Uh... Mom! I''m back!!"


    What''s this... In my eyes, they''re children, so there''s no sense of incongruity, but they seemed to be overdoing it. Kyeong-min, who was in front of me, was breaking out in cold sweat, and I didn''t know why he was so desperate, like he made up his mind about something.


    "Wee..."


    Because of Kyeong-min''s burdensome acting, I slowly shifted my gaze to the other side. I saw Ha-rim, who was sitting on all fours. What kind of role are you?


    "Woof."


    ...I was really worried that these kids might have lost their minds because they were being chased by monsters. There is no item that recovers the spirit...


    "Mom! I''m hungry!"


    Kyeong-min... Where are you who tried to protect the children from me? I pulled out a knife, wondering if I should pretend to cook.


    "Uh... Heo-eok!"


    "Wait a minute! If the child is hungry, I will make food for him!"


    Ha-rim jumps up and says. Wasn''t your role a dog? I put the knife back. Only then did she feel relieved. Then, Suho, who had been watching me from the side, came to me.


    "Ha ha ha. Our honey looks tired today. Dad will cook it for you today."


    Suho pretended to cook, and then opened a bag of cookies. He used the bag as a te and set the snacks down on the floor. Ha-rim and Suho sit around me. She hands me the sweet cookie.


    It''s a sweet chocte cookie. It''s crispy and soft at the same time, and it looks like it''s brand new. I quietly epted the snack. Suho, who was watching me, said.


    "Ha ha, it feels really good to see the family together like this, doesn¡¯t it?"


    The way you talk is annoying.


    "...I see."


    "Happiness is when the person you love is by your side!"


    It''s strangely persistent.


    "I am a robber!"


    Eun-jeong opened the door and came in. She puts on a stic bag and calls out that she is a robber. She brought the index fingers of both her hands together and pointed them at us, taking the form of a gun.


    What is this.


    Hmm. do I need to hold back?


    I take out the knife.


    "Stay still! No one moves."


    I don''t want to think anymore.


    "...Stop."


    "Ahh! There''s nothing I can do about it!"


    After those words, Eun-jeong, wearing a stic bag, runs away. I don''t know how to react. When I stare at her in awe, Kyeong-min averts his eyes and yells out lines.


    "As expected! Mom, it''s clear that you love us!"


    Look me in the eyes and say it again.


    "As expected, honey. Protecting the family you love, now only happy things remain!"


    "Woof!"


    Immediately after, the childrenughed as if having a happy ending.


    """Ha ha ha ha ha"""


    Ha ha ha... Ha ha... Ha...


    "..."


    Ha ha... Ha...


    "..."


    Children who are embarrassed to see me expressionless. They were breaking out in cold sweat and talking about a failed operation and whatnot.


    I have a strong feeling that they wanted to show me something in this y, but I don''t know what.


    ...But it was fun.


    If someone listens to this, they might look at me with the eyes of a someoneughing at an old joke.


    But this stupid y is ridiculous. And it''s funny because it''s unexpected and quirky


    "Pft..."


    Augh came out.


    Childish, too childish.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    Eughed. It seemed that the operation had been sessful. It was a ying house where we worked our brains out to make E value human life.


    It was very crude, but in the end, she became someone who protects people... It should have been enough to teach her family affection.


    "It was pretty fun. Shall we yter like today? You can go back."


    We went to our club room after hearing that. And congratted ourselves on the sess. If we instill her with the right values in the future, no one will get hurt while ying like today.


    This must have narrowed the distance between E and us. I hope that one day soon I will be friends with Epletely and our lives will not be threatened by her.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    The day has passed. It''s only one day, but it''s also a precious one. Since it was early in the morning for the children to wake up, I materialized and walked around the school by myself.


    Then, I met eyes with a eight-legged ghost who was staring at me from the school wall.


    [Po. Po. Po. Po. Po.]<sup>1</sup>


    "Get lost."


    [Po. Po. Po.]


    The ghost indifferently turned it eyes and went on its way. It seems to know that there is a barrier. I take a good look around once again. It should be around here... Found it!


    There are special itens in this game.


    [The Luckiest Failure], an item from [Suicidal Wannabe]. It took the shape of a broken rope.


    And the [Rabbit''s Paw] that I just found. It is an item obtained from the monster that Ha-rim and the children defeated.


    Lastly, [Four Leaf Clover] found in the flower bed.


    When youbine these three, something interesting happens.


    I put each material in one ce. Then, an [Artifact] is created with a bright light. A ne with a green gem embedded in a piece of wood in the shape of a rabbit''s foot. This is the [Shining Will], an essential artifact.


    The abilities are [Luck] and [Survival]. Thanks to the three ingredients, there are two skills! I picked it up. The minimum preparations have beenpleted. Now it''s time to go back to the children.


    Just in time for the children to wake up, I moved to the mirror in the ssroom where they were. As soon as the children woke up, they who exchanged nces with my red eyes were startled, but I can''t help it because it''s good to go early in the morning in many ways. Where are we going? Outside.


    I gave the children a little time and told them about it.


    "So you''re saying we have to exterminate the monster outside of school?"


    "Something wrong~?"


    You''re calm enough to ask why you have to do that. You may be wondering why you need to go out to a ce where there are terrifying monsters. I erased my smile and spoke seriously.


    "This world is not afortable ce where you can survive by hiding behind a barrier. You can''t survive unless you risk your life."


    "..."


    It''s cruel, but true.


    It''s difficult for me to cover everything because I have the limitations of being inside a mirror. No matter how much I know the clear condition, if the children I need to take to the ending can''t protect themselves, they will die in the blink of an eye. In other words, The kids shouldn''t be only the target for protection.


    I know. That''s irresponsible. But I need their cooperation as allies, not as objects of protection. What I''m going to do in the future will be difficult on my own. Even if I absorb the smokes, I don''t know how well it will work for the bosses we''ll meet in the future.


    If they don''t take the risk, they will have no choice but to watch helplessly.


    <strong>The [Bad Ending] that I have seen countless times.</strong>


    "Choose, survive and take the risk to return home. Or live the rest of your life here and die."


    Only the sound of swallowing saliva is heard in the silence.


    <em>''I thought I was finally safe, but I have be exposed to danger again?''</em>


    That''s what you''re thinking.


    It''s not obvious, but I can see traces of children''s tears.


    Those little marks that they hid in order not to make each other anxious.


    It shakes my heart.


    I''m begging you. Don''t lose to this idiot game world that drives children to their deaths.


    You guys have to struggle and stay alive. Both for you and for me.


    I calmly waited for their answers.


    "E. Will E help us live and return home?"


    Ha-rim, who barely opened her mouth, spoke. I answered.


    "...Because I promised."


    "In that case, I''ll do it!"


    Is this a child''s unique innocence or recklessness? She clenched her fists and said so. But either way it won''t matter. Because that answer was enough for me already. Ha-rim turns to the members who are still agitated and spoke.


    "Hey guys. Although we identally fell into a strange world, what we do hasn''t changed much. Experience a scary ce and return safely! E is helping us get back. So we must not hesitate!"


    The chatter subsides. Ha-rim, how the hell do you think like this? This hope and determination of this little kid amazes me then and now. Where does ites from?


    I don''t know if she''s like this because she''s a yable character or she was chosen as the protagonist for being like this.


    Fear is contagious. The funny thing is, hope is contagious too. I might have witnessed a weak ray of light prating the dark future that is about toe.


    "That''s right! Get used to scary ces!"


    "I don''t want to sound weak


    ."


    "I think I''ll be fine if I''m with everyone."


    Kyeong-min, Suho, and Eun-jeong say as if they were determined.


    "Good! Mystery Investigation Club, fighting!"<sup>2</sup>


    The other children also decided to follow the president''s will. And then the children strengthens


    their will andfort each other. I''ve never met kids like you outside of the game, but if I were younger, I think I would have been anxious wanting to be friends.


    "It''s decided. Ha-rim. Take this."


    I smiled innocently and handed Ha-rim the [Shining Will] I had made earlier. After epting the artifact, She asks me.


    "Can I ask what this is?"


    "It''s a talisman called [Shining Will]. It''s a talisman that gives you strength to survive. Think of it as a minimum safety device."


    Harim wore it around her neck. She didn''t seem to feel ufortable about wearing it.


    Like everyone who were determined. I should do my best too.


    So I exined the operation to the children.


    <strong>Time Skip</strong>


    I took the children who are determined and got out of school. There''s a sight that is the same as the original world. However, the only difference is the destion of not being able to hear a single sound of a car passing by.


    First of all, the monster to be hunted is the [Turbo Granny]. This is a ghost that originated in Japan and has the characteristics of a very quick old woman. If you''re asking if that''s the only thing, yes. No big deal.<sup>3</sup>


    The problem is that there are other monsters living in the tunnel where [Turbo Granny] haunts. It is said that a tunnel is a passageway that is open at both the front and back, but paradoxically, if the length of the tunnel is long, it creates as much fear as an enclosed space.


    The producers probably knew that, and ced 2-3 monsters in each tunnel. There are only two of them in this one, so if I help them by the side, they won''t be in any particr danger.


    "Suho, isn''t it heavy? Should I help?"


    "Not at all. It''s lighter than I thought?"


    I am being carried in a mirror by the children. The full-length mirror is too heavy, so it''s a medium size. It''s inconvenient, but there''s no problem in materializing it.


    "Wait."


    I stopped the kids for a moment. It was because I felt an ominous energy at the corner of the street. The monsters you might encounter here are... Oh, that''s it.


    As soon as I saw the monster, I cut it in the mirror. I saw it before it turned into smoke, and it was a frog the size of a child.


    This guy is a mass-produced junk mob monster called [The Gross You] that frequently appears.


    When attacked, it casts a curse that temporarily transforms the body. It looks like a frog, but it doesn''t croak, and it isn''t very threatening.


    "Oh, am I lucky to get it first try?"


    An item left behind by the monster that has turned to smoke and been absorbed. It is a randomly dropped item. It looks like a round frog egg. If you throw this at an opponent, the body will not change, but instead you will switch positions.


    Although it''s a monster that appears all the time, it''s a blessing in its own way when it drops an item.


    "It''s disgusting..."


    Eun-jeong said. Girls usually hate frogs. However, Ha-rim approached and picked up the tadpole egg. She doesn''t seem to like it, but if she thinks it''s necessary she doesn''t hesitate, Ha-rim seems to be the action type. I let her keep the frog egg.


    "Now go forward. Just look ahead, don''t look up the wall."


    Children who takes a step back at my words. Surprisingly, there was no child who did not listen to me. The eight-legged ghost that was watching over us gave up and moved to another ce.


    We saw various monsters on our way to the tunnel, but we didn''t bother attacking them, unless they were as weak as the frog monsters. The theme of this game is survival, notbat.


    If you openly fight, you may be lynched by monsters even during the daytime.


    As we moved like that, we arrived at the entrance of the tunnel before I knew it. Just looking at it, an ominous energy overflows. When the children got scared, Ha-rimforts them, telling them to cheer up. No matter how you look at it, it''s not like an elementary school student''s mental strength.


    "Now... are we going in?"


    I shook my head at Ha-rim''s words. Then I pointed to the ground right next to the tunnel entrance.


    "There''s a shovel over there, so dig here."


    There was a box with a talisman attached to the ce dug with the shovel. Oh, I can take the talisman. In the game, I could only press [Do you want to open it?] followed by [Yes].


    Anyway, these talismans should be recycled. After taking it, I instructed them to open the box. All you see is white powder. Don''t get me wrong, it''s not something that makes you feel good when you eat it.


    It''s an item called [Purifying Salt]. Even if it''s against a strong monster, it will be of great help if you sprinkle it on your body.


    "Okay, everyone spray this all over your body."


    They sprinkled salt on each other after my instructions. Then Eun-jeong smiled brightly and said.


    "It feels good somehow."


    ...Salt, right? Anyway, now go through the tunnel. The front and back are open, but there is darkness.


    It was daytime until we entered, so the inside of the tunnel was bright. However, the more I went in, the more abnormal darkness ate away the light, and finally, we could only see the front.


    I instructed the children.


    "Now everyone shouts [<em>Grandma, we want to run together!</em>]"


    Then the children shouted together.


    "[<em>Grandma, we want to run together!</em>]"


    A cold aura pervades. When the children shiver from the sudden chill, Kyeong-min realizes that there is someone beside him. is it Suho?


    However, it was small and had skinny arms. Kyeong-min was surprised and took a step back. The children notices its presence.


    An old woman with a face that looked like she was going to die was looking at them.


    [If... You''re slower... Than me... What can you... Give...]


    I answered the question.


    "Take my leg."


    When I calmly said that, the children''s eyes were filled with astonishment. Ah. didn''t I exin? I''m fine. Because I''m a monster, it can be recovered somehow with supernatural powers... Maybe?


    [Turbo Granny] giggled unpleasantly. Then, she stood on a line that suddenly appeared on the floor


    "It will start once you cross that line. Everyone remembers the n, right?"


    The children nodded. The n is like this. [Turbo Granny] usually just passes the yer at high speed.


    However, if asked topete, it runs at a speed simr to that of the yer.


    Up until this point, you should be able to win by simply running. However, there is another strange thing in this tunnel, and that is [Infernal Hands].<sup>4</sup>


    The ck hands that exist in the tunnel. The moment the yer starts the race, monsters try to grab the yer and drag him to hell.


    <em>''That''s why I used this salt.''</em>


    Since this salt is sprinkled on the body, there will be no dragging to hell, and it will only be a hindrance during the race.


    Therefore, the content of this n is to sprinkle salt on each other to shake off the obstacles of the monster and win the race. Isn''t it really simple?


    "Suho, instead of having salt, move the mirror to reflect the monsters."


    ''Cause I''m going to cut it.


    Suho, the only child who could lift me while running among the children, nodded in reply. The kids stood on the line with a nervous expression. They had a hand mirror in their hands when the countdown started.


    "We''ll start at one. Three... Two..."


    "One."


    The children ran. The lead is a girl, it is Harim! She is subtly ahead of [Turbo Granny]. But at the same time, an infernal hand aimed at Ha-rim''s ankle.


    Kyeong-min, who has good eyesight, seeds in stopping it by urately sprinkling salt even in the dark. Suho, who is the second fastest after Ha-rim, focused on supporting her and reflected the monsters that Kyeong-min missed in the mirror where I was.


    sh! sh!


    The hands of hell are severed and scattered. Come to think of it, I can''t see Eun-jeong. Where are you?


    Eun-jeong is...


    "Hehehe..."


    She forgot to run because she was being dragged by the hands, and was sprinkling salt all over the ce. If you listen carefully, it seems that she is shouting "Be careful"...


    Hmm. Originally, the [Infernal Hands] target those who fall behind first. Thanks to it, the burden on the children who were running has been reduced.


    Even in the face of obstacles, Ha-rim easily outpaces [Turbo Granny]. At this pace, you can easily win...


    -Jingle.


    A bell rang.


    It was clear and pure, enough for spirits to flock to it.


    At the entrance we entered, a woman with the lower body of a spider and dressed as a servant was waving a small bell.


    -Jingle.


    why is it here.


    [Spider Attendant].


    She''s dangerous.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    [Spider Attendant]


    Servant of [Spider Lady], who is a "boss-level monster". It''s not a named monster, it''s more like a mass-produced type with several of them, so it''s not a very strong one. However, in the current situation, it was the worst opponent.


    [Spider Lady] shouldn''t live here, so why is it here?


    <strong>-Jingle.</strong>


    The bell rings. Contrary to the clear sound, sticky energy covers the body. It is natural that our speed is slowed due to the inconvenience of movement. Right now it''s only a small amount, but it''s a big deal when it oveps.


    Even if I directly participate in the race right now, [Turbo Granny] runs at the same speed as the other person. Now that the [Spider Attendant] has appeared, the odds of winning are zero. It has to be dealt with right away!


    Judging that there was no time for talking, I materialized right out of the mirror and ran in the opposite direction of the children.


    "You guys keep running!"


    As I passed Eun-jeong, who was marked by the [Infernal hands], most of them aimed at me. Are you in a hurry to die, so annoying!


    "Move!"


    [Infernal Hands] are cut into chunks with a single stroke. As they paused, I ran at full speed once more. As I got closer to the entrance, the silhouette of the [Spider Attendant] came into full view. However, the bell was already ready to ring.


    <strong>-Jingle.</strong>


    Once again, the pace slows down. It wasn''t to the extent that there was a big setback in the battle, but the race with [Turbo Granny] was already lost. If my legs are cut off in exchange for defeat, that spider''s next target will be children. I need to hurry up and finish it.


    A spider attendant holds a bell. A mysterious aura surrounds it. If you think I will continue to suffer, you are mistaken!


    "Do you think I''ll leave it like that?"


    Swoosh! sh!<sup>1</sup>


    "Good~!"


    I threw the knife and cut off the hand holding the bell. While it was grabbing its own wrist, I passed the suffering monster and retrieved the fallen knife. At the same time, a sharp left spider leg lunged at me.


    Thud!


    Heavy. However, it is a slow attack even for me now who heard the bell. In session, the right spider leg is aiming for my side, so I twist my body a little and catch it by putting the leg between my armpits.


    It was only natural that the shells of the leg were harder than the hands of the human body.


    So, I stabbed a knife into the seam of the joint and pulled the leg itself off.<sup>2</sup>


    [Mmmmmmmmm!!!!]<sup>3</sup>


    "Now it can even scream."


    As if struggling while having a body bigger than mine, it stepped back. However, it didn''t matter as it was already over.


    I threw the knife at the head from the front. The moment it blocked it with its uncut hand, I was already in its blind spot. The human part of the [Spider Attendant] looking around was funny.


    At this moment, I was behind on the shoulder of the human part.


    "Goodbye~"


    sh!


    When I twisted and broke its head, the spider side of the lower body also became limp and turned into smoke. Only after absorbing the smoke that the head that was flooded with blood disappeared.


    The [Spider Attendant] was not a monster that was particrly aggressive in the game. An existence that appears in the middle of the stage for the boss fight and puts a curse or some kind of debuff on the yer.


    There were no monsters that would appear here, and there were battles that did not exist in the game, so it was natural to know that this world did not progress in the same direction as the game.


    <em>''I should be more careful.''</em>


    It feels like there is a thick fog covering an unclear future. I may have been in a bad mood all day. If only I hadn''t seen the [Spider Attendant''s] bell lying on the floor.


    <em>''Even though I just killed it, it came out.''</em>


    Sincebat is impossible in the game, it must be an item that can only be obtained by fulfilling certain conditions, but being able to obtain it by simply stealing it made me feel a bit relieved by the unexpected harvest.


    "By the way..."


    Why is my leg not cut off? The race must have already been over.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim (a while back)</strong>


    Ha-rim was leading the way in the dark. With the help of Suho and Kyeong-min, who supports from behind, the infernal hands attacks are repelled


    Were getting ahead of [Turbo Granny] herself. If we run like this, E''s legs won''t be cut off!


    <strong>-Jingle.</strong>


    A clear sound rings in my ears. At the same time, a web-like sticky aura felt entangling on me. I could hear it from behind. I wanted to turn around to see what was going on, but then realized that [Turbo Granny] was trying to pass me.


    <em>''Is it faster? No, my speed has slowed down!"</em>


    "You guys keep running!"


    I heard E''s voice. Because E said it, I can only live by following her words! I ran at my full speed with such belief. Even if I''m slowed down, I can still make up for it. I need to be strong!


    I went deeper into the darkness of the tunnel. Now I could barely see my feet and the back of [Turbo Granny].


    <em>''That''s...''</em>


    A white line appeared in my field of vision. I instinctively realized that that was the finish line.


    <strong>-Jingle.</strong>


    "Urgh!?"


    This time, the speed went down so much that I could definitely feel it! [Turbo Granny] disappears from sight. The finish line is getting closer, but E''s legs will be cut off if this continues.


    <em>''I have to do something!''


    </em>


    I rummaged through my pockets while running. Since it was an emergency, I was ready to even throw the hand mirror E gave me at [Turbo Granny] head. If it was a regr race, it would be a foul, and I would have to appear at the police station for injury, but this didn''t even pass through my mind.<sup>4</sup>


    However, what was caught in my hand was not a mirror, but a frog egg. A frog egg the size of a bouncy ball that E gave me to keep. This came from a monster, so it shouldn''t be an ordinary item.


    Now let''s think about how to use this?


    ...


    I don''t know!


    "Hya!!"


    I threw the frog egg at [Turbo Granny]. It was next to impossible to aim urately at her in the dark. It was a gamble.


    The moment the frog egg left my hand, the jewel embedded in my ne emitted a green light.


    [Luck: May good luck follow those who do not give up.]


    Ssh! The sound of objects colliding with each other.


    Right after that, my vision shook a little.


    "This...!"


    I immediately noticed the change that had happened to me. [Turbo Granny]''s footsteps could be heard from behind!


    <em>''The location has switched!''</em>


    The finish line is just ahead. However, [Turbo Granny]''s footsteps chases me too quickly. If this continues, I will surely be overtaken at the finish line. And it''ll end.


    <em>''I''ll lose.''</em>


    Like the darkness of this tunnel that surrounds myself, solitude wraps my body. The loneliness of having no one by your side when you need someone''s help. I don''t see any friends who can alleviate this heart-wrenching despair.


    Lonely.


    <em>''But I''m already used to that!''</em>


    Ever since my parents passed away, I''ve been lonely. So I''ll run. I''ll run even though I know I''ll lose!


    With the intention of dying.


    The jewels on the ne begin to glow orange.


    [Survival: May those who are prepared for death reach the end]


    I suddenly felt the sticky energy that had been entangling me disappear, and at the same time, I lost consciousness for a moment.


    "..."


    When I came to my senses, I was breathing heavily. How did the match go? I looked around and found myself outside the tunnel. Then [Turbo Granny], who was frowning, caught my eye.


    [Tsk... How...]<sup>5</sup>


    With those words, [Turbo Grandma] disappeared. Instead, there was a round ss bead falling in its ce. Judging that it was clearly important, I put it in my pocket.


    Right now I don''t see the others. When E exined the operation, she said the [Infernal Hands] won''t pose a problem for them, so they should be safe.


    Even so, I wanted to see my members quickly.


    I entered the tunnel again.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    After defeating the [Spider Attendant], I decided to enter the tunnel and bring the children.


    The first one I met was Eun-jeong.


    "Stop! Don''t do it! Don''t!"


    She was caught by the hands and was being harassed. You''ve been through a lot, and you''ve got a lot of credit for helping the other kids being less disturbed. I swung the knife and saved her.


    Eun-jeong was scared and followed me by sticking to me. From your point of view, I am also a murderer, but since I am also a child, do you see me as someone you can rely on right now?


    The next one we met was Suho and Kyeong-min, who were stuck at the edge of the tunnel and caught by the [Infernal Hands]. Let''s ask them why they were on the edge like this, with theirplexion looking pale and shivering.


    On the way, they couldn''t chase after Ha-rim, so they hit the side of the tunnel to try to draw aggro from [Infernal Hands].


    This idea was surprising. they are smart kids. It must have been scary, but you did well.


    And thest one I met was Ha-rim. Seeing that my leg wasn''t cut off, it seemed that she had won the match. As evidence of that, she is holding a marble.


    It always amazes me. It seems that she used the artifact somehow, and I was very curios about the method.


    But you''re probably tired, so you''ll have to put my curiosity aside.


    "Today ends with this! Let''s go back now."


    As we were leaving the tunnel, I thought as I cut down the hands that were in my way. Is there any way to get rid of these guys? I remember that there was no way to permanently eradicate the monsters that were assimted with the map. But it''s annoying to experiment.


    We made our way to the entrance and went outside. The appearance of children who could not be seen well in the dark is clearly visible. There doesn''t seem to be any injuries.


    But for some reason, I felt empty, like I''m missing something.


    When the children looked at each other and turned their heads to me, the boys turned their heads to the side hurriedly, their ears seemed a little red, and still very scared.


    "E! The... The skirt!"


    When I looked down at Eun-jeong''s words, a [Infernal Hand] that followed from the darkness of the tunnel pulled up my skirt...


    sh!


    "...You''d better forget it."


    Am I angry with the children when I''m an adult? I am.


    Fortunately, the skirt was long, so they couldn''t even see my panties, but it was embarrassing because it was almost visible.


    Even so, I''m really sorry that I''m taking my anger out....


    No, I''m not mad. Don''t give me the chocte, Ha-rim.


    After that, the way home with me and the children gave off an awkward time.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    Me and the children returned safely to school. We walked slowly, looking around, so it was only natural that the sun had begun to set.


    "Today''s work is over. If you need to call me, knock on the mirror there."


    Ha-rim nodded. I returned to the full-length mirror in the ssroom to let the weary children rest.


    Returning to the ssroom, I immediately checked today''s harvests. First of all, [Purifying Salt]. I had to stop by the farming spot on our way back to school because we used it all in the tunnel. There are more ces to farm this, so I''ll have to go find more when I can.


    The next item was the [Speed Marble] obtained from [Turbo Granny], which was the purpose of this n.<sup>1</sup>


    Originally, it was nned tobine [Purifying Salt] and [Speed Marble] to create an artifact that increases the wearer''s speed.


    However, once you get the [Spider''s Bell], an item that wasn''t nned, the story changes.


    [Spider''s Bell] is a tricky item to obtain through a specific method in the boss stage. I got it by luck. Of course, the timing was bad, and my heart was racing.


    I put these items together. Just like when the artifact was created for the first time, pure white light radiates out, and it transforms into apletely new object.


    [Sacred Sound]<sup>2</sup>


    This is a bell-shaped artifact that is used in the second half of the game and has performance equivalent to the artifact given to Ha-rim.


    Just because an item is hard to find doesn''t necessarily mean it''s good. Now that such a game has be a reality, efficiency must be carefully considered, and this is an artifact that is good to acquire even if you take risks.


    Their abilities are [Purification] and [Speed]. Again, there are two skills thanks to the three items. Who should I give this to...


    Ok, I decided. Let''s give it to that kid.


    I''ve suddenly chose, so I''ll tell him when the timees. It''s time to eat now, so I can probablye back in about two hours.


    Then, while I wait, let''s go to sleep in this mirror to soothe the boredom. If I had a setting that I couldn''t sleep because I was a monster, I would have gone crazy from boredom long ago. I think so.


    Knock knock.


    I hear a knock on a mirror I marked.


    I''m sure they''re eating, but I can''t believe a monster has invaded! With that in mind, I hurriedly moved.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim (right after E''s return to the mirror)</strong>


    "I think we did well this time, somehow. No one is hurt, right?"


    I continued talking while checking the members'' physical condition.


    "Fortunately, no one seems to have been hurt. Although we got a little soil and salt from being dragged around by the [Infernal Hands]."


    I brushed off the mess from Eun-jeong''s clothes. Suho and Kyeong-min, who saw it, also cleaned themselves. After that, Kyeong-min said.


    "I''m d E saved me. It''s still scary, but I think the strategy of trying to be friends with her is good."


    In the middle of the n, unexpected things happened, but in the end everyone was safe. This is because E guided them through the weak points of the monsters and the safe route to travel back and forth.


    In addition, Kyeong-min also acknowledged E''s power when she defeated the spider monster and rescued them who were captured by the hands.


    Suho also said that when E saved him, he was so grateful that he forgot about the past when she attacked them. Then he looked at me and said.


    "Ha-rim is really amazing too. In the end, she won against the ghost!"


    "That''s probably thanks to E."


    "What do you mean?"


    I showed the ne hanging around my neck to the members. A ne in the shape of a rabbit''s foot with a shiny green jewel embedded in it. I could tell by feeling that this gave me strength at the decisive moment. Even if it wasn''t perceptible, it shined before.


    As soon as I exined that, the members showed interest in the ne. As they touched it, they responded that they could feel a divine energy.


    "If the ne E gave you is a useful item to help survive against monsters, then why did she gave it? We can escape likest time."


    Certainly, it is difficult to say that a rtionship of trust was formed in just three days. However, it is also true that E is helping us. About that, I had an theory.


    "Perhaps E has a lot of affection?"


    Kyeong-min tilted his head. He didn''t seem to understand, so I decided to exin further.


    "E is a demon twisted by abuse. And she always wanted a friend. If so, she''s in a state where she''scking affection... Roughly speaking, she''s attached to us!"<sup>3</sup>


    Kyeong-min puts on a tired expression. In his head, the verbal abuse he heard from E is probably being remembered.


    <em>-Oh! Did youe here to y with E again? But well? I just want to kill you guys.</em>


    Or.


    <em>-Ahaha! Do you think I''ll save you if you make an excuse? That''s funny~</em>


    It sounds stupid.


    When I think about it, I lose confidence in my im. But if she''s not fond of us, she wouldn''t want to sacrifice her leg for a bet!


    What gave strength to my argument was Eun-jeong, who even cried out of fear of E.


    "When E saved me from the hands, I was scared and unconsciously grabbed her arm and followed her. She wasn''t angry and didn''t scare me. And she smelled nice..."


    "...What does the smell has to do with it?"


    Eun-jeong, who lightly ignored Suho''s point, continued.


    "It must be that the house y fromst time worked!"


    Come to think of it, it was Eun-jeong who came up with the idea of ying house. I remember that Kyeong-min objected to the idea of ying house at this age, but was epted because she insisted strongly enough to be suspicious. Looking at it now, Eun-jeong might just have been fond of ying house.


    Anyway, given the circumstances, E might have affection for us. That means we have a chance to get closer to her.


    "Guys, we need to be <em>best friends</em> with E. So I''ll make a suggestion. Today we''re having lunch with her!"


    Kyeong-min cautiously raised his hand and said.


    "Will it really be okay? It might be dangerous because she may suddenly change."


    Hearing that, I shook my head. We cannot survive unless we take risks. It was also what E taught me.


    "I think that in order to get close to E, we need to shorten the physical distance. So the risk must be reduced to some extent."


    The members'' expressions be serious. It was funny how they became so serious before eating a meal, but I couldn''t help butugh.


    We took the convenience store food we brought the other day out of the refrigerator in the ssroom and set it up. We sat in a circle, each putting something to eat in front of E''s chair.


    "Now we call her...?"


    After receiving the consent of the members, I slowly knocked on arge mirror in E''s seat.


    Knock knock.


    <strong>POV Switch - E


    </strong>


    There were children around me who were looking at me with awkward expressions. Ha-rim, who was sitting next to me, greeted.


    "Hi E."


    "...Hi."


    What are these kids thinking? It looks like they are going to have a meal, considering that it is part of the game likest time.


    Did these kids invite me to eat? Whether they are alert or not, no matter how much I''m acting, there is nothing good about being with a madman for a long time.


    "What did you call me for? Wouldn''t it be interesting if you called me for no reason?"


    Ha-rim said with a nervous expression.


    "I just want to eat with E... Can''t I?"


    "..."


    I can''t believe she called because she really wanted to eat together. I don''t think I know what children think. It could be a strategy to reduce my risk to them by bing friendly with me, who was once an enemy... But there is no reason to take this risk, and the possibility of sess is slim.


    [That killer is helping you! Let''s get acquainted first! You lost your life because the conversation went wrong. It''s a pity.]


    It can happen like that, so it''s wise to keep a certain distance unless your head is pure. Do you really think you can be friends with a killer named E?


    If that''s true, children are more innocent than I thought.


    Since I don''t want to continue doing this weird acting, I thought it wouldn''t be bad to hang out with them.


    They are children and I am an adult. I don''t think we''ll really get along, but if I pretend to be friends, you''ll listen to me much better.


    It''s absolutely not because I want to eat the fresh cream bread in front of me.


    "Okay. I''ll hang out with you."


    "Yeah! Here''s something E might like."


    Whipped cream bread and chocte cookies. Convenience store fruit and lemonade. It is a diet full of sugar. Something more like a snack than a meal.


    It''s probably because they don''t know what I like besides sweets, so let''s eat. I casually picked up the bag of bread.


    Then Ha-rim opened the bag by hand. After that, I felt as if I had be a baby as they prepared all the other bags and drinks without any hassle.


    I was just about to bite off the bread. And then, the eyes of the children who had been focusing on their food, trying not to pay attention, hovered to me.


    Aside from being ufortable, I felt that those eyes contained a different kind of emotion than the ones normally sent to me, like fear and tension.


    It''s probably curiosity. Why?


    Ah. I get it.


    When I saw myself through the eyes of children, they were curious about how I would react to modern food, as I am a foreigner with blond hair and an old ghost.


    <em>The reason Western ghosts of the past shed tears after eating bread from the modern K convenience store!</em>... As a contemporary Korean, being treated like this doesn''t feel good.


    So, before I ate the bread, I looked at the hot chicken stir-fried noodles in the cup that Suho was eating.


    <em>''Give me.''<sup>4</sup></em>


    <em></em>


    As a proud Korean, I will prove that I am no different from you guys.


    Suho felt my gaze and broke out in sweat.


    "E. This is very spicy."


    I loved spicy food in the past, so you''re afraid I can''t eat even one of those things? I didn''t care. Eventually, unable to ovee the pressure, Suho poured some of the contents into a ramen cup and handed it to me.


    Look closely. There is no reaction from foreigners you expect. Because inside is a Korean who likes spicy food.


    Slurp.


    "...Hey, are you okay?"


    Harim asked worriedly. Am I all right?


    Nay.<sup>5</sup>


    "Huuu... Haaa... Hu... Ha."


    Seriously, I almost asked if he had put purifying salt for exorcism in it. Why does my tongue hurt? Is it because of E''s body? Give it back, give me back my pride!


    "Here''s a drink!"


    I took the lemonade and drank it. Ugh... It''s still spicy.


    "Hey. I gave it to you because you asked for it. You know?"


    Don''t worry, I won''t me you, Suho. After barely cooling my tongue, I ate the bread quietly.


    Whipped cream that gently wraps around the injured tongue. Oh, people should live ording to their tongue. Because my previous body and E¡¯s have different tastes. This is a part I need to ept.


    When I didn''t show any sign of anger, the children were relieved. One by one, they start eating their own food. However, the atmosphere is quite awkward. Is it because I am here?


    At this time, Ha-rim brought up a topic to lighten the mood.


    "Everyone. How was the operation?"


    It must have been scary, would there be anything else? However, Eun-jeong seemed to have a different opinion.


    "It was scary... But thanks to E''s help... I was reassured."


    Reassured... There''s nothing better than being trusted by a weak child. It''s like we''re already one step closer.


    "Me and Kyeong-min were scared, but E helped us and we survived."


    "I was able to win thanks to the ne E gave me too!"


    What is this atmosphere, why are you praising me? In the past, let alonepliments, I was called a misfortune by the people around me, so I''m weak to these things!


    I''ve only had one friend in my whole life...


    I was so embarrassed that I couldn''t look at her in the eyes. her eyes are drawn to me, as if she noticed that my reaction was strange. Should I say something too?


    "...E thanks you for following her words..."


    I couldn''t finish talking. It was because the expression on her face was something like "E... Praised me?!". It''s like we got closer. It''s still too early.


    "...Nevermind. It''s only natural. If you don''t want to die, you''d better keep doing it."


    I feel like a fool. Wouldn''t my face be red? I feel like I just reacted like a tsundere, but cute like in a cartoon.


    "Uh... Yeah! Okay!"


    Ha-rim answers with a bright expression. Don''t answer me.


    You guys, don''t let things get out of hand like this. It''s a warning from a killer. You know?.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    After the meal, Ha-rim discusses with the children for a while and then said that they will start ying games. What is it going to be?


    Last time Iughed at it because it was so ridiculous, but I don''t think ying with kids is fun.


    This is the price for helping the Mystery Club, and for me it''s just something to soothe my boredom, so in terms of fun, it''s better than doing nothing.


    However, in terms of interest, I''m curious in how kids y. Because I had no friends when I was this age.


    The first time I made friends was when I first entered high school.


    <em>-Are you the guy who missed school because he was struck by lightning on that road?</em>


    Thanks to the nicknames from elementary and middle school that followed all the way to high school, I thought it was impossible to make friends.


    So I was sitting quietly and reading a book, and a certain senior talked to me.


    <em>-What''s up?


    </em>


    <em>-Why are you so tense? You look interesting. Do you want to be friends?</em>


    Even if it looked like empty words, the senior was not a person with a normal personality. He also looked like a thug. He was a big guy, so to be honest, I was scared.


    <em>-What?<sup>1</sup></em>


    <em>-It''s okay to talk casually.</em>


    <em>-For someone older than me, it''s a little hard...</em>


    ...Looking back on it now, he was a really reckless person.


    "E! The game is ready!"


    Ha-rim said to me who was reminiscing. This time, the game prepared was a quiz. It''s normal this time. No matter how you think about it, ying house is quite weird.


    Kyeong-min exins the rules as the moderator. First, sit on the chair brought from the club room. In my case, it''s putting a mirror on a chair so that it doesn''t fall over.


    After that, we listen to the quiz given by him.


    Then, by grabbing the recorder on the table and raising it, we get a chance to answer the quiz on a firste, first-served basis.


    You win if you get the most right answers. It''s a simple rule.


    "I will give this to whoever gets the most correct answers."


    In Kyeong-min''s hand, there was a huge candy advertised by apany in the past. It''s a limited edition, and even at convenience stores, there only one.


    It tastes good too, and they even announced that they would give you a game machine if your package had a special seal saying that you won.


    It''s so popr that people like me can''t get it unless a miracle happens.


    It looks like it was at the convenience store in front of the school.


    Even I, who hated sweet things, would have purchased it if I had seen it.


    If you don''t get it now, you probably won''t taste it for the rest of your life.


    Still, it wasn''t something I really cared. I don''t really want topete with kids just because I have a child''s body.


    I''m an adult after all, so there''s no way I''m getting engrossed in a quiz game.


    "Question one. What is the word for Inte politeness?"


    At this time, Eun-jeong picked up the recorder.


    "Answer! Netiquette!"<sup>2</sup>


    Kim Eun-jeong, you bastard...!


    Noticing the anger in my gaze, she trembled and turned her head away.


    Should I pull the knife? No, bear with it, the E inside me.


    I took my eyes off Eun-jeong and focused on the next question Kyeong-min gave. I hear a sigh of relief.


    "Question two. Which of the following actions should not be taken on a friend? Number one, hugging. Number two, holding hands. Number three, raising a knife and stabbing. Number four, teach to study."


    Suho picked the recorder.


    "Answer one."


    "Ding!"


    "Un. For. Tu. Na. Te. Ly. You are wrong."


    The difficulty level of the question seems odd, but it looks like it''s a bonus problem! I raised the recorder while inside the mirror.


    "...Answer three."


    "Correct!"


    That''s good!


    Hurry up and give us the next problem!


    "Question three. What do you call the theory that the sun is the center of the universe and thes revolve around it?"


    Oh what the fuck. My memory is fuzzy.


    Then Ha-rim picked the recorder.


    "Answer! Heliocentric model!"


    Ah! I knew it!


    I felt betrayed that my answer was intercepted(?). Is even this good kid aiming for my candy?


    "Question four. Which of the following does not fall under the category of y? Number one, causing bloodshed. Number two, word chain. Number three..."<sup>3</sup>


    In this way the quiz proceeded. I lost many questions about what elementary school students should know. However, because I got through all the easy problems, I was ahead in the overall score.


    Thanks to that, I proudly won the candy. Ah! This cute candy! Live in the mirror with me <strong>foreverforeverforever foreverforeverforeverforeverforeverforever.</strong><sup>4</sup>


    With this, the game is over.


    Roughly satisfied, I tried to go back to the mirror after the game. However, Ha-rim asked if I could give her a moment. I nodded nonchntly and asked to see her in the mirror in the women''s bathroom.


    As I waited in the mirror in the bathroom, Ha-rim hesitantly approached me and told me something.


    "Hey. E, there are a few things I''d like to ask... Can I?"


    "...I''m in a good mood right now, so I''ll answer your questions."


    After she was given permission, she rxed and asked me.


    "What does E think of us?"


    It''s a question that''s oddly difficult to answer.


    What do I think... Children destined with a tragic fate? That''s what I''m thinking.


    But suddenly asking this seems to be because of the built up trust thanks to the atmosphere of the meal and game that we just had.


    The trust that I would not suddenly try to kill on a whim.


    How should I respond so that I can be like E and get closer...


    "Well, ymates?"


    Was this too innocent? But the right words don''te to mind.


    That''s right, I''ve only had one friend all my life... And I even had none when I got older, so I died without living up to my name. In other words, I have no such thing as a conversational sense.<sup>5</sup>


    "But E betted her legs for us... And gave amulets and helped us in many ways. Ah! I''m not saying E is lying! I just thought we would be closer. Haha..."


    So what she wants to say is, we aren''t as close as she thought? It was not persuasive to im that they were friendly while acting so awkwardly.


    It seems that she wants to hear through my mouth that I and the Mystery Club are friends.


    She remembers that I lied at the mansion, but she seems to feel that my words are trustworthy because I have paid off my karma with the help I have faithfully done so far.


    But you never know how much you can trust. <em>I don''t really need a ymate right now,</em><em>I''m just helping you guys, so take care of yourself and follow me~!</em> Can you believe it?


    I had to make sure what Ha-rim wanted to hear from me. I asked with the smirk typical of E.


    "What does Ha-rim want to hear from me~?"


    "Well... E told we were friends. Does E really consider us one?"


    If you ask me, no. Because I''m an adult. It''s hard to form a bond between people with a big age difference, so we''re not something I would call friends.


    However, when making an agreement with Ha-rim, I inadvertently said that she was a friend, and since I need to be friendly, it would be better to pretend like that. There is no reason to refute.


    "Yes. Friends. Let''s call it ymates and friends."


    "Then, since we''re friends. You won''t hurt us... will you?"


    Is this your purpose?


    "If you listen to me carefully, I won''t kill you. Well. Don''t worry, I''ll watch it even if the game isn''t fun."


    Hearing that, Ha-rim was relieved. With this, you would have less to worry about dying every time you were with me.


    If you fall into a world like this, and there''s a bomb next to you that doesn''t know when it will explode, you''ll go crazy with stress.


    I want to let people know that I''m harmless and stress them out as little as possible, but I have to get close and join them.


    "By the way, E. Is that all we need to do?"


    The topic that seemed to have been settled continues again. What are you saying all of a sudden?


    "Hmm?"


    "E risked her leg to help us in the tunnel. Are you okay with only ying?"


    Pure. It''s so innocent I don''t know how to react, it''s great when you get big gains for little. What are you trying to do?


    Ha-rim wasn''t saying things like "I don''t understand why you''re doing this" or "I can''t believe that survival can be guaranteed under such favorable conditions."


    It just she''s feeling guilty. Because I did everything I could to help them, but they can''t give anything back.


    <em>I returned the ghost''s favor and fell asleep~!</em>


    I want to shout in her face that it would be better to worry about surviving by using anything before paying back.


    For you to give something. <strong>After seeing the ending, there are so many things you guys will lose.</strong>


    The unfortunate fate I''m talking about is not just the process of reaching an ending. Basically, this game is a horror one.


    It''s not that horror games don''t have happy endings, but given the nature of the genre, I can''tin even if the true ending is a hopeless one, unless it''s a really imusible garbage ending.


    As the theme of this game is aimed at survival rather than defeating monsters.


    No matter how hard she struggles, she can only survive in front of a giant being.


    The moment you see the ending.


    A gigantic existence born from this small world.


    It''s going to destroy the outside world.


    I can''t even openly talk about this in front of the kids who are trying to live.


    ...It makes me feel depressed.


    The story should end like that.


    "Is that all you have to say?"


    "Huh?"


    "If that bothers you, prepare a gift that E will like. I''ll give a hint, it doesn''t have to be precious. I''m going now, so don''t hold on to me."


    After speaking casually, I returned to the ssroom mirror. Ah, I felt pretty good when I was enjoying the game, but... Let''s fall asleep while making ns for tomorrow.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd person</strong>


    Ha-rim, who was left alone after E went back, was puzzled by her sudden change of attitude. She was not angry, and Ha-rim could even see sadness for a moment as she went back.


    She wonders what E was grieving, as this is the first real emotion that she showed. Could it have been something to do with her past? How can she solve it?


    Thinking about that, she went back to the children who were waiting for her.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    "We''re going to the temple today."


    I said to the children who were eating triangr kimbaps for breakfast.


    Judging from the clothes they were using hanging by the window and wearing gym uniforms, they seem to be paying attention to cleanliness.


    Maybe because I''m a monster, I didn''t get dirty. Perhaps that''s why I am so indifferent to basic everyday necessities.


    I''ll have to stop by their respective homester to bring various items.


    "Are there any temples around here?"


    Kyeong-min shook his head at Suho''s question. This is a ce close to a parallel world, one step away from the real world.


    So I thought there would be one over there too, but it doesn''t seems to be the case. Well, there''s no way such a gloomy temple could exist in real life.


    "There is. Just go to the ce I direct you to. Oh, that''s right. Take this."


    I handed Eun-jeong the artifact I made the other day, the [Sacred Sound]. Eun-jeong, who received it, looks around and then stares at me. I was about to exin it anyway.<sup>1</sup>


    "It''s a bell that purifies the surroundings and lightens the body. You''ll get a feel for it when you try it."


    After hearing those words, Eun-jeong shakes the bell back and forth once.


    -Jingle.


    Divine energy spreads to the surroundings through sound waves. The children felt peaceful at the moment. Simr to the feeling of lying on the floor and drinking a cool drink on a sunny day.


    However, I shuddered a little.


    "Is something wrong, E?"


    "Yes. A little. It tickles."


    I was about to make a weird noise. I didn''t expect this. It doesn''t hurt or make me feel bad, but if I listen to it continuously, I might run away because it tickles.


    "It has a purification effect, but it can''t harm monsters. It''s only used to nullify curses. Did you just shake the bell back and forth? This time, shake it left and right."


    Eun-jeong shook the bell from side to side.


    -Jingle.


    It sounds different than the first one. It feels a little more high-pitched.


    "My body feels light."


    Suho said while swinging his arms around. And it seems that this effect also applies to me, a monster.


    I know that the buff is applied to the person the user perceives as an ally. I am definitely being recognized as one by Eun-jeong.


    Even though her physical abilities are poor, Eun-jeong, who takes good care of the members, shows the qualities of a supporter. Except for special cases, only Ha-rim, the yable character, receives buffs in the game.


    However, since they act as a group this time, this artifact capable of area buffs will work efficiently.


    "Hey E."


    Eun-jeonges up to me as if she has questions. she couldn''t even look at me in the eyes before, but she seems to be more friendly than before. It must be because I was in a good mood during the meal and game yesterday.


    "What do you want to know?"


    "Is the reason we go out of school to get these things?"


    Yes. In order to deal with the bosses in the future, I need to get anything that could help. There is nothing more inefficient than having children who are not strong going around in groups.


    However, unlike the game, they have the advantage of being able to use multiple artifacts at the same time, so I will make the most of it.


    "That''s right. You have to take a big risk to get back home. It is preparation for that time."


    "I see..."


    I''m d you understood with these words. However, Eun-jeong, who I thought had finished her business, wiggled her hand and said to me.


    "E. Thank you for giving me this."


    "...You better use it well."


    "Yes!"


    Somehow. You might think of a tsundere who hides her shyness, but I am not that kind of person. It''s just not natural to act friendly right now~ Let''s say it just sounds the same.


    Is it awkward? Anyway, I exined the strategy to the children the same way I exined the [Turbo Granny] n the other day.


    After the exnation, we went out of the school again. Basically, the outside is a demonic world where monsters live, but due to the nature of the game, stronger monsters appear over time, so there won''t be any beings that are too strong.


    Except for the gimmick-type monsters that only appear in certain ces.


    I guided the children through the mirror held by Suho.


    "Don''t look at the top of the wall likest time. And if you see a suspicious object in front of you, reflect it in the mirror where I am."


    Shortly after saying this, I heard Eun-jeong make a startled sound.


    "Kya!..."


    Suho hurriedly pointed the mirror at Eun-jeong.


    Then, behind the telephone pole, I saw a little boy smiling mischievously.


    Oh, him. I whispered to the little boy.


    "I found you~"


    [Hehehe...]


    The boyughed and became smoke that was absorbed into my body. Simr to the previous frog monster, it is a mass-produced monster with multiples of them.


    The frog monster was an annoying monster that changed your body, but this guy is all about hiding.


    He is a monster who appears everywhere, so I was surprised every time I saw it.


    Something fell in the ce where the kid was. A mitten-shaped sticker. For reference, this is a probability drop item.


    I think I was lucky, as was the case with the frog monsterst time. Did Ha-rim''s artifact''s skill, [Luck], activate? There was no such function in the game, but now that it has been patched in reality, maybe...


    Firstly, I instructed Ha-rim to pick it up. The item is [Secret y].


    Don''t get me wrong, it''s just the name.


    If you use that sticker, you will temporarily be stealthier, making it easier to avoid monsters. It is disposable and has a short duration, so you should use it sparingly.


    The items we''re going to get now is important, but collecting these drops will be of great help too.


    After getting all the necessary items, we''ll focus farming these things. As I moved carefully, I saw a corner store.


    "Let''s stop by that corner store for a while."


    After I said that, the children went into the building.


    "Urgh! This is..."


    The children are agitated. Because there was a gruesome body there. A body that looked like it had been hacked to pieces with a knife from face to toe. Just looking at it instills fear.


    Considering the children''s mental health, I warned them not to look at it as much as they could.


    I knew in advance that there was a body here. But why did Ie here? Because the body itself is a gimmick.


    "Ha-rim. Take the handcuffs there."


    She was taken aback for a moment, then listened to me and grabbed the handcuffs next to the corpse.


    "Who''s there!"


    Entering the store, someone shouts at the children.


    It was an adult man dressed as a policeman and holding a baton and a shield with the word "Police" written on it in his hand. The children get startled and start whispering.


    "Police...?"


    "There were people alive besides us!"


    To the children who have only seen strange things like me, the man was like a sweet rain during a drought. It was natural for their expressions to brighten up.


    I feel sick to my stomach. Still, I had to do it.


    "Come to me now! [The perpetrator] is near! Come with me, I will protect you. I will take you to safety."


    At the end, the children hurriedly followed the policeman and left the store. They''re scared that the culprit who created such a terrible body is near.


    "Now follow me!"


    The children followed the instructions of the man and moved. He entered a deep alley. An alleyway that seems like it would be full of crime.


    Thump... Thump... Thump... Thump...


    There was a sound of footsteps. Someone is following them. In this situation, the only thing that could be following is the killer who murdered people in the corner store.


    The children trembled and said to the police about their anxiety.


    "Help, I think the culprit is after us!"


    "It''s a big deal! Come on, follow me!"


    The steps of the policeman are getting faster and faster. At the same time, the children chasing after him also start walking quickly. The scary thing is that the speed at which the killer pursue them also increases.


    Thump thump thump thump.


    "At us! It''sing after us!"


    "As long as I''m here it''s fine! Come on, follow me!"


    The man is running now. The children gasp as they enter deeper alleys.


    "Huh... Hah! Please run a little slower!"


    <strong>[Follow me! Hurry up and follow me!]</strong>


    thumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthump!!


    When we came to a dead end, the policeman was nowhere to be seen. However, the sound of the killer chasing was still elerating.


    The kids panic. The fear of the sudden disappearance of the person who protected them. A terrible monster created by an ominous story of a policeman running away and abandoning the target of protection.


    That was the identity of this monster.


    It can be solved by catching the culprit who is the cause of the fear.


    A shadow in the shape of an adult man holding a knife appears from the corner. Then he runs at us brandishing his knife.


    "Ah!"


    Ignoring the fussing children, I cut him in the mirror with a knife.


    A monster with its arms and legs shed one after another and scattered. I instructed Ha-rim to put the handcuffs on the guy. She did not hesitate this time and handcuffed him right away.


    Then it turned into smoke and was absorbed into my body. An item dropped at the same time.


    Nice! I pped my hands to wake up the children''s who were in a daze.


    "Huh? What did we just do?"


    Kyeong-min groaned. I decided to answer that question.


    "How do you feel about meeting a mental attack type monster?"


    In the game, only [I think I have to follow the words.] is printed in the game window, but I was curious about how it would work in reality, and I needed to let the children experience it.


    And of course, I need the drop too!


    This game sucks, but I like that the locations of items that can be synthesized aren''t too far apart.


    "It''s embarrassing..."


    "Because if you don¡¯t keep your senses, you will get hurt. You¡¯d better be careful."


    Mental attacks are unfamiliar, so it would be a good thing to experience them at least once. This must have made them aware.


    "Ha-rim. You seem to have noticed it on the way."


    On the way, I saw that Ha-rim''s ne was shining and the haze in her eyes had faded. Perhaps the effect of [Survival] was activated.


    The [Survival] skill has a function that adjusts values such as stamina, stealth, or curse resistance to be more favorable to survival depending on the situation.


    Seeing that she even resisted mental attacks that were not possible in the game, it seems that it received a huge boost with the reality patch. It''s almost unbelievable to say that it''s an artifact that can be obtained in the early stages.


    I guessed she also benefited from this effect at [Turbo Granny].


    "I believed in E because she had aid back expression..."


    Was I making that kind of expression? I didn''t know. I''ll have to pay attention to facial expressions too. By the way, you believed in me. Hmm. Should I be d?


    "This time, I''ve been watching because I wanted to give you the experience. Next time, tell me as soon as you notice."


    "Okay, E."


    "This is what a mental attack feels like..."


    I instructed Suho to pick up the things that the monster had left behind. It was the shield held by the police monster. It would be difficult to hold it with a mirror, so he instructed Kyeong-min to hold me.


    Since Kyung-min is also a boy, he shouldn''t suffer that much.


    Suho, who is holding the police shield, exims that it is surprisingly light. It is not an ordinary shield because it can block the attacks of monsters to some extent.


    Of course, it''s still not at a artifact level, so it''s better to just avoid it.


    "Now let''s get going again. Turn right around the corner."


    The children again proceed ording to my instructions. In the way, we met a frog monster and got some drops. Thank you frog. It''s about time we see it... Oh, there it is.


    "There it is."


    "Wow... That¡¯s tantly gloomy..."


    Kyeong-min said that with a tired expression. Although it is a small temple, suspicious amulets are attached to it, the head of a Buddha statue is broken, and because it is an old temple, ominous noises can be heard through the holes whenever the wind blows.


    But you guys who enter an old mansion just to write a club report are weird enough.<sup>2</sup>


    "Are we going in there?"


    "Yes. But wait a minute."


    After saying that, I instructed Kyeong-min to pass the temple and go to the fire station that we could see in the distance.


    "Uh?"


    We went without saying anything, but he stopped on the way as if something was blocking him. Actually, it is blocked.


    I knocked on the invisible wall and tried to hit it, but it didn''t even budge.


    If I''m right, this is the end of the world. In this indie game, which is not an open world, the map is bound to be limited.


    "This is the end of this world. Although it is a parallel version, it is not as big as the original."


    "Then, is our world beyond that?"


    I shook my head at those words.


    The outside that can be seen by the naked eye seems to exist, but in fact, it only serves as a background to the yer.


    The parallel world refers to a circr space whose radius is the distance to where we are currently located, with the church quite far from here as the center.


    It''s world where it''s not too much trouble to travel even if you don''t ride a car.


    It''s really small when you look at it this way.


    When I realized that, I was relieved. If there were no restrictions on space in this world, the scale would have grown absurdlyrge.


    As expected, the elements of the game are still present even when bing real.


    No matter how scary the monsters are, in the end, they are limited by the system.


    If they see the ending.


    They''ll be able to go home.


    After thinking about it, I stared at Ha-rim.


    "What''s wrong E?"


    She asks.


    "...It''s nothing."


    I averted my eyes.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    We walked to the suspicious temple. Normally, temples are fancy andrge, but this is a small temple, so the structure came into view at a nce.


    Well, it''s not even a boss fight, so there''s no need to make it wider.


    You can see several statues of Buddha whose heads have fallen off. All of the ponds are dry, and the structures with a Buddhist feel are wrapped in spider webs, making it difficult to recognize their original form.


    Spider webs are the best for creating a spooky atmosphere. But isn''t there too many? Is this also a part of the reality patch... If not...


    With that thought in mind, I ordered to open the door to enter the building.


    Click.


    "Looks like it''s locked."


    Oh right. You had to solve the riddle and enter through another passage, right?


    But that''s annoying.


    I got out of the mirror for a second and kicked the door to pieces.<sup>1</sup>


    Oh cool! We can just break it in, instead of finding the key or some other route? I know it''s trying to add a puzzle element, but I hate annoying things.


    """..."""


    "What?"


    They''re making faces like I''m denyingmon sense. I didn''t care and went back to the mirror. The time to be active outside is precious, so we should save it even a little.


    The structure of this building is very simple. It consists of only a hallway and one room, and when viewed from above, it was arge square with a small square in the center.


    The room consisted of sliding doors on all four sides, sliding left or right. The shape is designed to be very easy to see when someone passes through the hallway.


    Don''t you already have an idea in how the exorcism will happen?


    It is simr to [The Rose of Sharon Blooms Again].<sup>2</sup>


    In the center, a monster in the shape of a Buddha statue sings an evil song. This nursery rhyme is a curse, and even if you plug your ears, you will be affected.


    If you get cursed, your ears will be cut off and you will die instantly, so you must have [Sacred Sound] or another artifact with a purification skill.


    However, if you use the bell, it will know our location and open one of the doors, trying to attack you, but you can avoid being caught by hiding between the objects ced in the hallway.


    This is how you protect yourself from this monster, and the way to get rid of it is even simpler. Hitting a special Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.


    A total of four Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva are located in each corner of the hallway, and if you hit the one without ears three times, the monster will be exorcised.


    I asked in a low voice if they were ready.


    The children nodded their heads with determined expressions. So let''s get started.


    The kids go inside. Then, the broken door was repaired and the surroundings became dark. The sound of singing began to be heard from the room ahead.


    <strong>[At the corner of Udun pce.]</strong>


    <strong>[There is a monk who cut his ears standing.]</strong>


    The children moved in a hurry. They went around a corner. This Ksitigarbha has ears. Not this guy.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>[How many more people are standing.]</strong>


    <strong>[Three of them are standing.]</strong>


    Go straight to the next corner. Is this the guy? It turned out to be a Ksitigarbha with ears again. The song is halfway through, so it''s time to shake the bell.


    I whispered to Eun-jeong.


    "Be careful of branches that make noise if you step on them and ring the bell. Don''t forget to find a ce to hide."


    <strong>[The monk who cuts his earsughs.]</strong>


    <strong>[Not hearing children crying anymore.]</strong>


    -Jingle.


    The bell rings at the moment when the ears start to hurt. The clear sound ripples through the air, and the eerie curse disappears.


    "Ah..."


    I covered my mouth to hold back the sound of being tickled.


    Swoosh!


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    A Buddha statue opens the door and examines the hallway. If it doesn''t find us, it will close the door again and go back.


    However.


    Thud.


    The sound of the Buddha taking a step is heard. What the hell. I had to step away from the mirror and check what was going on.


    The statue is the same as the one seen in the game. But the legs and head of a spider protruding from the inside of the stomach puzzled me.


    It looked like a spider parasitized it one-sidedly, but even though the Buddha statue was a monster, it didn''t seem to care because it was closer to an object than a living thing.


    I considered it was possible for his behavior to change.


    However, I couldn''t even imagine that the monsters would merge. Besides, it''s a spider again! Why do these jerks keep appearing!


    At this point, it was clear that something had happened to the boss monster [Spider Lady].


    It only makes an appearance at chapter three! I mean, why is it influencing the early stage so much?


    If this is the case, I have no choice but to revise the strategy. If it closes the door and sing the song again while wandering the hallway, we will be discovered.


    In other words, I have to do something now!


    Seeing the mysterious statue approaching, Ha-rim asked in a trembling voice.


    "E, what do we do?"


    "...Go find the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva!"


    I jumped out of the mirror. And kicked the metal body two-and-a-half timesrger than an adult male.


    Bang! With a loud sound, the giant was pushed away and went back into the central room. I followed it.


    The spider monster on the lower half of the body seems mortified.


    "It''s a foul if the tagger goes out into the hallway."


    <strong>[Kieeaek!!!]</strong>


    The sharp legs of the spider and the arms of the Buddha swing wildly.


    The sound of cutting the air was sharp, so I intuitively felt that it would be difficult to kill it as simple as the [Spider Attendant].


    <strong>[At the corner of Udun pce.]</strong>


    <strong>[There is a monk who cut his ears standing.]</strong>


    The nursery rhymees from the mouth of it. This song was something that could be sung while attacking.


    First of all, the attack range is longer than mine. If it shows a gap while avoiding an attack, it would be better to stab the spider''s head in one shot.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    E jumped out of the mirror and kicked the monster. It''s amazing. That giant is being pushed away. How does she get that much power from such a small body? Is it rted to the ck smoke that E absorbs?


    "Let''s go, guys!"


    The n seems to have gone awry, but what we have to do hasn''t changed. As E was fighting the tagger, she would be able to defeat him rather quickly. But E said she has a time limit on hering out, so we have to finish it soon!


    "Ha-rim, look over there! It''s a Ksitigarbha with ears cut off!"


    At the ce Kyeong-min pointed at, there was a Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva who had no ears.


    It really is! It''s right over there!


    <strong>[At the corner of Udun pce.]</strong>


    <strong>[There is a monk who cut his ears standing.]</strong>


    An unpleasant song that rings in your ears. E had told me that if it sang all of that nursery rhyme, my ears would be cut off and I would die instantly. I''d rather interrupt it right away.


    "Eun-jeong, purification!"


    "Got it!"


    -Jingle.


    The sound of Eun-jeong''s bell washes away the unpleasant aura.


    Good!


    Now we hit it!


    However, the body of the Bodhisattva in front of me shakes. Then, a spider leg protruded from the inside of it.


    ck ck ck ck ck!


    A Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva that runs away from us at great speed. I froze for a moment at the sight.


    "The Bodhisattva is running away!"


    "Eww, gross!"


    "Isn''t it too fast?"


    In addition, not only the earless Bodhisattva, but spider legs also protrude from the bodies of other ones, and they run away in all directions.


    It''s too fast. We need to speed up too. I shouted at Eun-jeong.


    "Eun-jeong, speed!"


    "Okay!"


    -Jingle.


    Eun-jeong waves the bell in the other direction. My body bes lighter.


    "Run and catch it!"


    Me and the members ran at full speed. The corridors were too short to run and there were many obstacles, so I couldn''t speed up. I''m going to need another way.


    "Suho and Eun-jeong are going to go in the opposite direction! It''s a closed ce anyway, so you''ll catch them if you keep running!"


    "Got it!"


    "And Eun-jeong, cleanse the curse periodically!¡±


    "Yes!"


    Bang!!


    Shortly after parting ways with Suho and Eun-jeong, E flew through the door from the center room. It seems that the monster in the form of a Buddha statue got a strike.


    "E, are you okay?!"


    "Nevere near or interfere."


    E said, her red eyes glowing in anger. At the sight of her, I winced a little.


    Even during the operation, if an unexpected situation urs, we decided to look at the situation and proceed ording to the n, but she told me not to intervene to the point where she herself had to step in.


    E charges at the monster again exhaling a ferocious aura. The violent sound of fighting can be heard in the middle room. If I get hit even once in that fight, I don''t think I''ll even have bones left.


    "Ha-rim, it''s over there!"


    Kyeong-min pointed to the ceiling. There, an earless Ksitigarbha was moving at high speed.


    I can''t reach there. Do I only need to hit it?


    I picked up one of the objects that had fallen in the hallway along the way. If this ne power functions the way I thought it would, it will work.


    "Ha!"


    [Luck].


    The object I threw flew away drawing a strange line. The earless Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva took a direct hit from it.


    "Nice!"


    It staggered and fell. When I looked at it again, it had ears.


    I didn''t see it wrong. E said that if you hit an earless Bodhisattva, it will get ears, and one of the remaining ones will randomly lose its ears.


    "If the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva on Suho''s side has changed, they will drive it here."


    As expected, the Ksitigarbha with a spider leg appears with Suho. This time, without ears.


    I and Kyeong-min jumped in and grabbed the Bodhisattva so that it could not escape. I got goosebumps when I heard a crackling noise from inside.


    "E!"


    "You''re done!"


    Suho strikes it with the shield he was holding. It has ears again. Now you just have to hit it once more. Where is it?


    "Ha-rim, beside you!"


    At that moment, another Ksitigarbha passed right next to me. We turned the corner to chase after it and saw it running into the central room. let''s try following.


    There, I could see E being held down by the huge arm of the Buddha statue.


    It''s a crisis! I have to help!


    I thought of the Bodhisattva who was knocked down after being hit by Suho''s shield while looking around.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    While avoiding the spider''s attack, a golden arm came crashing down on me, and I had no choice but to grab it. A tremendous weight pushes me down.


    Is it a characteristic of this body? The more I was attacked, the more the anger inside me seemed to explode.


    "Even if I''m weak..."


    I''m still one of the bosses!!!


    I hold the monster''s arm in reverse with the power and arm strength that I had gathered to the limit with my psychokinesis, which I hadn''t been using against it until now.


    The body of the Buddha statue leans, but the lower half of the spider doesn''t. The legs then aim for my body and stabs me.


    Or it would''ve stabbed.


    "Ah.. E! Watch out!"


    Ha-rim, who intruded, threw a Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva towards the spider.


    In an instant, the spider''s attack stopped. It seems that it is reluctant to attack its allies. Suho then lunges forward with his shield, striking the body. The spider monster shows an opening.


    I passed through the legs like lightning and decapitated the spider''s head that pierced the statue''s stomach. The fishy smell of blood exalts my body.


    The arm of the Buddha statue strikes me again.


    "Is it over already?"


    I threw the knife at the Bodhisattva who quietly escaped. Every time the children caught one, the statue reacted, so I knew that we needed to hit it only one more time.


    Then, the statue, which was about to strike with its arm, stopped functioning like a machine that stopped working.


    "Suho? Can you give me the shield?"


    After that I took the shield. I hope it still works even after being merged with another monster.


    Unsurprisingly, the frozen statue still muttered something. If you try hearing it, it''s sounded disrespectful.


    After muttering a few words, the Buddha statue stops again, and letters are engraved on the police shield. With this, it waspleted. A new artifact!


    And the monsters turned into smoke and were absorbed into me.


    The materialization time was tight, but I''m d. If an unexpected situation urs on the way back, it will be difficult in many ways. I handed over the shield to Suho and returned to the mirror.


    "Are we done, E?"


    "Yeah, it''s over now."


    "I''m d."


    Ha-rim rxed. Ah, wouldn''t that be okay?


    "I''m d? Why are you d?"


    I said with a smile.


    "Eh...?"


    She tilts her head with a puzzled look.


    "I''m sure I told you not to interfere?"


    "Eh?"


    "Why didn''t you listen to me~?"


    Ha-rim thought to herself.


    The face is smiling, but the eyes are not smiling at all!


    Are you mad about that?

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    I thought to myself. It''s a big deal!


    The scary aura radiating from E and the glowing red eyes made everyone know that she was angry. I did well until now, but this time I had upset E.


    "Hey... E? It''s not that I didn''t want to listen..."


    "But in the end you still did it? Did I see it wrong~?"


    What I was trying to say sounded like an excuse to E. Her cold reaction made my back wet with sweat. Why is she so mad?


    Should I give her some chocte?


    As I thought about it, E''s eyes grew colder.


    They say that when you get hit by cold snow falling from the sky, it stings to the point of hurting.


    "Why? Why didn''t you listen to E? Ah! I get it!"


    E suddenly smiled brightly. Normally, I would have admired her because she was pretty, but now I was even more scared than when she was with an angry expression.


    "You''re not afraid of E anymore? That''s why you didn''t listen to me! Is it? Isn''t it? <strong>Am I wrong? Hey?</strong>"


    I inadvertently took a step back.


    Heo-eok... I''m wrong. It''s not an anger that can be relieved by giving sweets!


    Stay calm, I need to stay calm! Even such great anger will be relieved if you calmly untie it like a tangled earphone.


    Come to think of it, what was E upset about? First of all, I helped her, who was struggling.


    Although I went against E''s word, the timing is strange even for her when she got mad at the person who helped.


    We sessfullypleted the exorcism.... What the hell could be the problem.


    ...Damnit, I can''t recall anything. It''s a matter of survival if she get''s more angry because I didn''t answer well here!


    Please remember!


    At this time, when I was lost, the ne suddenly glowed weakly enough that only I could notice it. Why at this timing?


    [Survival].


    A memory pops up in my mind.


    It was when I was passing by the roadside. A cat was dragging its leg across the road as if it was injured. Suddenly there was the sound of an engine.


    A car was driving down the road at high speed. I urgently tried to save the cat, but it was too far away.


    I thought it was going to get hit, so I closed my eyes. But the animal was unharmed.


    The cat was in the arms of a little boy I have never seen before. He jumped in and saved the cat.


    It deserved praise, but the child''s mother was very angry.


    Ah.


    I think I know why E is angry.


    "I''m sorry E..."


    "You''re sorry? Is that all..."


    "But I couldn''t help it!"


    "What?"


    E''s eyes widen. Is she angrier? No, I have to go strong here! I boldly took E''s hand and continue my words.


    "Because I don''t want E to get hurt! I never want to see a friend get hurt!"


    "You... Suddenly saying such things."


    Pushed by my momentum, I felt E''s anger fade. This time E stepped back from me. To be honest, I don''t even know where I got this kind of courage.


    Still, I was filled with the thought that I had to push through.


    It seems that the members are shocked by my actions, but now is not the time to care.


    Pushed by my momentum, E continue to walk backwards until eventually she was blocked by a wall and could not escape.


    "Is it because E didn''t want us to get hurt?"


    "No, that..."


    Before E could finish her sentence, I followed up with another blow.


    "E also keeps trying to hurt herself! Same asst time! I''m worried and I''m sorry! Just like E cared for us, so did we!"


    "Who cares about whom...!"


    "Don''t you, E? We care about E!"


    I mean it. The words came out without hesitation because they came from the heart, not to defuse the current situation.


    No matter how much of a strong monster she is, I don''t want to see her legs cut off and be hurt trying to help us.


    I sincerely looked at E as if asking for an answer.


    And I though that, if possible, I would like to understand E''s heart and be real friends.


    Thinking about this made it easier to face her red eyes, which had been burdensome to meet before.


    E, who was demanding an answer, became the target of questioning instead.


    Complete reversal in roles.


    E, who seemed flustered and couldn''t say anything, finally averted her gaze and grumbled.


    "...Do what you want..."


    "What did you say?"


    I asked again because I couldn''t hear it properly.


    "I told you to do whatever you want! Whether or not you die because of meddling!"


    After that, E went into the mirror and showed her back. She looked more sullen than angry.


    After exchanging nces with the group, we decided to return to school. As Suho was carrying the shield, Kyeong-min carried the mirror.


    "...It''s left, not that way."


    "Huh? Ah... I see! Thanks E."


    "..."


    Still, I thought it was cute when I saw E, who dutifully pointed out the correct way.


    <strong>POV Switch - E (A while back)</strong>


    It would be reckless to intervene in a fight without listening to me. Especially when the only way to get rid of it is physically.


    I wanted the children to help me as teammates rather than protecting them, but it''s still too early. I didn''t have all the items, and even the shield I gave Suho wasn''t perfect.


    In other words, even one hit might give a broken bone. If a child other than Suho who had the shield gets hit, it would''ve died instantly!


    Ha-rim was able to help with the rabbits, but it''s hard to deal with unexpected things like now.


    Sorry kids, but I had to point it out.


    "Hey... E? It''s not that I didn''t want to listen..."


    Doesn''t matter what intentions you had to interfere in the fight. I''m sorry, but children who don''t listen to adults should be scolded!


    "But in the end you still did it? Did I see it wrong~?"


    I said it, intentionally lengthening the end. Hmm. Are you thinking about how to resolve this? I decided to go a little fiercer at Ha-rim, who couldn''t say anything.


    "Why? Why didn''t you listen to E? Ah! I get it!"


    "You''re not afraid of E anymore? That''s why you didn''t listen to me! Is it? Isn''t it? <strong>Am I wrong? Hey?</strong>"


    Har-im, pushed by my momentum, took a step back. Now, Suho, Kyeong-min, and Eun-jeong are aplices. If you guys do something dangerous like this again, I won''t let you go.


    Come on, tell me! You will never disobey my instructions again!


    "I''m sorry E..."


    Sigh. The important thing now isn''t an apology, but a promise not to do it again. Promise to not break my instructions! I tried to connect the words needed to express that it was the incorrect answer.


    "You''re sorry? Is that all..."


    Then Ha-rim cuts me off.


    "But I couldn''t help it!"


    "What?"


    Quite surprising. Ha-rim, who always flinched and got surprised when I looked at her. Are you refuting my words? Just yesterday she was still tense when talking to me, so I had no choice but to ask back.


    Instead of answering, she held my hand.


    Why are you holding hands! It''s something counsellors tell children to do sometimes, but it felt weird when I was subjected to it.


    And for some reason, her momentum was unusual.


    "Because I don''t want E to get hurt! I never want to see a friend get hurt!"


    Ha-rim said that with an extremely serious expression.


    <em>''What embarrassing things is this kid talking about?!''</em>


    Are kids like that? Is it because she hasn''t reached puberty yet, so she''s saying such cheesy words without hesitation?


    "You... Suddenly saying such things."


    Every time Ha-rim speaks, her face gets closer.


    I unconsciously backed away because it was burdensome.


    Ha-rim follow me. Maybe this kid was always reckless, because every time I took a step back she followed me. Before I knew it, my back collided with a wall.


    I should be angry, but the words don''te out properly.


    "Is it because E didn''t want us the get hurt?"


    "No, that..."


    "E also keeps trying to hurt herself! Same asst time! I''m worried and I''m sorry! Just like E cared for us, so did we!"


    I feel like dying. I''m embarrassed! I reflexively tried to refute the words that pierced my heart.


    "Who cares about whom...!"


    "Don''t you, E? We care about E!"


    Ha-ri asked as if she wouldn''t ept it. I felt ashamed knowing the roles were being reversed.


    An adult losing momentum to a child! I just hope my face isn''t blushing.


    Ha-rim''s pupils met my eyes. Her sincerity could be seen in her eyes. Such a stupid good kid. It seems that her concern for me was sincere.


    Why can you show your sincerity to me like that?


    I don''t think you''ve fallen in love, but otherwise I can''t understand it.


    Fighting happens when someone get mad you, then ignores you, and finally stops loving you.


    In other words, if you remove the root of the cause and appeal to them, it means there isn''t a reason to being angry anymore.


    By continuing being angry means the person wishes to break the rtionship.


    Ha-rim looks straight at me as if asking for an answer. I averted my eyes. I knew that I had lost not only in momentum, but in words as well.


    I''m angry, but if I get more angry here, it''ll be a step back as the affection I''ve built up will crumble.


    However, because of my petty pride or because it was unfair that I was pushed while trying to discipline her, I grumbled.


    "...Do what you want..."


    "What did you say?"


    "I told you to do whatever you want! Whether or not you die because of meddling!"


    After that, I went back to the mirror and turned around. Because my face must be red. If it were my original body, I wouldn''t have said such a childish thing!


    Am I right to treat these children as children?


    I feel weird.


    But... It''s refreshing, and I missed it.


    When was thest time I had an argument with someone?


    <em>-Friend. What are you so upset about? And who else put tacks in your shoes?</em>


    <em>-Please don''t call me a friend. I don''t remember ever being friends with a guy whomits crime.</em>


    <em>-Bastard... You need some friends.</em>


    <em>-Ah, what kind of friend says that!</em>


    <em>-What did I say? That misfortune or whatever would stop someday?</em>


    <em>-What kind of nonsense, are you going to go away now? Do you want to die? And I won''t be unhappy forever. I keep being depressed and unhappy, but I won''t be like that all the time.</em>


    <em>-No. You will be unhappy for the rest of your life. That''s the kind of constitution you have. Until now, you yourself has felt it deeply... Should I kill you and transfer it to another body? Making you bastard... Possess someone!</em>


    <em>-Stop reading web novels.</em>


    <em>''Why did I remember this?''</em>


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    It was after we got back to school. E went back to the full-length mirror in the ssroom without saying a word. I don''t think it''s a big deal because she doesn''t look angry, but I had to listen to the concerns and worries of the members.


    "What the hell were you thinking?"


    Let''s say Suho was mad. I''m embarrassed haha... I couldn''t help butugh.


    If that didn''t work, it might have been really dangerous.


    However, I felt that the E in the mansion was different from the E now. A little friendlier, less moody... And above all, cute.


    Maybe I acted like that because I had this strange certainty.


    I had to apologize and admit that I wascent.


    "Sorry. I guess I was a little crazy..."


    Kyeong-min waved his hand as if he was done.


    "I''m d it ended well. I honestly thought E would draw her knife."


    "That''s right. It may have been like that before, but... E now is kind of... Soft! And she smells good."


    Suho insists that the smell doesn''t matter, but Eun-jeong ignores him. I agreed with her.


    Eun-jeong is trustworthy because she notices other people''s feeling well.


    As a result of asking Suho and Kyeong-min, we came to a conclusion that E is definitely feeling affection for us now.


    "I honestly can''t believe it. E was a ghost who had been threatening to kill us a few days ago... But if you look at what happened today, she''s much less dangerous now. The more friendly we be, the more E''s attitude changes."


    Kyeong-min said with his sses shining. He even said it would be a good idea to boldly close the distance between us and her.


    Considering that Kyeong-min, who suffered the most from E, said this, the other members must have thought the same.


    "Good! Let''s consider the next step. Hmm... Okay! That would be nice!"


    As I was trying toe up with a n, a good idea came to me.


    Being in a group is great for socializing, but if you don''t get to know each other individually, you''ll feel left out. Alright, that''s what we must do!


    "Chatting and skinship one-on-one!"<sup>1</sup>


    """What?"""


    "I see! Okay! I''ll try my best!"


    Unlike the bewildered boys, Eun-jeong answered vigorously.


    "Hey Ha-rim... Is skinship really necessary?"


    "Hmm? Originally, when the body is close, the heart is also close! Didn''t you know that?"


    "I mean... It''s not wrong."


    "Then it doesn''t matter! Even if everyone is scared, try to be friendly with E! Go for it!"


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd-person</strong>


    At the unexpectedly na?ve reaction, the boys shut their mouths. It is said that touching is natural between girls, but do they really not know that it will be more awkward than anything else for them as the opposite gender?


    During the break before eating, Kyeong-min and Suho went to the men''s restroom. It''s because Ha-rim said it would be safer to pair up in preparation for any unexpected event.


    "Hey..."


    "What."


    "E is also a girl, can we do skinship?"


    "...No."


    The president''s judgement is trustworthy, but there are times when she has ideas that are too pure. Because of that, sometimes it''s very difficult.


    It''s awkward not to properly carry out the assigned n, but when the conversation between the boys as about to end with the skinship problem, Kyeong-min said something unexpected.


    "On second thought, is E really a girl?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "The monsters we met. Most of them had to do with ghost stories. To be precise, something like an ominous rumor or idea."


    "...Go on."


    "If we hypothesize that an abstract concept called a story gained strength and formed psychical form... E is also a girl only in form. It means that she might not really be a girl.


    "...That makes sense! Lee Kyeong-min, aren''t you really smart? And not only because you read a lot of books!"


    "Heh."


    Kyeong-min raises his sses and smiles slightly.


    "But it''s only a hypothesis, and there''s no way to confirm it, right?"


    "...I didn''t think of that. Hmm. If it''s only taking shape, it might not have anything where it''s not usually visible."


    "Like when you enter a building in a game using a bug, and there''s nothing inside?"


    "Yeah! That''s right. E''s inside must be empty! For example... Underwear!"


    Eureka! Kyeong-min said that as if he had obtained an amazing clue. The feeling of approaching the secrets of this world was so sweet that it was easy to get intoxicated.


    Suho also sympathized with the excited Kyeong-min and was excited as well.


    "I see! The underwear! You mean the panties? If so, just check E''s panties... Oh wait, that sounds strange."


    Suho didn''t notice before because of the less straightforward term "underwear", but his head went cold at the mention of the word "panties".


    And Kyeong-min felt it too.


    They, who had be perverts in an istant, felt weird.


    If Ha-rim ou Eun-jeong heard about such obscenities, they would''ve despised them as if they were trash.


    Receiving such stares from trusted friends was probably worse than getting hurt.


    """......"""


    "...Let''s stop."


    "Right..."


    Kyeong-min and Suho felt a sense of shame and decided to go back. They''ll bury this conversation in a corner of their minds and hold the quietest funeral in the world.


    If only the two of them were quiet, no one would know.


    "Go on, it''s fun."


    """?!!!"""


    But unfortunately, the person who shouldn''t have listened to it the most heard it.


    They hoped it wouldn''t be the case, but E was smiling at them in the mirror in the restroom sink.


    Suho and Kyeong-min felt dizzy.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    There wasn''t any monsters invading the school, but as I was patrolling from mirror to mirror, I heard the boys talking.


    The ce is the men''s restroom.


    Looking out of the mirror, I saw Suho and Kyeong-min talking.


    What are they talking about?


    "On second thought, is E really a girl?"


    When I overheard it, he was talking about something really unexpected.


    What are you saying. Aren''t I a girl?


    Could it be that they found out that I was originally a man!


    "What do you mean?"


    When Suho said that as if he didn''t understand, I calmed down my panicked mind and focused my ears.


    "The monsters we met. Most of them had to do with ghost stories. To be precise, something like an ominous rumor or idea."


    "...Go on."


    "If we hypothesize that an abstract concept called a story gained strength and formed psychical form... E is also a girl only in form. It means that she might not really be a girl.


    "...That makes sense! Lee Kyeong-min, aren''t you really smart? And not only because you read a lot of books!"


    "Heh."


    God, I never thought these kids would have such profound thoughts.


    Even I am concerned about my identity. They didn''t find out that I was originally a man, but isn''t this just as shocking?.


    Are monsters like me, no, E, rooted in "concepts"?


    The moment I had this thought.


    In ghost stories, is the "ghost" first or the "story"?


    A person who sees a ghost gets surprised and spreads it. In this case, the ghost must exist first.


    It must exist to be witnessed. However, the monsters lurking here are not things that can exist inmon sense.


    First of all, this world is a horror game, but let''s put aside the option of "just because" and think about it.


    Now that this world has be a reality for me, I desperately need information about the world in addition to the knowledge of the game.


    <strong>Hypothesis one.</strong>


    In fact, all the monsters actually exist, and the ones wandering around in this small world are the culprits of stories spread by those who witnessed them.


    In this case, beings that are closer to "phenomenon" than monsters, such as the [Police Monster] and [Suicide Wannabe], cannot be exined.


    These entities are not something that can be "seen" like ghosts. In the first ce, it doesn''t even have a clear enough substance to spread like a ghost story.


    This is because, in particr, [Police Monster] is derived from the fear caused by the disappearance of the police who would protect them in times of danger.


    It''s closer to a "phenomenon" than a "monster" like Slenderman.


    <em>''This kind of entity is based on abstract concepts from the root.''</em>


    Now, let''s move on to the next hypothesis.


    <strong>Hypothesis two.</strong>


    In fact, monsters do not exist in reality, and all abstract concepts such as ghost stories or disturbing imaginations have acquired physical form within this small world.


    In this case, everything is exined.


    Whether it''s Slenderman, a toilet ghost, a police ghost, or even a slice of mint chocte pizza, it''s okay to say that a disturbing concept created by people has taken shape.<sup>1</sup>


    But.


    "But it''s only a hypothesis, and there''s no way to confirm it, right?"


    Right. In the end, it is only a hypothesis and there is no way to prove it. However, it seemed that the answer that would satisfy my curiosity existed in the brain of the clever Kyeong-min.


    "...I didn''t think of that. Hmm. If it''s only taking shape, it might not have anything where it''s not usually visible."


    "Like when you enter a building in a game using a bug, and there''s nothing inside?"


    Oh? Oh oh? So there was such a thing. Anything worth trying?


    I thought in my mind what things I could give it a try. For example...


    "Yeah! That''s right. E''s inside must be empty! For example... Underwear!"


    I see! Like Kyeong-min said, my underwear...


    <em>''?????????"</em>


    "I see! The underwear! You mean the panties? If so, just check E''s panties..."


    Wait a minute, what the hell are these kids talking about?! Why are my panties in this conversation!


    For a moment, I forgot that I was a man and felt a crisis for my chastity. So, without realizing it, I was holding down my skirt.


    You really don''t want to try, do you? No matter how much boys have a perverted side, it''s not like that, right?


    How am I supposed to react if you really try!


    "Oh wait, that sounds strange."


    Fortunately, Suho noticed the problem.


    It seems that they did not intend to lift my skirt on purpose.


    They, who had been chatting happily until just now, suddenly became gloomy.


    ...They seem to be reflecting. I''m d they''re pure children.


    Just in case, I''m not angry. Actually, the high-level conversation was a little fun.


    However, it seems that you can take advantage of this situation.


    So, I spoke to stop the boys who were about to go back.


    "Go on, it''s fun."


    At my unexpected appearance, the boys made expressions as if they had seen a demon instead of a ghost.


    I wasn''t angry, but it didn''t change the fact that they did bad things. Did they had the guts to make fun of ghosts?


    "Ah~ Don¡¯t be so surprised! Because I''m not angry. Actually, it surprised me? I never thought you guys would be looking at me with such eyes."


    "Ah.. No! You got it all be wrong! Really really I can exin! Just one chance... Huh? You''re not mad?"


    Kyeong-min, who was hurriedly making excuses not knowing that his sses were slipping, wondered why I wasn''t angry.


    "Yes. But since you said that, you''ll have to take responsibility. All you have to do is listen to my simple request."


    It was only then that Kyeong-min corrected his sses and asked me nervously.


    "If it''s a simple request..."


    I smiled and instructed them. The first thing is that the two of them wait apart. And cover their ears to not hear a sound.


    What we are going to do now is a very simple experiment.


    My body is also fundamentally the same as the monsters that roam outside.


    If my body is a man-made abstract concept that has acquired a physical form, wouldn''t it be likewise changeable by a person''s thoughts? That''s the idea.


    First of all, I got out of the mirror and went to Suho first and asked.


    "Imagine that E¡¯s nails are long."


    "Okay."


    Suho imagined it so strongly that it made him frown. However, there was no change in my nails. Is it because he had already seen it?


    Unobserved areas may be different.


    "Imagine E has a mole on her wrist."


    When I checked before, there was no mole on my wrist. But what about now?


    ...Still nothing.


    Or maybe not only the person, but also the part I perceived was not affected.


    Something that even I don''t know and others may not know either... There is one.


    Body odor. The body odor is something that I myself can''t notice and the only ones close enough to contact with it were Ha-rim and Eun-jeong.


    In other words, the boys never smelled me.


    "Have you ever smelled E?"


    "Huh?! No I didn''t... Why?"


    Great.


    Hands smell different as they touch other things, so pass. If so, this part.


    After loosening the cor of my clothes a bit, I pushed the nape of my neck against Suho''s nose.


    "?! Wait E!"


    It was quite itchy with the breath blowing on my neck. I also felt a little strange.


    "Shh. Now tell me what does it smells like?"


    Suho was taken aback for a moment, but when he saw my serious expression, he hesitantly said with a blushing face. Is the day hot?


    "Smells sweet... Like cotton candy."


    "...I see"


    Is it really? I can''t smell anything when I sniff myself.


    Do I really smell like that? Now we check with Kyeong-min if the smell Suho felt is the same for him.


    "You wait."


    I went to where Kyeong-min was standing. He was covering his ears.


    "Did you hear what I talked with Suho? I won''t get angry even if you heard it, so just tell me. It''s something important."


    "No, I didn''t listen at all."


    "Good. Now it''s a very simple thing, answer a question."


    "Yes!"


    "Have you ever smelled E?"


    "Eh?! No, I never have."


    Nice. As I did with Suho, I loosened the cor of my clothes and pushed the nape of my neck.


    "?!!"


    This guy! Don''t resist! I pressed Kyeong-min''s head and made it close to me. Urgh. It tickles.


    After confirming that Kyeong-min breathed in and out, I released him.


    "What does E smells like?"


    "Urgh... It smells like a mixture of a strong rose scent and a sweet smell like cotton candy."


    His face turned bright red and he spoke like he was dying.


    However, I couldn''t pay attention to Suho''s or Kyeong-min''s face because I was getting excited.


    This is because the joy of approaching the truth made people easily drunk on sess.


    The reactions of the two are different! The smell of cotton candy and the smell of roses are distinctly different.


    Kyeong-min must have thought that I would smell like roses. That''s what he thought when he saw my headdress.


    Perhaps the scent of cotton candy was the result of experimenting with Suho first, so the smell remained.


    Other people''s thoughts or beliefs won''t shake my roots, but now I know that a very small concept like smell is affected.


    Monsters are an abstract concept, and it has been proven that it is a being influenced by thoughts!


    Of course, you won''t be able to weaken or exorcise them just by thinking. Still, this was a great discovery.


    I put on a satisfied face as I looked at the two.


    They shuddered, unable to meet my eyes. Do you think I''m mad?


    I need to tell a joke to ease the tension.


    "Aren''t you still curious about what''s inside the ghost''s skirt~?"


    Iughed as I said that. They flinch.


    Still not enough?


    "Isn''t bad to call a body empty?"<sup>2</sup>


    """E!"""


    They explode at my high-level joke. I found it funny and startedughing.


    "Hahaha! It''s a joke, a joke!"


    I returned to the mirror to recover because the materialization time was ending. Now I''ll have to go back to patrolling.


    "Hey... Hey E!"


    Then Suho calls trying to stop me.


    "What you heard, to Ha-rim and Eun-jeong..."


    Aha. It was obvious how the girls would react to the boys if they were caught saying such things about me.


    Of course, I am male too. I knew the fear all too well.


    "Well, what should I do~?"


    But the yfulness kicks in again. I yed with my hair and murmured as if I was thinking about telling them. It''s so fun to see the expression the two despairing.


    I''m sorry though, so I will stop.


    "If you follow me well, I won''t tell them. It''s our secret!"


    "Thank you..."


    Suho and Kyeong-min are finally relieved. Their faces looks like the tension was all gone. It''s pretty emaciated. I''m slightly sorry.


    "See you nextter, <strong>perverts~</strong>"


    Giggles.


    After onest teasing, I moved to another mirror.


    Oh, I''m relieved. I even paid back for when I lost against Ha-rim with words. Am I disqualified as an adult?


    But after possessing this body, teasing others is so much fun.


    It''s all because you guys are great for teasing.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd person</strong>


    E teased them until the end. Even without saying a word, Suho and Kyeong-min were thinking the same thing.


    A promise to not say anything strange like that again.


    They went back to the club room a long time after E went away.


    It was because the experiment left the two flustered, so they had to take time to calm down.


    Of course, they''re in an age where they already had sexual education at school, but hearing and experiencing it yourself were two different things.<sup>3</sup>


    When they returned to the club room, they had to listen to Ha-rim''s words the she was worried that they took a long time.


    They lied they werete because they triedpleting the assigned task. Ha-rim was surprised that they had already done it.


    At mealtime, E ate together. Whenever Kyeong-min and Suho met her eyes, they both blushed and avoided her stare.


    And E yed pranks on them, wondering if they were still afraid of the topic.


    Like fluttering the hem of her skirt slightly or saying that her mouth was itchy.


    Eun-jeong was at a loss and somehow managed to get over it by offering a drink.


    Suho and Kyeong-min had a strange and indescribable feeling for a girl named E, together with a desire for revenge for the nasty teasing on them.


    But do they know? That their feelings when they first met E were quite different from now.


    Like all friends, the distance of their hearts became closer without their knowledge.


    And at the side, Ha-rim looked at the scene as it seemed the boys and E quickly became close.


    She had no idea that the task she gave them would be so effective.


    However.


    <em>''I think I talked to her the most, but why...''</em>


    Ha-rim was sulking a little.


    "Hey Ha-rim."


    Eun-jeong approaches and whispers to her.


    "E''s smell has changed. At first it smelled like cotton candy, but it also smells like roses now."


    "Huh?"


    "I only secretly said this to Suho, but now it has changed. Does this means I lied?"


    Sometimes, she doesn''t understands Eun-jeong.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    "E. Is it really okay not to y?"


    "Well, E doesn''t always want to y."


    It''s good to do that, but it''s going to be tiring for the children if we y everyday.


    I cared for the kids.


    For some reason, Ha-rim seems to be regretful, but it must be because of my mood.


    "We''ll be leaving tomorrow, so let''s relieve the fatigue."


    "Okay!... Are you still upset about what happened in the morning?"<sup>1</sup>


    Who does Ha-rim think I am? Was this what she wanted to say when she called me to the restroom?


    I deliberately emphasized it.


    "No. I. Am. Not."


    "Then a reconciliation handshake... Can you do it?"


    Suddenly?


    The offer came out of the blue, but it''s not like I can''t do it. Eun-jeong also asked this when she introduced me a new snack. Is it a coincidence?


    I reached out from the mirror and shook Ha-rim''s hand.


    <em>Sess</em>. She muttered. I don''t know what the n is, but I believe it''s not a bad thing.


    After Ha-rim said that we should y games tomorrow, she went back to the ssroom.


    Tomorrow''s task is to get some of the items necessary for an artifact and give it to Kyeong-min...


    The requiredponents needed for synthesis can be acquired tomorrow and the day after.


    Time is not tight.


    But it wasn''t infinite either.


    Because this game has a time limit of thirty days, befitting the title of summer vacation.


    On the 30th day, a gigantic being with horns, in other words, the devil, is born from an egg in this world.


    Actually, I don''t know if it''s a resurrection, arrival, or birth, but I think it''s thetter because this worlds copses at the same time it appears.


    Anyway, if I count from the time the children fell into this world, there is plenty of time left.


    When I yed the game, there was time skips because of the system, but the time limit itself isn''t a problem, but instead the opposite.


    The thing is, the story cannot be finished unless time passes.


    Except for E, who you meet from the beginning, there are conditions to deal with each boss in the chapters two, three, and four.


    One of the conditions is to wait.


    Even in the game, there are almost no "foreshadowing", and one of them shows "they" will arrive in this world.


    Of course, I could go to the boss right away.


    <em>''But that''s too dangerous.''</em>


    <em>Wouldn''t the ending be different if I kill the boss right away?</em> I remember charging into the boss room with that thought


    The boss fights the yer with an unreasonable level of difficulty, and I was unable to defeat it in the end.


    The final boss was weakened by "them", and because of the conditions to trigger and get the way to exorcise it, it was possible for mere children to fight back and defeat the devil in reverse.


    ...Although they die one by one.


    It''s impossible even in a game where you simply operate with a keyboard, so it''s even harder now that it became reality.


    <em>''Even if I make full use of the artifacts, it''s impossible.''</em>


    For that reason, I am spending time farming items to clear the final battle, but it''s frustrating in many ways because there is no progress in the story.


    <em>''It would be nice they arrived soon, but how did they break into this world and how did they all die? There''s so many things I want to ask.''</em>


    I understand that summer vacation is based on thirty days, but I don''t like the fact that the devil is born on the 30th regardless of whether or not the boss is defeated.


    As if whatever we do, nothing affects it.


    Thanks to that, there were times when I was annoyed that I had to wait like this every time I had a new ythrough.


    Thirty days. Thirty days... The period when this little world copses. The period of the rebirth of the devil. The period of separating from the children.


    An ending that can be called a "happy ending" between multiple ones is one in which you survive without being caught up in the copse of this world.


    In fact, I don''t know what happens to the monsters after the protagonist group gets to the outside world.


    Perhaps nothing will happen. Or maybe the outside will be in chaos.


    Can the kids who see the outside after surviving the best they could ept it?


    "..."


    It''s unavoidable.


    For the children and me.


    So let''s ept.


    Just like I did in the past when I was unhappy.


    I muttered as if brainwashing myself, recalling how I coped with past misfortunes.


    ept it. ept it. ept it.


    Don''t resist like a child. Adapt to reality.


    If I reach the ending, it''s enough.


    It''s enough for the children to survive, and it''s enough for me to go back.


    I''m satisfied with that.


    "..."


    The mind settles down.


    Calmly clear my consciousness as if meditating.


    Then I hear small voices in my subconscious.


    <em>''Why the hell are you doing this?''</em>


    ...


    <em>''It''s easier if you just cry out loud. At least you will look like a human if you frown, get annoyed, and shout.''</em>


    ...


    <em>''You''repletely abnormal. You''re just missing something. Are you mentally ill?''</em>


    ...


    <em>''That''s why you didn''t shed a single tear when your parents died.''</em>


    ...


    <em>''...Won''t you cry even if I die?''</em>


    ......


    When I went to the children, the were already prepared to depart and waiting for me.


    In the middle, Ha-rim was wearing a bag, as if she remembered how they handled the mass-produced monsters and prepared to pack some item drops.


    I was a little happy because it looked like they were getting used to it.


    Ha-rim put the mirror where I was in a ce where the children could see and went back to where she was sitting.


    "Hmm?"


    However.


    I found a bandage on Ha-rim''s finger.


    I asked why she got hurt.


    "Haha. It''s just a paper cut."


    Is there any paper here? It was a trivial thing, so I decided to just skip it.


    I exined the operation to them. The ce is not too far, but I said it''s necessary to be careful because of the nature of this world, which bes more dangerous as time goes by.


    After the exnation, Suho raised his hand. I nodded as a sign for him to talk.


    "What ability does this shield have?"


    "It''s a simple but powerful ability. It is just a shield that helps you block well. It can''t block curses, but it should be able to block ghost attacks that pass through walls. But don''t be overconfident."


    Suho seemed satisfied with the answer. He was a kid who always tried to be at the front. I feel like my mind is at ease now.


    The time hase. We ate a simple meal and set off.


    They touched the artifacts I gave them as they came out of the school.


    "E, was that sign originally there?"


    There was a sign that Ha-rim had never seen before. "Go this way" it said.


    In response to Ha-rim''s question, Kyeong-min said he had never seen it. The words of Kyeong-min, who has a meticulous personality, are highly reliable.


    Then...


    "The sign over there. You were caught, so can you disappear?"


    ...


    I drew my knife. Then, bug legs appeared from the signboard, and like a cockroach quickly hiding in a corner, swoosh! It ran away.


    Ha-rim and Eun-jeong resisted screaming.


    I see, it seems that the time hase for those to appear. It was a creature that pretended to be an object and attacked whenever an opportunity appeared.


    There are a lot of these guys, too, but they''re annoying creatures who won''t give you items when you catch them.


    The children got tired of having to question everything in the road, so it is a good decision to secure a safe ce first.


    asionally, I caught a frog monster and went looking for the hiding child ghost. The loot that came out got into Ha-rim''s bag.


    Looking at Eun-jeong, she appears to be okay, acting cute. I''m d she seems to be adapting well.


    After passing through the alleyway, I see a crosswalk. There was a traffic light next to it, and if you don''t cross at the red light nor raise your hand, you''ll die instantly in a car ident.


    I also raised my hand in the mirror just in case.


    [Ttadan ttan ttlan~ Ttadan dandan~]<sup>2</sup>


    Before we even cross the street, we could hear a music box that toddlers would like. It was such a sweet and disturbing sound at the same that it made me feel ufortable.


    Hmm. This... It''s that guy.


    I instructed the children to hide. We hid behind a mailbox next to us.


    And a certain truck passes by. There was a giant ice cream ornament at the top of the vehicle.


    At the side, a picture of a mascot was drawn and colorful letters were written, looking very childish.


    [Mefi''s Exciting Ice Cream]<sup>3</sup>


    This appearance is often used for abducting from abroad, and it is said that there were often cases in the past when children approached an ice cream truck were kidnapped in an instant.


    A monster derived from the paradoxical image of an ice cream truck for kids.


    Poor taste in many ways.


    Except for Ha-rim, who has a curse resistant artifact, the eyes of the children became hazy. All that they have in their heads should be the desire to eat ice cream.


    It''s a monster that inflicts such mental attacks, so it can''t be helped.


    "Ha-rim, wake up Eun-jeong and ask her to purify."


    "Okay!"


    She shakes Eun-jeong.


    "Ice cream...?"


    <em>You haven''te to your senses yet</em>. Ha-rim muttered that and pinched her. Then Eun-jeong shouts in pain with tears in her eyes. Looks like Ha-rim gets radical when ites do issues directly rted to life.


    -Jingle.


    Urgh. It tickles. After all, purification isn''t good for my body.


    When Eun-jeong shakes the bell, the children''s mind clear up. Thankfully they didn''t run at the truck. Looks like they paid attention.


    "I''ll be gone for a while."


    I slipped out of the mirror and approached the ice cream truck.


    There, an old man in a mascot clothes was smiling brightly. I was disgusted with the fact that the mascot looked good.


    [What kind of ice cream should I give you, littledy!]


    "Cherry vored ice cream!"


    [Excellent choice!]


    He handed me a carefully prepared cherry-vored ice cream.


    At that moment, I jumped and cut him from the chin to the head with my knife. The blood oozing out became the topping for the ice creams that had been taken out.


    Iughed, saying "The topping is nasty!", and two tall men who were hiding in the ice cream storagepartment rushed at me.


    "Are you guys going to kidnap me?"


    I leisurely dodged their attacks and shed at them. These child criminals bastards!


    After they turned into smoke and were absorbed by me, only the ice cream they gave was left behind.


    I took it. Another monster maye because of themotion just now. After looking around, I went back to the kids.


    "What is that ice cream?"


    Suho asked.


    As they could see, it was an ice cream. Of course, I also added an exnation that eating it doesn''t only end with pain.


    Ha-rim wondered why I brought it if I couldn''t eat it, but he thought I had an idea.


    It''s a cone-shaped ice cream, so I can''t put it in the bag she brought. It''s annoying, but I have to hold it.


    I held it in my hand and entered the mirror to guide the children.


    However, the sweet smell of it tickled my nose because I kept holding it.


    Hmm...


    It''s summer, so it''s hot.


    It doesn''t melt because it''s treated as an item drop.


    A little bit.


    Can''t I taste it a little bit?


    I''m a monster so I will be fine.


    My body is different!


    I slowly brought the ice cream to my mouth.


    "E...!"


    Then Ha-rim gives me a warning in a small voice.


    I almost dropped the item in a fright like a child caught doing something bad.


    "If you eat that, it won''t only end with pain."


    "...You seem to have forgotten. I''m a monster. I won''t die like this."


    "..."


    "And I was just trying to get a little taste."


    Ha-rim stares. I averted my eyes.


    She held out her hand to me in the mirror. Do you want to shake hands?


    "E, isn''t it heavy? I''ll hold it."


    "...I''m fine."


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd person</strong>


    Ha-rim''s expression bes serious at E''s curt reaction.


    Becuse she remembered that the curse of the Buddha statua also posed a threat to E.


    Couldn''t the mental attack from the ice cream truck affect E?


    That''s what she thought.


    Looks like they need to purify her.


    "Eun-jeong, purification."


    "Eh... What?"


    "Purification."


    -Jingle.


    Divine aura spreads. It sounded pleasant for the children, but it tickled E who is a monster.


    "What?! Wait, Ha-rim, you!"


    "E, are you okay now? Give me the ice cream."


    "No, you''re-"


    When she was about to say "misunderstanding", Ha-rim took Eun-jeong bell and kept shaking it. In this type of situation, she has no mercy.


    -Jingle jingle jingle.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    "Aah?!"


    A bell that sways rhythmically. My body trembles and shivers.


    Tickle! Tickle! I hurriedly passed the ice cream before an embarrassing sound came out of my mouth.


    I never though Ha-rim would do this to me. And when I got a little upset and tried to open my mouth.


    "Sorry. I was worried about E. Are you okay now?"


    It''s cowardly. The worried eyes were pitiful.


    "...Don''t make so much noise with the bell in the streets."


    Ha-rim nodded and gave me the candy in her pockets.


    I put it in my mouth.


    Moving forward again, there''s a crossroad. As long we sneak past here we will arrive at the ce.


    The kids froze for a moment. Because of a very strange sight.


    What they were looking at was the other side of the fork in the road where we were supposed to go, which was a park filed with trees.


    It was too much to call it an eco-friendly park. The vines invaded where people could rest, and it was unpleasantly damp.


    The park is dark both during the day and night thanks to the growing trees that block even the sunlight.


    But that isn''t the most peculiar thing.


    Like fruits, mobile phones, earpieces, walkie-talkies, etc. Any electronic for calling were hanging in clusters. In addition to that, there were dozen of old public phone boots under the trees.


    Some were broken and some were intact, but most were rusted out and no one would want to use them.


    A space where items of human civilization and eerie nature meet to create a surreal atmosphere.


    I have no doubt that it has the magical power of bewitching people.


    I said, guiding the children who were staring nkly to that direction.


    "Even if you have to run away, never go in there."


    If you don''t want to meet the second boss.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    The ce we arrived is an old gray building.


    I thought about it when I yed the game, but it''s a very deste building.


    The shape is like a cube, and there are no graffiti, windows nor even the name of the building present.


    I think it''s probably because the creators made it a little rough. Get to work, developers.


    There is only one entrance. The front door. Ha-rim approaches and turns the doorknob.


    Click.


    [It doesn''t open. I think I need a key.]


    I got out of the mirror and tried to break down the door, feeling as if such a message would appear in the game.


    "E wait!"


    Ha-rim stopped me and took out a key from her bag.


    As expected from a yable character... Her item picking skills are top-notch.


    I didn''t care and took a kicking stance.


    "Why are you trying to break the door when we have the key?!"


    You wouldn''t know. The feeling of having to go through puzzles or riddles while rummaging through every nook and cranny of the stage to open a locked door.


    Click!


    While Suho stopped me, Ha-rim opened the door with the key.


    Unbelievable!


    When I looked at Ha-rim with my eyes trembling from the feeling of betrayal, she avoided my gaze.


    "The door... I don''t think you need to break it!"


    Impossible.


    We entered the building.


    Unlike the stark exterior, there were quite a few decent pieces of furniture inside.


    There are a lot of familiar furniture that would bemonly used in a normal home, so it gives a sense of alienation.


    The building has three floors. And on each floor, there are three rooms with doors on the left and right, and each ce is decorated like a child''s bedroom.


    The three mirrors brought by the children were ced on each floor. This made it easier for me to supervise.


    I didn''t forget to check each room before starting. Also, it would be difficult for any spiders toe out.


    No cobwebs or anything. It''s clear.


    Sandman and Boogeyman.


    Sandman is an entity who encourages sleep and is known to help people do that by sprinkling sand in their eyes.


    They may not be evil in the folklore, but the unknown has always evoked fear.


    Next, the Boogeyman is a monster who mainly targets children, scaring them by hiding behind doors, inside closets, and under beds.


    An imaginary entity created by adults to scare kids. It is no exaggeration to say that they are the main enemies of children.


    "Are your hearts ready? If so, turn on that music box."


    When Ha-rim opened the lid of the music box on top of the drawer, the music starts ying by itself.


    A song to put children to sleep. It makes me feel ufortable because the ghost is actually forcing me to sleep.


    Blink. Blink.


    The lights used to illuminate the inside of the building flickers and thenpletely turn off.


    Instead, glowing sun and moon-shaped stickers stuck to the wallpaper revealed the inside.


    Squeak...


    The door to the backmost room on the first floor opens. There stood an old man with bloodshot eyes in pajamas.


    It''s Sandman.


    The Sandman had a beard that was so thick that it hid his face, and he put his hand inside the beard and pulled out an hourss.


    He ced it in the hallway. Then went back to his room.


    An hourss ced in a conspicuous ce.


    "Get in position."


    Ha-rim stood in front of the door and the children each picked up a piece of furniture that could be used as a weapon.


    A grain of sand fell in the hourss.


    "Start."


    Sand slowly rises form the bottom.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    There are a total of five rooms on this floor. Among them, we have to find the Boogeyman and Sandman who are hiding.


    I opened the notebook. The strategy that E had told me was written down.


    On the first floor, Sandman''s hiding ce is the bed in the room with the sun pattern on it.


    I opened the door and removed the nket from the bed.


    Sandman, who was hiding, red resentfully with red bloodshot eyes.


    I swallowed my saliva. The resentment was so deep that I couldn''t see the depth, so it was hard to endure it.


    Then, Sandman didn''t do anything, turned invisible and disappeared.


    And suddenly drowsiness pours in.


    It feels like if I fall asleep now, I will never wake up.


    The sound of the music box urges me to sleep.


    I staggered outside. Next, I went into the room where the moon,ntern, and bonfire were drawn.


    The Boogeyman''s hiding ce is under the bed opposite to Sandman''s. Because of my hazy mind, I could put my face under the bed without hesitation.


    There was a man with a pale face and a wide smile. His limbs were unusually long, making him look like an insect.


    Rather than hidden under the bed, it looked like he was crumpled.


    <strong>[-!!!!!!]</strong>


    He suddenly screamed. My hazy mind gets startled and wakes up.


    After the boogeyman screamed, he ran upstairs on all fours.


    Thumpthump.


    My startled heart starts beating faster and faster. As if it will explode!


    I chased after the Boogeyman and headed upstairs.


    The sand in my feet hinders my running. When I looked closely, it was a hand made of sand. In addition, little by little it took on a human form.


    Puck!


    Suho blocks the sand hand holding my leg with his shield.


    It was obviously sand, so there would be no damage, but it seemed to be in pain.


    Kyeong-min and Eun-jeong were also holding furniture and blocking the sand creatures as much as possible.


    I didn''t miss the chance and ran.


    -Jingle.


    Eun-jeong saw me running and rang the bell to lighten my body. Running is much better now.


    Second floor.


    We have to find the Sandman again.


    If I find Sandman, I will fall into a sleep from which I will not wake up. Before that happens, find the Boogeyman and wake up.


    And when I meet the Boogeyman, my startled heart beats fast and bursts. I need to do this repetitive task of finding Sandman again and calming down.


    In the notebook, Sandman is in the closet of the room with the picture of a pillow. I opened it.


    This time, the Sandman terrifyingly crumples his face.


    Tears of blood were flowing from his eyes.


    As he tore the pillow he had brought to sleep, he red at me as if to warn that he would kill me if I disturbed his sleep again, then disappeared once more.


    Drowsiness pours.


    When I left the room, the members were also on the second floor.


    The stairs are blocked by a human figure.


    I met E''s eyes in the mirror ced on the second floor. It was a pretty smiling face. I guess I''m doing well.


    But I have to hurry. The next room is a bedroom with the picture of an rm clock.


    Entering the room, I opened the box ced in a corner. There was a crumpled Boogeyman there.


    Kideugkideug.<sup>1</sup>


    <strong>[-!!!!!!]</strong>


    A scream that hurts the eardrum.


    I wake up from sleepiness.


    The Boogeyman jumps out of the box and runs upstairs.


    I follow him without hesitation.


    Third floor.


    This time, out of the six rooms, two doors were quietly opened.


    At first nce, it looked like that the Sandman and the Boogeyman forgot to close the door as they entered.


    I opened the notebook.


    3rd floor. Ignore the open doors. Reveal the hidden 7th door.


    As written, I entered and exited the first room on the left three times and entered and exited the second room on the right once.


    The room I came out of has turned into a in wall. It was the same every other door, but instead there was a trapdoor at the end of the hallway.


    I nced at the mirror on the third floor and opened the trapdoor. It was deep like a sewer, and I wouldn''t go down even as a joke.


    I heard a strange sound from the bottom of the dark and listened.


    <strong>[Death to the child who disturbed sleep.]</strong>


    <strong>[Death to the child who does not sleep.]</strong>


    A figure with arge body was slowly climbing up.


    A ck spherical monster with the Sandman and Boogeyman''s faces wriggles and runs towards me.


    Looking at it, it has ck legs.


    It drags the slimy mucus and tries to catch me with its eight pairs of legs!


    <strong>[Kiaaaaakk!!!]</strong>


    The gap between the two faces widened, and a long tongue emerged from it.


    I had a bad feeling about it.


    I freaked out and took a step back.


    The monster burst out of the trapdoor and ran towards me. It nned to swallow me in one bite while opening its mouth.


    "If you''re hungry, would you like to eat this?"


    E jumped out from behind me and threw the cherry ice cream at it. The monster gulps it down.


    It started convulsing like hydrochloric acid had been poured into its mouth.


    <strong><strong>[Kieeeeekk!!!]</strong></strong>


    E, did you try to eat that? I stared at her with my tired eyes.


    It even made me wonder if the monster was stabbed too.


    E walked lightly and shed the Sandman and Boogeyman''s faces off with her knife.


    Dark red blood gushed out.


    Urgh. How could E do such a cruel thing so calmly?


    "Ha-rim. Give me the notebook."


    I handed it to E. She rubbed it against the blood. The notebook was dyed red.


    Seeing that, E muttered, "There''s not much blood".


    The monster turned into smoke and was absorbed into E''s body. ording to her, the time to be active outside became longer. What''s the principle?


    Step. Step.


    One by one, the memberse up to the third floor. After defeating the monster, the sand seems to have disappeared as well.


    E said that today is over, so we should go back. I''m d there are no surprises this time!


    Now all that remains is to return to school and relieve our mental exhaustion.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    I looked at the red notebook in my hand and made a satisfied expression. I didn''t do a lot this time.


    I didn''t intervene except for thest second to build up the children''s experience, and they did a really good job.


    In particr, the gimmick that Ha-rim experienced is easy to make mistakes, but it''s really reliable to know they can deal with it.


    We started going back the way we came.


    There were no unexpected situations, so I felt good today.


    I feel good, and I don''t think I''ve materialized much. Shall we step out of the mirror and guide the children this time?


    I stepped out and enjoyed the fresh air. I told the kids that I was leading the way.


    "E~ Don''t go too fast!" said Ha-rim anxiously. I don''t know who is worried about whom.


    I gave a small warning and passed the fork in the road we had seen previously.


    "..."


    And there was something that shouldn''t have been there.


    ...


    I gave a hand signal to stop and wait behind my back without being obvious. Ha-rim, who noticed it, stops the group.


    There is a sense of tension.


    I nced at the children to see if they had stopped and turned my gaze back to "her".


    A little girl wearing a hat decorated with sunflowers.


    She was staring at me with a nk expression.


    Oh god why is she outside the boss stage.


    I stay quiet.


    She tilts her head at my silence.


    "Hello E."


    I forced a smile and replied.


    "...Hi Mary."

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    Mary.


    It is one of the most famous ghost stories. If you search Mary''s Phone on the Inte right away, you will find out what it is.


    There are many variations, but there''s something they all have inmon.


    [Hello, it''s Mary. I''m right at XXX now.]


    Mary calls the person in the ghost story.


    After telling the person who answered the phone her location, she hangs up.


    [Hello, it''s Mary. I''m right at XXX now.]


    Another call.


    The main character of the story, who thought it was a prank call, realizes that the location Mary is talking about is getting closer to him.


    When the terrified protagonist gets thest phone call.


    [Hello, it''s Mary. I''m right behind you now.]


    It is said that the person who receives thest call dies.


    What was surprising was that this vicious monster who kills people greeted me.


    It''s a different reaction from the monsters who have attacked me because of invading their territory, and the atmosphere is also different from those who just say what they want without letting you talk.


    She even knows my name.


    There shouldn''t have been any way to talk to Mary, but maybe a boss-level monster is something different?


    Come to think of it, E also talked to me normally.


    I said something safe to Mary, who stared nkly at me.


    "Long time no see..."


    I nced at Mary''s eyes. It is difficult to read because she''s expressionless.


    Fortunately, Mary nodded her head in agreement.


    "Yeah. It''s been a while since we''ve talked. And now E can get out of the mirror."


    Apparently, E and Mary are acquaintances.


    How did the two of them knew each other? What they both have inmon is that they are bosses in charge of chapters one and two.


    Quite interesting.


    "Huh? Ah, I can do it now..."


    "That''s right. That''s great. One of E''s wishes hase true."


    "What E- I wished for?"


    At my question, Mary''s expression showed a feeling of doubt. So it wasn''t all that expressionless.


    "E sometimes forgets. But has E even forgotten her wishes?"


    I felt a strong pressure from the face that seemed indifferent to everything in the world.


    It''s a reaction to seeing something that could never happen.


    It''s andmine. I hurriedly dismissed it.


    "Of course I remember. I''m just surprised that you remembered."


    "So it''s like that. E and Mary didn''t talk much. But Mary still remembers what E said."


    Hmm? We aren''t that close? The more she talks, the more riddlese out. It''s like a sphinx.


    "Why didn''t we talk a lot~?"


    At my question, Mary puffed out her cheeks, looking a little angry.


    "E has a bad personality. E told Mary not to call because it was annoying. Doesn''t E remember that?"


    Said Mary, pointing to the receiver in her own hand.


    E, this bad-tempered girl. She even had a temper with other monsters.


    Judging from the emphasis on the receiver, it seems that she was using the phone rather than meeting her.


    "That... Was it? Ahem, ahem... Why is Mary here?"


    "Mary felt the monsters rejoice. So she came out for a while to find out. It''s awkward to leave <em>''home''</em>, but Mary thinks she has gotten bettertely. E too?"


    What does she mean? The monsters are happy? I want to ask, but I think it''s better to end this. I don''t want to take any further risks.


    "Yeah. Right... Will Mary still be here? E is about to leave. By the way... Isn''t awkward being out of <em>''home''</em> for too long?"


    "I see. Then Mary will go back too. I''ll call you from time to time, so answer it. Don''t get angry at Mary again..."


    "Okay, I won''t get angry."


    I''m d to hear you''re going home.


    But I don''t even have a phone, so how can I contact you?


    No, let''s not think about it too deeply. Any more riddles and I''ll get a headache.


    I waved and said goodbye to Mary.


    Then she turned her head and went back to where she came.


    Chapter two boss Mary... She''s a person of interest.


    I watched her as I signaled to the children toe out quickly.


    They rushed off and went out of Mary''s perceptible range.


    I barely caught my breath and followed the kids.


    At Ha-rim''s eyes asking who that monster was, I quietly said "I''ll tell you at school, so let''s just go for now."


    Phew. I''m getting really tired.


    I have to go back and rest.


    ...


    Back at school, I exined to Kyeong-min about the red notebook. It''s not a finished artifact yet, but it should be usable.


    If Eun-jeong''s artifact is in charge of purifying and buffing, Kyeong-min''s one is in charge of debuffing.


    Before acquiring [Evil Beast''s Eye], you can use [Slow], which is a downgraded version of [Restriction].


    With Eun-jeong''s [Speed], thepatibility is good.


    Kyeong-min didn''t like the fact that the notebook was stained with blood.


    However, being able to use a magical artifact was too attractive.


    When I sat around having dinner with the children, Ha-rim brought up the topic of what happened during the day.


    "E. Who is that monster called Mary?"


    "Hm... Have you ever heard of [Mary''s Phone Call]?


    At this moment, Kyeong-min took out his notebook, flipped through the pages and read the information he knew. Most of the contents matched the information I had.


    "The girl you saw during the day is Mary, the monster of that story."


    "As expected."


    Ha-rim herself had an idea about Mary''s identity, as it was a famous story. But the real question was something else.


    "Is E close to Mary?"


    Eun-jeong asks me. This is what I was curious about. Friendship between monsters is a new information even for me to hear.


    However, if I recklessly say that I am close, wouldn''t my position be ambiguous...


    "It''s a familiar face. But we''re not very close. Even if I tell not to, she would kill you if she saw you?"


    I said while staring at Suho in particr.


    In each chapter, one child dies, and in thest chapter, only Ha-rim survives and fights thest boss.


    Originally, if Kyeong-min died in chapter one, Suho would die in chapter two.


    While trying to protect Eun-jeong from Mary, who suddenly appeared behind, he is stabbed instead.


    Suho has the shield, and I''m present, so it won''t go the way it was originally.


    Still, the risk is unavoidable.


    "E will warn you in advance, if Mary decides to attack, it isn''t guaranteed that even she can stop it."


    The words made the children nervous. I showed them a brute force to deal with even thergest monsters without getting hurt.


    Even with the body of a delicate girl, no one will think that I am weak.


    Because of this, my words will sound heavier.


    After all, the difference in strength between me, the prologue boss, and Mary, who was weak and was barely able to attack, was too great.


    No matter how much I absorb monsters and be stronger little by little, I can''t win while protecting everyone.


    Our only option is to avoid and hold out as much as possible until "they" arrive.


    "If Mary attacks, don''t intervene and run away. We''re not ready to take her down. The situation is different fromst time, so don''t even think that you can survive if you do well. If you don''t follow my words, I will not help you."


    If they intervene likest time, one person will definitely die.


    But if I fight alone, I will be able to survive by wasting time.


    Assuming that there is a marked mirror left, if I hide in it, Mary can''t harm me.


    "The answer?"


    "...Okay."


    After hearing Ha-rim, I put the remaining macaron into my mouth, Hmm! What an amazing sweetness.


    "Come on guys, don''t be too nervous. Mary went back without doing anything, and we''ve been doing great so far!"


    Ha-rim brought an object to relieve the heavy mood. It was something like wooden sticks in a circr cup, and it was used for drawing lots.


    "Oh, was that in the teacher''s office?"


    When Suho asked, Ha-rim nodded.


    "It''s used when choosing someone to stay on duty, and the person who draws the special stick loses. But today''s game is not that, but a king''s game!"<sup>1</sup>


    King Game. A game in which the person who draws the prize bes the king and gives orders. You have to give orders by naming them by number, and the king cannot know the number.


    I heard that it''s often done at drinking parties, but since I was always bullied, I had no reason to y drinking games.


    I might be a little expectant.


    Ha-rim put the cup in the middle of the group, and everyone pulled the sticks at the same time. What I held in my hand was the winning stick.


    I was thrilled inside. I, who was called the ghost of misfortune, won the prize! It was nothing short of a miracle. This is because the unlucky constitution disappeared when the body changed.


    If you look at it differently, it would be strange if I was still unlucky.


    I gave the order while shaking the winning stick in triumph.


    "Number one, imitate a dog."


    Then, Kyeong-min sighed and stood on all fours.


    "Woof..."


    As if embarrassed, Kyeong-min lowered his head. I couldn''t hold back the burst ofughter and made fun of him.


    "Ahahaha! He said woof woof! Aren''t you quite good at this?


    "..."


    It looks like his hands are shaking, but I''m sure he isn''t angry, right?


    We put the sticks back in the cup. Ha-rim closed her eyes and mixed them around.


    We pull out.


    Another winning stick! I said with a rxed smile.


    "Hm... Number two, handstands for one minute."


    "Eek!"


    Is it Eun-jeong this time? Seeing her like that, Iughed.


    She leaned against the wall and grunted.


    After the hard work, she was out of breath.


    "Hm... Eun-jeong, didn''t you need to exercise? Shouldn''t you thank me?"


    "..."


    I continued to draw the winning stick after that. Even I felt ufortable with myself.


    But it was purely idental, so the children were speechless.


    Me, who became king, made Suho and Kyeong-min hug, made Eun-jeong jump like a rabbit, and made Ha-rim tell her embarrassing dark history.


    Finding out what the children disliked, I persistently dug into that weakness and ordered it.


    And at the end, I couldn''t stand still and made fun of them.


    A situation where the head is dominated by the body.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    The kids nned to give only light penalties, considering that if they became king, E would be angry with the punishment.


    Even though they became quite close, they still had fear of the monster named E.


    "Ahahaha! Aren''t you guys really luck? Without me, you wouldn''t be able to live even one second in this world? Hmm... What would be the cause of death? identally hit by an old chandelier and die? Something like that~?"


    But now, in the hearts of the children, they were filled with only the desire to take revenge on E''s depravity, which was fueled by her excitement.


    E, who had been babbling ording to her bodily instinct, did not stop mocking until the moment she put the stick back.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    "Um~ Let''s see."


    I checked the stick. Tsk, number three. Not the king this time. Well, it''s not like I''m being punished for not being the king, so I regained my rxed smile.


    It was Ha-rim who held the winning stick.


    However, Ha-rim''s expression was strange. It was the first time I saw such a cruel expression. She was looking at me as if she was looking at her enemy.


    Did I mess around too much? Looking back, maybe I was too immersed.


    Being excited while ying is no different from a child.


    I will have to restrain myself.


    But she doesn''t know my number, so even if she wants to take revenge, she can''t.


    As soon as I realized that, ridicule came out without my knowledge.


    "You want revenge? But what? You don''t know my number, so you can''t punish me."


    Oops.


    ...It doesn''t matter.


    Originally, the strong enjoy many things.


    Today is a lucky day.


    No chance for revenge.


    I was proud!


    [Luck].<sup>2</sup>


    Until Ha-rim''s ne shines.


    "Number three."


    It was a voice colder than a Yuki-onna breath.<sup>3</sup>


    I involuntarily shuddered. It must have been quite a shock to have her dark history exposed.


    Was it too embarrassing to go to a supernatural spot for the club leader assignment and get startled multiple times by animals that jumped out?


    I waited patiently for the punishment.


    "Get tickled by everyone."


    "Pft."


    What is this? Tickling doesn''t hurt, and I can''t feel it very well.


    You call this revenge? Is it because they are kids?


    However, the eyes of the children approaching me were unusual.


    I gulped and stepped out of the mirror.


    I raised both my arms as a sign to tickle me.


    Ha-rim came up behind me and touched my armpit.


    "Kya?!"


    Ah. What happened? Even if it just brushed by?


    "Wait a moment..."


    s, Ha-rim didn''t stop. I knew for the first time that tickling can be painful.


    "Hu! Ha! Ahahahaha! Stop! Ahahahaha!"


    After making a lot of embarrassing noises, Ha-rim let go of me.


    I shuddered. I never thought tickling could be this scary.


    I didn''t know because I had never been tickled by anyone.


    "Phew... Is it over?"


    But this time, Suho grabbed my shoulders from the back and Eun-jeong pulled me down.


    Kyeong-min was looking at my body and estimating where I would be weak.


    Ah.


    All of them are angry.


    "Wait a minute. E admits she was ying too far. But E doesn''t think she''ll be very happy if it continues."


    "..."


    "Even a monster can make mistakes. It''s a game for E in the first ce, so shouldn''t E have fun?"


    "..."


    "Are... Are you angry? Are you going to get mad? Hm? I''m going to pull the knife and swing it. If you quit now, I will forgive you... Huh?!"


    At that moment, my head was hit with a stimulus that would cause my body to squirm. Why? Why aren''t you guys afraid of me yet?!


    "Ahahahahaha! Heh! Ah! Hahaha!"


    Foot, waist, and armpits are trampled. It was even more ruthless because they were children.


    These guys are demons. Devils! My lungs hurt, and one second equals one year. Why the hell did they do such a nasty thing!


    Especially Kyeong-min and Suho! Are you guys getting revenge for the teasing from thest time.


    Please make this hell end.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    "...He... Ha... Ahaha... Uhh..."


    As a result of the revenge, E, who had been tickled until the children''s anger were relieved, was limp. Eun-jeong looked at her anxiously.


    "Ha-rim, E is broken..."


    E was staring into space with dead eyes.


    It was shocking that Ha-rim had made E, who was terrifying even to herself, get to this point. What if she got up and shed with her knife.


    But if she really didn''t like it, she could just stab everyone and get out.


    Letting herself get pranked like this means E must think of them as true friends!


    Realizing that, Ha-rim said with a pleasant smile.


    "Hm... Let''s end the game with this."


    Ha-rim helped E return to the mirror by raising her up, helping her recover quicker.


    And, of course, she gave E choctes of apology.


    With today as an opportunity, E and the children have became friends who could exchange pranks without realizing it.


    On one hand, E flinched and was startled at the mere sight of the bending motion of their fingers, but she couldn''t bear to be mad at the kids.


    And on the other hand, it was the first time of her life that sheughed so wildly while afraid of tickling, so it''s a secret that she felt a strange sense of relief.

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    It was midnight.


    I heard the sound of someone swinging something at the end of the hallway, so I checked to see if it was an intruder.


    There, Suho was wielding his shield.


    "What are you doing at this hour?"


    "Huh? E is here?"


    Now you don''t get surprised when I suddenly appear behind.


    As if Suho had not swung once or twice, he was covered in sweat.


    What are you working so hard on?


    "I just practiced because I wanted to handle the shield a little better."


    This is a wonderful thing. But it is dangerous to be alone.


    I didn''t sprinkle purifying salt in the ssroom and club room for nothing.


    "It''s dangerous to walk around alone. Aren''t you too careless?"


    Suho scratched his head at my words. He was smiling softly. I felt annoyed and asked why he was smiling.


    "Seeing it this way. E seems to worry about us a lot."


    "...I''m just keeping my promise. I know you want to protect them, but it''s not good to be alone."


    Suho became sullen. I felt a bit sorry for him, so I added some words.


    "...If you''re practicing, I''ll stand by your side."


    I avoided Suho''s gaze, looking as if my words were surprising. I did said I would help them, but it is still unexpected.


    First of all, it''s because I''m a monster. Protecting them is enough to fulfill the promise, but this right now was obviously kindness.


    "I''ll only protect you for a short while. Go to bed when you''re done."


    "Uh... Okay."


    After that, Suho silently swung his shield.


    He seemed to pay attention to his center of gravity, as if he knew that it was easy to be swayed by a shield because he had the body of a child.


    He also showed an attitude of throwing his attacks at a stable angle, and thinking about it, Ha-rim, Kyeong-min, and Suho all showed to have good brains.


    Why is Eun-jeong not included? She doesn''t like to move and often shows a fierce personality...


    It''s awkward just watching without saying anything. Shall we try talking?


    Usually, children with tendencies to protect others often have an object of protection from early on in their lives.


    Recalling that, I indirectly asked him.


    "Do you have a brother?"<sup>1</sup>


    "Eh? How did you know? I have one younger sister."


    "Just a feeling."


    "But why did you ask if I have a brother?"


    When I brought up the topic, Suho stopped his practice and started talking. Looks like this guy is close with his sister.


    I was an only child, so I wondered what it would feel like to have a younger sister.


    "What does it feel like to have a sister? Just asking."


    "Hm... Annoying. Sometimes we have to share a lot, and she always messes with myputer."


    "..."


    "But I am her brother. I want to protect her."


    Is it like that? If I had a guardian, no, an older brother, would he have wanted to take care of me?<sup>2</sup>


    No matter how much I think about it, I''m sure he would try to kick me out of the house like my mother... Even if I listen to him, it is difficult to understand.


    "Understanding it... It''s difficult."


    As I muttered, Suho looked sad. Is it something to be so sad about not being able to form a consensus?


    "Even if it''s not necessarily a family member like a sister, you might want to protect someone. For example... Friends with weak stamina like Eun-jeong. The more affection you get, the bigger your heart grows. What about E?"


    "Um... Because you are weaker than me, I want to protect you..."


    Aren''t I saying something very strange right now? What is this guy talking about?


    Looking back, I could see that the corners of Suho''s mouth went up the more I spoke. Could he be doing this on purpose...


    "Are you teasing E?"


    When I narrowed my eyes, he shook his hand in embarrassment.


    "What? No! I''m just d you''re worried about us."


    "...I remember being tickled the other day, so you better be careful."


    "Ahaha... We were in a happy mood at that time. Did you hate it that much?"


    "Did you just ask if I hated it?! You tormented E so mercilessly!"


    I was honestly about to cry.


    "But E made fun of us too. At that time, we were very embarrassed. It was your own fault!"


    This little boy... Retorted?!


    This guy! You''ve grown so much!


    Sigh...


    Enough. What I am doing arguing with the kid.


    It''s good that he''sfortable, but I never thought he''d tease me the other way around.


    I don''t hate it.


    "Now go to bed and sleep. It''ste."


    "Okay."


    Suho wiped himself with a towel hung in the bathroom and cleaned himself with soap. As I was staring at him, he gave me a nce asking me not to look.


    I moved to another nearby mirror. After confirming that he had finished cleaning up and entered the club room, I continued to patrol.


    ...The younger sister.


    She must be out there.


    "..."


    No. I epted it. It''s already over. I am not a child!


    I washed my face dry to break my thoughts. I need to get some fresh air outside.


    It was the moment when I slipped out of the mirror.


    <strong>The paws of a white beast appeared in my field of vision.</strong>


    "Urgh?!"


    A physical force that could not be resisted with a body with a small mass. I said goodbye to the floor and my body flew through the air.


    While flying, I looked back. White fur. Looks like a tiger. It''s [Jangsanbeom]!<sup>3</sup>


    Why are you here?


    And he jumped out of the mirror.


    Plus, right at the moment I got out of it


    The situation is dire. But even if I am flying, the wall is right behind. I just need to kick it and jump towards him.


    <strong>[Ding dong!]</strong>


    I bent my legs tond on the wall, but there was no collision between my feet and what I was waiting for.


    There is no wall. What happened?


    without knowing why, I was pushed into the space that reced the wall.


    "An elevator?"


    I intuitively sensed a crisis. But before I could even put strength into my legs, the elevator closed.


    <strong>[Ding dong! Going to the 666th floor.]</strong>


    "Open it! Open the door!"


    I punched the door, but it didn''t even budge. This was a "gimmick" type, so it seemed difficult to physically interfere.


    <strong>[Ding dong!]</strong>


    When I woke up, I was in a dark space. The elevator that took me was nowhere to be found.


    I can''t move to a mirror.


    Shit...


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    Tweet tweet tweet...


    The sound of birds chirping.


    A symbol of morning.


    Me and the others opened our eyes. As expected, the sun hung in the sky greeted us.


    Oh, good morning!


    I shook Eun-jeong, who was sleeping, for her to wake up and fix her clothes.


    <strong>[Everyone, we have to go to ss now.]</strong>


    The teacher said vacation is already over.


    Soothing my regret, I asked Kyeong-min.


    "What was this ss again?"


    "It''s math!"


    Eun-jeongined.


    "Urgh... I hate math."


    I rummage through my bag to find the textbook... Where is it?


    I searched everywhere, but it wasn''t here.


    It was full of strange trinkets.


    There were a lot of bouncy balls that looked like frog eggs. But since I''m in school, I need the textbooks.


    I put on my bag and said.


    "Teacher, I don''t have any books."


    I told the truth to the teacher outside the ssroom.


    But why didn''t he enter already?


    <strong>[The teacher will give you an extra, soe outside.]</strong>


    Everyone stood up at the same time. Then, one after another, they lined up and headed for the door.


    I''m having a headache. Why? Is it because I ate salty food from the convenience store?


    No, something is weird...


    "Ha-rim, what''s wrong?"


    Suho asks me.


    "I just feel like I forgot something. Come to think of it, Suho, didn''t you forget your shield?"


    "Oh, right. It''s important, but I forgot."


    Then, Kyeong-min and Eun-jeong also said they forgot and pulled out their own items.


    "Let''s go now."


    We stood in a line, starting with Suho, and me at the very end. We opened the door and took two steps outside.


    We always did this, so why it feels so awkward?


    My head hurts. As if resisting something that invades the mind.


    It''s weird.


    It''s so strange!


    [Survival].


    The moment I left the ssroom, the ne glowed.


    Immediately, I threw myself at the children in front.


    The others who were pushed by my body fell down one after another.


    "Urgh?!"


    The paws of a white beast passed over my head at the same time we fell. A single attack powerful enough to cut the air; If it hit, our heads would became powder.


    Without a chance for the beast to raise its head, I pulled out the pin of the fire extinguisher that was right next to me and blocked its vision.


    <strong>[Ha-rim, what are you doing!!!]</strong>


    "Don''t imitate the teacher!"


    He is someone who listens to even a simple counseling seriously!


    Swoosh!


    The front paw swings again in the ce where I was. It heard my voice and attacked, but missed.


    I strongly shook Eun-jeong to bring her to her senses.


    She rang the bell with a hazy expression.


    -Jingle.


    Then, the mind became clear and the members who noticed this abnormal situation took their positions.


    Suho raised his shield and Kyeong-min opened his red notebook.


    The fire extinguisher mist gradually disappeared and the monster that attacked us was revealed.


    Red eyes and white fur. A monster in the shape of a tiger. I know what it is, it''s a very famous monster.


    Jangsanbeom.


    A beast that mimics human voices. Its pictured to have a brutal, warlike and bloodthirsty image.


    Faced with danger, E naturally came to my mind. Where is E? Why isn''t she helping us?!


    The salt sprinkled on the front door must have worked since it didn''t attack us when we were sleeping!


    I decided we had to go back inside.


    "!!!"


    But there, instead of a door, an elevator was revealing its inner space, like a beast opening its mouth.


    The door was obviously on the inside of where the salt was sprinkled.


    This was the loophole in preventing the "physical" intrusion that E was talking about.


    Before I could fully grasp the situation, Jangsanbeom tensed. Kyeong-min noticed it and warned us.


    "Be careful! It''s going to jump!"


    Hearing those words, Suho stepped forward. As expected, Jangsanbeom, who kicked the floor and jumped to attack us, collided with the shield.


    "Urgh!"


    It wouldn''t be strange if Suho has pushed back, but thanks to the enchantment on the shield, it seemed to have helped him maintain his position.


    <strong>[Don''t ignore the teacher''s words!!!]</strong>


    Before even asking if he''s okay, Jangsanbeom prepares for the next attack.


    It''s better to dodge this attack than to block it.


    "Eun-jeong!"


    After calling her name, she rang the bell again.


    -Jingle.


    My body bes lighter. After reading my thoughts, Suho backed away little by little, and with lighter movements, he let go of the attack, not blocking it anymore.


    Our bodies became lighter, but the beast is still too fast.


    I threw the empty fire extinguisher, but it doesn''t affect it.


    Even if we run away, he is faster than us who have the bell''s effect! What do we do now!


    At this moment, Kyeong-min looked at the red notebook in his hand and muttered something.


    He waved his hand as if performing a ritual and sprinkled red powder that suddenly appeared at the monster!


    <strong>[Cough! Cough! Who''s throwing the chalk!!]</strong>


    It''s movement have slowed down! With this, even if we run away, we won''t be caught!


    "We have no means of attack! Let''s run away for now!"


    Without E, who had the biggest power, all we could do was hold out.


    We have to retreat.


    After saying that, I turned around.


    Then Eun-jeong grabbed my arm. She looked like she saw something bad.


    No way...


    <strong>[Am I pretty?]</strong>


    ...A woman in a red mask was approaching from the other hallway.


    I wanted to scream.


    But no. In such urgent situation, we can''t run away, and Suho, who keeps blocking the Jangsanbeom, is also being pushed back.


    We can survive if we take one side out.


    Action rather than thought. All of a sudden, I ran to the Jangsanbeom.


    "Suho, stop him!"


    "You''re being reckless again!"


    While Suho said that, he protected me with his shield from the attack. I deliberately hit Jangsanbeom and ran away.


    <strong>[Oh my god~ Did Ha-rim hit me? I guess she wants to die?]</strong>


    Now it even imitates E''s way of speaking. It feels dirty.


    "I''ll take care of him! You guys, while dealing with that woman, find an opportunity and run away!"


    I ran towards the stairs to the next floor. The monster moved at the same speed as me even while cursed by Kyeong-min. I rummaged through my bag.


    I took a sticker among the frog eggs. How do I use this?


    <em>-E. How do we use this?</em>


    <em>-It''s a sticker. Just take it off.</em>


    The school stairs are in the form of a curved square staircase. When you climb all the first steps, the second part is faced the other way. The moment Jangsanbeom was going to pass by me, I used the sticker.


    I felt a strange aura enveloping me.


    I noticed my body became transparent!


    I held my breath and leaned against the wall.


    "..."


    Fortunately, it passed by me and ran upstairs.


    Did I barely escaped him?


    I calmed my excessively beating heart and organized my thoughts.


    Monsters broke into the school. The number is at least three. An elevator monster, a red mask, and the long-legged behemoth.


    Let''s see what I can do.


    I sneaked up the stairs and thought of a way to kill the Jangsanbeom.


    If I use the items I picked outside the school...


    <strong>[Hahahaha! Kakakaka!]</strong>


    Laughter interrupts my thoughts.


    I put my body back against the wall and inspected the situation.


    Kids my age walk by,ughing happily.


    They shook like mirages.


    Even so, the dangerous weapons in their hands scratched the walls and floors.


    Thankfully, I was still transparent, so I wasn''t caught, but if I''m chased by both Jangsanbeom and the kids at the same time, I will one-hundred percent die.


    What''s happening.


    E, where the hell are you!

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    While Ha-rim lured Jangsanbeom, Kyeong-min, Suho, and Eun-jeong confronted the woman wearing a red mask.


    As soon as Kyeong-min saw her mask, he knew what kind of monster she was.


    As for her identity, as the appearance suggests, it''s [Red Mask]<sup>1</sup>


    Besides, she even holds scissors, so there is no room for misunderstanding.


    As Suho moved to block the approaching [Red Mask], Kyeong-min stopped him.


    "Calm down. Running away is the priority."


    Suho was only thinking about protecting the group from the opponent in front of them because his thinking was dull due to being exposed to danger.


    When Kyeong-min stopped him, it was only then that he felt the blood rushing to his head subside.


    "Eun-jeong, are you okay?"


    Kyeong-min asked Eun-jeong, who might have panicked, to make sure.


    Eun-jeong has trained her mind by experiencing strange things, so she can respond with courage! She answered.


    Kyeong-min looked at the red mask before running away.


    She just approaches and doesn''t attack.


    Why?


    The [Red Mask], feeling the gaze, took off its mask and revealed a mouth torn up to the ears.


    Eun-jeong instinctively hid behind Suho.


    <strong>[Am I pretty?]</strong>


    Kyeong-min guessed she didn''t attack because she wanted to ask this.


    "Um... I mean."


    He thought he would die no matter what he answered here.


    In the ghost stories, if you say she''s ugly, she''ll get offended and kill you, and if you say she''s pretty, she''ll make you look the same.


    So how about avoiding the answer? He awkwardly took the time, pretending to be troubled.


    "I mean... Hm... If you look closely... Hm... That... Wait a minute... Ahem..."


    He''s fiddling with his sses for no reason.


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    "If you look carefully at the straight chin... No... This style... Quite..."


    He even pretended to search the Inte for trendy styles, even though he didn''t have connection.


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    "Wow, it''s really pretty!... It may or may not seem like it... But looking at it objectively..."


    [Red Mask], who had been listening quietly, swung the scissors as if angry.


    <strong>[Die.]</strong>


    "Run away!!"


    Time wasting doesn''t work!


    Kyeong-min thought he was good ating up with ideas like Ha-rim.


    "Let''s go to the ssroom! It was the only other ce where E sprinkled the salt!"


    "Right, that ce!"


    They are in a state of being speeded up as allies of Eun-jeong. The red mask was also much faster than a normal person, but it was nothingpared to them.


    The children entered the ssroom with the salt sprinkled.


    Slide click.


    "It will be safe here for now."


    Kyeong-min gulped and looked at the small window on the door.


    The [Red Mask], staring nkly at them from the outside, scratched the wall with the scissors in her hand and went back.


    Survived.


    "What about Ha-rim? We have to help!"


    Eun-jeong said, fidgeting with her fingers. Kyeong-min answered as he fixed his sses.


    "I think so too. But after a while. If we leave immediately, we will run into the red mask again."


    Suho, who fixed his shield in order to jump out at any moment, also judged that his words made sense.


    The shielder took a deep breath, calmed down, and suggested that it would be good to leave in three minutes.


    "Is there any way to defeat it?"


    As Suho murmurs, the children fall into thought. At a time like this, they wondered if Ha-rim would havee up with an idea right away.


    "Ah."


    One minuteter, an exmation flowed from Kyeong-min''s mouth.


    Suho asked if he had any good ideas.


    "There is."


    "Really?"


    Suho''s face brightened. He looked at Kyeong-min with expectant eyes.


    "Yes, I know."


    However, Kyeong-min''s eyes were strange. The pupils are blurry.


    "About the case of a group death of children in an orphanage that used to house kids with disabilities."


    ...


    "...What?"


    Ominous words kepting out of Kyeong-min''s mouth.


    "The vigers thought that the handicapped children were disgusting, so the food has been poisoned. The poisoned kids vomited, cried and then died. The woman who looked after them cursed the vigers as she shed tears of blood. Rumor has it that she made a pact with the devil or something? Huh. It''s really unfortunate. I saw people struggling like bugs, the vige was set on fire and people fled."


    "What the hell are you talking about! Wake up!"


    Suho shakes Kyeong-min wildly, but he doesn''t show signs ofing to his senses. Eun-jeong hurriedly tried to purify him with the bell.


    "...But none of them escaped. They were caught like bugs in a spider''s web and died one by one. Later, the bodies of the dead came up from the graves, and they looked like spiders with eight legs..."


    Kyeong-min isn''t even listening. Then, Eun-jeong pointed at the top of his head. She seemed to gesture that there was something there. Eun-jeong has good senses. Then...


    Suho''s shield brushed right above Kyeong-min''s head.


    Then bam! There was a noise and the sound of hitting something.


    When Suho narrowed his eyes, he was able to recognize a transparent object on Kyeong-min''s head.


    He was possessed. The existence suffered and then disappeared.


    Being possessed by a ghost is amon ghost story, so it manifested as a monster.


    "Cough! Cough!"


    "Kyeong-min, are you okay now?"


    He gasped and said with a bluish face that he almost died.


    A monster appeared before, this time it''s a monster again. There were too many. What happened to the peaceful time just now?


    Kyeong-min even thought that someone had intentionally summoned the monsters.


    Suho put his face out of the ssroom together with Kyung-min, who was still in pain, and carefully examine the situation.


    Swoosh!


    "Eh?!"


    Swoosh!


    Suddenly, pollen flew towards them. Suho, who managed to block it by closing the door, confirmed that the clutter in the hallway floated up and down.


    "...What is it now..."


    "Perhaps a poltergeist..."


    "I''ll go sit down..."


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    <strong>[Crackle! Crackle!]</strong>


    Laughing children are wandering the halls. Looking at their height, they seem to be in the same age or in a lower grade. What kind of creature is it?


    Differently from E, I can''t get rid of monsters by attacking them.


    The only way to defeat it is to dig into loopholes likest time.


    However, I still don''t know their identity.


    To make matters worse, there was only one sheet left.


    The long-legged tiger is on the upper floor, but I''m gradually reaching the limit by using almost all the stickers.


    It was at the moment I gave up on finding a way to defeat him and decided that it would be better to just go down and join the group.


    Bam!!!


    At the same time as there was a loud sound, the body of the ghost children shook greatly.


    <em>''Just now...!''</em>


    A loud sound and swaying body...


    Are they affected by noise?


    And when I looked closely, there was a kid wearing a gym uniform that is only used at our school.


    "..."


    Think carefully.


    I''m sure I cane up with a solution from my past memories.


    The ne shone faintly.


    [Survival]


    It was night. I called Kyeong-min and Suho to the club room to prepare for the school festival.


    This is because each club had to operate a booth during the event.


    Since we weren''t particrly good with our hands, all we could do was collect ghost stories and make a small collection.


    Eun-jeong joined recently, so she wasn''t there at the time. It was originally a reading club.


    I agreed to Kyeong-min suggestion to finish it in one day and go y, and I came to school at night andpiled all the stories until the time the teacher allowed.


    Then I heard Kyeong-min muttering something unexpected.


    "What''s so surprising?"


    "Just... They say that the sound of childrenughing and talking during the day is manifested at night."


    "Wow, that''s a scary story. Let''s put that in the ghost story collection!"


    We put that story in the book.


    ...


    This is it!


    I turned on my phone, yed music loudly and set it down on the floor.


    Hearing that, the children stoppedughing and ran towards me.


    However, as they approached, their bodies shook greatly and then scattered, disappearingpletely.


    Since it''s a monster made of sound, if you bury it on noise, its very existence will be denied. That''s not a bad idea in my opinion. If a simr situation arises, I might be able to use it again.


    One done.


    Growl...


    "Ah."


    I was no longer transparent.


    Besides, since the music was ying loudly, it was only natural for it to pinpoint my location.


    I should have moved right away, but I messed up.


    <strong>[Uncle told you in advanced that he would not take care of you.]</strong>


    The Jangsanbeom ran towards me.


    I fled recklessly without even having time to pack my phone.


    I thought trying getting rid of him in the same way before. But my speed was slow.


    Or rather, Jangsanbeom speed is too fast.


    The bell and notebook effects worn out. As it is, I will be caught for sure.


    I first took the sheet out of the bag. A sheet with only one sticker left.


    Will this method work again? But I have no choice but to do it. I tried to remove the sticker from the sheet.


    <strong>[!!!!!!!!]</strong>


    Jangsanbeom roared. This beast has a special organ in its mouth, allowing it to make a sobrenatural roar, and its said that if you hear it, your body stiffens.


    My hands froze and I dropped the sheet.


    Do I pick it up? What do I do after picking it?


    In fact, even if I had used it without dropping it, the roar would have already been unavoidable because of the distance.


    Wrong answer from the start.


    So then? What should I do?


    My head, driven to the extreme, came up with an idea.


    It was an ingenious n, but at the same time too risky for something that came to mind out of nowhere.


    It''s a n that I wouldn''t even know if I would die in vain.


    Still, there is no room for hesitation.


    I have to live.


    No matter what happens, living is the best.


    My mom said that before she died.


    Forgive me for being so reckless, because I will definitely seed.


    I opened the hallway window.


    Do ir die.


    The moment the tiger tried to attack me, I jumped out of the window.


    The ground is visible.


    Thud!!!


    ...


    Still alive.


    "I did it!"


    Looking out of the window, I saw a bloody Jangsanbeom


    The secret to my n was the frog eggs in my bag.


    It''s an item I got from a strange frog we often met outside.


    They came out every time E fought, so it was inconvenient to carry it around, so I even prepared this bag.


    It''s unconvertable to think that it''s a real egg. However, since it''s a monster, life will not be born.


    Anyway, frog eggs had the ability to change the location of the target the host hit.


    There was a previous situation of using it when fighting [Turbo Granny].


    What I did was simple. After jumping out of the window, I threw a frog egg at Jangsanbeom.


    [Luck]


    At the same time as the ne glowed, the egg hit the tiger while drawing a weird curve, and him, who swapped positions with me, fell without knowing why.


    My heart is still racing. If Jangsanbeom had avoided it, or if the ne didn''t activate, I''d end up like him.


    "Urgh..."


    When I think about it, chills run down my spine.


    It''s because I lived. Better not tell this to the others. Because this wasn''t a normal behavior for anyone to see....


    Nheless, the idea that I have to take risks to survive didn''t change.


    That makes it two.


    I muttered that and decided to retrieve the sheet and phone and find the others.


    Step step.


    With courage and sense unlike a child, I survived this time too.


    Like it was natural.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    I was walking through a dark space.


    There were no monsters or objects in the ce that I was sent by the elevator monster.


    Mirror shift doesn''t work. It was as if I was cut off from the world.


    If I don''t return to the mirror before the materialization time ends, my body might disappear.


    An elevator monster that takes the yer to a random location in the game, but there was no ce like this.


    But more important than anything else, the children were in danger.


    In particr, a physical method is needed to get rid of Jangsanbeom. Usually, this type is a monster made to run away like Slenderman.


    I got impatient and started running.


    There was nothing I could do but run in the endless dark space.


    Then I stepped on something.


    Do objects exist in this space?


    I picked it up.


    ...A curtain?


    A stage curtain used to announce the start of a performance. why is this here?


    Besides, it is not an ordinary curtain. It is an "item". An item used by monsters that cannot be obtained in the game.


    The monster who uses this is [Pierrot]<sup>1</sup>


    It was another boss-level monster.


    Chapter one boss is E.


    Chapter two boss is Mary.


    Chapter three boss is Spider Lady.


    The boss of thest part, chapter 4, is Pierrot.


    Why is his stuff here?


    I rummaged through the curtains and found a note.


    This is also a note that I haven''t seen in the game.


    <strong>[Who is reading this note? Arachne? Mary? Or is it E?</strong>


    <strong>It doesn''t matter who it is. Since you are trapped here, it seems that you have done something useless too.</strong>


    <strong>But don''t worry! Because I''ve prepared an escape tool!</strong>


    <strong>Use this curtain to escape. If you''rete like me, you won''t be able to use your hands.</strong>


    <strong>Fuck. On the subject of a half-demon. I failed! I should have been more careful. I hear his voice in my head.</strong>


    <strong>I''ll have to cut this short. I''m still being pursued.</strong>


    <strong>PS: Mary, the answer to yourst question is no.</strong>


    <strong>And Arachne, stop your nonsense before your precious things are taken away.</strong>


    <strong>If a third party find this, please pass this note to them.]</strong>


    This concludes the content of the note.


    I don''t know what the heck is going on in here, but I''m pretty sure it''s not the game I used to know.


    Still, there is no time to think.


    I quickly channeled my supernatural power to use the curtains. Then they twitched as if it were alive and covered my view.


    The curtain opens. A ssroom appears before me.


    I took a step and returned to the school.


    As soon as I got to the original world, I moved to the mirror.


    Children. Need to find the kids. They''re not in the club room. Where are you?


    Bam!


    A sound came from below. Perhaps the ce is the ssroom sprinkled with salt.


    Go immediately to the mirror. As soon as I move, what I see is a woman with a torn mouth holding scissors. Floating objects. An elevator.<sup>2</sup>


    And Suho, Kyeong-min, and Eun-jeong with scratches.


    It seemed that they were barely holding on by relying on the shield of protection.


    Angry.


    I felt the anger boiling inside me.


    I jumped out of the mirror and shouted as if spitting out mes.


    "Don''t think about<strong> going back unscathed!!!!</strong>"


    The ssroom shakes. Dust falls from the ceiling and the floor creaks.


    Red mask pointed a pair of scissors at me and came running. I kicked it.


    Bam!!


    The red mask fainted for a moment as it collided with the desks, making a dull impact noise.


    I ran to the elevator monster.


    It tried to close the door that had been opened, as if to hide itself.


    I shed my knife to prevent it from closingpletely and kicked the door to pieces.


    The forced event of moving location, as consequence, can''t be triggered without closing the door.


    The elevator monster that lost its doors was incapacitated and finally destroyed.


    After that, floating objects tried to attack me. I didn''t even dodge it.


    Then, with my telekinesis, I tied them together. Then I press down the resisting monster as much as possible.


    If it can''t cause a "phenomenon", it''s the same as not existing. Especially for a monster like this!


    The poltergeist lost its phenomenon and disappeared as its existence faded.


    <strong>[Am I <strong>pretty</strong>prettyprettypretty!!!]</strong>


    The red mask, which fainted for a while, tried to stand up again.


    I grabbed it by the head before it stood up.


    And then, I poured out my anger by pushing it down to the ground.


    <strong>[You dare! This small fry!! Die!! I''ll kill you!!!]</strong>


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Every time I hit its head on the floor, blood spurts out.


    I threw away the sunken head and took a deep breath.


    The monsters turned into smoke almost instantly and were absorbed into me.


    "...Woah."


    I feel like my head is spinning.


    I looked up to see the condition of the children.


    There were Suho and Kyeong-min who looked shaky.


    "Ah."


    It was too extreme. Especially when I brutally killed the red mask.


    This is what happens when you be scarier than the monster. Of course.


    I don''t know why my heart hurts


    Then someone hugged me.


    It was Eun-jeong.


    "I was scared! E!"


    The uneasy feelings that remained were subdued. I gently patted her back.


    Eun-jeong, who is the most timid in the club, tends to rely on others.


    It warms my heart that the target is me.


    It was only after the bloody atmosphere was over that Kyeong-min and Suho approached me.


    "Thank you for helping, E. But Ha-rim is still in danger!"


    Come to think of it, she was nowhere to be seen.


    "Ha-rim lured Jangsanbeom by herself. We have to help her."


    I immediately removed Eun-jeong from me and told her that I would be back soon.


    Ha-rim. I don''t think she''s going to be easily defeated because she''s the main character, but I have to be safe!


    Knock. Knock. Knock...


    A knock was heard.


    I told the kids to knock on the mirror when calling me.


    If so, this signal must be from her. Thank god. You''re alive.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    It was after I defeated the Jangsanbeom and started searching for the others. I saw something pass by in the bathroom mirror


    "E, are you here?"


    I approached the bathroom mirror. And then the mirror changed.


    It was like a phenomenon where two mirrors are ced facing each other and the images continue infinitely.


    The infinite me who looks at myself.


    The 4th reflection started to get closer as it crossed the mirror.


    This is one of the famous mirror ghost stories.


    I mistakenly assumed that E would be the only mirror monster and was caught off guard.


    "Ah..."


    The body does not move. Is this its ability?


    Since Eun-jeong isn''t here, I''m powerless against this type of monster...!


    [Survival]


    The ne glows. My body resisted the monster''s ability, and I was able to move little by little.


    But it doesn''t seem like I can escape. If so...


    Knock. Knock. Knock.


    I knocked on the mirror.


    The method used to call E.


    Calling E, who hadn''t appeared until now, is almost pointless.


    Still, it''s better to try everything I can.


    Better an uncertain possibility than a sure failure.


    Please, don''t be defeated by a monster. I prayed inwardly.


    Right before the reflectionpletely crossed the mirror. Someone grabbed its head.


    "It''s you. The one that moved the monsters inside the barrier."


    It was E!


    She looked very angry.


    The mirror monster struggled and spewed a bloody aura.


    E''s expression blurred slightly.


    "You... Are you fighting for territory? With me?"


    This time, E radiated a tremendous aura.


    It was much more powerful and darker than the mirror monster.


    This time, the mirror monster''s appearance began to blur.


    A territorial fight between the mirror monsters. When the derived areas ovepped, they seemed to deny each other by force.


    "Losing to a small fry!"


    The monster screamed. Its appearance gradually faded, and then it turned into smoke and was absorbed by E.


    The monster in our house is stronger!


    "...Ha-rim is safe."


    "E."


    I felt pure joy at E, who had rescued me.


    Having someone to rely on was such a relief.


    I felt it even more when it was gone.


    "By the way, what about Jangsanbeom?"


    "I dealt with it!"


    When I said that, E put on a slightly surprised expression, then gave me a smile. It''s pretty.


    "...That''s good."


    "It''s over there."


    E got out of the mirror and looked out her window.


    There, she saw Jangsanbeom, who flinched as it hadn''t died yet.


    "What about the others?"


    "It''ll be safe for now. It looks like all the other monsters have been eliminated. Go down and collect the kids."


    Just as E said, I gathered them.


    Even though it wasn''t long, it was a reunion I missed enough to bring tears to my eyes.


    After hugging the members one by one, I went with E to the ce where Jangsanbeom was.


    E frowned and asked.


    "Now tell me. Who sent you here? Don''t act innocent. I know you can talk and I know that none of you have the ability tomand a monster.


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    "Answer me."


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    <strong>"Answer me!!!"</strong>


    E''s voice rang out loudly. My body trembled slightly.


    Jangsanbeom opened its mouth. It was smiling.


    Like a child excited about the idea of telling a secret.


    A monster like this listened to someone else''s orders?


    I don''t know if monsters have a hierarchy, but Jangsanbeom is definitely not the type to obey someone.


    Suspicious.


    <strong>[...Kill...]</strong>


    At this moment, Jangsanbeom mouth opened.


    It was imitating someone''s voice.


    The voice was like a machine, so it was awkward to consider it as human.


    It''s very unique, you wouldn''t mistake it as anyone else.


    <strong>[...Go to school and run amok... Kill the children...]</strong>


    <strong>[...However... That child...]</strong>


    Crack...


    Before it could finish its words, Jangsanbeom head fell off.


    Blood spurted out and we backed away stunned, the spilled blood on the floor moving and taking shape.


    A reverse pentagram. And a half-goat face with a carved horn in the center.


    If you investigate the ult, you''ll know what this means, even if you don''t like it.


    <strong><em>The Devil.</em></strong>


    ...


    We returned to the ssroom. E told me to go sleep, but I honestly couldn''t rest that easily.


    Even though I was mentally exhausted, I couldn''t sleep because of nightmares.


    And then, Eun-jeong grabbed E and asked.


    "Can''t we sleep together, E?"


    E looked perplexed. She didn''t refuse though.


    "There is not much time left for materialization..."


    "Then, just until we fall asleep?"


    "...Okay."


    Eun-jeong seemed to bepletely dependent on her.


    E, who quickly took down the monsters, was reassuring.


    It has been a long time since I had the feeling of relying on someone.


    Come to think of it, why did E go to a different ce every time we went to sleep?


    In fact, maybe it was because she was afraid that we would be ufortable.


    If so, from the beginning... Ah, I''m overthinking it.


    It''s just because we''re friends.


    With the nkets collected by searching each ssroom.


    Wey down in a formation surrounding E.


    Eun-jeong fell asleep while holding the hem of E''s skirt.


    She seems to have a sleeping habit, but it felt strange to see E pampering her.


    How many opportunities will there be in life to be taken care by a ghost?


    I also sneakily grabbed E''s soft hand.


    She was startled and flinched, but didn''t stop it.


    The red eyes that stare at me are soft.


    Warm. Pretty.


    I fell asleep easily, with eyes simr to those of my mother, whom I missed.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    The day after the children woke up, I was busy looking for defensive items.


    If the kids were attacked again, it would be unpredictable knowing if they would die.


    The first thing I got was the [Cheshire Cat''s Drop]. It''s an item obtained by hunting a strange cat that appears randomly, being a bell that rings when a designated enemy is near.


    "Designate monsters other than me as enemies."


    The bells jingle and spread evenly throughout the school.


    Woosh...


    It also has a transparent function, so they don''t show their ugly appearances.


    Next is a soldier doll. An item that can be obtained by defeating a monster in the form of a North Korean soldier.


    It has the ability to attack designated enemies.


    Of course, it''s attacks are painful, but it doesn''t help much in killing them.


    However, it does some damage when umted, so it should be a small help.


    In the first ce, this is a game where survival is the focus rather than elimination, so tools that unterally inflict strong damage on monsters are rare.


    Lastly, I brought purification salt and ced it in each area of the school.


    It is particrly effective against monsters and there are many ces to farm, so I n to use it like toilet paper.


    I told the children who had been struggling since morning collecting items about the current situation. Roughly speaking, I said that the Devil had attacked.


    "Devil..."


    Kyeong-min is a well-informed person, so I wondered if he knew a lot about it.


    However, he put on an ambiguous expression.


    "Honestly, we mainly researched urban legends, and sometimes there are stories about demons, but if you ask me if I know about it... Not much?"


    The fact that a demon from mythology actually exists was enough to make the children agitated. If there are demons, do angels exist too? Are demons also regarded as monsters?


    A lot of opinions came out, but I couldn''t find any useful information.


    ording to my knowledge, he will be a huge demon that will appear after the ending.


    The Devil stays still as if it has nothing to do with him whether the main character defeats the bosses or not, and then only shows up in the ending. Why is he targeting us now?


    It looks like we''ve offended him, but can the likes of us have any influence on him?


    All we did was move to survive...


    Oh, no way.


    ...Is the children''s survival a problem?


    The immediate difference from the original is that I moved out of the boss stage and that none of the children have died yet.


    If one of these two is the cause, it''s likely thetter.


    It would make sense if Slenderman, who appeared in the beginning, was also sent by the devil.


    And apparently he was targeting the children.


    Did the kid''s survival offend the Devil?


    I stopped thinking here. Why? Even if I ask a question, there won''t be an answer.


    After telling the children what I knew, I took out an item.


    "Urgh..."


    The item I took out was the [Evil Beast''s Eye].


    This is used to upgrade Kyeong-min''s notebook into aplete artifact.


    Originally, it was an item that had to be obtained by going directly to Jangsanbeom, but thanks to the raid, it saved us the effort of finding it.


    I put the item into Kyeong-min''s notebook. Then it was transformed into apletely different object.


    The blood-stained notebook turned into an old-fashioned sorcery book. In the center of it, the eyes of Jangsanbeom are embedded.


    The function of this artifact is [Restriction], which has been upgraded from [Slow].


    It is a skill that can temporarily hold monsters, greatly increasing the chance of survival.


    With this, all the essential artifacts have been gathered.


    "E. What are we going to do next?"


    Ha-rim asked me.


    They thought that it would be helpful to prepare their minds if I talked about our future schedule in advance.


    Shall I?


    "The monsters will be stronger as the days go by. Surviving from them is the basic goal."


    Kyeong-min takes notes. I nced at him and continued.


    "And we have to defeat the powerful monsters."


    "Powerful monsters?"


    "I''m talking about the three strongest monsters. Mary, whom we met earlier, and Spider Lady and Pierrot, whom we will meetter. We have to deal with them."


    Of course we can''t win.


    Only when "they" arrive the minimum conditions are met.


    Right now, we have no choice but to wait while collecting items until they appear.


    I feel like were wasting time, but what can I do?


    "We are preparing to fight them. They''re really strong, so we can''t confront them yet."


    If we face off against Mary, who has a stupid expression, I cannot guaranteed victory.


    In addition, ording to the setting, the bosses are stronger depending on the order they appearter.


    "If we defeat those monsters... Can we go back home?"


    Ha-rim asks. If you kill them, you can go back home... It''s not exactly urate, but in the end, you''ll have to defeat them, so I nodded my head.


    "...Yes, you can go back."


    The children were relieved by my words.


    They look forward to a hopeful future and calm their hearts.


    Meanwhile, a sense of guilt squeezes my heart.


    But now I''m used to it.


    It''s not like they can''t go back


    All I have to do is click [Yes] indifferently, as if I was pressing an option in a game.


    [Do you ept?]


    [Yes.]


    I pretended that nothing happened and warned them.


    "We will diligently defeat monsters and collect helpful items. Don''t act like it''s all over yet."


    "Okay!"


    Ha-rim replies vigorously. She''s in good spirits.


    I finished my errands, so it was time to move to another mirror to organize my thoughts for a while.


    "Wait, E."


    But Eun-jeong called me.


    "Hm?"


    "E. Will you sleep with us today?"


    If the kids don''t feel ufortable with me, I think so.


    Even if there is a safety device, having me by their side is the most efficient.


    "If that makes you feel safe."


    "I feel reassured when E is by my side! That''s why I want you to sleep with me."


    "..."


    It really feels nice being wanted.


    But I don''t know how to respond to such innocent reactions.


    How would the original E react?


    "Aren''t you afraid of E?"


    I made an evil face.


    "Nope!"


    ...This answer reminds me of the saying that a dog does not know how to be afraid of a tiger. The kid is not afraid.


    "E is pretty and strong, and she also protects us. so it''s not scary. Rather, I want you to stay by my side."


    Eun-jeong said with her eyes shining brightly. I think I know what she''s feeling.


    If a bear protects you when you are chased by a wolf, it will be reassuring. Even more now when they know that the school isn''tpletely safe.


    If they are not afraid of me, they will be mostfortable next to me.


    "...That, yes. I see."


    Even if I know it in my head, it''s a bit embarrassing.


    Also, the gaze is burdensome.


    Eun-jeong seemed to have forgotten all my threats in the past.


    Her words are full of sincerity.


    "Cough. In the future, I will protect you and stay by your side when you sleep. Okay?"


    "Okay! Thank you!"


    Seeing Eun-jeong''s bright smile on her face made me smile too.


    And then, I suddenly felt a sense of incongruity. Since when did I be such an emotional person?


    Every time I talk to the children, I feel that something inside me is changing little by little.


    But it''s warm and cozy, so I can''t resist it.


    Could it have something to do with my body bing a monster?


    Hmm... I don''t think so. Being able to even affect the heart...


    I know my heart the best.


    ...


    After about two days have passed.


    I suggested that the children go pack their necessities.


    "Don''t you guys have clothes, detergent, and other things you need? We''re going to have a quick stop by your houses. I''ll take one by one. Think ahead of time about what you need."


    Now we wait for "them" toe. Since it''s only a few weeks away, I decided it would be a good idea to stock up on essentials.


    Moving in groups is inefficient.


    So they decided who goes first.


    The kids yed rock-paper-scissors, and Eun-jeong, who won with scissors, was the first.


    I took her out of the school. Her house was within a ten-minute walk.


    She skillfully opened the door lock and guided me into her house.


    Cute design. The wallpaper is also pink. I don''t know if she uses a air freshener often, but it smells good too.


    She looks at me and says.


    "This is the first time I''m alone with E."


    She''s not wrong. Unintentionally, I only had private time with the other children.


    Eun-jeong entered the bathroom with light steps and faced the hand mirror she was holding at the mirror.


    Okay. Marking sess.


    After moving to the bathroom mirror, I got out and looked at her room.


    Dolls here and there.


    Among them, there was a huge stuffed animal on the bed, which seemed to be hugged while sleeping.


    "Come to think of it, E is also pretty like a doll. They''re simr."


    She alternately looks at the cuddly doll and me.


    "I hear you saying you want to hug E and sleep."


    "...No?"


    "..."


    I didn''t bother to answer. Trying to treat someone like a doll!


    She became sullen and started to pack the things she needed in her room.


    Basic clothes, a doll, and shower items.


    Things like shampoo, conditioner, and towels.


    Some items are also avable in the convenience store.


    However, it seems that she prefers the ones she used originally.


    "Is it over?"


    "Yes! Oh, wait."


    Eun-jeong brought out a book. The title was Alice in Wondend.


    A fairy tale book? Eun-jeong is the most childlike among the kids.


    "Do you like children''s books?"


    "Yeah... My mom bought me something that would help with creativity. I read it sometimes when I''m bored!"


    A fairy tale...


    A memory of this fairy talees to mind.


    <em>-What kind of fairy tale is a grown up man reading? Alice in Wondend?</em>


    <em>-This is all material. Material. You have to read these things carefully to make any creative work.</em>


    <em>-Huh. What kind of loft hobby is creation when ites to the guy who was taking money from passers-by until yesterday? I mean... Even if it''s for making a game.</em>


    <em>-Because it''s only natural for people like me to do whatever they want? Well, if I make one, I''ll make you a masterpiece that will make you cry. Of course, I''ll add a lot of my taste.</em>


    <em>-Oh.</em>


    <em>-Bastard, at least show some reaction.</em>


    Not a very fun memory.


    As I looked at Eun-jeong as she silently packed a few books, I remembered something I''d always been curious about.


    "How did you end up joining the club?"


    From what I''ve seen, she isn''t the type to like scary things.


    Besides, she is the type who hates moving her body.


    She wasn''t friends with the others who came to the supernatural spot, so why did she join the club?


    Eun-jeong thought about it before answering.


    "I just joined because I was friends with Ha-rim."


    "That''s it?"


    "Yes. Ha-rim is so mature! So I followed her. But I didn''t know that we would go to a supernatural spot..."


    Eun-jeong, who has a dependable personality, and Ha-rim, who is not like a child, seem to have a goodpatibility.


    Even so, it''s pitiful to get into a club without even knowing what activities they''re doing.


    "Then why did Ha-rim create the club?"


    "I do not know!"


    I was confused by the answer. Eun-jeong, who read the atmosphere, added.


    "Ha-rim avoids talking about it. Hmm. How do I say it. I guess it feels like she''s trying not to answer."


    Curiosity arouses.


    What story would a child hide?


    I think she''s especially close to Eun-jeong, but she doesn''t even tell her...


    Ha-rim is a strange child. She neither cried nor panicked when she fell into this world.


    And even defeated a monster by herself.


    The secret of such a child...


    "I''m finished."


    "Did you pack everything?"


    Eun-jeong nodded.


    Next up was Suho.


    The impression of his room was clean.


    It was well organized, but the problem was that it was too deste because of that. I asked about it.


    "Because my sister is still young, and she could get hurt just by touching things."


    Is it the sister again?


    Still, if it were me, I''d just pay attention.


    "Do you usually do this?"


    "Because I don''t want to see my family get hurt."


    "Hmm... Family..."


    Seeing my inability to understand, Suho put on a bitter expression.


    Why are you like that?


    With only two of us alone, I asked him why he joined the club.


    "Ha-rim tricked me."


    It''s Ha-rim again?


    This girl, she really dragged them all in.


    Maybe it''s because she''s the main character, but she seems to have a demonic charisma.


    I asked for more details.


    "Kyeong-min and Ha-rim are my friends, so it''s great for me to join. I entered because I couldn''t decide which club to enter, so I was going to stay for a while and then go to another club."


    "Did you?"


    "I was constantly anxious about what Kyeong-min and Ha-rim were doing. They kept going to dangerous ces so I couldn''t leave them alone."


    The reason you joined the club was because of the protective instinct. This guy is quite serious.


    Suho simply packed clothes and medicines.


    Next is Kyeong-min.


    He was the kid I didn''t talk to the most.


    Apparently, it was a little hard to befortable because I personally bullied him in the beginning.


    I heard from Ha-rim that Kyeong-min was also paying attention to the fact that he threw the wine bottle at me.


    He seems to think that I will retaliate.


    Because of that, there was an awkward air.


    His room was also tidy.


    Until now, Eun-jeong''s room was the most messy.


    Are boys like this? My room wasn''t dirty either.


    Kyeong-min silently packed his luggage. Things like extra notebooks and clothes.


    He packed his things and approached the bed. I expected him to bring a nket, but instead he pulled out a game console from under the bed.


    We didn''t talk to each other all the way here, so I thought it was an opportunity. I looked at him and asked what it was.


    "Oh, this is a game console."


    No, I know. I just asked because this was the first time I''ve seen such a model.


    while he was exining, he looked sad at me for some reason.


    I don''t know why he was doing it, but I hated it.


    "Are you afraid of me?"


    I asked him directly.


    Inwardly, I felt guilty. I can tell just by looking at his sses, which fell in surprise.


    However, an unexpected answer came.


    "It''s not like that... It''s just awkward."


    He isn''t afraid of me.


    I seemed to have arbitrarily made assumptions.


    Still, something was to be done to resolve this atmosphere.


    "Sorry."


    "What?"


    "I''m sorry... From before. That I was mean at the mansion."


    Then, he widens his eyes. Feeling embarrassed by it, I turned my head the other way.


    Kyeong-minughed as if shocked.


    That''s bound to surprise him.


    I, who threatened them with a knife until a few days ago, no, it was E.


    I myself know that this is awkward.


    Still, it''s just that I don''t like feeling stuffy.


    My face hardened.


    ...Isn''t it a little bit like an apology for a death threat?


    Iy down on the bed in Kyeong-min''s room.


    Shall I say it''s okay to hit me until he''s relieved?


    If I do, only his hand will hurt... Hmm...


    "...You can harass me as much as you want until your anger subsides."


    Pain must be returned with pain. I spread my arms as if showing I''m harmless.


    "What?!"


    A look of bewilderment appears on his face.


    It even turned red.


    Why?


    I was confused for a moment.


    He regained hisposure and thought about something before asking me.


    "Hey E... May I ask what do you mean by that?"


    "I''ve bullied you, so I''m saying it''s fine to bully me too."


    "Aha... In what way?"


    When Kyeong-min, who finally understood, asked that, I was the one taken aback.


    I hadn''t thought about that.


    "Tickling me..."


    "Like this?"


    When he bent his fingers, my body trembled violently by itself.


    Just looking at the shape of the hand makes me itchy.


    A person who is indifferent to tickling will never know this fear.


    Bad quality violence that makes youugh even though it is painful!


    Cold sweat flows.


    Still, I was prepared.


    I closed my eyes and waited.


    But Kyeong-min didn''t do anything.


    Are you not doing it?


    I survived.


    "I gave up and almost died, but you saved us."


    "..."


    "I wanted to say thank you, but it was a bit awkward. It''s not because I''m afraid."


    "...Really?"


    A smile formed on my lips. A sense of satisfaction rises.


    He stared at my face in awe and then coughed, going back to pack his things.


    Ah, I have to ask him that.


    "What did you join the club for?"


    "Hmm... Basically, Ha-rim asked me and I joined. Because my mother said that prior learning is important, she made me study middle school courses in advanced, so I was a little frustrated."


    "Oh. And then?"


    "My parents are generous with club activities, so if I go to a ce like a haunted spot as Ha-rim says, I don''t have to sit at a desk and study."


    You''re the type that hates stuffiness. If I were you, I might have been happy because that was part of my interest.


    "You and Suho were the first to join the club, right?"


    "What about it?"


    It''s a little hard to say that he was an early member of a club with only four people, but I wondered if he knew why Ha-rim created this club.


    "Maybe she just likes scary things? Becausest time I asked, she just said she liked it. I thought it made sense..."


    It seems that even him doesn''t know exactly.


    It''s unexpected that not even one out of the three of her friends doesn''t know her properly.


    Shin Ha-rim. A yable character in this game.


    After she killed Jangsanbeom by herself, I changed the way I viewed her.


    There is a characteristic of Ha-rim that I learned as a result of carefully observing her behavior whenever she went to get an item.


    First, looking carefully for a suspicious door key or key item. (Bring the key every time I try to break down the door, etc.)


    Demonstrated evasion skills to avoid all of the monster''s attacks.


    Even taking into ount the artifact''s ability to survive and the help of luck, Ha-rim is extraordinary.


    I can''t help but wonder what such a child is reluctant to talk about.


    Shall I ask it directly?

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Thest ce we visited was Ha-rim''s house.


    Her house waspletely deste.


    There were hardly any signs of life.


    When living with a family, inevitably there was rubbish rolling around, but there was no trace of it except in her room.


    Ha-rim looked at me.


    She seemed ufortable even though it was her own house...


    Well, this ce is a concept like a parallel world, so strictly speaking, it is not Ha-rim''s house.


    If you feel out of ce even though it''s your own home, you might feel worse.


    I decided to ask her what I was curious about as she was quietly packing her luggage.


    "Why did you create a club?"


    "W-what?"


    Ha-rim looked flustered as if she had been caught off guard, then answered by averting her eyes upwards and to the right.


    "Hmm... I like scary things. Should I say it''s thrilling... Even in horror movies, I like to stay in the edge of my seat until the end. If I go to a supernatural spot, I can get that feeling indirectly. Of course, I hate being chased."


    It was evident that she was clearly hiding something.


    But it wasn''t a total lie, considering how specific she was.


    I totally agree with her about liking scary things.


    Fear stimtes.


    Fear bes stimtion, and stimtion transforms into fun.


    I also enjoyed this stimtion while ying the game.


    Ha-rim and I have amon ground.


    It''s nice to meet an understanding person.


    But that''s that. This is different.


    What Ha-rim hides.


    ...I was somewhat disappointed.


    <em>''Why doesn''t she tell me?''</em>


    I thought so.


    However, I soon realized the difort.


    <em>''Oh...''</em>


    What was I thinking? To her, I''m just a monster.


    I''m not particrly friendly.


    What am I upset about!


    It seems like she doesn''t want to talk about it, but there was a need to interrogate her.


    "Is that really all there is to it?"


    It was obvious that she was hiding something, so I acted mischievously.


    She avoided my eyes and acted indifferently.


    ...I couldn''t force her to talk, so I just stared at her.


    "..."


    Ha-rim must have mistaken my reaction for anger.


    She said as if she was really sorry.


    "Sorry! It''s something I don''t want to tell... Are you mad?"


    You confessed that you were hiding something so openly.


    You''re also very na?ve.


    The reason I want to hear her secret isn''t just to solve my curiosity.


    The four children are the starting point of the game.


    Is Ha-rim, who is considered the leader among them, really nothing in this game?


    The characteristics of Ha-rim are simr to the action of yers.


    Like rummaging around the map and looking for items.


    And the mental strength that isn''t like a child also ys a part.


    At first, I thought she was influenced by the role of a yable character.


    However, since the Devil had a direct influence on us, I thought of something else.


    Did you know?


    If the club hadn''t been created in the first ce, the children wouldn''t even havee here.


    Can I be sure that the Devil did not interfere in the creation of the club?


    I know. It''s an unfounded suspicion.


    However, if Ha-rim hides the reason why she created the club, there is no choice but to raise suspicion.


    Ha-rim.


    Is your extraordinary behavior just innate?


    Have you ever been manipted by the Devil?


    I wanted to ask that.


    However, it was painful to dig into it because she was also a victim, so I stopped questioning her further.


    "...E?"


    Ah. The conversation has been cut off.


    "I''m not angry. I was just thinking for a moment... Why are you taking that with you?"


    In Ha-rim''s luggage, there were carrots, potatoes, and a cooking pot in her hand.


    "I was thinking of changing the convenience store food a bit..."


    An elementary school student who says she knows how to cook? Nevermind, it could be a hobby.


    Considering that it is not good to be too suspicious, I stopped without further questioning Ha-rim.


    "Even E shouldn''t eat only sweet things."


    What do you see me as?


    I smiled and said confidently.


    <em>''Okay.''</em>


    "No."


    ...


    After returning to school, the children who had some private time looked quite neat.


    Their clothes were new and they looked quite good.


    Thank god.


    Sometimes it''s good to change your mood.


    A person is not a character, so I have to let them relieve some stress from time to time.


    And now, they are gathered in the club room.


    It looks like it''s time to eat.


    I naturally appeared to eat before I knew it and slowly got out of the mirror.


    The children greeted me.


    Bubbling.


    Water is boiling in arge pot.


    Ha-rim brought it and poured convenience store soup powder into it.


    After simmering for a while, sliced vegetables were added and seasoning was used to adjust the taste.


    "Wow, Ha-rim. do you know how to cook?"


    "I just added a little seasoning."


    A savory smell filled the room.


    Ha-rim poured the soup into a bowl she brought from home.


    She then handed me the soup and said.


    "Isn''t E used to soup?"


    "...Yes."


    It was the setting that I was a Western ghost.


    I''ve almost forgotten about it these days.


    Even when I was in my original body, I ate ramen and didn''t bother to buy soup, but I''m curious about the taste.


    Shall I take a bite?


    I take a spoonful of soup and put it in my mouth. Tasty.


    Quite delicious.


    Nheless, I thought itcked sweetness.


    I nced at the children slightly and gently unwrapped the chocte on my bowl.


    However, I was caught by Ha-rim and Suho.


    "No!"


    "E, what are you doing?!"


    "No, wait."


    Poof!


    "This is confiscated!"


    The kids freaked out and took the chocte away from me.


    ...For no reason!


    I was promised to get it back, so I ate the soup in silence.


    Everyone seemed rxed after eating the warm soup.


    Even in this world hostile to humans, it was strange to be able to create such an atmosphere.


    ...If possible, let''s enjoy it a little more.


    "Could youe over here for a while?"


    The kids heard me and gathered around the window.


    I opened it and tossed a ball I had brought from the ssroom with all my might.


    It''s probably about time.


    A ball that flies with the sound of cutting air.


    At some point, I heard a bang!


    "What did you do?"


    As if saying to watch, I slightly raised the corner of my mouth and pointed to where the ballnded.


    There, colorful light sources were dancing.


    "Wow!"


    That is where a certain monster appear.


    A monster of photosensitivity.


    As a monster born out of fear of light sources, when it finds prey, it emits light and rushes at it.


    It''s a frightening sight, with evil lights looking for food to devour, but it bes a beautiful festival of lights when viewed from outside.


    Fear is nothing more than a stimulus.


    And stimtion bes fun.


    Like those beautiful monsters that stimte our sensibilities.


    The children gathered together and admired the lights.


    I am also included.


    I feel satisfied.


    "...How is it?"


    I asked them.


    "It''s so cool!"


    Eun-jeong answered.


    It''s different from just being afraid of monsters.


    I smiled and continued to watch them and the light monster.


    The kids absentmindedly forgot that this world was not friendly to humans, and just engraved this sight into their brains.


    I hope they take as many memories as the numbers of scars from this world.


    Please.


    After ying a game called poker that the children told me about, it was time to go to sleep.


    I put an item called a dream catcher by their bedside.


    It has a shape reminiscent of a badminton pole with feather-like decorations


    The dream catcher is an item that allows you to counteract the monster of nightmares. I got it this time because I don''t know how the Devil will attack.


    The probability of encountering this monster is slim, but I judged that it would be better to be careful, so I obtained it.


    This time, I managed to get rid of Eun-jeong, who wanted to sleep hugging me, and looked at Ha-rim, who was sleeping next to me.


    I don''t know what she''s hiding.


    Still, I know that she''s a good kid.


    I hope it''s a trivial thing being intentionally hidden.


    "...?"


    Something is weird.


    Ha-rim''s expression is not good.


    I shook her.


    She doesn''t wake up.


    The body doesn''t react.


    Is it a monster who invaded through a dream?


    It can''t be that the dream catcher isn''t working!


    I checked it.


    It was broken at some point.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    Rattle rattle.


    When I came to my senses, I was in a train.


    Besides, I realized that I was waiting for my turn among the lines of people before I knew it.


    Despite my hazy mind, I checked the other people''s faces to figure out the situation.


    Then I noticed that this ce was in a dream.


    This was because the faces of things that were thought to be people were crudely drawn with crayons.


    A piece of meat that just breathes.


    I, who was astonished at this fact, immediately froze at the announcement I heard.


    <strong>[This station is to make sashimi~ Make sashimi.]</strong>


    Make sashimi?


    I looked around to see if I was going to cut fish, but there was no fish, only several monkeys who appeared with sharp knives.


    Something pretending to be a human at the front of the line was dismembered alive.


    The fishy smell of blood, wriggling pieces of meat, and contracting muscles.


    Urgh. Although I felt like vomiting because of the cruelty.


    I barely withstood it.


    <strong>[The following is minced meat~ Minced meat.]</strong>


    The monkeys moved on next, picked up hammers, and then hammered their opponents.


    Despite the considerable distance, bone fragments and blood were spreading.


    I noticed roughly how things were going.


    That this was not an ordinary dream, but an attack by a monster.


    And if they get to me, things will end badly!


    I think there was a simr ghost story, but I can''t remember it well, so I firstly have to get away.


    My body doesn''t move.


    "Move...!"


    [Survival]


    The ne glows and I can move my body.


    When I escaped the front line, the monkeys were startled and dropped the hammers.


    However, theyughed as if they were indignant, then grabbed the knife and hammer and ran at me.


    While running away without getting caught because our speeds were simr, I felt a chill in the back of my head and slightly bowed.


    The ded part of a spear passes trough the ce my head was.


    A monkey with a long spear! The other monkeys ridiculed him for not being able to hit me.


    The angry monkey stabbed the spear even even harder.


    Swish! Swoosh!


    "Woah!"


    I, who avoided all of the attacks, thought.


    Where is this train going?


    I tried to look out the window, but there wasn''t one.


    As if the ce was airtight, only passenger seats and doors were present, while the hallway decorations were repeated.


    <strong>[Passengers, please line up.]</strong>


    Thunk!


    "Urgh!"


    Now monkeys even throw daggers.


    I was able to dodge without the aid of the ne.


    The attacking monkeys and me who avoids. It seemed that this situation would continue, but this train also had an end.


    I was surrounded by monkeys. Is it my end? I closed my eyes tightly.


    <strong>[This station is about dismantling a detestable kid...]</strong>


    Crank crank.


    "?"


    The words of the broadcast did not follow.


    I thought I could hear a faint sound of distress, but soon only silence was broadcasted.


    The monkeys were confused.


    At this moment, I was also confused and didn''t know what to do.


    A curtain appeared and wrapped around me.


    When I opened my eyes, I was in the driver''s cab of the train.


    It seemed that I had escaped from the monkeys.


    Survived. I survived!


    ...


    But who is this person in front of me?


    "Hello Miss Ha-rim!"


    A man greeted me happily.


    In his hand was a dead train attendant who seemed to be the driver.


    He was a man dressed as a clown, and his right arm was tattered as if he had been badly injured.


    His face was covered by a mask with a painted smile on it, making it difficult to recognize his expression.


    Who is it?


    You know my name.


    "Who are you...?"


    "Oh, you can simply call me Mister Pierrot. Where did E got a dream catcher from? I wasted time trying to bypass it! My body isn''t even in a good condition."


    "E? You know E?"


    "Ah! I know! Because she''s like us. But didn''t she tell you about me?"


    Pierrot.


    Come to think of it, isn''t it one of the powerful monsters E mentioned!


    I was surprised and took a step back.


    "There is no need to be so vignt.


    Don''t frown either!


    I like it best when children dieughing!


    Ah, these useless words...


    It''s like an impulse, so don''t worry about it."


    At hisst words, my vignce grew. Pierrot scratched his head as if he had made a mistake.


    The he pointed to the window.


    I didn''t know what he meant, right now I''m just afraid of Pierrot.


    Why am I the only one caught up in this mess?


    Alone without the others. Lonely.


    I was much more saddened by it than having this monster in front of me.


    "Really, I''m just here to say a message and show you a great view! It''s unfair."


    There were no windows in the passengerpartment.


    However, the cab had a window.


    I looked at the scenery outside.


    It came as a big shock to me.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    "Come on, take a look. And please pass this message to E. There is almost no time or way to meet in person


    . It''s a pity. Oh, here''s a mirror. There were a few left in the mansion."


    Pierrot quietly ced the note and mirror next to Ha-rim, but she was still dazed by the scenery outside the window and couldn''t pay attention to him.


    "The ce called a dream is really strange. The past and the future are connected, and it''s between both worlds. Thanks to that, I can avoid his eyes for a while..."


    Pierrot mumbled something as he sees her not listening to him. He might be angry at her ignoring attitude, but he seemed happy.


    "I hope you understand the whole story. That''s one of the things the Devil is after."


    Instead of Ha-rim who stared nkly, Pierrot knocked on the mirror.


    "I gave you a hint."


    After saying that, Pierrotpletely disappeared.

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    Knock knock.


    I hear a knock on the mirror.


    Someone is knocking on a mirror connected to me from far away.


    It is not clear who it is, but I feel it''s Ha-rim.


    But she is having a nightmare in front of me.


    It''s a situation I can''t understand.


    Right now, Ha-rim is sleeping, but it was Ha-rim who called me.


    Still, if she was calling from the other side, I decided that I should go.


    I used mirror movement to get to the mirror connected to me from far away.


    It took a considerable amount of time to travel, and the mirror was dusty.


    The destination was inside of a train.


    This must be a supernatural space derived from the famous ghost story [Monkey Dream].<sup>1</sup>


    It begins with strange beings lining up people in a dream and brutally killing them in order.


    Afterwards, the ghost story ends with the main character barely escaping from the dream, afraid of having the same dream again as he knows it would be his end.


    It is a very dangerous monster. The odds of meeting it is obviously low.


    Is Ha-rim okay?


    I got out of the mirror.


    Immediately after that, I see her. She was right next to me.


    Fortunately, she wasn''t injured.


    However, a single tear trickled down her cheek.


    The eyes are red and swollen, looking pitiful.


    ...Ha-rim is crying.


    I was greatly perplexed when I saw it.


    Because it was unimaginable for her to cry.


    When she was being chased by a monster, when she first fell into this world, when the children were agitated.


    She showed strong mental strength that was unshakable to the extent that I wondered if she was influenced by something.


    She is crying?


    I noticed that she wasn''t looking at me.


    She was just staring at the window.


    What are you looking at?


    I turned my head and looked outside.


    There was an "end".


    It may be the past, the future, or a different world, but the world lines that Ha-rim reached in the end of this game were spread out.


    Simply put, the original endings.


    Fucking dark endings.


    I saw the world line in one of them.


    Kyeong-min''s throat was cut.


    Suho was stabbed.


    Eun-jeong was suffocated by being wrapped in a spider''s web.


    However, Ha-rim survived and moved on.


    After moving forward, she stops next to some mechanism and witnesses a huge demon destroying this world and moving outside.


    The Devil, an absolute being who shouts that the end of the children are despair.


    Ha-rim who looks with dead eyes.


    In all world lines, Ha-rim always survived "alone".


    As she lost her friends one by one, the result of surviving is the birth of the Devil and the sight of precious people outside dying.


    Ha-rim of all the world lines, deprived of even a ce to return to, sits down at the same time and waits for death in a daze.


    No matter how many times I watch it, it''s a disgusting ending. The middle of my forehead crumples on it''s own.


    "Ha-rim."


    "..."


    She didn''t seem to hear.


    "Shin Ha-rim! Stop looking at it!"


    I forcibly turned her shoulders and made her look at me. Only then did she, who noticed my existence, muttered.


    "E...?"


    And then grabbed me like a crazy person and said.


    "E, E! What the hell is that? Are all the futures we will experience like that?"


    "Calm..."


    I was trying to tell her to calm down.


    But before I could say it all, Ha-rim spoke like she was vomiting words.


    "I want to believe that this is just a dreamscape. But, but! Emotions are being passed on to me. The feelings of everyone who might be me!"


    Dangerous. Her mind is shaking. The negative emotions of each Ha-rim of different world lines are flowing into her.


    If she doesn''t calm down right now, her mind will break.


    I hastily said.


    "It''s just a dream."


    She didn''t believe it.


    "Lie! It''s a lie! Kyeong-min, Eun-jeong, and Suho all die. Even if I survive alone and go out, everyone outside will die!"


    Ha-rim was relentless when it came to matters of survival. She''s the type of person who doesn''t hesitate and acts once she sees it.


    The obsession with life is on the bigger side.


    Even so, she said something that shouldn''t be said.


    "If this is the result of working hard every moment without giving up... If we are waiting for results that can never be changed... There''s no point trying to live..."


    Ha-rim is the main character of this game.


    She is truly the perfect image of human will who doesn''t give up on life even after falling into the world of monsters and losing all her friends.


    However, she was also a victim of the cosmic horror that was the appearance of the gigantic demon.


    A story that has no way to exin other than the creators deliberately wanted to trample on such a human figure.


    I pushed her hard.


    "You fool!"


    Ha-rim was startled by the louse shout and cowered.


    "It''s just a dream, Ha-rim! You shouldn''t say that!"


    "But!"


    "But what! Take a good look. Am I over there?"


    Ha-rim''s eyes widened. I wasn''t there.


    This is because I was an outsider from the game world.


    I hugged her before she could say anything.


    As my warmth was transmitted, her fear began to subside.


    "The Devil is giving you bad dreams. It''s trying to break your mind! No one has died yet. None of you! Isn''t it? Am I wrong?"


    Ha-rim replied in a trembling voice.


    "That''s right. ... Thank you for helping everyone. You helped me because you are my friend."


    "That''s right."


    She was silent, then hugged my body.


    Her mind, driven by extreme stress, tried to pour out all her emotions on me to ease the pain.


    Emotional turmoil takes on one direction.


    Sharing your feelings is one of the reasons people can live.


    I made her say anything so her spirit doesn''t break.


    Everything from the main problem and fear in her heart to the smallest things!


    Ha-rim hesitated for a moment before opening her mouth.


    "...You know, E. I''m actually very lonely. Maybe it''s ack of affection. My parents died in an ident when I was very young."


    I didn''t know the past of Ha-rim, the main character.


    This time, my emotions were fluctuating a bit.


    No, it shouldn''t be like this.


    I calmed down and listened.


    "Instead, my uncle took care of me. But my uncle was busy and said I had to do everything myself. I read books because I didn''t know anything. It was quite helpful."


    Ha-rim unraveled her own past.


    Mistakes she made because she wasn''t used to doing things on her own, things she felt sorry for, things she felt ashamed of.


    "..."


    "Since the day I made a friend. Kyeong-min, Eun-jeong, Suho... I never felt lonely when I was with them."


    Her voice trembles once more.


    "But when I get home, I''m alone. Always alone! That was so painful."


    I asked her.


    "Didn''t you tell the kids? It would have made you feel better if you had exined the situation and talked to them."


    She hugged me tighter and answered.


    "My uncle said it wasn''t a smart idea to talk about not having parents. And I read a verse in a book."


    "If you share negative emotions with your friends, they will suffer just as much. It even said my friends might leave! In that case, it would be better not to tell... I thought so."


    She revealed her secret.


    Her voice became lighter.


    "..."


    "E. You asked why I created a club? This is why. In a scary ce, tension arises, so it isn''t lonely. Besides, if I make a club, I can y with my friends after school! I''ve found justification."


    Because she values her friends so much, she doesn''t share her negative feelings.


    Sharing the heavy topic of not having parents with friends was a problem that could cause difort between them.


    Just as a trivial thing can make you a friend, a trivial thing can distance you from a friend.


    Ha-rim found out about it at a very young age.


    She poured out her emotions.


    Even so, I couldn''t leave her alone because she still looked dangerous.


    "...I''m sorry E! Sorry for telling you everything! E is also a dear friend! I told you an embarrassing story."


    I pushed the self-ming Ha-rim away a little and looked at her face.


    "You can tell me."


    "...Why?"


    "Because I am the same."


    She seemed to realize a lot from my answer.


    I don''t know what she was thinking.


    In what way was it conveyed?


    I was just being honest.


    I also lost my parents in an ident.


    Even if it was the parents who didn''t love me, I can''t exin the loneliness of not having anyone anymore.


    Maybe Ha-rim and I are of the same kind.


    I was a little happy about that.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    Hearing E''s words, I started thinking.


    E is a ghost twisted by being abused.


    It was clear that she had more scars than myself.


    She wouldn''t have been able to tell anyone about her hidden scars.


    Same as myself.


    Then... Can I tell you?


    If we have big wounds, can we have a rtionship where we heal each other?


    An existence I can share my negative thoughts to my heart''s content.


    A secret friend who can always jump out of a mirror and talk to.


    I looked into E''s eyes to seek tacit agreement.


    It''s a warm stare that looks at the same kind.


    There is no sign of difort to be found.


    You must be thinking the same as me.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    E did not know how Ha-rim understood her.


    Ha-rim did not know who was inside E.


    But their gears meshed and turned.


    The dream was slowly crumbling because it was no longer a nightmare.


    Ha-rim, realizing that this dream was over, whispered to E.


    "E. I have a favor."


    "Tell me anything."


    "I don''t think those worlds are just dreams."


    "..."


    "But if the things I saw are going to happen in the future, I want E to change them. To an adventure to get through the frightening things we are about to experience."


    When Ha-rim''s crying face became serious with the will to move on, E smiled a little.


    As if dering, E said "yes."


    And as a result, E and Ha-rim became close friends to the extent that they would not lose to anyone.


    E enjoyed it.


    <strong>And it was the same with another person sleeping in her body.</strong>


    Ha-rim woke up from her dream and opened her eyes.


    It''s still night.


    At the bedside, E was looking at her.


    E asked.


    "Was it a nightmare?"


    Ha-rim replied vigorously.


    "No!"

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    It was the very next day after the monkey dreammotion.


    While being caught and hugged by Eun-jeong, who became spoiled.


    Ha-rim handed over a piece of paper.


    When I asked what this was, Ha-rim said that it was a note that Mr. Pierrot asked to give it to me.


    Chapter 4 boss [Pierrot].


    The strongest of the bosses.


    If him, who we should be vignt the most, aimed at Ha-rim, she would have died without being able to fight back.


    However, he did not touch her and handed over a note. He kindly even left a mirror so that I could get to her.


    I checkedter and found out that the mirror was the one in my mansion.


    ...For what purpose?


    Killing the children doesn''t seem to be his goal.


    Just like Mary, this guy acts on his own, so it''s hard to guess.


    Is Ms. Spider, the boss of chapter 3, also doing something simr?


    Whatever it is, there must be a clue written on it.


    I opened the note away from the children and read it.


    [Hello! Ms. E.


    I''m really amazed at what you''ve done!


    It''s not enough that you, the weakest between us, got out of the frame faster than Mary.


    Even defending the children by suppressing the urge to kill!


    I can''t contain my admiration!


    Protecting them seems to be quite a nuisance for the Devil!


    But don''t get carried away with the results.


    If you be the number one target, nothing good will happen.


    You can tell by looking at Arachne, right?


    And it seems that you met Mary, but she is too ignorant.


    That''s because she''s the second weakest between us.


    The first is of course you! Hahahaha!


    You know it''s a joke, right?


    Anyway, the ignorant Mary might get in your way...


    Then... Well, I''m sure Ms. E knows better.


    The business ends here!


    If I get any information, I will share it.


    May you be safe until then!]<strong></strong>


    That''s the content of the note.


    I got some unexpected information.


    When I organized the contents that caught my eyes, it looks like Pierrot is not hostile towards the kids.


    In addition, he expressed his intention to cooperate in defeating the Devil.


    Arachne... Maybe he means Ms. Spider... What happened to her?


    Ick information, so let''s put it aside.


    Next, Mary and Pierrot speaks to me in a very friendly tone.


    Looking at thest note and this one, it seems that the bosses know each other.


    It can be said that there is no reason to be hostile right now.


    Can I consider it as having a strong ally?


    It''s hard to imagine it.


    "Um... It''s difficult."


    I''m full of questions, so I don''t know where to start.


    I folded the note again and stored it in my locker.


    "Sigh..."


    Pierrot''s words only increased my doubts.


    Did the pattern of asking riddles in the boss fight affect his talking habits?


    Just thinking about it makes my head hurt.


    I want to ask, "Where did you throw away the original work?!", but is there any point?


    I decided to soothe the headining of pain.


    When you have a headache, sweets are the best.


    I took out a huge piece of candy from my locker.


    I got it from the previous quiz, but it was so big that I couldn''t eat it all yet.


    I could eat it quickly if I chew it, but itsts longer if I just lick it.


    If it''s stored back after licking it, isn''t it dirty because it''s full of saliva?


    It''s noisy, readers in my head.


    My saliva is not dirty!


    My head feels a little better when I lick the candy.


    Still, the stuffiness remains the same.


    It would be nice if there was someone I could just ask coolly.


    ...It was when I was thinking that.


    Tiririring!


    "?!"


    A phone call from somewhere.


    I don''t remember having a phone close to me.


    I looked around.


    And there was a phone that grew like a nt next to me.


    <em>''Is it an attack by a monster?''</em>


    However, there is no monster capable of summoning the phone itself without going through the medium of a phone.


    Except for one person.


    Mary, the phone monster!


    I kept staring at the ringing phone.


    She would definitely be in touch, so she told me to pick it up then.


    It is not intended to attack me.


    Still, Mary''s phone call is kind of awkward...


    I feel like a choice appears in my eyes.


    [There is a call from Mary. Talk to her?]


    [Talk to Mary.]


    [Do not talk to Mary.]


    It''s normal to have conversations like this in games.


    I shook off my embarrassment and answered the phone.


    Click.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    "It went that way!"


    Pointing to the ce covered by bushes and flower pots, Eun-jeong eximed.


    The monster, who was caught, stretched its long neck and attacked her.


    However, Suho, who was waiting behind her, strikes it with his shield.


    Confused by the unexpected attack, it tries to run away in a hurry, but its body is tied to a chain rising from the ground.


    It is the effect of Kyeong-min''s artifact, [Book Of Restraint].


    While observing the captured monster, Kyeong-min opened his notebook and checked something about it.


    "Hmm... It seems to be a youkai called Rokurokubi... It appears to be closer to the living side."


    Hearing that, Ha-rim rummages through her bag.


    "Then this would be good."


    What she took out was an item in the form of a syringe obtained from a nurse monster in a hospital.


    It had the effect of exorcising small and weak monsters.


    She gets closer and sticks it into the youkai.


    It struggles as it suffers, but the children sprinkled purifying salt as if it wasn''t over yet.


    Finally, Suho hit hard with his shield, and the monster waspletely eradicated.


    "Did we do it?"


    p p p.


    I apuded and praised them when I saw what they did.


    Children who have be full-fledged exorcists.


    The nape of my neck is getting chills for no reason.


    I told Ha-rim, who put the fallen item in her bag, that we should go back soon.


    Upon hearing that, the kids smiled like workers who had just finished their job.


    The daily life of farming items.


    Mary might be around here, so we walked carefully.


    The children have grown up and the supply of items is going well.


    But... Something bothered me.


    Maybe it was natural.


    The original story is twisted, the Devil is after us, and the bosses move randomly.


    The only thing I can do when I don''t know how to defeat the Devil and whether it''s okay to kill the bosses is to pick up items.


    However, now I have no choice but to wait for "them" toe, so it''s frustrating.


    The thing that bothered me more than anything was the promise.


    I nced at Ha-rim.


    A promise to make an adventure to navigate through a hopeless future.


    It''s a promise I might not be able to keep.


    If I was like before, I would have resigned myself and felt sorry.


    But now I can''t afford to give up.


    It''s because in this short time, the option itself to go to a hopeless future has disappeared because of the children.


    In a corner of my mind, I kept saying to myself that I had to do something.


    It seems that Pierrot is fighting the Devil directly... Does he even know how to fight it?


    Acting passively is not the answer.


    I also have a variable... A big variable that will change the flow...


    Noticing my serious expression, the kids stare at me.


    And they whispered something among themselves.


    <em>She looks to be in a bad mood.</em> It seems like they are trying to find a way to solve that.


    Then theye to a conclusion. Suho approaches me. Then he turned around and leaned.


    "...?"


    "Get on my back, E."


    So suddenly?


    When I looked at him with a questionable face, he gave a thumbs up.


    "My little sister likes when I do this."


    No matter how small I am, my height is taller than that of normal girls, I am as tall as Kyeong-min, who is a boy.


    I didn''t think I''d be treated like a younger sister... But since I''ve never been carried by anyone, my curiosity was piqued.


    Without saying a word, I leaned on Suho''s back.


    "..."


    "Are you feeling better?"


    Oh oh...


    What is this stability? It''s warm and makes you feel rxed.


    I pressed my body a little closer and whispered in his ear to thank him.


    "Yes. Thank you, Suho."


    "Uh... Um... I see."


    <em>''Somehow, it feels different from my sister...''</em><sup>1</sup><em></em>


    Suho''s cheeks look slightly red. Am I heavy?


    When I asked, he shook his head saying no. It''s not me, so it''s fine.


    But it''s dangerous outside, so it''s not okay if Suho, the shield, and I, the protector, are like this.


    I slipped down and looked around.


    There is nothing dangerous.


    I think I can be at ease.


    After the reconnaissance, Kyeong-min caught my eye.


    Because he was still looking at his notebook.


    A notebook that he has been constantly writing down both outside before and here now.


    Curious, I asked him if he could show me his notebook.


    He happily handed me it.


    There were many sparsely worn pages.


    It looks like it was written with great effort.


    The information written in the notebook is about a toilet ghost, a rabbit monster, a frog monster... The monsters we saw before and those that Kyeong-min himself had searched.


    And there were an article about me too.


    At the time, most of thements were that I was scary, and it was only written that I moved between mirrors.


    And on one side, the word "pretty" is written in small letters.


    Kyeong-min seems to have forgotten that he wrote it.


    He was startled.


    I slightly raised my eyebrows and teased.


    "Am I pretty?"


    "That''s!"


    "Hm? What''s pretty? Can you tell me?"


    When Iughed at him, Kyeong-min scratched his head and said,


    "I... I think your eyes are pretty..."


    I was speechless.


    Because I didn''t know what to say to be honest.


    ...It''s embarrassing.


    The girls are reacting the same way.


    The atmosphere became strange, so I cleared my throat and looked at the notebook.


    I took a quick look, I already know everything... No, wait.


    Among the many ghost stories, I saw an unfamiliar name on a rtively clean page.


    [Smiley Face].<sup>2</sup>


    What is this? Is this a joke too?


    I''ve never heard of anything like this.


    "What is this Smiley Face?"


    I asked Kyeong-min.


    Then, he raised his sses and answered.


    "Ah, that''s a ghost story that spread recently before wended here. It''s a monster that appears in video chatting."


    I had never heard of such a ghost story.


    It''s not even a monster that appears in this game.


    "..."


    My senses are telling me.


    This is a clue that will affect the huge flow.


    I asked Kyeong-min to tell me more about the story.


    To sum up his exnation, Smiley Face is a monster that appears on video chatting sites.


    It has the shape of a person, but it is said that the eyes and mouth are torn like a smiley emoticon.


    While video chatting, the other person''s screen suddenly reflects a strange world and a smiling man appears saying "Tada".


    It is said that after the appearance of Smiley Face, no matter who were in the video chat, he would tear out their eyes and mouths and suddenly disappear.


    Is this a recent urban legend...


    There were a lot of ghost stories like this. There is also names thates to mind right away.


    But [Smiley Face] itself ispletely new to me.


    When I looked into what was a monster before, a monster was an abstract being that only has a form limited to this world... But can such beings exist outside?


    ...A great idea came to mind.


    <em>''If there are monsters out there, how will the fear of seeing them affect the world?''</em>


    First, let''s take Jangsanbeom as an example and hypothesize that there are monsters outside as well.


    [Hypothesis 1]


    If the Jangsanbeom really exists, the fear caused by the rumors spread by those who witnessed it would be materialized in this world.


    In other words, the original version of the Jangsanbeom monster we defeated exists outside.


    [Hypothesis 2]


    The Jangsanbeom we defeated in this world is the culprit in the ghost story. For some reason, it came over to this world


    In the case of [Hypothesis 2], the other monsters we defeated were also ying outside.


    I came to this conclusion before, but it was dismissed because monsters that are close to non-monster phenomena are not well exined.


    What remains is [Hypothesis 1].


    The hypothesis that there is an "original" for the monsters we defeated.


    It doesn''t make sense realistically. I can''t believe that such monsters exist!


    However, right now, my body is also of a monster, so it was not unbelievable.


    What if Smiley Face really existed?


    "Kyeong-min, does Smiley Face''s attack only target one person?"


    "Huh? Hmm... No, I heard that it appears even during a video chat with up to four people."


    I see, that means...


    "There''s something we need to do."


    "What?"


    "I''ll find the Smiley Face."


    As soon as we returned to school, we used theputer in theputer room.


    "This is a mouse."


    Kyeong-min, this kid...!


    I wonder if I will live in sorrow like the ghosts of the old days by treating me like an old person.


    Should I change my clothes or something?


    ...Can I change it?


    I roughly listened to Kyeong-min on how to use aputer and tried to ess the Inte.


    The inte was working, just like the electricity in the school.


    However, no matter which site I went to, only broken text and images were visible.


    If I write something in amunity and try to upload it, the upload button itself can''t be pressed.


    Even when I run a game, it gets bizarrely distorted.


    "Hmm... Is it some kind of filter?"


    "It''s too early to conclude."


    Thanks to that, we can''tmunicate with other people or even check information from the outside.


    It was to the point where I wondered if there really was such a thing as "outside".


    The feeling that something is intentionally blocking it.


    I was fully aware that it was impossible tomunicate with the outside world through normal routes.


    But what if we borrowed the power of Smiley Face?


    ording to Kyeong-min''s exnation, the world reflected on the screen where Smiley Face appears is always different.


    An ordinary beach. A family home. Or a world of bizarrendscapes.


    He stays there, disappears from its own screen, and at the same time appears on the victim''s screen and try attacking them.


    What''s interesting in this is that thendscapes Smiley Face appears isn''t somewhere were you can connect to the inte.


    However, Smiley Face calmly chats with other people?


    I can''t help but imagine that it''s his ability at work.


    If I can find the chatroom he is...


    "Kyeong-min, how do I meet Smiley Face?"


    "I heard it only appears in random matching."


    Should I just leave it to chance?


    It is possible to ess the site, so I connect and try video chatting.


    Matching sess.


    However, the screen does not appear and the chat doesn''te up.


    It''s a failure.


    Random matching again.


    Failed again.


    "Do you want to continue?"


    "Yes."


    Kyeong-min continues to try random matching as I tell him to.


    It doesn''t work.


    "...Ha-rim, take out all the loot you got the other day."


    She made a surprised expression at my words.


    The loot I mentioned are from the [Luck] series.


    Most of them are disposable, so once you use them, you can''t use it again.


    She seemed to ask if she could use here all the items we had worked hard for.


    I answered with a serious expression.


    Seeing my serious face, Ha-rim''s expression became serious as well.


    She took out the items from the bag.


    [Raffle Ticket], [Talisman Against Evil], [Cat Doll], [Pig''s Head].<sup>3</sup>


    I ced them in a circle around theputer.


    It looked like a ritual was going on.


    Tension began to rise in the air.


    The other kids began to realize that this isn''t something light to do out of curiosity.


    Ha-rim, who has a luck artifact, sat down and grabbed the mouse instead of Kyeong-min.


    Click click click.


    No sess yet.


    The items didn''t activate in the first ce.


    ...Are the items in this world unable to affect the outside?


    Otherwise, Smiley Face is fake.


    Because it''s going on under the assumption that Smiley Face exists in the first ce.


    My face looked bad. Ha-rim soothingly said.


    "I''m not sure exactly what E is trying to do, but it''s very important, right?""


    I nodded.


    "Yes, it is very important."


    She smiled and led my hand towards the mouse.


    "Then let''s not give up. I will try again and again."


    I looked at her face. Once again, the promise of that timees to mind.


    A promise to turn the scary things they will experience into an adventure.


    A heavy responsibility to change the flow, atmosphere, and theme of this game.


    It''s impossible.


    There''s nothing I can do.


    How can I change the world that was originally like this?


    It was aw that adults had to give up and ept when things were impossible.


    I mean, still.


    It''s possible to work in groups.


    Even if it bes meaningless.


    I thought so.


    I clicked and continued using the mouse.


    <strong>Click click click click!</strong>


    Keep pressing the random matching button without stopping.


    The speed and intensity of the clicks increased.


    I thought the mouse might get broken.


    Everyone looked at me like a person who had a heartache because things didn''t go right.


    Like a child against a herd.


    It''s as if I was forcibly grabbing something that doesn''t work and twisting it.


    I was behaving unpredictably.


    Then, a strange power enveloped the surroundings.


    Uoong-


    The items started to react.


    Items that only vibrated a little now rattle and show off their power!


    Ha-rim realized that his ne also reacted.


    Crackle... Uoong!


    The ne and the items emitted light at the same time.


    Bright, too bright! Desks, doors, curtains shakes!


    Everything shakes.


    And the wind blew towards theputer!


    "Woah?!"


    "There''s a lot of lighting out!"


    "This is a ssroom, where''s the winding from?"


    Unusual things are happening.


    The light gets brighter and brighter.


    As my vision waspletely obscured by light, I felt a strange power within me.


    ...The light fades.


    We looked at the monitor


    4 screens were randomly matched.


    In the first and second screens, a man in a prison uniform and a man in a special forces uniform were paired respectively.


    On the third screen, it was us.


    At the 4th, there was a monster with torn eyes and mouth like a smiley emoticon.


    We seded.


    What made me smile in particr is the background of the first and second screens.


    Even if they try hiding it, it doesn''t look like a house background. Aboratory?


    Is it an istion room?


    "What the hell is that girl?"


    "Unexpected circumstances have urred... Bzzz... I understand. Prisoner number twenty-one


    . Stand by."


    A man who receives a call from somewhere and orders to wait. The man in the prison uniform pointed somewhere and said.


    "Fuck it if it''s an unpredictable situation! I''m going to be like that bastard!"


    "Shut up twenty-one."


    It''s the same outfit as "them" that I saw in the game.


    It was so clich¨¦ that I couldn''t believe it, but it''s such a setting!


    I obviously only wanted tomunicate with the outside world.


    It would have been great if I could have contacted them, but I didn''t even try because it was such a slim possibility.


    But I never thought this would be the result!


    I opened my mouth to the confused people.


    "Hello everyone!"<sup>4</sup>


    I see my reflection in the screen.


    Laughing evilly.


    "I want to request a rescue, can you call the person in charge?"


    They only show up at the very end.


    They died without knowing why.


    The mysterious machines they left behind.


    What I need to do change all of that is this.


    Invite them to this Wondend.


    Faster than the original!

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    A secret organization that protects humanity.


    Anyone interested in urban fantasy must have heard of it at least once.


    They are arge group that secures, contains, and protects humanity from anomalous objects and phenomena that people dismiss as urban legends.


    In the beginning, it was limited to catching and imprisoning unidentified creatures, but as the scale gradually grew, it became as a group that protects mankind by diverting it from the danger of destruction.


    In creative works, of course.


    The people in front of me may not be exactly the same as the secret institution in the creation I thought, but given that they have enough technology to enter this world, the level is expected to be simr.


    Above all, it is evident that the concept was adopted.


    ...The developer was quitezy.


    Now it looks that the scenario has grown too much for this small horror game.


    It feels like the genre has changed.


    ...I won''t have to be chased by these guyster, will I?


    "Who are you?"


    Dressed in special forces... I''ll just call you agent.


    Anyway, one of the agents got the order via tel and asked me a question.


    Come to think of it, it''s the first time I''ve had a conversation with an adult since I became this body.


    If it was normal, I would have respected him in a businesslike manner, but it is somehow awkward.


    E seemed to be the type who didn''t show respect except when teasing.


    "A person who lives in a mirror. Now we are talking from a parallel world."


    "...Which parallel world?"


    "I don''t know if it will be helpful, but we will give you the address. Kyeong-min, can you give it to them?"


    He was suddenly called. However, he spoke calmly, as if giving the address to the police.


    "We aremunicating from XX Elementary School in XX city, XX street. I''m Lee Kyeong-min, and the kids I''m with are Shin Ha-rim, Kim Eun-jeong and Yoo Suho. We are now trapped in a world full of monsters. Please help!"


    The more he speaks, the more he shows his emotions. He seems to be moved to tears because he found adults to rely on.


    No matter how much I protect them, there is no substitute for an adult.


    I felt a little bitter.


    It was the moment I opened my mouth to pass on more information.


    In one of the two screens, the prisoner''s mouth was ripped open and he died.


    The children flinched at the grotesque appearance and backed away, surprise that this happened.


    "Fuck! That bastard is dead!"


    "Shut up if you don''t want to die right now, prisoner."


    [Ooh? Who are you? Are you ignoring me?]


    It''s Smiley Face. As much he''s someone I never heard of, I wasn''t letting my guard down.


    Having special abilities... Can it be considered a monster too?


    It''s a being with apletely different concept from the "monsters" here, so it''s hard to define it.


    "Can you wait a bit while we talk? Wouldn''t it be nice to be generous with strangers?"


    [No, You have seeds that look delicious.]


    It seems difficult to have a conversation thanks to his interruption.


    Smiley Face''s head distorts like a program error.


    I had a feeling something wasing.


    A sharp aura was felt through the screen. Is it a curse? No, that''s wrong.


    It''s kind of like how I can use physical force outside the mirror.


    I drew my knife and offsetted it.


    Snap-!


    [How did you do it? How?]


    Smiley Face tilts his head from one side to another as if in doubt.


    Do you think it looks cute?


    The institution seemed quite surprised by what I have done.


    Judging from the fact that the agents lost their attention when listening to the pouring orders.


    I got yful.


    "Aren''t you busy?"


    He sees me smirking and stiffens slightly.


    Ah, it shouldn''t be like this. If I nt a bad image, I''ll look suspicious!


    I quickly changed my expression.


    Doesn''t I look like a strange person whose mind was going back and forth?


    "I confirmed all the names you told us. They are missing children. Are you protecting them?"


    I''m d you checked on the kids. At least you''ll believe me.


    "Protecting... Or cooperating. Anyway, it''s true that I''m protecting them."


    "Do you want them to be rescued?"


    "Yes. If possible, I would like them to be sent outside."


    "You... Are you a human?"


    How should I answer this?


    It would be strange to say that the mind is human...


    After hesitating to answer for a while, the eyes of the prisoner on the second screen were torn out and died.


    Quite temperamental.


    [You''re ignoring me! Again!]


    "Doesn''t he attack you?"


    "..."


    Smiley Face isn''t attacking the agents.


    Why? Are monsters aiming for the criminals because they are afraid of public power?


    ...It can''t be. When I look at him with curious eyes, Ha-rim seems to have realized something.


    "Isn''t it because of the exposed parts?"


    Come to think of it, one prisoner was wearing a sunsses and the other a mask.


    The two agents were wearing both masks and sunsses.


    Indeed!


    Ha-rim is sharp.


    But isn''t that a poor ability for a monster? I, who was on guard, rxed.


    And again my mouth itched.


    "You can''t use your ability when the face is covered, you''re a small fry!"


    [What?]


    Smiley Face''s expression twists bizarrely and the screen also glitched. But my mouth didn''t stop.


    "Did you not hear? Trash. Loser. Low ss. Ugly bald head~"


    [You. Kill.]


    He disappeared from the screen, and appeared next to me in an instant.


    This guy? He''s targeting the children, not me.


    [Kyaaaaaaaaagh!]


    I broke his arm and grabbed his neck.


    "You can''t touch the kids."


    And I smashed his neck with my hand.


    Actually, I didn''t want to kill him, but his arms and legs were longer than I thought, so I decided to use a radical method because I was afraid that the children would be harmed.


    The agents who watched the scene seemed to understand something.


    My strength became the answer to the question he had just asked.


    Crackling and distortions starts to appear in the screen.


    Since Smiley Face is dead, it seems that the ability tomunicate has also disappeared.


    I had a hunch that no matter what we did, he would attack us, so I thought it would be unreasonable to have a long conversation.


    Sorry, but that''s it.


    I decided to blurt out everything I wanted to say before themunication ended.


    "A huge demon is growing in this world. In time, it will break the world ande out to wipe everything. The Devil who could easily blow up a city. We have to do something before everyone dies. I want you to evacuate the people first! Then rescue the children. Finally defeat the Devil... Believe me."


    That''s enough.


    Suddenly themunication broke. Now it''s only showing a ck screen.


    The emotion of agitation reflected in the agents eye''s through the sunsses seemed it was well conveyed.


    I''m sorry for suddenly telling a shocking story of a giant Devil, but if I didn''t do this, you might have died after mobilizing weak reinforcements.


    "What do you mean E? The Devil is growing?"


    Kyeong-min asked with a serious expression.


    ...It was something I was already nning to say.


    From the time I decided tomunicate with the outside world.


    What they will eventually learn when they encounter the group from the institution.


    I''ve been hiding it until now, but I''ve made up my mind to greatly twist the original to prevent it.


    I will act for the change, so I can''t keep hiding it.


    After taking a deep breath, I exined the situation to the kids.


    That a huge demon is growing in this world, and that this demon is the same as the one who nned the raid.


    When all 30 days have passed, the Devil will destroy this world ande out to make a mess outside.


    I exined how I know because I myself am a resident of this world.


    I closed my eyes tightly.


    It''s because the fact that I hid things I knew from the children didn''t change.


    In other words, it''s nothing different from lying.


    <em>''They''re going to resent me.''</em>


    Unexpectedly, however, the kids did not resent me.


    They just had serious faces.


    I couldn''t stand the heavy silence and asked them.


    "Aren''t you resentful?"


    "What are you talking about, E?"


    "I kept everything a secret. You drew a hopeful future while I deceived you. I won''t get angry, it''s okay to curse at me."


    I looked at Ha-rim. Are you sure you aren''t disappointed? In the dream, I promised that I would turn the approaching danger into an adventure.


    But the news I brought only painted a hopeless story. Even if it was me, I would have been disappointed.


    Rather, seeing me like this, Ha-rim tried to appease me.


    "No. E didn''t do anything wrong."


    "Still."


    Ha-rim took my hand. Warmthes through.


    "The reason you asked adults to help us was because you wanted to save us. How could I say such bad things to you who are helping us? Isn''t that right, Kyeong-min?"


    Kyeong-min was still confused, but he opened his mouth at Harim''s call, fixing his sses again.


    "When everyone is suffering, I don''t think we should put the me on someone. Especially if it is an ident, misfortune, or disaster that no one expected."


    "...Why do you think so?"


    "Because it is more efficient to strengthen the will to ovee with the person next to you than to me someone and release your emotions. And..."


    "And?"


    "I don''t think handing over a heavy burden unterally is something you would do to someone important to you."


    The kids are more mature than me.


    It was heartwarming, but I was angry because I felt like I lost at something.


    I asked, slightly raising the corner of my mouth.


    "Kyeong-min, do you value me?"


    "Because you''re a friend, you''re precious."


    "Huh... Really?"


    "That''s right!"


    Ahaha! The funniest thing is when teasing Kyeong-min.


    As the atmosphere eased, Suho approached me with a determined expression.


    After taking a quick look at his shield, he asks me.


    "E. What should we do now?"


    "What are you so determined for? Don''t you look quite scary?"


    "I don''t know. Maybe I suddenly heard a story so big that my head couldn''t ept it. The image of a giant Devil is vague. Probably everyone is trying to not image it."


    "I see. Better than being afraid."


    "Yeah. That''s right."


    In my eyes, it seems that it''s because everyone''s courage has grown, but they don''t seem to be aware of it.


    I don''t need to say anything.


    "We have work to do. To you, here is an unrealistically strange ce. Bur for the reinforcements arriving it is no different than normal."


    "What do you mean?"


    "We have to prepare to meet the adults. That''s what I mean."


    Adultsing to Wondend to save children and defeat the Devil.


    But I don''t think things are going that easy.


    <strong>POV Switch - ???</strong>


    Report.


    Arrived at XX Elementary School in XX city at XX street where they attend.


    Their figures have not been found.


    No trace of object D-888 identified.


    Requested use of ss C World Refraction Detector from Agent James.


    Committee: Permission granted.


    ss C World Refract Detector used.


    No refractive reaction.


    Request to use Detection Cross from Agent Maria.


    Committee: Permission granted.


    Used Detection Cross.


    No demonic reaction.


    Withdrawal request.


    Committee: (After 1 hour) Request to withdraw denied.


    Branch 037 will perform the ritual "Faust".<sup>1</sup>


    After taking the risk, report the damage.


    (30 minutester)


    Consciousness awoke.


    Risk report.


    Damage: 0 deaths, 10 serious injuries, 5 minor injuries, 2ints of mental injuries.


    Loss of all spiritual energy in the branch.


    Report.


    Confirmed weak reality maniption reaction.


    Confirmed weak demonic response.


    Demon code: MP


    Committee: Trigger the wartime rm.


    Branch 037 dispatches a task force to execute SR procedures.


    Manpower organized.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    An armed group stood in front of a purple door with a moon and sun on it.


    And a man and a woman were talking in front of them.


    Unlike the fully armed man, the woman wearing a nun''s uniform only carried a pistol attached to her waist.


    The man asked the woman as if interested in it.


    "Is that a SG-21? It''s the first time I''ve seen it with my own eyes."


    The man asked out of curiosity, but the woman raised the tone of her voice a little as if she didn''t like it.


    "Not SG-21. It''s Serene Grace. Do you carelessly attach names to things that belongs to other people?"


    Despite the obvious sarcasm, the man did not blink an eye. Then he asked again.


    "...So it is a SG-21, right? <em>Agent</em> Maria."


    The woman, called Maria, had a brief snowball fight and then shook her head.


    "You... Ha. yes, that''s right. You''re always like that, Agent James. I have no intention of ignoring the institution''s orders, so let''s stop fighting."


    Only then did Agent James turn his head towards the door, seemingly satisfied.


    A door that goes through special containment procedures even on the institution''s side.


    It''s very tricky to use it, and almost impossible to enter it any other way.


    However, it was unusual for the number of troops to enter be so small.


    Although the institution seemed to becent, there was experiments in which attempts to invade other worlds with arge number of troops were frequently unsessful.


    Because the world itself rejected too many weapons and people.


    How can restrictions be ced so strongly on a dimension that is too small to even be called a world?


    Is it saying "cheating" is rejected?


    Thinking about that, James shook his head.


    Most of the things he encountered while doing his job were inexplicable, so he decided to focus on his mission, dismissing them as meaningless thoughts.


    However, this time he had a hunch that it would be a much tougher mission than usual.


    James made one final check on the 6 items that were the heart of the SR operation, and led his men towards the door.


    Thump. Thump.


    Squeak...


    A ck space opened.


    Between two worlds.


    It''s empty with nothing in it, being able to breath without feeling the air, stepping on the ground but not feeling the texture, not knowing what you''re stepping on.


    James frowned at such a strange sensation.


    "...?"


    One of the people in the group got startled. James asked him.


    "Something wrong?"


    "No. I think I saw a white rabbit... Looks like I saw it wrong."


    "It might be a supernatural effect, so members who show simr symptoms should report immediately."


    The vignce of the group rises.


    But nothing happened.


    It was difficult even for them to imagine that there was something in the space between worlds.


    As James walked through the endless darkness and took hisst step, his vision changed.


    The unfolding scenario is thendscape of the city.


    James observed the world carefully.


    The basic structure of this world itself was very simr to theirs.


    It was enough to believe that it was a parallel world.


    Nheless, there were strangely many nts and he felt an ominous energy piercing his body.


    "Agent Maria. What does this ce feels like?"


    "...It''s terrible. I can feel a strong malevolent aura towards humans. It probably won''t be strange if any phenomenon happens at all."


    <em>''Terrible.''</em>


    It wasn''t many, but it was the first time that Maria, who had been on missions with him, used such an expression.


    James listened to Maria and decided it was not good to stay outside.


    First of all, they aimed to move to arge building to prepare a base.


    James took the lead.


    <em>''Let''s get out of this narrow alley for now.''</em>


    With that thought in mind, the moment James turned the corner, he was speechless.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    We are guiding the special forces dispatched by the institution to the school.


    It was surprising that the members followed me without saying a word.


    I thought there would be whispers expressing anxiety.


    They seemed to fully trust their leader''s decisions.


    That man leading the group. A veteran for sure.


    Still, that is that and this is this.


    I can''t hide my disappointment that only a small number of people are sent even when the danger has been fully informed.


    Even though the existence of the institution I knew was far fromcency.


    Hmm...


    As I looked at him with a questioning gaze, his eyebrows slightly curved.


    He''s quick-witted.


    "Do you have something to say?"


    "There is. That... Um, what should I call you?"


    "Call me James."


    "Okay, James. You can call me E. And there''s something I want to ask you."


    "Something to ask... I can''t promise that I will answer."


    "Really? Does an unanswerable question includes the level of your troops?"


    At my question, James face looks puzzled. That shouldn''t have been a strange question.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Too few. This is ce is so full of monsters that you''ve already met some, but there''s only a few people. At least it''s wise to bring an army."


    "...I could answer, but it will be quite long. It would be prudent to talk after arriving."


    It''s good that the answer is simple. I like this guy.


    There seems to be a reason for that too.


    "Okay. When we arrive... Ah!"


    "?"


    While talking, I found Ha-rim rummaging through a bag on the floor.


    She is doing this again!


    "Shin Ha-rim! Didn''t I tell you not to blindly investigate missing bags?!"


    In this world, as time goes by, monsters be stronger and the environment changes.


    In the past, I would have allowed her to investigate freely, but not now.


    There is the luck artifact, so I don''t have to worry too much...


    "Sorry, it''s like an instinct... But if its a missing bag, I need to investigate!"


    This little girl... Retorted?!


    I hit Ha-rim on the forehead with a flick. She became sullen.


    "Stop over there, Kim Eun-jeong."


    "Uh... Um."


    "Eun-jeong, I know you like the scent of flowers, but do you want to even smell the scent of a flower with eyeballs?


    "...Hehe, surprisingly not bad."


    "I told you not to do anything dangerous. You''re trying to slip away again. The pampering has gotten worsetely. Now just cuddle and sleep by yourself when you sleep!"


    "No!"


    Leaving behind Eun-jeong, who whined like that~, I searched for the next target.


    The target was the boys. When my gaze is fixed on them, their shoulders tremble.


    These guys are bystanders.


    "Suho! Fix thecent attitude of thinking they''re safe because you''re watching! That shield is not omnipotent. Kyeong-min, you too were too absorbed in taking notes and neglected stopping the kids."


    The children who hesitates and can''t easily make excuses.


    Obviously, the rtionship has grown closer and their performance has improved, but as they be morefortable with each other, their shorings became apparent.


    When it''s not about this, each of them does well on their own.


    It''s spected that my presence ys a part in making the kids rxed.


    Give me a break. The children walked in a line with rigid postures.


    The gaze of the woman dressed as a nun became strange.


    The corner of James mouth is slightly raised.


    I don''t know what they''re thinking.


    But it doesn''t matter.


    Because now it''s all over.


    "Is this a safe ce?"


    "You''ll know when you enter."


    I quickly moved to the mirror in front of the school gate and came out again.


    Being a monster, I am physically blocked, so I have no choice but to do this.


    The kids followed me into the school.


    James also followed them without question. Then he nodded his head.


    "Indeed. When I came in, something felt different. There are no strange nts either."


    "Yes, this school has barriers that physically block the monsters."


    "Monsters?"


    "Let''s go in and I''ll tell you."


    I showed them a ce to stay.


    I guided them to a usable ssroom and informed them that there was a convenience store by the back door.


    "There is food brought by us."


    "Sometimes snacking is okay."


    "Hoo."


    James gave me a curious look.


    He also asked about the salt ced everywhere, so I introduced it as purifying salt.


    When he asked permission to collect some, I granted it.


    After doing maintenance, James asked me for a talk.


    Is it a conversation between leaders? I told the kids to rest and came back after talking to them for a while.


    In an empty ssroom, we sat in desks facing each other.


    There was me on one side, and two opposite to me.


    James and a woman dressed as a ck nun.


    "Who?"


    "I am Agent Maria. From the special forces."


    She is the person that talked the most with James, the leader.


    "Don''t care. Why didn''t you bring all the members to this ssroom and interrogate them?"


    "No need. Excuse me."


    James pulled out a recorder. It was something I had only seen in spy moves, but it was amazing to see it in person.


    "For convenience, I will call you D-888, not your first name. Do you agree?"


    "Sure."


    "Good, that makes things faster."


    When he pressed the button, it started recording without a sound.


    I made eye contact with James to talk, and realized that those eyes were now very sharp.


    I have heard that the eyes of people who work as detectives are different from those of ordinary people.


    If I had to say, it gives an impression of the eyes of a snake. It feels like my mind is being pierced.


    But if I don''t have any bad intentions, there''s no need to be nervous.


    I have to say something.


    I hold his gaze and spoke confidently.


    "But I want you to keep in mind that this is not a one-sided interrogation. E also has questions for you."


    James seemed to like my attitude.


    "Of course. And I''ll ask first, D-888. Are you a resident of this ce?"


    "Yes. So I know this ce well. I know the countermeasure against monsters. Now it''s E''s turn. Why are you so few? I''m sure I said there was a giant demon. It must be difficult with this level of manpower."


    "It''s strange."


    "Huh?"


    "We were constrained by the world when we came here. As if it shouldn''t be too easy, the amount weapons and manpower we could bring were restricted from the beginning."


    I''ve never heard of such a thing, is it the Devil? No, not even it can touch thews of the world that makes the game''s background... I see, it''s the system!


    This is a horror game. Pushing with overwhelming firepower is uneptable.


    If you think about it, it makes sense.


    The troops led by James were affected by that.


    "Um... Maybe because it is the nature of this world..."


    "What does that mean?"


    I can''t openly say that we''re in a game, so I exined in an improvised way.


    "Literally. In this world, it''s uneptable to overwhelm the monsters. At least for humans. Perhaps, if it wasn''t for E, the children and you would have been pushed into extreme situations?"


    "That''s interesting. Then the next question. You call the monsters outside <em>cryptids</em>. What exactly are they?"<sup>1</sup>


    "Abstract thoughts, and stories about strange fears are gathered to take physical form in this world. Sometimes it exists only as a phenomenon. I am one of them. Now it''s my turn. Is it possible to do it with a small group of people? <strong>Killing the Devil?</strong>"


    "..."


    I stared at him, who didn''t answer.


    Are you sure you can''t let me know? Then it gets very boring.


    To properly help them, I should at least know what their goal is.


    As long as the Devil interferes with us, we need to build partnership.


    But I was worried for nothing. Because James opened his mouth.


    "There is."


    "Wait, Agent James. Are you going to tell her everything?"


    Maria covered his mouth.


    That sounds like pretty important information.


    Well, it''s strange to say it so easily.


    Basically, it''s because I''m suspicious. On one side, I''m a monster, and on the other, I''m the one who brought them here.


    James removes Maria''s hand from his mouth.


    "You''re too extreme. What''s the problem?"


    "What''s the problem? That you''ll tell the demon all of our ns!"


    Eh? I feel like I have heard something pretty important?


    "We need help anyway. Moreover, the operation we are going to do is so simple that it''s embarrassing to even call it one. When we do it, it will be obvious what it is."


    "Still!"


    "Wait a moment."


    At my words, Maria and James simultaneously turned their heads towards me.


    Perhaps they can see the bewilderment engraved on my face.


    "Just now. Did you call me a demon? Why am I one? Do you name <em>cryptids </em>as <em>demons</em>?"


    James looked at me curiously.


    Maria had a nk expression on her face.


    As if I had said something I shouldn''t have.


    "Looking at your reaction, it seems like you really don''t know. The D-888 I said means demon number 888. The institution has already registered you as a demon."


    James took ou a machine with some analog mechanisms attached to it from his chest.


    It is a thingpletely apart from modern science, but it seemed more credible because of it.


    A small beeping sound is heard.


    "It''s a measuring instrument. The official name is different, but D-888... As soon as we met you, it reacted. It didn''t react to the monsters outside."


    I''m... A demon?


    Could this be one of the game''s hidden settings?


    Even if I''ve yed this game for a long time, I don''t know everything the creator put in it.


    The setting that E was a demon... It''s strange that only E is treated specially, so the fact that the bosses behave differently from other monsters seems to be rted to this "demon" setting.


    "...I didn''t know."


    But now, what does it matter whether I''m a monster or demon? I am no longer a human.


    "It''s also difficult to see you as aplete demon. There is demonic reaction, but it feels like one-fourth is of a demon. I wanted to ask you this, but you yourself doesn''t seems to know either."


    Maria sees my reaction and puts on aplicated expression.


    Curiosity. Shock. Questioning. Doubt. Denial. Those mixed feelings.


    James, who didn''t have Maria stopping him, exined the operation they were going to do.


    6 relics.


    They are divided into 2 types of 3 each.


    The relic in the shape of an angel ys the role of pushing back the power of demons and punishes them at the same time.


    A mechanical device that mixesputers and hands like modern art does the work of modifying reality.


    If you ce them exactly in the designed positions of a hexagonal form, you can destroy and modify this world itself so that it can be integrated into the outside world.


    When both worlds arebined, the power will be dispersed, so the demons will naturally disappear.


    It''s the surest way of defeating the giant Devil.


    It was the correct choice to call them.


    However, although the operation is simple, cing the artifact itself is not easy. That''s right...


    "You have to put it in a pretty awkward position."


    This is because the ce where you need to put it include the boss stages.


    My mansion is a free pass for now.


    It seems that Pierrot can be persuaded somehow, but will Mary, who is selfish, allow it?


    Right now, they call the boss room their "homes".


    The most difficult is Ms. Spider. Seeing the spider-monsters running rampant, it''s not normal.


    As they are hostile, we might have to fight her.


    After all, there is no easy way to do it.


    Nheless, there is one question that arises.


    Why do you believe in me and tell me this much?


    A simple task where they just need to ce an artifact. The risk of getting caught is great, but there was no need to tell me.


    There was also a way to ask me only to take them to the location.


    James noticed my question and answered it.


    "I have been working on this line of work for a long time. What I mean is that I am somewhat free of prejudice. Agent Maria trembles when ites to demons, but there are some among my acquaintances."


    Maria''s expression hardened.


    "It''s the first time I''ve heard of a demon among your acquaintances."


    "Agent Maria. You''re the only one that knows. But your affiliation is too radical."


    "..."


    "I''m- no, E is grateful. E will help with the operation."


    "Good. This meeting is over. Can I send Maria to you?"


    "...Surveince?¡±


    "There is that too."


    "Don''t care."


    It''s a small thing anyway.


    The talk just now had the feeling of a conversation, not an interrogation, so no coercive means had been used.


    James added an apology before turning off the recorder.


    "Oops, I almost forgot the most important thing. D-888, where is the Devil you speak of?"


    <strong>POV Switch - Maria</strong>


    I was organizing my thoughts in the women''s restroom.


    Mainly D-888. It was about whether the demon called E could be trusted.


    The demons I have met attacked people in bizarre ways.


    However, the demon named E, let alone a strange appearance, looks like a charming girl... Was there a child demon in the subus line?


    To put it bluntly, the monsters roaming outside looked more demonic.


    I heard that high-level demons have human form, but the demonic reaction from E is low-level... Above all, the problem was that the behavior was too human.


    Even clever demons show in their reactions.


    A selfish and evil personality.


    It''s hard to fool people''s eyes unless you''re a really old demon.


    Even I and James have often identified demons with just a few words.


    However, the way she took care of the children in detail was very human-like.


    ...No, it''s only been a day. It''s too early to be sure.


    "James... Should I thank him?"


    I was sent to guard E''s group for 2 reasons.


    First is monitoring.


    Report their behavior when in private.


    I was sent because I would be more skilled than the other members in the field of demons.


    The second is convincing.


    James seemed to think of E as a trustworthy demon.


    If it was someone else, I would think he was hypnotized and hit him in the head.


    However, knowing James eyesight is amazing, I let it go.


    Even though James knows I still didn''t trust her, he sent me, so I must confirm it myself and convince him.


    <em>''He could just order me to obey, but he has a strangely soft side.''</em>


    I left the restroom and walked to the club room. As I walked down the hallway, I was within sight of the door to the room.


    A boy wearing sses jumped out of the room and ran towards me as soon as he saw me.


    "Nun Teacher!"


    "Te... Teacher?"


    Teacher! It sounds good.


    Although I now work to exorcise demons, I used to think that when I retired, I would like to teach children.


    That''s because innocent children are cute.


    Being called a teacher by kids was on my bucket list.


    I coughed once to hide the corners of my mouth that kept rising.


    "Ahem... What happened?"


    "Can you help calm E down?"


    "!"


    The demon is a being that is "selfish". It''s not strange when it changes its attitude.


    It seems that it is an emergency now that it is not even clear why she is protecting the children.


    "Let''s go!"


    I opened the door to the club room with the boy.


    Swoosh!

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    I was hiding in a ce where no one woulde, quietly licking candy.


    If you ask me why I''m sneaking in a ce like this, I can answer simply, clearly, and humiliatingly.


    The children banned sweets.


    I could feel the eyes of the kids getting weird after they found out I added chocte to the soupst time...


    I hoped they wouldn''t forbid sweets.


    This violence was unimaginable! I can''t believe it.


    My body doesn''t get sick.


    But the children said a far-fetched story about me having diabetes and sweets not being good for my health.


    I never used the bathroom, and I have asked several times about what kind of diabetes I have, but they don''t listen at all, so it''s really embarrassing.<sup>1</sup>


    Can''t I just sneak in and eat sweets?


    Impossible.


    That''s because the children are managing sugary foods by numbering them individually.


    To be honest, it gives me goosebumps that little kids have this kind of thoroughness.


    Thanks to that, even this candy, which I cherish and I am now eating, needed considerable sacrifices to obtain it.


    <em>-E! I''ll keep it a secret from the other kids, so ept this candy and sleep with me at night~</em>

 Chapter 34

Chapter 34


    "Soft and fluffy~"


    "Eun-jeong, please just sleep."


    "Ahahaha!"

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    "Everyone, run!"


    We started running.


    It''s best to run away when we don''t know anything about it.


    It''s a look that really fits a horror game!


    "I''ve never seen a monster like that. No, it''s the first time I''ve seen abination like that."


    Is it simr to how the spider monster fused with the Buddha statue?


    ...No, it was more like parasitism than fusion.


    Could it be that monsters of the same kind could merge? No way!


    In the midst of the confusion, a strange noise came from inside James'' coat.


    Beep beep beep...


    It sounds kind of familiar.


    He took out the machine he had used on me the other day from his coat and checked it. It''s the measuring instrument. I wondered why he brought it out in this situation.


    He said in a slightly stiff voice.


    "That''s a demon."


    "What?!"


    That is a demon?


    "The machine is reacting. It''s not a perfect demon because it doesn''t have a soul, but it definitely falls into the category of one."


    Then you''re saying that is not a cryptid? Such an unexpected enemy makes my head hurt.


    "This demon... Why is it here? What does it have to do with the monsters merging?"


    James seemed to know more about demons than I did, so I started questioning him.


    "I don''t know why it''s here. Maybe it was born here."


    "A demon born here..."


    He threw out some examples for me who didn''t exactly understand.


    "If you receive a crown rightfully through a session ceremony of a country, a crown demon is born. If you try making people mistake an ordinary snake for a dragon and then perform an appropriate ritual, a dragon demon is born."


    It was possible for demons from the outside world to be born that way.


    ...Fucking world view! Only what the creators have implemented in the game wille out! That''s why the children were set-up...!


    Let''s calm down. Let''s sort it out.


    "...Does that mean its possible to create a particr demon if you establish a story and context?"


    James nodded as if I was correct.


    "It''s a theoretical idea. The details are unknown. Besides, it''s not easy to do that. My guess is that the <em>Devil </em>here is frighteningly efficient at creating demons. I don''t know what context they established, but they seem to have quite a bit of power."


    You call tell by looking at that huge body.


    Considering it was that huge, I wondered if it would be stronger than Mary.


    At least it''s not a opponent we can win against.


    <strong><em>-Sswaaaaaa.</em></strong>


    My whole body gets wet in the cold rain.


    I can''t read its expression because the head is a radio, but the fact that it got rid of the crew in charge of the firepower means that it''s quite smart.


    Perhaps there was a reason it aimed to make rain.


    <strong>Bzzz-</strong>


    "This! Ha-rim, take the white doll out of the bag!"


    <strong>[Breaking news. Arge amount of acidicponents were detected in the rain. Citizens, I hope your <em>brain melts</em>. May you make a <em>mountain of bones</em>. I hope you <em>return your soul and be a piece of meat.</em>]</strong>


    Water droplets full of acid cut through the air and viciously attacked.


    But the droplets never reached us.


    It was thanks to the doll Ha-rim took out.


    In Korea, it''s a talisman called sunny doll, and in Japan, it is called teru teru b¨­zu.<sup>1</sup>


    Because is has the power to clear the weather, it was able to block attacks that used rain.


    Kyeong-min exims.


    "Water droplets are floating in the air!"


    Literally, the acid rain was floating in the sky.


    If you look closely, you can see it moving back to the clouds.


    Even though Ha-rim used the doll, the weather wasn''tpletely clear.


    "It looks like a power struggle."


    A conflict between the power to make rain and the power the clear the weather.


    This is an item that specializes in clearing the weather. It doesn''t seem like the doll will be pushed back as much as other items.


    Since the rain does not reach the ground, the water mist is no longer created and was lifted. The demon''s figure was clearly visible.


    "...Do we have to get rid of that?"


    Eun-jeong asks me in a frightened voice. I patted her on the shoulder to soothe her.


    "We have no choice but to do it."


    <strong>[Backwards.]</strong>


    A sign suddenly emerged from the air.


    We started going backwards, in the opposite direction we were running.


    "My body moves on its own!"


    We were going to the direction of the radio demon.


    It seems to be a ploy to induce us to get closer to it.


    <strong>[Right. Left. Straight.]</strong>


    "I''ll use the cross!"


    Maria''s cross radiated light.


    Then the evil power that had been affecting us disappeared.


    That cross is close to all-purpose, but it can''t be used a lot.


    If we don''t find a way, it''s nothing more than an emergency measure.


    After the sign attack was blocked, the junk demon immediately changed the attack.


    <strong>Bzzz-</strong>


    What are you going to do again this time?


    <strong>[Ah- To Seoul- To Seoul- The train is leaving.]</strong>


    <em><strong>Paaaaaaaaang-!!</strong></em>


    A train came out from the right side of the road and attacked.


    Even to me, it would be fatal if hit.


    "Everyone, avoid!"


    The children screamed and twisted their bodies, barely getting away.


    That ability is too dangerous.


    We were in a wide area so we were able to avoid it.


    There''s no guarantee that I, James and Maria will be able to avoid it in a confined space, much less the kids.


    Radio broadcast... It''s a much more powerful ability than I thought.


    In the end, the ability was synthesized with monsters as materials, so there must be a method of eliminating it. We just need to find it.


    <strong>[We are a bunch of junk. It''s empty, so we clutter. All of us are given meaning by bing one. A father''s approval is a son''s primordial desire. Now, it seems we don''t matter.]</strong>


    My body throbs.


    Is it a curse this time?


    Sensitive to the strange power, I could sense that this was an instant death curse.


    If you get hit, all your internal organs will go out and your body will be empty.


    <strong>[First question. Does your father wants your grandfather''s approval? It''s painful.]</strong>


    "It would be nice if it attacked in moderation, and I hope the trains honk next time."


    Jingle- Jingle- As Eun-jeong shook the bell, the curse disappeared. Then, as she waved the bell in the other direction, I felt lighter.


    Since she used the speed buff, it became easier to run.


    As our movement speed increased, I thought about what to do as I felt a little more rxed.


    "Where should we go?"


    "..."


    It''s hard because it''s quite far from school. But even if we entered somewhere, we would hear the radio broadcast in a narrow ce and not be able to deal with it.


    Then Ha-rim asked me.


    "Hey. E. Didn''t you say there was an art gallery nearby?"


    "That''s right. Do you have any thoughts?"


    A protagonist who specializes in survival. If it''s Ha-rim, I think she will suggest a way to solve this.


    "I saw the gallery on a publicity poster before, and there was a picture of an art piece pasted on it. It was arge art piece in the shape of a sun and moon! I think it was exhibited in the back and front of the gallery respectively."


    Come to think of it, it seems that there was such a thing as a background object that couldn''t be interacted with in the game.


    <em><strong>Paaaaaaaaang-!!</strong></em>


    A train jumps out and cuts off the conversation.


    I was able to avoid it with a slight movement because I noticed that it was deliberately aiming at me from a blind spot.


    "The material of those two works of art are mirrors! Mirrors big enough for a train to pass through!"


    "...!!"


    <em>''Enough to pass a train?''</em>


    No way.


    "You n on using it''s own attack against itself!"


    An unexpected idea. That''s also the quality of the main character.


    However, moving between mirrors and sucking into mirrors arepletely different abilities.


    I don''t know if I canbine them in an instant.


    It is possible to move between mirrors with objects.


    Nheless, this time it was no different from creating a portal that connects between spaces.


    ...It''s worth a try.


    "It might be possible. But how are you going to lead it there?"


    It doesn''t move it''s massive body. It shows a rxed attitude as if it was only a matter of time to catch us.


    "...Maybe like this?"


    Ha-rim took out her cellphone and yed loud music.


    The sound of the radio demon was buried in the ringing so loud that hurt my ears, so I couldn''t hear the broadcast well.


    [...]


    "It''s quiet. Since sound is the medium, can we block it with noise?"


    James was amazed. So was I.


    "Last time at school, we exterminated a monster that was made of sound. If this works, maybe-"


    <strong>[...Bzzz...]</strong>


    Before Ha-rim could finish her words, it moved. The ground shakes.


    Scythe-shaped legs protruded from its gigantic body, raising itself.


    <strong>[Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]</strong>


    The demon immediately pursued us with a sharp metallic sound.


    It looks like a centipede. Even though the body wasn''t long, I couldn''t think of the appearance of running with many legs except for a centipede.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    As soon as I confirmed the sudden intrusion, I reflexively raised my strength.


    He is Pierrot. The enemy boss in thest chapter.


    A clown that has power outside the norm to the point of piercing the barrier at the school.


    Truly the most annoying enemy.


    "You seem to be very surprised by this?"


    Pierrot tilts his head.


    After he said that, I realized my mistake.


    It is not clear whether the current Pierrot is an enemy or an ally, but rather, he must be acquainted with the original E.


    Trying to fight as soon as I see him is suspicious.


    I rxed and spoke, pretending nothing was wrong.


    "It''s been a while since I heard that voice."


    "It is. I''ve been very busytely. It''s partly because I didn''t go looking for Mary. But... There are people I haven''t seen before."


    He looked at James and Maria.


    These 2 are outsiders. They are the ones who forcibly entered this world.


    I wondered if he would feel something about them, but Pierrot turned his head indifferently.


    It was as if he had no interest in the extras in a y.


    "It doesn''t matter. Hmm. You guys..."


    This time Pierrot''s gaze turned to the children.


    And I saw.


    His eyes were burning with killing intent.


    Eun-jeong and Ha-rim seemed to be sensitive to that kind of gaze, and they were frightened.


    My anger rose.


    "Clear those eyes."


    I raised my knife at Pierrot.


    He waved his long arms as if really surprised by his own behavior.


    "...Oh, excuse me. Please forgive me! It was not intentional."


    When Pierrot snapped his fingers, 4 balloons floated up.


    Then boom! It exploded and dropped various items.


    There were a lot of dolls and game consoles that children would like. Is there any candy?


    Kyeong-min was amazed.


    "Wow, this is a limited edition that is hard to find!"


    "It is a gift of apology. Sorry to scare you. There''s no need to be afraid, Miss Ha-rim."


    Pierrot is showing a surprisingly gentle reaction. I feel ufortable at it.


    "Now, E, why don''t we get away and talk for a while?"


    A conversation with Pierrot. It may be an opportunity to resolve questions that have not been answered so far.


    I nced at James and Maria.


    Maria was keeping a watchful eye on Pierrot, and James was checking the gauging machine.


    Then, feeling my gaze, James opened his mouth.


    "I think it would be good to go. And we''ll talkter, I need to look for my group."


    Is that his judgment?


    I think it would be good to have a conversation for now too. Let''s clear up all doubts so far.


    I talked to Pierrot in a ce where the kids were not in sight.


    Questions pop into my mind like a text.


    Simrly to a Tsukkur game, let''s slowly ask questions one by one as if pressing all the options.<sup>1</sup>


    <strong>[About the murderous intent.]</strong>


    "I am really sorry. I guess it just happens like that. I don''t know why, but it''s a natural <em>frame </em>to attack children, so I ended up doing it unconsciously. I have no intention of hurting kids!"


    He made it clear that he had no intention of hurting children. I think it would be good to let go of my guard now.


    Perhaps the frame means the flow in the story, but there was no reason for the bosses to target children except that they were enemies in the game.


    Mary seems to be full of thoughts of killing, but Pierrot seems to be self-aware of his senseless intent to kill and restrains it.


    It looks like that the reason for changing our location was also due to the unconscious killing intent.


    Now, next.


    <strong>[About the note.]</strong>


    "Aha! You saw what I wrote when I fell into a strange ce by an elevator monster. At that time, it was not long before I got out of the <em>frame</em>. It was around the time when I realized the existence of the half-devil and acted differently from the flow of this world. I was attacked by them and suffered great damage. This is the irreparable wound from that time."


    Pierrot showed his arm. At first nce, it looked like a serious injury.


    However, I quickly noticed something odd.


    "You are being eroded."


    Was this the meaning of the word te" written on the note?


    "asionally, I hear an unpleasant voice. Erosion is still going on. You have to do something before it''s all over."


    It sounds like you''re making a pretty double-edged statement, but I hope it''s because of my mood. If you get controlled, we would be in big trouble!


    "The curtains were helpful."


    "It is my pleasure!"


    <strong>[About Mary.]</strong>


    "Mary! She is a pure child. The attack using the phone is straightforward and bloody! However, because she is both innocent and ignorant, she is easily deceived. It seems that she is slow in realizing about the <em>frame</em>, but I am still surprised that you did it before her."


    "Did you keep in touch through Mary?"


    "It wasn''t a lot... But thanks to her power, we had a pretty easy way to talk."


    "Do you know anything more about her?"


    "She said she is looking for someone, but hmm... I don''t know who that is."


    Ok, next.


    <strong>[About Miss Spider.]</strong>


    "Arachne, you mean. All I can say is that I am sorry."


    "You''re sorry?"


    Pierrot shook his head.


    "Arachne was attacked by the half-devil. Recognizing the flow of the world, she seemed to have tried something on her own by using her power... It appeared to have bothered the half-devil. We won''t know the exact details unless we ask the person itself."


    He was truly sorry. "I should have warned you sooner", he muttered.


    So there was circumstances like that.


    Could it be the "attempt" made by Ms. Spider is rted to the spiders that tried to parasite other monsters?


    I already thought she wouldn''t be in a normal state, but it''s scary to think she was attacked by the Devil.


    Next, let''s ask what I''m most curious about.


    <strong>[About half-devil.]</strong>


    "Why are you calling them a half-devil?"


    "Because it''s shapeless."


    "Shapeless?"


    "It is exactly what it says. They never showed up while attacking."


    Pierrot continued while stroking his chin.


    "I am Pierrot. Even if I can''t solve every riddle, I still have a knack for it. It stinks! The smell of mystery! There must be a reason why they can''t show themselves or have no form."


    He suddenly raised his arms and said in an exaggerated gesture.


    "And that hint is the dream of Shin Ha-rim and the misceneous demon we just met!"


    "How are you sure?"


    "I told you! I''m Pierrot! Because I can feel it!"


    I''m speechless. But I believe him.


    The mysterious smell that he was talking about must have something to do with his ability.


    In the game, there was a pattern of giving out a quiz and dying instantly if you couldn''t get it right.


    If this pattern is linked to his ability, his intuition cannot be ignored.


    ...I think most of the important things were asked. Is there anything more?


    ...


    <strong>[About E.]</strong>


    "What I think about you? Do you have a heart for me?"


    "Shut up."


    "It''s a joke! Ha ha ha! I''ll answer honestly, so don''t be angry."


    "If you don''t want to do it, just say it!"


    Pierrot thought for a moment as if trying to recall a memory, then opened his mouth.


    "...E, you have a lot of emotional ups and downs, so there were times when you were overly angry andughed, and finally there were times when you were extremely depressed. Your mental health was literally crap! It could even be noticed by phone!"


    I''m starting to get angry even though it''s obviously not about myself. Should I kill you?


    "Ah, and you say <em>I''ll kill you</em> whenever you get a chance."


    "..."


    "Buttely you have been very different. You seem to have been cured because you made friends. Congrattions!"


    p p p.


    That''s because I''m not the real E.


    However, these words and apuse somehow fitted to "me" and "E".


    My emotions fluctuate a little. The way I was in the past...


    "..."


    "Is it important to you? Those kids."


    "It''s something you don''t need to know."


    "Oops, excuse me."


    Pierrotughed and then spoke with a serious tone. He seems to be finished with the talk.


    "...Now is the time to part ways. I''m busy keeping the half-devil in check. If they keep gathering power, they might be a stumbling block and annihte us? By all means, let''s do our best on my and your side!"


    Swoosh.


    A curtain came down from over Pierrot''s head and hid his figure.


    A voice came from behind the curtain.


    "E. You feel somehow special. Maybe it will be a sign that will lead you on the right path. Change the flow, E. If you''re going down a unknown path, you''ll need to change the arrows to guide those on the same way. Even if we are killed, we are those who cannot die, we must try even in death. And at that point..."


    It would be really beautiful.


    Swoosh! When the curtains opened, Pierrot was nowhere to be seen.


    "..."


    Anyway, the conversation with him ends here.


    Ah, I forgot to ask if I could put the artifact on his stage.


    "Well, for a guy who abandons his stage and wanders around, maybe the boss stage doesn''t matter in the first ce."


    Even if I''m wrong, I think he will easily allow it.


    After the talk finished, I went back to the kids.


    James seemed to have gathered all of his group before I knew it. In the process, many were injured, but there were no fatalities.


    You arepetent.


    We set up an artifact as nned and went back to school.


    The children fell asleep as soon as they arrived.


    All of them looked to be quite tired from fighting a strong enemy.


    I was recovering from fatigue after letting the kids rest.


    This time I consumed quite a bit of energy.


    To the extent that the materialized body outside the mirror got blurred for a moment.


    I didn''t notice it because I talking to Pierrot, but if I had left it unattended, I might have really died...


    After recovering in the mirror, I went on patrol.


    I was supposed to have a meeting with James and Maria by evening, as there was nothing to do before that.


    I checked carefully to see if there was a monster that tried to enter.


    It was then.


    Jingle jingle jingle.


    The Cheshire Cat''s bell reacted.


    "...!"


    A bell that sounds when a monster other than myself invades.


    The soldier doll didn''t respond, so it was in the club room.


    The children are all tired now, and James and Maria had their powers drained quite a bit.


    I think it would be better for me to handle it alone this time.


    <em>''What kind of monster is it?''</em>


    Another attack of the Devil? I don''t think they will attack twice in a day.


    Since the sound of the bell is low, it doesn''t seem like a powerful monster either.


    I opened the club room door.


    Creak.


    <strong>[...E?]</strong>


    Ha-rim was standing there. No, to be precise, there was a monster in the shape of Ha-rim.


    Now Ha-rim is sleeping. She can''t be here.


    <em>''A doppelganger?''</em>


    <strong>[I obviously got rid of it... Why are you alive?]</strong>


    She looked at me and muttered in disbelief.


    "What?"


    <strong>[Why did youe out of the mirror? Why did you kill Kyeong-min? Why? Why? Why?]</strong>


    "It doesn''t know how to properly speak."


    This monster is definitely a doppelganger.


    This is because in the game, a dot is present to distinguish the real one from the doppelganger.


    There was a dot on her cheek that Ha-rim didn''t have.


    And the Ha-rim I know doesn''t have such an impoverished face.


    And even such a painful expression.


    If it tried to copy Ha-rim, it wouldn''t act like that, it''s strange.


    <strong>[-Why are you making everything I''ve done meaningless!!!!]</strong>


    Before I could finish thinking about it, the fake Ha-rim attacked me.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Mary was out of her boss stage and walking down the street


    asionally, she deals with monsters parasitized by spiders.


    Unlike other monsters, the spiders keep attacking anyone.


    Mary found it annoying.


    Shaking off bodily fluids from her sharp knife, she frowned.


    "The knife is dirty. And I feel dirty too."


    If you take a walk, you can see various monsters. They are indifferent to each other, but sometimes they also talk.


    Among the bosses, Mary understand the monsters stories the best.


    The monsters were always looking for someone.


    Even if they don''t know who it is, they resemble themselves.


    That''s why she felt annoyed.


    "Who am I looking for?"


    Mary said that and cut down the spiders that kept attacking.


    She is usually absent-minded, but as the days go by, the image of an adult woman thates to mind confuses her.


    Who is that woman that keepsing to mind?


    And why does she miss her?


    Mary knew nothing. She kept thinking while walking through the city.


    It''s when she cut the spider webs that hindered her passage.


    She felt that the moonlight was obstructed by something.


    Mary looked up at the sky.


    "...?"


    The spiders were passing trough the webs between buildings and using it as a bridge, and several monsters were being kidnapped behind them.


    A clock rabbit, a clock head monster, a monster that embodies the fear of being chased by time, a monster with legs attached to a time bomb.


    Anyway, they were creatures rted to time.


    Mary listened.


    The monster of time was muttering something.


    <strong>[Time is distorted. They are trying to ovee the process and be born forcibly!]</strong>


    Naturally, Mary did not understand this.


    She just tilted her head.


    "What do you want to do, Miss Spider?"


    Questions about the other bosses to mind.


    Mary quickly came to a conclusion.


    "It has nothing to do with Mary."


    She walked, thinking again about the person she was looking for.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    I avoided the attack of the fake Ha-rim in front of me.


    She had a strange knife.


    A bundle of items assembled by attaching them together with tape and glue.


    It''s a crude thing that''spletely different from synthesizing items to be artifacts.


    However, the power of the knife was not negligible.


    Perhaps, as the performance of the items ovepped, they exerted more power than artifacts.


    <em>''It''s impossible tobine items like this in the game. Even if it''s a reality patch, a mere doppelganger came up with this idea?''</em>


    "That''s enough. There''s no way I''ll be hit by you."


    A doppelganger copies a target so perfectly that even he or she mistakes their own identity.


    If Ha-rim is perfectly copied, the skill is limited to Ha-rim''s potential.


    Of course, that includes physical abilities.


    To me, who has the power as a monster, meleebat is useless.


    <strong>[You are selfish. E, why did you kill Kyeong-min? He obviously won the game, but you didn''t keep your promise!]</strong>


    "...It''s from the original route?"


    In Chapter 1, E slits Kyeong-min''s throat.


    This is a fucking horror game.


    It is a cruel game with only despair.


    The original route is everyone dying except Ha-rim.


    Shall we check it out?


    I asked while leisurely dodging the attack of the fake Ha-rim.


    "Do you remember what happened to Eun-jeong and Suho?"


    The doppelganger''s face was filled with anger.


    Even if it''s not the real one, it''s the first time I''ve seen Ha-rim get angry.


    <strong>[Suho was stabbed to death! Eun-jeong was wrapped in a spider''s web and suffocated! You killed them all!]</strong>


    The anger in her voice stirred my heart.


    A sense of guilt came up as if I had really killed the children.


    Come to your senses, I''ve never killed anyone.


    Ha-rim kept saying while angry.


    <strong>[Therefore.]</strong>


    But soon the mood changed.


    <strong>[You will pay the price.]</strong>


    "?!"


    The doppelganger took a water bottle from her backpack and poured it on me.


    <em>''Holy water...!''</em>


    I reflexively dodged it and the holy water was scattered on the floor.


    The amount was so great that the corridor was covered in it.


    "I guess I missed it?"


    Ha-rim took out an item again without even reacting.


    What she held in her hand was a sunny doll.


    It is the same item used to block the junk demon''s acid rain attack.


    <em>''why now-?''</em>


    when the doll was activated, the holy water spilled in the hallway rose as drops.


    Because it was scattered widely in the hallway, I would be damaged by the drops wherever I went.


    Tsss.


    When drops of holy water touch my body, it starts burning.


    <em>''I have to avoid this!''</em>


    The surroundings are full of drops.


    It doesn''t matter to me who moves between mirrors.


    I never thought she would use the item in this way. It''s surprising.


    Coincidentally, there was a mirror that was just right behind the doppelganger.


    I moved to it and aimed at her back.


    However, Ha-rim turned around and swung the knife as if she had expected it.


    "Urgh?!"


    Blood flows from the knife.


    <strong>[This mirror was installed by me. E, since you use mirrors, I thought you''d aim for this.]</strong>


    "This!"


    Damage is small.


    I got out of the mirror again and swung the knife.


    Nheless, none of the attacks were sessful.


    <em>''Did you avoid it all?''</em>


    <strong>[E. You get angry easily. You seem calmer now, but because of your ingrained personality, your attacks are easy to read.]</strong>


    "Don''t make all sorts of ims about someone!"


    <strong>[Right. Left. At the body if not in pain. And now-]</strong>


    Ha-rim''s knife grazed my cheek again.


    Are you reading everything? Nonsense.


    Doppelgangers are small puppets.


    It''s an existence that only relies on the ability of the target.


    Is this really Ha-rim''s natural skills?


    Even if I try to push her by force, she reads me in advance and uses it against me.


    When she attacks, she stabs precisely and inflicts small wounds.


    It''s like... Like I''m being "hunted".


    As soon as I realized that, a chill went down my spine.


    Of course, an attack that was wielded in haste would not hit.


    If only one hit! One hit can take her down!


    "This small rat!"


    I mmed the floor strongly, shouting lines that anyone could tell were worthy of being said by a viin.


    Crack boom! And the floor shook.


    Ha-rim took shelter on the window sill as if she thought the floor would copse.


    Now it''s a cornered rat.


    "Wait right there!"


    I ran because I wanted to end it now.


    However, the doppelganger unexpectedly jumped out of the window.


    "What?!"


    An empty window.


    I just stared nkly.


    "What is that?"


    <strong>[Luck]</strong>


    At this moment, something round flew towards me from outside the window, drawing a strange trajectory.


    I twisted my body, but I had no choice but to get hit because I missed my footing.


    When I opened my eyes, I was falling.


    It''s probably the egg from the frog monster. It had the power to switch positions with the host.


    I see Ha-rim looking at me indifferently from where I was standing before.


    "You were aiming this from the beginning!"


    Why are you using it like that?!


    She opened a book in her hand and cast spells.


    An artifact like Kyeong-min''s magic notebook.


    A chain protrudes from the asphalt floor and pulls me in.


    It seems that it was judged that she would not be able to properly inflict damage even if I fell form this height.


    Are you going to speed up my fall with chains?


    "This kind of chain...!"


    <strong>[Strength. Weaken.]</strong>


    -Jingle.


    Eun-jeong''s bell.


    Due to the purification effect, my strength was slightly rxed and the chain could not be broken.


    I fell to where chains and gravity lead me.


    "Youuu!"


    The floor is getting closer.


    Boom-!!!!!


    A cloud of dust from the impact rose up.


    It''s a bigger shock than you think. I got up, staggering.


    "Cough! Cough! Urgh..."


    I could just move to a mirror... I was so surprised that I didn''t even think about it.


    When Ipletely stood up, Ha-rim was standing behind me, holding a knife.


    God damn it.


    How do I get rid of her?


    The doppelganger has a characteristic that appears close to the copied target, so even if I run away, Ha-rim will appear nearby.


    "Will you stay silent?"


    Still, I am in the top on physical ability.


    However, since I had never sessfully attacked before, I spoke in a annoyed voice without me noticing.


    <strong>[Let''s see if you still can speak even if your throat is slit.]</strong>


    Be scared. Are you really Ha-rim''s doppelganger?


    She raised a knife to my throat.


    I prepared to escape by moving to another mirror ordingly.


    nk!


    <strong>[!!!]</strong>


    A chain protruded from the floor.


    The doppelganger jumps up and dodges it.


    This is Kyeong-min''s artifact.


    There was a loud noise, so everyone would have noticed that it was an emergency.


    The dust cleared and Kyeong-min appeared from the side to support me.


    "Are you okay, E?"


    "...Kyeong-min looks great today."


    "Ahem!"


    He tried to hide his blushing face and led me to where the kids were.


    There were also the troops led by James.


    Ha-rim waved her hand at me.


    "E!"


    Wow, the real Ha-rim. You were too strong. I waspletely beaten.


    "Prepare to shoot."


    At James''mand, the troops point their guns at her.


    With this firepower, small techniques won''t work.


    With this, it''s checkmate.


    <strong>[What...? Why is everyone alive?]</strong>


    The doppelganger was confused as if she could not understand this situation.


    "...E, that''s a monster, right?"


    Suho asked me.


    He seemed ufortable because she had the same appearance as Ha-rim, except for one dot.


    Ha-rim, the person who got copied, also seemed unsure.


    "That''s right. Doppelganger. have you ever heard of it?"


    Everyone nodded. It''s a monster hard to not know.


    <strong>[Why is everyone alive? What do you mean a monster! Ah! I don''t know! I don''t know! Everyone! It''s me!]</strong>


    Suddenly, the fake Ha-rim shouted.


    Although it''s a monster, it even imitates the mindset of the target.


    An unfortunate monster who doesn''t even know it''s a fake.


    Emotions that are neither real nor fake is shown.


    <strong>[It''s me! It''s Shin Ha-rim! She''s the fake! She''s a monster called a doppelganger, and it''s really annoying monster...!]</strong>


    As the fake Ha-rim slowly approached, Eun-jeong hesitated and stepped back.


    Suho got in front of Eun-jeong to protect her.


    Shocked by the sight, fake Ha-rim appealed in a louder voice.


    <strong>[Why are you doing this, Eun-jeong? Everyone is acting weird. It''s strange to have E by your side in the first ce! She is a monster!]</strong>


    Eun-jeong spoke.


    "But E is our friend."


    <strong>[What the hell are you talking about? There''s no way a monster and a human can be friends!]</strong>


    "Don''t say harsh things to E!"


    When Eun-jeong got angry, fake Ha-rim stumbled. Eun-jeong looked guilty at that.


    <strong>[That... But... Everyone is being fooled. That girl can''t protect anyone.]</strong>


    "The reasoning is poor... Ahem! Won''t you slowly disappear? Of the two, the doppelganger is you. No one died here. And I won''t let anyone die. The kids and I are close... It''s a long rtionship."


    <strong>[I''m fake...?]</strong>


    Strain.


    Fake Ha-rim muttered as she grabbed her hair.


    <strong>[I tried... Whenever I lost someone, anyone... I tried not to let anyone die...!]</strong>


    Throwing up emotions.


    <strong>[I went forward even though I was scared. I moved on even when I was sad. As long as you are alive... They said that the most beautiful thing is to try every moment to live! It''s something that even appears in Faust!]</strong>


    "..."


    <strong>[But why is this the ending? Am I fake? The result I wanted to achieve is here, but I am an univited guest? Ah ah ah ah ah!!!!]</strong>


    The doppelganger screamed and suddenly red at the real Ha-rim.


    <strong>[You there! You and I are not different!]</strong>


    The doppelganger ran towards Ha-rim.


    James tried to give order to fire, but I stopped him. Because I didn''t want to end it this way.


    The emotions expressed in the words of that monster are not real because they aren''t the person itself, but they are not fake either.


    I protected the children by blocking her for now.


    "Don''t go near the kids."


    <strong>[...You! Why are you protecting the others!]</strong>


    "How many times have I told you that we are friends? Please stop embarrassing me."


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    The fake Ha-rim was lost for words. My soft reaction was very awkward.


    "Sorry."


    I suddenly apologized to her.


    [...?]


    "I don''t know if this will beforting, but I''m sorry. From your point of view, I must be the enemy who killed your friend. I understand your mind to some extent. But as you can see it, the kids are alive and I am protecting them all because I am their friend. That this universe is different from yours. Were you scared? You worked hard, but I can''tpensate for that. So I''m really sorry."


    It''s just an apology. There''s nothing I can do for this kid. Rather, she''s in a position to be eliminated.


    However, at my words, the doppelganger''s seizures subsided.


    <strong>[...This is my first time receiving an apology. Even if it''s just words, it''s shaking my heart. Why? Is it because I meet an understanding person? Ah, no. I was just... Lonely.]</strong>


    "...Are you crying?"


    Drops of water dripped from the doppelganger eyes.


    <strong>[...Are you really not lying? Do you consider everyone friends?]</strong>


    "Yes."


    <strong>[Actually, I was tired... Ever since Kyeong-min died, I''ve been exhausted. If only we could be friends when we first met... Would everything have changed?]</strong>


    "...It may have been."


    <strong>[I see... Can you be my friend too?]</strong>


    "..."


    I didn''t answer.


    The doppelganger convinced itself.


    <strong>[Right. You are already friends with another me...]</strong>


    It looked at Ha-rim.


    <strong>[...There are no dark circles, no big backpacks, no tear marks, and no bandages that stretch one by one like barnacles.]</strong>


    The real Ha-rim came to my side and squeezed my hand.


    The doppelganger looked at it bitterly.


    <strong>[You are different from me.]</strong>


    After saying that, its body copsed.


    <strong>[Time is twisted. Be careful, everyone.]</strong>


    The moment it admits that they are different from the target.


    It lost its identity and was purified.


    The smoke that was left was absorbed by me.


    It''s bittersweet.


    They''re a monster.


    Even thought I knew they weren''t real, I couldn''t help but feel shaken.


    "E..."


    Seeing my expression, Ha-rim looked at me with concern. I''m fine, I said, and sent everyone away to rest.


    And finally, I saw an item that fell on the floor.


    "This..."


    Doppelgangers do not drop special items.


    However, it was not impossible for a item to fall.


    Exotic item. Also known as the "M.P" series.


    Drops from all monsters with a very rare chance.


    It ismonly written as M.P, and it is a prank-like item from the developer that exists to trick the yer.


    This time, it''s an artifact of "unhappiness" that has the opposite effect of Ha-rim''s amulet.


    If you hold it, you will have bad luck in everything that makes it difficult to progress in the game.


    "..."


    Items are something worth to use. Even if it''s bad, it''s up to you to use it like the doppelganger Ha-rim did.


    So, don''t throw it away...


    "..."


    I looked at the children returning.


    It reminded me of my past


    A senior came to mind.


    I looked at the item.


    Crack!


    I trampled on the item and broke it.


    I broke it down with a little bit of force to be certain! Because you never know. Yes, you never know!


    I don''t want to go back to that time again.


    I thought so.

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    (Crack-! The moment the item is destroyed, an ominous aura spreads. It was so weak that even the protagonist didn''t notice it.)


    <strong>[Status Abnormality: Confusion.]</strong>


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    "What?"


    I looked at the broken artifact.


    And then I regretted it.


    Why did I break it?


    The M.P series is more of an Easter egg, something the developers deliberately hid from yers.


    It might be a clue to this world, but I inadvertently destroyed it.


    "..."


    ...Why?


    Before I became possessed, I was usually an emotionless person.


    Unless it was really extreme, I would have kept myposure.


    But aftering into this body, things changed.


    Emotions became abundant, and beyond that, there were times when it was difficult to control it.


    I assumed that I was influenced by the personality of "E", the original owner of this body.


    I epted it to some extent and my mood swings were getting better.


    But what about now?


    I excused myself by saying it was "inadvertently", even as I was the one who made the decisions before.


    I''ve adapted to this body and my impulsive behavior has be less.


    I was still "me".


    But why did I do this?


    ...It''s as if "I" myself became like E.


    "...!"


    As soon as I had that thought, I reflexively started to make excuses, as if pricked by a needle.


    My identity was threatened.


    No no. I just haven''t gotten used to it yet.


    Look, I still can''t stand candy!


    Although I ate some, in fact, it was still impulsive!


    It''s clear that I''m still being influenced and controlled by this body!


    -Even if I desperately made excuses, I couldn''t hide my uneasiness.


    Most of the ominous thoughts that ran through my head were correct.


    "Judgement" is made by "thought". Even if it was an impulse, in the end it was "me".


    The way of thinking didn''tpletely change.


    I know it because I am myself.


    I''ve definitely adapted to this body.


    There was nothing that made my body sway. That impulse was "mine".


    ...Since when did I change? Since when did I have this personality and mindset?


    The more Ipare my personality in the past and my behavior in the present, the stronger the gap bes. It was to the point of breaking out in cold sweat.


    People don''t change easily.


    What made me like that?


    Elements that changed me. What is it?


    <strong>-Monsters are influenced by people''s thoughts.</strong>


    "...No."


    The people here are the children who are close to me.


    <em>''I shouldn''t think that.''</em>


    But as I try to ignore it.


    An existence called brain made me think about it.


    <em>''If I show weakness to tickles, I be more and more vulnerable to tickling.''</em>


    <em>''The more I show the children I like candy, the more I be obsessed with candy.''</em>


    <em>''The more the kids think of me as a friend, the more I think of them as a friend.''</em>


    The characteristic of being a monster is affecting my soul and mind.


    <strong>-Then, are my feelings toward the children really my feelings?</strong>


    "..."


    My body trembled with anxiety.


    I need to see the kids.


    I haven''t been able to y because I''ve been busytely!


    My steps were fast.


    It was too soon to ask to hang out with friends!


    I don''t know why I''m so anxious.


    It''s okay for me to ept it!


    If I resign myself and ept any unfair situation, I will have no cracks in my heart.


    At least that!


    I grabbed my head and went looking for the kids.


    Actually, I was going to have a meeting with James at this time, but.


    None of that mattered now.


    Slide!


    The club room door was roughly opened.


    But the children were nowhere to be seen.


    Are they in another ssroom?


    After thinking about it, I went to the room where most of them stay.


    "Why, why aren''t you here?"


    I started running.


    I was in such a hurry that I couldn''t even think of moving between the mirrors.


    Shell we find James and Maria?


    If it''s these two, they might know.


    I went to the ce where James'' group was resting.


    It was the first time we had met me face-to-face without their captain, so they looked a little embarrassed.


    "Where are James and Maria?"


    They looked at each other and told me where he had gone.


    "I see, the school storage room?"


    After making a gesture of understanding, I hurriedly headed there.


    Seeing as the crew is resting, it''s probably not an emergency.


    I went to the storage and stood at the door.


    Light leaks out.


    A rustling sound can be heard.


    And children''s voices too.


    It seemed like they were preparing something.


    I cautiously opened the door.


    The scenario inside the roomes into view.


    Delicious snacks on the table.


    Walls decorated with balloons and origami.


    Fireworks with very low power that''s used only in elementary school festivals.


    It was a ce where children''s hands were warm, creating a cozy atmosphere.


    "Oh!"


    Ha-rim saw me and shouted in surprise.


    Their secret event was discovered.


    Secretly. Among themselves.


    How anxiously I searched for you!


    "..."


    I couldn''t be angry at that.


    I was so happy just looking at the kids that I couldn''t find the time to get angry.


    I stared nkly at Ha-rim.


    Then Ha-rim looked like she gave up something.


    "Haha... I was going to surprise you, but I got caught."


    There was a white cloth in her hand, and she unfolded it.


    On the cloth was written:


    <strong>[E! Congrattions on joining the Mystery Investigation Club!]</strong>


    "This..."


    Suho, who was carrying heavy things, put them down for a while and said.


    "We don''t know if you''ll like it, but we want to get to know E better. So Ha-rim came up with an idea that we should pretend to be in the same club."


    Kyeong-min scratches his head.


    "We were trying to create a party-like atmosphere, but when we tried to prepare it ourselves, we couldn''t get a feel for it, so Uncle James and Sister Maria helped us."


    Eun-jeong appears from behind and hugs me.


    "Urgh... I was so tired having to keep folding colored paper!"


    "I see... This... How to say it... It''s a little sudden."


    "That''s how it is! And if you don''t make time like this, you''ll have to keep fighting. Just like the monster that suddenly appeared this time around."


    It''s... A surprise party.


    Still, something didn''t make sense.


    Is it because I''m not used to favors?


    It is the first time in my life that I have been the main character of a party.


    I asked cautiously.


    "Can E ept this?"


    Then Ha-rim smiled and said.


    "E! Do you remember that time? The story we talked about after ying the quiz game. If I wanted to express my gratitude, you asked me to prepare a gift that you would like."


    "..."


    "This is the gift. It''s from our heart!"


    She took out a box.<sup>1</sup>


    When I opened it, there was a ne.


    A ne made with cross-stitched roses strung on soft threads.


    "It''s a ne we made ourselves. I had a hard time because I needed to use thread. It hurt when the needle pricked me."


    "Now, take it!"


    I epted the ne. It''s soft.


    "There are five nes. If you wear it around your neck, you be an official club member."


    The kids began putting nes around their necks one by one.


    Ha-rim says.


    "Now you!"


    When it was my turn, I looked at the ne for a moment and then slowly put it around my neck.


    A feeling of contentment fills me.


    It''s a gift that the children gave to "me".


    Proof of friendship.


    "E. How is it? Do you like it?"


    Put the confusion that dominated my mind to sleep for a while and rx, just rx.


    "Thank you, I like it. I will never forget it."


    I held the rose part of the ne in my hand.


    ...


    [Condition fulfilled: Abnormal status is canceled.]


    <strong>POV Switch - ???</strong>


    A man was passing through a particrly clean and sophisticated hallway.


    He looked like a thug, but he captivated people''s hearts with his usual sincere behavior.


    After lightly greeting a few people he asionally bumped into, he put his pass next to the thick automatic door.


    Beep.


    [Permission to enter. Wee.]


    "How are you, Research Director?"


    "It''s you. Meph."<sup>2</sup>


    The research director was carefully reviewing the reports in his office.


    The institution''s research director was called Brian, and he''s far fromcent.


    He personally recruited a new person to closely investigate the recent ident at the institution''s research department, and that employee was Meph.


    Brian told his new subordinate to bring a chair and sit down.


    Meph, of course, sat next to him.


    "It''s reassuring that you''re applying for this side."


    "There is nothing that lower people are happier than when the higher ones trust them. I will repay you with results."


    It was a tongue-in-cheek, but Brian liked the answer.<sup>2</sup>


    "It''s a response I like. So, did you find out anything about this incident? Of course, I don''t want answers from you who haven''t even started researching."


    Meph replied.


    "Sorry. You still have to give it time toe up with a meaningful answer. This is a troublesome case even for the institution. Still, let''s recap... A state in which a different world is oveid on a specific area. The world was deliberately hidden, only to be discovered through a ritual. Demon reaction is M.P. We evacuated the residents. There, James''s special forces and Maria from the Crusaders were dispatched as agents. Communication isn''t returning, so it seems that there is no signal from there. However, it''s possible that they died."


    "I asked for your opinion. I don''t want a report. Is there anything strange about this incident?"


    "Hmm... It seems like there have been more minor idents since this happened."


    "Minor idents?"


    "Well, like riding a bike and being absent-minded and bumping into a wall. A pot burning because you didn''t turn off the gas. Recently, my co-workers also came wearing bandages one by one. Even for a small number, there are quite a lot of them."


    Brian tilted his head.


    "Isn''t that justcency?"


    "Ah, well, it''s possible."


    "...Honestly. Young people..."


    Brian started nagging like an old man. Meph noticed it quickly and changed the subject.


    "Hmm. Ah, Director, what is that picture?"


    Meph pointed to a picture of a child upying a corner of Brian''s desk.


    "This? It''s just a picture of my son. That guy. He''s smart, but he was a quirky side. The other day, he learned something strange while watching a children''s cartoon movie. In fact, he said everyone was friends and spoke to me without honorifics!"


    Brian lively said spirited as he talk about his child.


    "Hahaha! That''s crazy! In other countries, there are cases where honorifics are not used!"


    "Yes. Do you think adults and children can be friends? Maybe I have an old way of thinking."


    Meph is young. Brian probably expected a positive answer.


    However, his answer was unexpected and firm.


    "No. A child and an adult cannot be friends."


    "...Why?"


    Meph took a breath and opened his mouth.


    "Because children and adults are different from the soul. True friendship requires amunion of souls. A child and an adult cannot be friends in the true sense of the word unless they change their souls. Even if they think of each other as friends."


    Brian wondered if Meph had entered a strange cult. Conversely, Brian, who became ufortable, tried to change the topic.


    "...I see, I heard some interestingments. But it''s a little awkward for me to share private stories. So, what is that wad of paper?"


    "Oh. This. I made a small game as a hobby, and this is a collection of settings. It''s really embarrassing, so it''s hard to show you in detail."


    <strong>[</strong>


    <strong>Alice''s condition.</strong>


    <strong>Alice is a woman.</strong>


    <strong>Alice is a child.</strong>


    <strong>Alice has blonde hair. (Actually ck hair!)</strong>


    <strong>Alice is full of emotions.</strong>


    <strong>Alice wanders around Wondend.</strong>


    <strong>Alice has an adventure. (Erased.)</strong>


    <strong>]</strong>


    "How did you find that hobby?"


    "I''ve made a few games before, but... I think I put my heart into it after I decided I would make a game for a friend."


    "A friend?"


    "Well, it seems like I was joking around so much that it got quite painful, but we get along well..."


    Meph pulled a picture out of his pocket.


    There was Meph and another man, and that man had a sullen look on his face as if he had all the misfortunes of the world.


    Meph murmurs quietly.


    "Sorry. Suffer a little more. Still, isn''t it more fun than before? It''s a lot more emotional."


    The manughs.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    After the party, I had a meeting with James.


    However, because he was away for a while, I had to sit in a chair and wait.


    Maria was sitting next to me, looking tired.


    "You seem to really like that."


    Maria spoke to me. I tilted my head. What does she mean?


    When I noticed, I was fiddling with the ne I received from the children.


    I got a little embarrassed.


    "Well, I don''t hate it."


    Maria nced at me as if looking at something cute. I cleared my throat and turned my head away.


    Even so, I did not stop touching the ne.


    Creak-


    "Looks like you''re having a good time."


    James opened the door and came in.


    Now we can start the meeting.


    Let''s share the information I got and get opinions from James and Maria who know a lot about demons.


    It would be nice if the kids could join too, but since they''re civilians, it would be difficult to do that carelessly... Although it seems meaningless now.


    "Now, let''s start with the radio head demon."


    "Good."


    Radio head demon. A monster I''ve never seen before in the game.


    We were able to defeat it with our attacks and Pierrot''s finisher, but it''s strength was that of a boss.


    That said, it was a huge threat and there''s no guarantee that a simr foe won''t appear again.


    Under the circumstances, it seems that the radio demon was sent by the half-devil that Pierrot mentioned, but it was strange that a demon created another demon. Is it a concept like reproduction?


    The "father" that the radio demon said is also very meaningful.


    ...Who is grandfather?


    "Considering the circumstances, it seems that the radio demon was sent by the half-devil that attacked us."


    "For now, it looks like it. But it appears that even the half-devil was in a hurry."


    "What are you talking about?"


    "It was an improvised demon."


    "An improvised demon? It sounds like it was made roughly."


    James nodded.


    "Yes. Calling it a demon is right, but it can be seen as an imperfect demon. It had no soul, and it''s hard to say it even was born. They probably send that demon because they felt threatened by the artifact."


    Right. That''s what he said when we first met the radio head demon. What else did he say again?


    "As long as the story and context are met and the sacrifice is enough, a demon can be born... Was it? They created a demon, albeit imperfectly, with strange materials."


    Maria adds a word to exin.


    "I remember that the radio demon called itself junk. It collected monsters in the shape of misceneous objects. Since the soul was empty, it met the context of worthless junk."


    "It''s smart."


    And they were frighteningly efficient in creating demons. What can we guess with these clues?


    What the half-devil wants...


    "Hm..."


    Haa... I can''te up with an idea. James looks to be the same too.


    "For now, let''s stop here and look for other clues. Now, who is that clown-looking demon?"


    Now it seems it is my turn to speak.


    Of course, I said it appropriately while hiding the fact that this world was a game.


    "The <em>clown </em>guy is also a resident of this world. There are four powerful beings here, but among them, Pierrot has the strongest power."


    "These four powerful monsters..."


    "First, E. Second is Mary. The third is Miss Spider, and thest one is Pierrot. They are iparably stronger than the other monsters out there."


    In the early stages, E is a tutorial boss, so she is weak enough to make youugh, but now I have be quite strong, so there is no sense of incongruity even if I''m among the other bosses. I''m stronger now!


    "And what''s your strength between you four?"


    Oh.


    I was suddenly stabbed in a sore spot. My self-esteem, which had been soaring, copsed at once.


    I scratched my cheek and replied.


    "Unfortunately, E''s the weakest."


    James looked at me for a moment and then scratched his head.


    "It won''t be that easy."


    Let''s ignore what my image is like in James mind and move on with the story.


    "ording to the information Pierrot said, Hm... Well... There is a reason the half-devil cannot show themselves, and the radio demon and Ha-rim are hints."


    "Hint... Are you saying that the fact that the devil created the radio demon is a hint?"


    "I think it has something to do with being haphazardly made..."


    The clue...


    Demons can be created using sacrifices if the "story" and "context" are met.


    A half-demon who is iplete.


    Ha-rim is at the center of it.


    I don''t know about the other kids, but what''s special about Ha-rim... Could it be because she''s the main character of this game?


    ...Game?


    <em>''Wait a moment!''</em>


    A "story" that will give birth to a demon... Isn''t that a concept that also fits the "story" of this game?


    This is in the game. That''s the original story.


    In the story, Ha-rim eventually survives after all the other children die, but the Devil appears with a huge body and brings despair as big as their size.


    They are born by satisfying the "story (game)" that breaks the spirit of "Ha-rim" into despair and using some kind of sacrifice that exists in this world.


    That''s what the half-devil wants...!


    Devils in the outside world can only be born in this way. The Devil on this side is no exception.


    Why didn''t I think of this? They exist, but they doesn''t exist at the same time.


    It''s because they only appear at the end of the game or when the time runs out.


    They couldn''t be born as a Devil because the story of being a gigantic existence that brings despair to everyone isn''t met.


    A fragment of the game that exists in the game''s setting. That is its true identity.


    It may have been some kind of experiment that gave birth to the radio head demon.


    Because it must be born in such a way itself.


    "..."


    I think I know now.


    The reason why they sent several monsters was that they needed to kill the children first to break Ha-rim''s spirit.


    <strong>This world is one big story.</strong>


    <strong>A Devil is born in it.</strong>


    "Oh, I see... I''ve already figured it out."


    If the Devil seeded in killing the children and breaking Ha-rim''s spirit, then it is possible that they would have be the "bad ending" Devil.


    I did a small smile, and James got interested.


    Oh, I have to exin it to both of them, but I can''t exin the element of the game.


    "Hmm..."


    I took a moment to organize my thoughts.


    I''d rather exin it this way.


    "I''ve been to the world of dreams because Ha-rim was attacked by a monster called <em>Monkey Dream</em> in the past. Then I saw a scene in her dream, where various worldlines filled the ce."


    The ce is where Pierrot visited Ha-rim.


    Isn''t this what Pierrot, who find hints, was trying to convey to Ha-rim?


    "The <em>worldline</em>, you mean. Is it the worldline of <em>this world</em> rather than the <em>outside</em>?"


    Judging by the fact that James didn''t get confused, it seemed that he also had knowledge about dreams.


    Indeed, if incidents rted to dreams are missing from a secret organization''s repertoire, it would be quite disappointing. There must be so many potential storylines to explore!


    "Yes. What those worldlines have inmon is that the children always fall into this world. They die one by one, and Ha-rim always survives alone. After desperately surviving, she met a giant Devil. It''s a cruel story full of despair."


    "Are you saying these children were born with such a fate...? Those kids, truly..."


    Maria says bitterly.


    "...I guess there wasn''t your protection in the others worldlines?"


    Yes, I''m quite peculiar. My existence has twisted fate.


    "When the word fate is added, it feels like things are getting bigger... And it seems like this is the first time E is helping."


    "A worldline with a really slim probability always exists... In the end, that''s what you want to say."


    "A worldline unique to this world. In other words, you want to say that the <em>flow </em>of this world works as a story. That''s why the Devil is attacking you, E."


    "That means that only when the story of the children dying and Shin Ha-rim''s will is broken can the half-devil be fully born."


    "You both understood!"


    "There have been cases where a low-level demon fulfills the requirements of a story and bes a new demon for greater power, but this is the first time something like this happened. It''s veryplicated."


    "Haa... The more I learn, the more I want to see who is responsible for creating this inefficient, stupid world. This ce was obviously created intentionally. It must have a purpose."


    ...Since the imperfect Devil could not have created this world... The culprit is the developer! Watch me, developer! This fucking game, I''ll destroy it and go out to my original world!


    "What we have to do remains unchanged. Install the artifacts and activate the ritual before the half-devil throw away their tricks. If we shatter the world with the ritual, the concept of <em>story </em>itself will be meaningless."


    For now, there are 3 remaining artifacts. We have to ce them on the states of Mary, Pierrot, and Ms. Spider... I think I just need to convince Pierrot.


    But I don''t know where he is. He gets out of the boss stage and wanders around freely.


    A way to ask for a conversation no matter where he is...


    There is one.


    "I need to see Mary."


    I feel like the situation is gettingplicated, but if I seed in persuading Mary, wouldn''t it kill two birds with one stone?

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    An order came from E today.


    It was an order to find a book in the school.


    When asked what kind of book it was, E nced at Suho and Kyeong-min and smiled lightly, saying it was a secret.


    She made two teams, Kyeong-min and Suho and me with Eun-jeong.


    That''s how I started looking for books with Eun-jeong without knowing why.


    I thought, if it is a book, wouldn''t it be in the library?


    But it''s like finding a tree in a forest.


    If it''s a special book, we won''t find it there.


    I should have thought of that before searching the entire library...!


    Eun-jeong and I were exhausted from searching books, so we trudged along until we stopped at the sound of a voiceing from beyond a ssroom.


    E and the boy''s team seemed to be having a conversation.


    She wasughing through the crack in the door, and Kyeong-min and Suho were desperately making excuses for something as if they were embarrassed.


    Looking closely, there was a book in Suho''s hand, which seemed to have a lot of apricot colors... Is this a book for adults?!


    "Oh my gosh, kids these days are so fast~ I asked to find a book and you''re reading this one!"


    "No! This is a book from the teacher''s bag. I just found it after looking through it?!"


    When Suho approached while as if having a seizure, E deliberately stepped back and said something like "I''m afraid, I should tell Ha-rim."


    Uh... Hmm.


    This is E''s prank.


    Noticing the general situation, I opened the door and entered.


    E and the boys were frightened by my appearance.


    Judging by her reaction, she must have been joking around about telling me.


    E also has a cute side. It''spletely different from when we first met!


    "What a mean prank!"


    When I said this with a smile, E shyly avoided my gaze. Cute!


    I took the adult book in Suho''s hand.


    On the cover, a blonde haired foreign model wearing an unconventional swimsuit was posing.


    The age was also written in the cover, but 20 years old... Compared to her mature face and body, she is very young.


    When I noticed it was a blonde westerner, I reflexively looked at E.


    Come to think of it, E is too mature to be said to be the same age. And a specific part...


    "Where are you looking!"


    E turned around in embarrassment.


    She acts like that whenever she''s in trouble.


    Maybe it''s a habit?


    I thought that this was enough punishment for teasing Suho and Kyeong-min, so I asked E.


    "Is this the book we needed to find?"


    E turned back as interested in my question, and then slightly raised the corner of her lips.


    "Did you notice? It''s Ha-rim after all."


    E exined the monster this time.


    These days, we defeated a lot of monsters, so we got used to exterminating them.


    "This monster is a molester monster!"


    "Mo... Lester...?"


    "Anyway... It''s nothing special. It''s not dangerous, and frankly, it won''t be a meaningful experience, so I''ll take care of it myself. You guys can watch."


    E exined that the monster is abination of the fear of finding a sex offender in a subway train and the existence of an old bachelor.


    She said that if you give words offort to the bachelor ghost, it will naturally vanish.


    E took us to the subway station and waited for a while.


    The members looked at me with anxious eyes.


    Is this okay?


    Their eyes said that.


    Well, since E is also a girl, wouldn''t she be treated harshly? It''s not that I didn''t think the same. Suho and Kyeong-min tried stopping her.


    However, E tilted her head as if she didn''t know the reason at all, then muttered something iprehensible.


    "Dangerous? Don''t worry, it won''t target you guys. There could be no such element in the first ce. If an event like that targeted you, this world wouldn''t even exist."<sup>1</sup>


    E, I''m talking about you- Before I could even say that, she had gone inside the subway train.


    The train door closed with a click. What now...


    It was quiet at first.


    Is there really nothing?


    E is a girl, but she is also strong. If she spreads her aura, wouldn''t other monsters be reluctant to touch her?


    "Hmm? Now... wait, why me?"


    But soon E''s embarrassed voice was heard.


    "Kyaaaa?!"


    Wow. It''s the first time I''ve seen E scream like that.


    I started to worry about her.


    We ran to the closed door and started banging it.


    "E! Are you okay?"


    "..."


    Creak... The door was forced open.


    E didn''t say anything.


    Her whole body was wet with blood. The knife in her hand was also bloody.


    The ghost has beenpletely gutted.


    E had a face that could explode at any moment with shame and anger.


    Without saying a word, we moved out of the way for her to pass.


    Bam!!!


    She kicked the vending machine next to her and broke it as if her anger was not going away.


    "E... I think the self-awareness of being a girl is a bitcking. When she sits in a chair she spreads her legs like she''s wearing pants, for example."


    "Alright... Then I''ll fix it!"


    "Is this really Eun-jeong?"


    "Haha..."


    The next day, E was running away from Eun-jeong.


    If she run away to the mirror, she won''t be able to get caught, but it seems that E has a lot of affection, so she can''t run away ruthlessly like that.


    Maybe E is the type who is easily swayed by <strong>bad friends</strong>?


    Of course, I''m not saying Eun-jeong is a bad friend!


    Ah, in the meantime, E was caught by Eun-jeong.


    "...Why do you look like that?"


    "Huh? Nothing."


    The next day, E acted a bit more modest.


    When I asked Eun-jeong what she did.


    "This is a secret, but if you strongly believe that E smells like roses, the scent of roses be stronger. So..."


    "So?"


    "I hugged E in front of Suho and Kyeong-min and kept muttering that she was a girl."


    "..."


    I don''t understand English.<sup>2</sup>

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Mary''s stroll continues.


    Mary is in the park. Mary is in the police station. Mary is in the church. Mary is...


    Mary had never traveled such a long distance before.


    A new and unfamiliarndscape.


    Some people might be anxious, but it was ratherfortable for Mary to suppress the questions that filled her head.


    <strong>[What... Are you thinking, Mary...]</strong>


    The person talking to her was a poorly made stuffed doll.


    Mary picked up this doll while taking a walk.


    Actually, the toy approached rather than picked up, but Mary didn''t notice it.


    Mary liked having apany to talk to. So the absent-minded Mary answered immediately.


    "Mary isn''t thinking anything."


    <strong>[Lies. You just don''t want to think about it. Mary doesn''t like it when her head getsplicated.]</strong>


    "...Mary doesn''t lie. Mary hates lies."


    Hit right where it hurts, Mary made a cowardly excuse, then shut her mouth.


    Mary is always looking for someone.


    Mary''s wish is to find that person... And stab them to death.


    Just thinking about it made her feel bad again.


    <strong>[I sell meat. Fresh meat. Kidneys, lungs, and hearts too.]</strong>


    "Meat...?"


    Just then, a sound of a seller appears from the side.


    A monster made out of fear of human trafficking. A fat man who sells human flesh and organs was watching Mary.


    Of course, he was basically indifferent to another monster, so he quickly turned his eyes away.


    "...Meat... It smells..."


    But Mary, not intending to ignore it, picked up a phone attached to her hat and dialed a number.


    Tiriring...


    <strong>[...?]</strong>


    Like a nt, a phone grew out of the monster''s body. It made a noise and connected to Mary''s phone.


    Mary''s voice came from the receiver.


    "Hi. I''m Mary."


    -I''m behind you.


    Before the monster could even look back, his throat was pierced with a swish!


    Mary brushed off the blood on her knife and walked again expressionless.


    <strong>[Mary is taking out her anger again.]</strong>


    "Mary does what she wants. And Mary is not angry. Angeres from E."


    <strong>[I see... But Mary. You can''t deny that your mind is unstable. Now is the time to answer.]</strong>


    The stuffed doll urged Mary toe to a conclusion.


    The answer to her own wish that she had asked the clown man.


    Unable to receive a response from him, she never got to hear the answer.


    Now it was time for Mary toe up with an answer on her own.


    However, she was not fully prepared.


    "Last try... I will contact him just once again."


    Mary is a child lost in the woods. A child who couldn''t find her own way. Such a child is bound to directly depend on others.


    Tiriring.


    Mary called Pierrot. Will he answer?


    Step step.


    While Mary focused on the phone, the stuffed doll moved out of her line of sight.


    Then, with all its power, it created a ck phone.


    Beep, beep, beep.


    It manipted the phone.


    Click.


    <strong>[Hello. Ah! Is it Mary?]</strong>


    The doll mimics Pierrot''s voice.]


    There was a waver in its voice, the pronunciation was muffled, and some interferences, but Mary, who was na?ve, did not feel any difort.


    "Hello Mister Clown..."


    <strong>[Sorry for not answering the phone in a while. Why did you call?]</strong>


    "About the question I asked before... I didn''t get an answer."


    <strong>[Ah... That. So that''s what it is. The answer is... it can be said as <em>correct</em>.]</strong>


    "I see. Because what you say is never wrong. I think I can believe it."


    <strong>[Mary. Don''t hesitate. I rmend being honest with yourself and being a little more self-indulgent. No one is deceiving you, so there is no need toplicate things!]</strong>


    Mr. Clown is the one who most talks to Mary. It brought joy to her.


    Children are naturally attracted to a funny person.


    The Devil knew it well.


    <strong>[Oh, but there is one person.]</strong>


    "...?"


    <strong>[E. That naughty girl! She is hiding the one you''re looking for!]</strong>


    "Is E a bad girl? Is she hiding them?"


    <strong>[Mary. A fight seems inevitable to get what you want. I''m busy, so it''s hard to help... Ah! I hope this helps. It''s left by my father... This special item will do.]</strong>


    Click.


    The phone call ended immediately after.


    Mary found a music box at her feet.


    The music box had "M.P" written on it.


    Mary picked up the music box and looked for the stuffed doll.


    However, it was nowhere to be seen.


    "..."


    Mary moved her steps back to where she had been.


    The atmosphere of this world, which had be softer than before, began to grow heavy again.


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    "Mary... Is it the Mary I know? When a phone calles in, the person who receives it dies..."


    "That''s right. You know her?"


    I thought James would treat urban legends floating around the inte like false stories.


    "Because when you work at the institution, you be sensitive to rumors. In the first ce, Mary was a case of a containment breach on our side, so I can''t forget her."


    "Containment... Breach...?!"


    Here is the story James told me.


    There was a time when containment of an anomaly that was active outside failed.


    It remains as an urban legend thanks to the failure to dispel all rumors about it.


    "It was a strange creature that parasitized a phone, but it didn''t look like a human. Perhaps because the sound it emits is simr to that of a woman''s voice, it has be such an image."


    I heard something interesting. It''s the original Mary... I might be a little curious. Is there a way for me to see it?


    "Do you want to see it?"


    "Huh? A little bit?"


    "If you visit the institution, you can look around to some extent."


    "Oh..."


    This institution! I wonder what it looks like? Even though I once got involved with an institution before, I''m curious about how it would differ from the image I had in mind.


    "As soon as you enter, you will be quarantined in the next room."


    Maria said while brewing some coffee for James.


    I looked at him.


    "I got caught."


    "You were joking?!"


    When you make a joke, it doesn''t sound like one!


    "Anyway... I''m going to see Mary alone. Because it''s risky in many ways to have the children meet a powerful enemy like her. Can you really protect them while I''m not here?"


    "I will never dieter than the kids."


    I liked the answer and smiled.


    Now let''s go see Mary.


    It was fine thest time we met, so it will be fine this time too.


    Mary is in the park. It wasn''t far from the school.


    Is the air a bit chilly? I felt some chills.


    Maybe it''s because the environment has changed.


    This game gets stronger as time goes by. The atmosphere will change ordingly.


    On the 30th, the date when the Devil is born, it is almost like hell. Compared to that, this is nothing.


    Come to think of it, the half-devil would ignore the conditions of having to defeat the bosses after 30 days and be born.


    Is it possible for the Devil to be born without fulfilling the story of a "bad ending"?


    ...Now that I think about it, it seems possible.


    If they want to bring Ha-rim''s deep despair, they''ll have to appear in front of her first... Thereafter.


    <em>-There have been cases where a low-level demon fulfills the requirements of a story and bes a new demon for greater power, but this is the first time something like this happened. It''s veryplicated.</em>


    Ah. That''s it.


    In terms of the game system, it may be possible for the Devil to appear, but in the hidden settings, they need to fulfill the story!


    The Devil created by the system is empty inside... They are nothing but powerful puppets.


    To obtain the appropriate level and achieve true birth, Ha-rim is needed.


    ...However, since we don''t know how strong this powerful puppet really is, we need to ensure that we don''t go beyond 30 days.


    While lost in thought, I already arrived in front of the park.


    I''ve seen it before, but it''s a very strange environment. What even is this ce?


    "Mary, are you here?"


    ...I don''t hear an answer.


    Shall we go a little further inside? Surely she won''t rush at me for invading her territory, right?


    I moved on, clearing the vines cluttered with electronic devices.


    The wet, damp air was unpleasant.


    As I went further, there was a ce where the nts were less grown, and there was a rtively neat phone booth and a swing.


    Swing. Swing.


    Mary was on the swing.


    Even though she rode it, her expression didn''t change, so it was impossible to tell whether she was having fun or not.


    "Mary?"


    "E came first. Hi."


    Swing. Swing.


    "Yes. Hi Mary. There is something I want to ask you."


    "Before that."


    "...?"


    "Before that, Mary will ask first."


    "..."


    The atmosphere was strange. Much colder thanst time. I hope it''s because of my mood.


    "Okay. I''ll answer you."


    "Hey, E... Are you hiding something?"


    Badump.


    "What are you talking about..."


    "Like hiding people..."


    How do you know? No, calm down! Maybe she''s just randomly asking. Let''s put a mask and act natural.


    I can''t put the kids at risk.


    "No."


    A chilly voice came out that surprised even me. Mary nodded her head in agreement.


    "I see, E. <strong>Did you lie?</strong>"

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Mary brandished a sharp knife. Rather than dodge, she was so sudden and quick that I reflexively swung my knife too.


    nk-! A loud metallic sound echoed through the air.


    E and Mary are both girl-type monsters.


    Even though they are feared, they take friendly form of little girls, so in ghost stories, such monsters often have weapons that can pose a threat.


    Even a child bes scary when wielding a sharp weapon.


    By the way, it doesn''t usually give an image of being strong, right?


    I was pushed back a lot by the recoil of the deflected attack.


    Ipletely lost in the battle of strength, even with me bing stronger after absorbing the ck fog.


    The current Mary is not weakened by the artifact. She''s now much stronger than in the game.


    My hand is tingling.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    The school is the primary filter that blocks the monsters that are infesting the outside.


    It was neither more nor less than that.


    Even during my school days, I didn''t particrly like school.


    ...But what is this feeling?


    Why am I angry?


    If Mary''s stage is being moved to school, shouldn''t I be afraid of Mary recovering her power?


    However, strength started flowing into my hands.


    Apparently, school meant more to me.


    "This is a precious ce for me."


    A ce for memories with the children.


    "...So?"


    Mary responded coldly.


    "So, give it back right now,<strong> you damn bitch!!!]</strong>


    I lost my temper and rushed at Mary, attacking her.


    Mary, who had regained her power, evade my attack with greater precision and speed.


    Then she manipted the vines to restrain my body.


    Being lost in anger, I was easily caught.


    Because I was restrained by the joints, I couldn''t use my strength.


    Mary appeared to prefer being sure, so only after she pinned me to the hallway floor that she stopped floating and came down.


    "Urgh...!"


    "E... It''s no use. This is Mary''s stage now."


    "Let me... Go!"


    I spoke, knowing it wouldn''t work.


    Like a child.


    Even if I was an adult on the inside, it was nowhere to be found.


    I barely regained my senses and tried to move to another mirror in the school, but it didn''t work.


    "It won''t work. E. All the mirrors in the school were eroded by vines. E''s mirror movement is annoying..."


    "Shut up...!"


    "E''s mansion still has a mirror. Why don''t you run away? You could just run away to the mansion... Is school that important to you?"


    Every single word from Mary shook my mind.


    The more I was driven to a crisis, the more desperately I tried to get out.


    I was annoyed that I even bothered to exin it to Mary.


    "It''s annoying! Why is there such a difference even though we''re both bosses! The mirror is older than the phone, so it has its own roots too!"


    "Ah... E is angry again. Shut up. Mary doesn''t like noise. But Mary is a good monster. She''ll end it painlessly..."


    Bzzt...


    <strong>[<strong>Four... Four... Four... Four... <strong><strong>Four...</strong></strong></strong><strong><strong><strong>Four...</strong></strong></strong>]</strong><sup>1</sup>


    As Mary released her supernatural power, the speakers on the school ceiling activated.


    A telephone is a machine that transmits sound.


    It was going to slowly kill me by connecting it to a broadcast speaker and sent out a cursed voice suggesting death.


    <strong>[<strong><strong><strong>Four... Four... Four... Four... <strong><strong>Four...</strong></strong></strong><strong><strong><strong>Four...</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Four...</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong>]</strong>


    My heart starts beating faster because of the curse. My head gets hot. A slight taste of blood began to waft from my mouth.


    Mary whispers.


    "You''re lost, E. Just like Mary."


    Am I really going to die like this? Why did I even came into this game?


    To die in vain while ying a game.


    It''s not even a funny joke.


    What if this was all a dream?


    "Getting lost and trembling with longing and fear, desperately looking for someone. Perhaps, E, isn''t that how everyone feels before they die?"


    Ah, yes, a dream.


    If this was all a dream, like at the end of Alice in Wondend, I''d wake up and y this game again.


    If that''s the reality... If it''s such a reality...


    I don''t like that either.


    Iughed bitterly. Even if I die, I want this ce to be real.


    I quietly closed my eyes, conscious of the rose ne the children gave me.


    I wanted to keep my promise.


    <strong>[Four... Four... Four... Four... "One. Two. Three..." Four...]</strong>


    "?!"


    "?!"


    A strange thing happened.


    Someone else''s voice came through the speaker.


    Did they interrupt the voice of the curse...? Besides, it''s a very familiar voice.


    It''s Ha-rim''s!


    <strong>["One. Two. Three..." Four... "One. Two. Three..." Four... "One. Two. Three..." Four...]</strong>


    The speaker''s curse is weakening.


    What happened? This method was not even in the strategy of the game!


    ...I think I know.


    A gimmick-type curse that amplifies the power of the curse by repeating the ominous number 4.


    By inserting another number in the middle, it weakens the meaning of the act of repeating itself.


    The act of repeating an ominous number has converted into an act of counting.


    With that, the curse has lost its identity.


    "E! Are you listening? I''m sorry for not following your words! But we''re in the same club. With E being apart it feels a bit off... Hehe! You know what I mean, right?"


    It would be dangerous for the children to be here... It''s such a bad situation, so why am I so relieved?


    Fools are incontroble. Especially if the fool is in an equal rtionship.


    Mary murmurs.


    "E''s longing (death) has faded... <strong>What a shame.</strong>"


    Mary swung her knife at my head. Oh no. I should have somehow cut off the vines!


    nk-!


    Woah. I though the knife would cut my head in two, but what I heard was an unexpectedly metallic sound.


    When I opened my eyes that reflexively closed, I saw Suho holding his shield in front of me.


    "Suho..."


    "E, you''re always strong, but sometimes it seems like you could use some help."


    Suho skillfully used the shield to the extent that he could not bepared to the old him. It was like a wall that didn''t move even though he dodges Mary''s attacks as much as possible.


    "I''ve seen you distant from the others before. It seems that it wasn''t an illusion that you looked lonely."


    Was I like that? I don''t remember...


    "Did you actually know that someday it would turn out like this?"


    "..."


    "Fighting alone, I mean."


    Kyeong-min came next to me and said.


    "Hey, E. Just as you protect us, we want to protect you too. Suho and Eun-jeong too. I''ve long forgotten the day we first met."


    "That''s right. E is our friend! I... I''m scared, but I want to stay by your side!"


    Eun-jeong also spoke, with them talking one after another like a boy''s cartoon.


    I was inexhaustibly ashamed, but I decided to not show it.


    I tore off the vine with my teeth and stoop up. Then I made a joke for on reason.


    "Kyeong-min, is it pretty? Is E pretty?"


    "What?!"


    "You''re hesitating? Didn''t you say E''s eyes were pretty? You''re such a flirt!"


    "Haa... Seriously... Aren''t you too easygoing..!"


    I smiled lightly.


    Mary said bluntly, as if offended by my appearance.


    "Even if the number increases, nothing will change, E. Mary regained her strength and E is still weak."


    "Huh? I can''t properly hear someone who has no friends."


    "..."


    Mary attacked even more violently.


    Suho focused on defense, and Kyeong-min''s chain was effective against Mary, who was light despite her high strength.


    Mary, unable to inflict significant damage, cast a wide area curse, but when Eun-jeong shook the bell, it was purified.


    "Tsk."


    When Mary gestures, the vines aim at the kids. I cut them right away.


    The stage gimmicks are clear in my head.


    If we focus only on defense, we won''t be defeated.


    If James and Maria seed in the house robbing, it''s our victory!


    "E. You''re hopeful, but you''re an idiot. Even if E''s strength is perfect, Mary can still kill everyone in an instant. In other words, it''s a matter of time."


    "You are the idiot, Mary."


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    Mary tilted her head and raised a question mark above her head.


    As she thought about it, she noticed a sense of incongruity.


    Mary checked the yground. The sunflowers stems that used to grow there were no longer growing!


    "Why...?"


    "E is also surprised right now. As expected, it''s not impossible for Ha-rim."


    "...!"


    There is only one reason why the stage isn''t growing!


    Because Ha-rim is demolishing it!


    <em>-Umm... Since this phone box has grown like a nt, wouldn''t it stop working if I dig up the ground?</em>


    <em>-Whenever I hear an iing call, I impulsively want to pick up the receiver. I should use earplugs.</em>


    <em>-Urgh! Ignoring the public phone and throwing away my cell phone, a phone grew out of my clothes and forcibly connected to me! And if I hold a cell phone, it connects forcibly to someone! What? Who is it? Satoru?</em>


    <em>-Ah, looks like that if I hold a medium like a cell phone, it will always connect to another medium of the same type! So, if I use a walkie-talkie and just keep talking to myself, I won''t be attacked! because the walkie-talkies are half-duplex! Strategy discovered!<sup>2</sup></em>


    <em>-What would happen if I let other monsters hear the cursed voiceing from the receiver? Ah. It stopped. Can you hear me, Satoru? Hello?</em>


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    "If you dismantle the traps and monsters on the stage, the erosion will weaken. I just realized it too. Mary. I wasn''t the enemy you had to deal with."


    She is the main character because she is an existence that can advance even if you don''t tell the strategy.


    Even if she hadn''t met me, she would have survived.


    Mary said nothing.


    She just kept attacking. We fended off Mary''s attack and time continue to tick away.


    As if in a fierce tug-of-war, we fought with both sides equal.


    James... Are you not done? Ha-rim must be at the limit of her stamina...


    "...E."


    Mary suddenly stopped attacking and retreated.


    She seemed to think for a moment.


    Then she nodded.


    "Are you buying time?"


    "...!"


    You noticed it!


    "You sent someone to Mary''s house. Ah. If this continues, Mary might lose. Then, Mary won''t be able to find them."


    Mary anxiously pulled her hat down and nervously stirred her legs around.


    We were just looking at her figure.


    Because our stamina was depleted from fighting, everyone was breathing hard.


    "...Then I should use it."


    "...? That?"


    "I received it."


    The item in Mary''s hand is the same M.P series as the previous ne.


    It''s a trauma music box.


    But it was an item I had never seen before in the game.


    An item that only existed by name in the game files.


    You have that?


    Unless you''re the creator, how did you get it?


    Mary activated the music box.


    In a dark ce, the melody of the music box gave off an eerie atmosphere.


    It is something often used in horror movies.


    I tore the amulet of mental protection I had prepared just in case.


    It''s a waste because it''s disposable, but it''s better be safe.


    "...?"


    Wait a minute, why isn''t it working? Shouldn''t there be a bright and shiny effect?


    "E! Wake up, E!"


    Kyeong-min yells at me.


    But my eyes slowly started to close.


    My vision was stained with darkness.


    <strong>[Status Abnormality: Trauma]</strong>


    ...


    I was at the cinema.


    A dusty, run-down cinema.


    Most of the chairs were broken due to poor management.


    Even the screen had a lot of torn parts, but it didn''t interfere with watching the movie.


    I stared at the screen expressionlessly while eating the popcorn next to me.


    In the movie, my parents appeared. The old me also came out together, but it was somehow awkward.


    In the movie, my parents and I met eyes on my way back from school, but both of them just passed by.


    They seemed to avoid any contact and quickly ran away instead.


    At home, we didn''t encounter each other. Rather, they even left the food outside the door for me.


    This awkward situation continued until one day.


    Both of them died in a car ident due to drowsy driving.


    I held a simple funeral for them, and as if nothing happened, I came back to school and attended sses.


    My only friend, a senior, reacted strangely after seeing me like that.


    <em><strong>-Why the hell are you acting like this?</strong></em>


    <em>-What are you talking about, senior?</em>


    <em><strong>-It''s easier if you just cry out loud. At least you will look like a human if you frown, get annoyed, and rant.</strong></em>


    <em>-Saying that all of a sudden makes me ufortable. Did I do something wrong?</em>


    <em><strong>-You''re totally abnormal. There''s somethingcking in you. Do you have a mental illness?</strong></em>


    <em>-You''re being harsh.</em>


    I reacted to the pranks yed by my senior,ughing and getting angry at him.


    I don''t think there''s anything wrong with my mind.


    My senior despised me.


    <em><strong>-When your parents died, you didn''t shed a single tear.</strong></em>


    <em>-...</em>


    <em><strong>-Will you not cry even if I die?</strong></em>


    <em>-...</em>


    My senior passed away in an ident after he said that to me.


    People who normally wouldn''t approach me for bringing misfortune looked at me like a murderer after my close friend died.


    My parents passed away and my senior also got into an ident.


    The next day, I stood in front of my senior''s grave.


    <em><strong>-Will you not cry even if I die?</strong></em>


    What the senior said at the end lingered in my ears.


    A normal person would have cried here.


    But still, there are no tears.


    What the hell am I.


    An abnormal person who doesn''t shed a single tear.


    I was a person who didn''t deserve to have a friend next to me.


    Maybe the reactions I showed to the pranks yed by my senior were deliberately did in consideration of the reactions he wanted.


    Was it right to reveal my emotions?


    Was the senior really my friend?


    I threw the popcorn in my hand.


    Hallucinations are heard.


    I grabbed my messy hair with one hand and looked at my other hand, and there was a hand mirror help up.


    The mirror reflected me.  was standing there. E, not me.


    I had entered E''s body.


    Acting with E''s personality, my impulsive behavior was also influenced by her body.


    But after I got used to my body, I was less influenced by it.


    To some extent, I thought I was acting on my own judgement.


    The feelings towards the children are also mine.


    But I''ve be a monster.


    Monsters are influenced by people''s thoughts.


    Because the kids thought of me as a friend, I came to think of them as a friend too.


    The angry personality and everything I showed after adapting my body were all because of the way I acted when I was affected by E''s body, so my personality ended up being corrected to that.


    Hallucinations tell me.


    [You are a mirror! You can''t express anything if you don''t have a target to shine on!]


    My feelings for the children are not my true feelings.


    [Your friend died and you can''t cry, there''s no way you could have that kind of heart!]


    "Ah... Ah..."


    I only pretended to be E in front of the kids while using her body.


    Even though my best friend died.


    Even though I went through a painful thing, I couldn''t have possibly felt any friendship towards the children.


    "Ahhh...!"


    I am a mirror. I am a mirror.


    A person who does not shed a single tear even when a friend dies, no, not even a person.


    So, my rtionship with the kids is just an empty lie- No rtionship I''ve ever made on my own.


    I look in the mirror. Only E is standing.


    It''s futile. I rather die.


    I closed my eyes.


    "Wait a moment!!! What are you closing your eyes for?!"


    Ah?


    The screen rips open and someone jumps out. And they hit my stomach-?!


    "Kyaa?!"


    I rolled across the floor. Why do these bastards like to hit me so much...!


    "Urgh..."


    "Older brother! It''s not fun like this, you know?! Can''t you see that the kids are barely holding on outside?!"


    "You''re... E?"


    E was standing in front of me. She was looking down at me with a pathetic expression.


    "What. First time seeing E? Well, outside, E''s image is not reflected in the mirror. How is it? How do you feel seeing such a pretty E?"


    "No, weren''t you dead?"


    "..."


    "As soon as you took my body, you were hit by a chandelier and died."


    "..."


    "...? Are you embarrassed of... Kya!"


    E in front of me swung her knife to prevent me from opening my mouth.


    She seemed ashamed that she took my body and died whileughing.


    The corner of E''s mouth lifted slightly when I let ou a squeal.


    "Wow. Come on! Are youpletely a girl? Should I call you sister? That''s too funny!"


    Making fun of someone when she sees a gap is totally like the original E.


    It''s annoying...! Kyeong-min, who was teased by me, must have felt the same way.


    I''m sorry, Kyeong-min!


    "I''m a guy, even if I''m in a girl''s body! It''s just that I got a bit used to the female body!"


    Even thinking about being in a woman''s body still makes me feel ufortable.


    "I think I know what you''re thinking. Older brother''s body is, no, because this is a special ce. Is your soul still a girl?"


    "What?"


    I looked down at my body.


    This ce is not real. I thought it was a ce simr to a imaginary world that you see in cartoons, so I believed I was in my original male form.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    The mirror breaks and a sunflower bloom in its ce.


    The sunflower withers after a moment, and a mirror takes its ce again.


    After that, it was a repeat of this cycle.


    This is a fight between the bosses to dominate the stage.


    I was no longer in a position where I had to roll my body to attack Mary one-sidedly.


    "Isn''t it about time to stop the power struggle?"


    "What happened to you, E?"


    Mary questioned the sudden change in me.


    "I just listened to music for a while. Because of that, my body is rxed and exerting its full strength."


    Mary coldly replied.


    "Lie."


    I said giggling.


    "Did I get caught~?"


    As soon as Mary attacked using vines, I moved to the mirror behind her.


    Mary immediately turned around, but it was toote to avoid my attack.


    The ability to inflict physical damage by shing enemies in sight from inside a mirror is superior when ites to attack speed.


    It''s just that it''s been difficult to use because I''ve been unable to create mirrors before.


    ng-!


    Mary, who noticed my attack, seeded in defending by a narrow margin.


    However, there were a lot of mirrors around her.


    A simple but hard to deal strategy where I move between mirrors to make impossible to determine my position and then sh Mary in her blind spot.


    Like the first fight with Slenderman, I corner her.


    Ahahahahaha!


    Augh came out at Mary''s hurried appearance to block a attack.


    She worked hard so far.


    Mary was reaching her limit in defending against my attacks and started trying something different.


    "Urgh... Help me!"


    <strong>Tiriririring-!</strong>


    A beeping sound rang out from the remaining payphone box.


    The handset rattled and dropped by itself, and a girl''s voice came out.


    Is she going to call a monster?


    <strong>[Hello? I''m Rika! I''m behind-?]</strong>


    Rika stopped talking as if embarrassed. She had moved behind me, entering the mirror, but she couldn''t cut me because I moved to another one.


    "Now, what will you do?"


    <strong>[...!]</strong>


    Left alone in the mirror, Rika seemed unable to do anything.


    Unlike her boss, Mary, Rika did not have the ability to summon her medium, the phone.


    A small fry who cannot demonstrate her abilities unless she goes through a public phone box.


    "I''m sorry! Now you''re stuck in the mirror forever! You will live there forever! It''s no longer a phone monster, it''s a mirror monster!"


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    Oops. I got too excited. I have to stop.


    "Excuse me. I got carried away. Wasn''t that unlike <em>me</em>?"


    Mary looked at me with an annoyed expression.


    "No. E was always like that."


    "Is that so? Well, it doesn''t matter. Even that is still <em>me</em>."


    Even if I resemble E''s personality, I am me.


    Now that I''ve separated my identity, I don''t have to restrain myself anymore.


    Ah, it feels nice.


    "Actually, whether it''s about adopting monster characteristics or resembling E, it was causing me a lot of stress. But you know what? Even if I resemble her, I''m still <em>me</em>, right?"


    "Stop talking weird!"


    "Ahahaha! It''s the first time I''ve felt so good that my thoughts were wrong!"


    A very simple attack. I stepped out of the mirror and lightly dodged it.


    "It won''t work."


    "...Tsk."


    The shape of arge phone appeared behind Mary.


    This time, it seemed to focus on physical phenomena, not curses. A powerful vibration spread out.


    The delicate mirrors around Mary began to crack one by one.


    Even though the precious mirrors were broken, I smiled brightly.


    "...Shall I show you something fun?"


    I created another mirror.


    This time it reflected Mary from afar.


    The image of her reflection. I pointed my knife at it.


    "Are there restrictions on movement because you''re using a lot of strength?"


    "!!!"


    She must have sensed what I was about to do.


    Mary, startled by the cold feel of the knife on her neck, canceled the attack and immediately dodged.


    "Since long ago, the image reflected in the mirror has been treated as an alter ego. So there were many cases where mirrors were thought of as mysterious or ominous."


    It was possible to do this thanks to the widened range of abilities as a mirror monster.


    Mary also uses other phone ghost stories, so there''s nothing I can''t do.


    "Pfft."


    "Don''t y around with Mary-!"


    Mary charged at me, clearly mad. Maybe it''s because she''s a kid, so she gets angry easily.


    ...Why do I feel pricked?


    "I was thinking of ending this soon."


    I confronted Mary head-on as well. The de, filled with as much strength as possible, emitted an unpleasant screech as it shed.


    "Mary. You deal with phones monsters. For example... Like your Satoru-kun or Rika. Stories about mysterious existences beyond phones. You''re specially good at dealing with monsters derived from it. In many ways, they''re simr to you!"


    "Shut up!"


    "There are quite a few ghost stories with simr characteristics in mirror ghost stories. In particr, ghost stories about a female ghost appearing in a mirror. Among them, there is a famous one. Wanna guess? I think it would be easy to understand if you imagine E."


    "...!"


    Mary''s eyes widened. It was because she felt a powerful aura behind her.


    In the created mirror, another girl, not me, swings a terrifying ax at Mary.


    Mary couldn''t avoid the attack because she was defending against my knife aiming for a gap.


    Time is over. The answer is.


    "-Bloody Mary. Coincidentally, the names are the same."


    Blood gushes and pours from Mary''s back.


    Mary, who had been floating a little in the air, copsed to the floor due to gravity.


    Bloody Mary is a mysterious girl from a mirror ghost story.


    It''s portrayed pretty badly in the popr media.


    I wonderd if it would be possible for me to summon mirror monsters just like Mary with her phone monsters, and I seeded wonderfully.


    "Go back for now."


    Bloody Mary returned in response to my orders.


    I observed the fallen Mary.


    An ordinary person would have died instantly, but she was still barely breathing.


    <em>''She''s even slowly recovering. If I want to kill her, it has to be now.''</em>


    As I approached Mary, all the vines and sunflowers that ate the school had rotted away.


    Even the giant sunflower stalks in the yground.


    "If the stage is disappearing while the boss is alive... Looks like James seeded in installing the artifact. That also means you can''t beat me anymore."


    "...Haa... Haa..."


    Mary crawled miserably on the ground. She shifted her body as sheboredly reached her hand opposite from me.


    It may look like she''s running away, but to me it seems like Mary is looking for someone.


    "E!"


    After being released from the vines, Kyeong-min, Suho, and Eun-jeong came running to me.


    They weren''t hurt. I was proud and thankful that they worked so hard while fighting Mary.


    "..."


    I silently hugged the three of them. The kids hesitated at my awkward action.


    In particr, Kyeong-min didn''t know what to do.


    I know it''s embarrassing, but sometimes, things like this are necessary.


    ...Maybe.


    "Soft and soft~"


    "Eun-jeong..."


    Why are you burying your face in my chest in this situation...


    "You don''t know restraint..."


    The atmosphere was broken.


    Now that it''s turned out this way, I guess it''s time to wrap things up.


    I turned around and walked towards Mary.


    Holding my knife in my hand.


    If I leave her be, she will recover, so I can''t just let her go.


    "Mary needs to find... Mary... Still... Couldn''t find... It''s okay if it''s just once..."


    She muttered pitifully. What the hell is a wish?


    The original E also had one. Somehow, I seem to have one too.


    "Why... No matter how much Mary searches, she can''t find it? Why should only Mary be frustrated and sad?"


    Mary tried to kill us.


    Now, her wishes don''t matter.


    I don''t think wishing is such an important factor in the first ce.


    There was no mention of a wish in the game... Could it be that each boss has a wish? Ms. Spider and Pierrot too?


    "...I hate you... I hate everything! No matter how many times I call, they don''t answer! Who are you? Why aren''t youing to find Mary?! Answer me!"


    Mary began to tremble.


    "Mary can''t die yet..."


    The obsession with life is strong.


    This is the part the differentiates her from other monsters.


    If it was another monster, even if their leg was cut off, they would have rushed to kill me.


    "Um..."


    "Somehow... Feels wrong."


    The children seemed puzzled, perhaps because it was the first time the enemy acted in this way.


    "Pitiful."


    The mood is low. As if it would be awkward to kill Mary heartlessly.


    ...But we have to kill Mary. Otherwise she''ll target us again.


    Because the way for Mary to find out who she is looking for is to kill them.


    It is my judgement that this kid cannot live while suppressing her bloodlust.


    However, separate from that, my intuition is screaming.


    Not to kill Mary in this manner.


    ...There must be another way.


    But the fact that she must be killed doesn''t change.


    I put strength into my hand to cut Mary''s throat.


    "Goodbye Mary."


    "E wait!"


    I stopped my hand.


    "I got a call from Ha-rim."


    At this timing? Could it be a coincidence? Probably not...


    "Take it."


    Ha-rim''s voice is heard over Kyeong-min''s cell phone.


    "Hello? E! Seeing as all the nts are gone, it''s almost over."


    It must have been difficult to attack the stage that was eroding the school, but her voice was rxed.


    I felt better and the tone of my voice slightly rose.


    "Yes. Now I only need to kill Mary who is lying on the ground."


    "...Before that, there is one oddity."


    "?"


    "There is still one glowing white phone booth left."


    "A white phone booth?"


    The objects that appeared in the school were all from Mary''s stage.


    But a white phone booth? I''ve never seen anything like that.


    Is it another variable?


    What gimmick is it?


    A white phone booth appeared when Mary was defeated. Usually in games, this kind of situation happens when suggesting alternative strategies.


    "..."


    Another strategy... It feels a littlete for that.


    It is also unclear whether the white phone booth actually ys such a role.


    Even if that was the case, what would be the point of not brutally killing Mary now and using a different strategy?


    From a game perspective, taking a different route would be more interesting and fun.


    <em>''This is reality for the kids. Even if it''s cruel, wouldn''t be the right choice to kill her?''</em>


    Time is ticking. What should I do?


    <em>-I will give you all my strength, so show the children an adventure. Make this strange world not just scary but full of encounters, farewells, emotions like excitement, sadness, and joy. I want them to know.</em>


    I made my decision.


    "Ha-rim, try using that phone booth. If it''s you, you can use it somehow."


    The strategy should be entrusted to the protagonist.


    "Okay! I''ll try!"


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd person</strong>


    Shin Ha-rim entered the phone booth. A phone booth is a ce made for making calls with other people.


    Shin Ha-rim thought. Who am I calling?


    There was only one person that came to mind at this time. It was Mary.


    What should Shin Ha-rim do to call Mary? She was troubled.


    The result of simply thinking as if solving a riddle.


    She dialed a phone number.


    (666-6666-6666)


    ...The phone calls.


    Tiririring... Tiririring...


    Mary, who was crawling on the floor, was startled. Mary is the one who makes calls. It was the first time she had received one.


    Mary''s vague anticipation welled up. She somehow had the idea that when she answered the phone, she might be able to meet the person she was looking for.


    Mary hurriedly answered the phone before it rang three times.


    She got up despite her scars to properly answer it. E was wary of Mary, but Mary didn''t care about her.


    "...Hello. Who is it? Is it the person Mary was looking for?"


    "...Uh... Um... Hello?"

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    I felt like something had just entered my body... I''m probably just imagining things.


    After defeating Mary, I observed the phone that had fallen to the ground.


    Items do not drop from bosses in the original game.


    And even when I try to use it, it doesn''t react.


    It''s a mysterious item.


    Maybe a key item?


    It happens sometimes.


    An item that cannot be used or synthesized.


    They are activated by collecting items with the same gimmick that exist in the game, or can only interact with certain objects, like a key that only reacts to one specific door.


    It''s a key item from a boss... So it''s very suspicious.


    Could it be that every boss has one?


    Pierrot and Ms. Spider all have a wish, and if you grant it, you can get a key item. Is it such a clich¨¦ development?


    If it is true.


    Do I have it too?


    "..."


    "E? What''s wrong with your face? Yourplexion looks bad."


    Eun-jeong was looking at me with worried eyes. I forced a smile and pretended to be fine.


    "Of the two of us, I''m stronger, so don''t worry..."


    "E? E!"


    My eyesight is shaking.


    The tension was released from my body and my strength goes out.


    Did I use too much power? I think I''ve used my power to the point of blurring like before.


    "In the mirror... Put me in..."


    With barely squeezed strength, I spoke to the children. The scene of the kids hurriedly holding a mirror at me was myst memory.


    ...


    When I opened my eyes, I was in a full-length mirror.


    As I carefully poked my head out of it, someone lightly hit my head with a book. Ouch.


    "If you don''t take care of yourself like before, you''ll die soon."


    It''s Maria.


    Like a nun, she cares about other people''s health. A nun who cares about monsters... It seems unique, but it''s actually quite amon clich¨¦.


    "I''m not dead, so it doesn''t matter."


    Since I''m notpletely recovered, it consumes a lot strength to move outside.


    Having fought with Mary and exhausted all my power, it''s no wonder I have no energy to move around outside the mirror.


    In other words, for my body to recover its strength, I need to rest inside the mirror.


    "It is a sin not to respect one''s body."


    Even if you say that, it doesn''t make sense.


    It''s not even my body in the first ce. As I was not paying attention, Maria spoke again.


    "The children were very worried."


    "..."


    "Pfft."


    When she covered her mouth with augh, I felt ufortable.


    I reflexively and bluntly asked a question because of my paranoid mindsetmon to loners who thinks that othersugh at them.


    "What''s so funny?"


    "I mean, you didn''t care, but as soon as I brought up the kids, you put on a look of self-reflection. How can I notugh?"


    Did I do that?


    As a surge of embarrassment pricked me, I surrendered before things could get any worse.


    "Haa... I understand, so please put away that warm gaze."


    "You are such a cute child."


    "Stop it!"


    Slide.


    Hearing my conversation with Maria, James opened the door and came in.


    "So, you were alive."


    "I have to say, both of you seeded. To be honest, it was an unreasonable request."


    I wasn''t able to tell them how to defeat the monsters in the park.


    It was just a little bit of a warning, so it was the same as bumping into a monster without any countermeasures.


    I cautiously asked James.


    "...How many died?"


    Because they weren''t warned, they most likely fell into the traps, so there must have been deaths. However, his answer was unexpected.


    "There is no fatalities."


    Oh. Thankfully nobody died.


    James might be a greater person than I thought.


    I was delighted with the good news and praised him.


    "You are capable!"


    "I wish that was the case... But it''s because someone helped."


    "Huh?"


    "That''s what I got from you. It''s in liquid form, but it''s an object that exerts strong power against nts. I was going to aim for the huge sunflower that seemed to be the center of the park with it."


    James continued his exnation.


    It was the time when they tried to aim for the huge sunflower with eyes, which is Mary''s weak point and the center of the stage, but was unable to use the item and was pushed back little by little due to the fierce attacks of the monsters.


    It was easy to install the relic itself if the group was sacrificed, so the moment he was about to put it into practice, a stage curtain appeared in front of his eyes, and in the blink of an eye, he arrived at the ce where he could install it.


    The artifact was installed, and the weak monsters around it were purified.


    He said that he easily dealt with the weakened sunflower with the item I gave him.


    "...A curtain."


    You were watching us, Pierrot.


    "You appear to have a guess."


    "Do you remember the clown we metst time?"


    "Of course."


    "Maybe he was involved."


    If you were watching, why didn''t you help us when we attacked Mary?


    It''s not that he didn''t help at all, but it''s ambiguous.


    Did you want to check something?


    "I have to go see him. Let''s go together this time. Like Mary, if I sloppily go meet him and identally get attacked, we all need to respond together. Before we depart, I''ll exin what I know about Pierrot."


    He''s hard to find, and since we defeated Mary, we have no choice but to go where he''s most likely to be.


    We have to go to his stage, the amusement park.


    I didn''t want to go because there were a lot of monsters in the middle, but there''s no choice.


    "Is there any chance of winning if he bes an enemy?"


    "Hmm..."


    It urred to me that if I got better at using mirror ghost stories, I might be able to leave everyone safe.


    However, the image of being able to win did note to mind.


    The appearance in the game where the barriers of the school were destroyed and the building itself was shaken was very impressive. Still.


    "It''s impossible with the head-on method, but I think there''s a chance of winning."


    "I see."


    James seemed to question my attitude.


    "...?"


    "Is that judgment made because you grew up as a demon?"


    "What?"


    "When measured by the demon meter, you were only about a quarter of a demon. But now it''s half. You have grown one step as a full demon."


    "..."


    "It is not umon for demons to steal the power of other demons. Since coveting power is in the realm of instinct, it seems that the power was taken unconsciously..."


    Isn''t this like another hidden setting in the game? I thought it would be something like a chunk of text from the creator that didn''t particrly affect the flow of the game, but it''s very embarrassing to hear it mentioned over and over again.


    If it''s from Mary, then the other bosses are also quarter demons.


    What the hell does this mean, developer?


    "It makes me very ufortable."


    "I agree."


    "I think it will be fine. Maybe."


    "Are you nning to just gloss over it like that?"


    No matter how much you squeeze your brain.


    What you don''t know, you don''t know.


    I roughly concluded that we should all go to meet Pierrot together and install artifacts on his stage. As I tried to run away to the children because Maria started nagging at me.


    "Oh right. I got this from Mary. Any guesses?"


    I showed Maria the white phone that had fallen from Mary.


    The phone looked sacred. So I wondered if Maria, a nun, would know better.


    "This..."


    She put on a serious expression.


    "It has the same properties as the artifacts we brought."


    <strong>POV Switch - Third person</strong>


    "You did better than I thought. The seed was well absorbed by the soul."


    He mutters about how, thanks to nting the seed in a pure soul of a human, there was no resistance when it settled in another soul.


    "What do you mean, Meph?"


    A woman dressed as a researcher asked him. But Mephughed and changed the topic.


    "Ah. It''s nothing. Amy, did the symptoms you consulted earlier get better?"


    "It has improved unbelievably well. All the worries and ominous thoughts I had were washed away. Meph, you were right, They say <em>time </em>is medicine, but it must be true."


    Amy smiled and looked at Meph. In her eyes, he was her all-around fixer.


    "Ha ha ha. I would be d if it was thanks to my counseling, buttely, everyone has said that their worries, dark thoughts, and fears were gone. Isn''t this the virtue of everyone in the institution contributing to making the world a better ce to live?"


    "You''re really humble. Oops, look at the time! I have to go!"


    Amy seemed to have an appointment, so she rushed somewhere. But, perhaps she was in too much of a hurry, she made a loud bump as she hit something.


    "...Oh dear... Have even the fear of bumping into something taken away?"


    "I''m not messing with you. It''s just that the world I created is functioning well."


    "In my opinion, the existence of a monster was a really good idea."


    Meph sat down in his chair and crossed his legs.


    He tapped the desk with his finger. The meaning of this act is because he''s bored.


    Then... Something caught on his finger. It was a book about a collection of urban legends.


    "Oh yes. I should read these stories."


    Meph chuckled as he read the book.


    "Why are they so wacky and funny? After all, there is no difference between a urban legend and a joke. In the end, the horror genre was created for human amusement, so is it only natural?"


    Fear is truly a stimting spice in life if you look at it from the point of view of not dying.


    People are afraid and tense while reading horror novels, but in the end, there is no harm to them, and haunted houses and roller coasters only makes you feel momentary fear, with no danger to their lives.


    Of course, horror games are in the same context.


    "As long as you don''t die, a horror experience can be the most fun adventure ever. Going beyond games or novels, experiencing it yourself, struggling to live, and surviving in the end. Where else could there be an adventure as eventful as that? Is it not?"


    Meph sought agreement.


    To his friend in a world full of fun (jokes).


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    The kids greeted me as soon as they saw me. Among them, Eun-jeong came running to me like a train, and I opened my arms wide.


    "E, you are okay!"


    She put her head on my chest.


    And then she grumbled softly.


    Since I was bing ustomed to Eun-jeong''s sulking, I pressed my hand against her head, making it difficult for her to breathe.


    "Urgh?!"


    In a very soft voice, she says, "This isn''t something a mom does."


    What mother. I''m your friend.


    "Is it okay to stick your head in someone else''s chest?"


    "...Urgh~!"


    "Wait, wait a moment?! Ahahahaha!"


    I hurriedly let go of Eun-jeong and rolled on the floor.


    As if seeking revenge, she climbed on my back as I was unable to move, suffering from the previous tickling.


    Hey hey hey! Don''t put your hands on my armpit! Are you trying to murder me?!


    "Let''s be civilized. What do you want?"


    Unexpectedly, Eun-jeong erased her smile and put on a serious expression at my question.


    I was nervous, afraid of what frightful favor she was about to ask.


    "Please don''t make us run away."


    Huh?


    "...Why are you saying that all of a sudden?"


    I rolled my head, recalling whatever I did for her to be like that.


    As if trying to solve my question, Kyeong-min held out his hand to me.


    I took it and stood up as Eun-jeong got up from my back and stood next to Ha-rim.


    "What do you want to say?"


    "What I am about to say is the opinion of all of us."


    What the hell is it?


    "Even if we end up in danger, please don''t make us run away and leave E alone."


    "..."


    "We are in the same club. Even if we run away from danger, we hope it will be together and get though it. No matter how scary or difficult it is."


    What are these kids talking about?


    Even good things should be done to the extent that is beneficial.


    "Are you guys dumb? It wasn''t specifically for your sake, you know? It was a carefully calcted strategic retreat. I thought you guys might end up dying in vain... I only took a slight risk."


    "E can''t be honest."


    I got caught. It''s only now that I realized, I''m the type who can''t hide my feelings.


    I didn''t like the way they read my mind, so I answered with a pout.


    "It''s annoying how you understand the hidden meaning and still add ament."


    "...Don''t pout. Promise us."


    I took a deep breath. Time for a sermon.


    "Sometimes, there are more important things than being stubborn. Right now, your lives are several times more important than that kind of stubbornness. Don''t think luck will be on your side like this every time. Did you know that your request is basically for you to lock the emergency exit when escaping in case of danger?."


    "Yes! Okay!"


    If it''s like that, the persuasion ended in failure as soon as it started.


    "Do you really understand? That we could actually die? How can you be so positive about it? Eun-jeong, aren''t you scared? Just being together doesn''t guarantee victory, you know? It just means we could all die together!"


    "Scary."


    "Yes, it is."


    Now we have a satisfactory answer.


    "But I believe that E will make it less scary."


    "No, it seems like my words aren''t getting through. Are you saying you understand that you''re in danger? Are you calling uncontroble situations risks? Why don''t you get it? Are you a kid?"


    "If you ask me, we are kids, but..."


    I''m going to lose my mind.


    For some reason, these positive idiots seem to have gained confidence by somehow oveing thest situation.


    The misconception that after surviving such a terrifying experience, they could ovee anything!


    It is truly a dreamy idea that a child would have!


    "It was scary. It was really hard at first, so I shrank and froze for a moment. But since E was with me, I thought that no matter how scary and dangerous it was, I could do it. It feels nice thinking about it again!"


    "We''re happy when we''re with E! So, no matter how dangerous the situation is, we''ll ovee it together!"


    Where is this "strange" world where such things are possible, exactly?


    -Though it''s realistic to say that and break the illusion.


    I really want to make it.


    A hope that all of those positive kids will survive the crisis and take this game as an adventure as if to show off.


    I want to make a strange illusion that they can ovee any fear thates their way.


    I want to see children who eventually ovee fear and turn it into a ything.


    Can I do it?


    ...The answer to the question will be told by the results.


    No matter what I say, it won''t get through to them. I brushed my bangs aside and spoke to the faces that were shining with hope.


    "Haa... Sure, okay."


    Ha-rim brightly smiled.


    "Especially Ha-rim, I decided to show you an adventure."


    An adventure is not without risk.


    I''m just going to be a fool this time. There is no resentment.


    "It''s a promise!"


    I swear by crossing my fingers.


    <strong>(Omake)</strong>


    "What''s that broken over there?"


    "It''s a monster we exterminated while waiting for E. Ha-rim quickly defeated it."


    The monster that was eliminated was the [Monster of Collision].


    Everyone was memories of bumping into something and being hurt.


    It was a monster that embodied such fear.


    "Even though it''s weak, she''s amazing."


    Even if the risk is low, it would be difficult to find a strategy, but Ha-rim is amazing.


    The developers who made so many monsters like that are also amazing.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    "Now there are only two artifacts left."


    I drew a simple map on the board and circled two ces to ce them.


    Following my hand, the eyes of James, Maria, the children, and the soldiers moved.


    One ce is the circus arena, which is Pierrot''s stage. The other is a department store, which is Ms. Spider''s stage.


    We were thinking of meeting Pierrot, who might be our ally and ask for his permission to install the artifact.


    The fact that a key item with the same properties as the artifact brought from the institute appeared from Mary bothers me quite a bit. And I can''t help but think that installing all the artifacts might not have any relevance to the hidden ending of the game in the first ce.


    But if we don''t do it, the forced ending will open.


    "These two ces are where two beings stronger than Mary appear. Among them, Pierrot is amunicative opponent, I''ll try to convince him to let us install the artifact, but a fight can happen just like Mary. So let me exin the strategy in advance."


    To be honest, I don''t have the confidence to win even if they know the strategy.


    It''s not possible to teach movements from veteran yers, and there are many patterns that depend on one''s ability because of its strong irregrity.


    "The only annoying thing about Pierrot is the relentless attacks and bothersome circus performers. There''s also the quiz that randomlyes out in the middle of the fight."


    Pierrot control circus monsters, just like Mary.


    From monkeys to lions, to elephants and Ottogi. There are many others, but especially these four are the strongest among them.<sup>1</sup>


    A monkey pattern in which monkeys juggling with weapons quickly circle around and throw daggers.


    A chasing lion pattern that relentlessly pursues the yer through the ring of fire.


    An elephant''s charging pattern that instantly kills when hit.


    A counter-attack type Ottogi pattern thatunches a wide-are attack if it is hit or collide with even one object.


    Moreover, while the four of them attack all at once, Pierrot approaches from the side with more patterns.


    As expected of the strongest boss-level monster in the game, it''s very annoying.


    "Pierrot likes interesting shows. So, in order to have a fair match, he gives a quiz that, if answered correctly, he damages himself. If answered incorrectly, he''ll deal damage to us. Of course, it instantly kills by human standards, so be careful."


    Obviously, I know all the answers to Pierrot''s quiz.


    I intend to share it with everyone.


    But, do you know?!


    What I mean is we have another problem!


    What if he shows behavior that is different from the original again!


    If we show we know the pattern during the fight, it''s obvious that we''ll be put in a situation where he will give us a quiz we don''t know and end up being defeated.


    Using aic book as an analogy, it''s like when a viin says to the protagonist.


    <em>-Heh, I know all of your techniques.</em>


    And then, like an idiot, the viin falls for a new move and exims.


    <em>-Huh?!</em>


    That type of clich¨¦.


    "I''m not abat power measurement device!"<sup>1</sup>


    "What''s wrong with E?"


    Ah, did I get too excited?


    Lately, it feels like whenever a strong opponent appears, they start by beating me up first.


    Like the Doppelganger or Mary... Somehow, it seems like I''ll be in a lot of pain in the future.


    I quickly came to my senses and exined the rest of the strategy.


    Everyone took notes and wrote down. I''m d we have enthusiastic students. That''s how it should be, otherwise we''d be in trouble.


    "Anybody has any questions?"


    One of the soldiers raised his hand.


    Oh, it''s the first time one of them talked to me.


    What are you curious about?


    I was looking forward to it. They don''t say anything expect James and Maria.


    "Miss Spider... Was it? Knowing information about that monster beforehand seems like a good idea."


    A straightforward question.


    Well, it wouldn''t hurt to let you know in advance. But since you betrayed my expectations, I have to y with you.


    "Aren''t you curious about E? Is that really the first question you ask her?"


    "..."


    The soldier nced at James as if asking if he should be careful with his words.


    James lightly smiled, signaling to ask any question without reservation.


    Usually, James appears strict or even stiff with his group, but the soldier finally decided to speak.


    "I heard that you are a demon... I wonder why you''re helping everyone. Therefore... I am curious about the purpose."


    Umm... Well, James did say that he only trusts me because of his past work experiences.


    Maria also witnessed how I interacted with the children and we''ve had conversations, so she must have understood my intentions.


    The soldiers who rarely have conversations with me might find it hard to fully understand.


    And yet, just by the orders of James, they put their lives on the line, which is something I''m thankful for.


    "To begin with, the purpose is to send these kids back home safely. That''s my top priority. The secondary goal is to get outside."


    "I see... I understand."


    The goal of going outside is impossible to achieve because I did not think about the future after sending the children back.


    To be honest, I''m not really eager.


    Still, you know, don''t you think that if I were to go outside, I might not end up in quarantine by the authorities?


    I can practically hear the gears turning in his head.


    Even you, a single soldier, wouldn''t they catch and confine you once it''s all over? It''s obvious what the higher-ups would think if you let me roam outside.


    ...Let''s stop thinking about it.


    Even after the ending, I am thinking that it would be worth living if I was with the kids, even if it meant I couldn''t go back to my world.


    Please. Consider the possibility of me not being quarantined as soon as I go out.


    it wouldn''t turn out like that, right? Yes?


    "Even if I honestly tell you the purpose and exin the reasons, believing in a half-demon like me would probably still be difficult for you."


    It''s embarrassing for me to exin everything, including getting close to the kids, step by step.


    "From E''s point of view, it doesn''t matter whether you believe her or not... In the end, all you have to do is follow James'' orders and E can prove her value with information."


    I don''t care if they believe me or not.


    Honestly, no matter what I say, the other person won''t believe me because it''s just words.


    "That''s right."


    His response became stiff.


    It''s something I brought up as a joke, but rather, it made the atmosphere tense.


    Speaking in such a stiff manner brings back memories of my past self, making me restless.


    "Still, you know... Being a soldier is a job that you have chosen with your own convictions and responsibilities, but that doesn''t mean that mean your hard work is taken for granted. Umm..."


    "?"


    When I start speaking in a roundabout manner, the soldier gives me a skeptical look.


    I turn my head slightly and continue speaking, avoiding eye contact.


    "Risking your lives... I suppose I''m grateful for that. Because we are together for a while, I would be happy if you could trust me. Umm, did you get the answer to your question?"


    The soldier paused for a moment, nced at Maria and James, and nodded.


    "Now I understand."


    I asked for an answer. What do you mean by now you understand? The other soldiers seems strangely convinced too. Stop it, just stop!


    I quickly moved on to the next topic to lighten the mood.


    On the ckboard, I drew a woman''s upper body connected to a spider-like lower body.


    "Next is Miss Spider. It seems Pierrot call her Arachne."


    There hasn''t been any interaction with Ms. Spider so far.


    Although we saw the spider monsters that asionally parasitized other monsters and the spider attendant in the beginning.


    Pierrot said that she had already been attacked by the Devil.


    Just as Pierrot had his arm eroded by the Devil''s attack, Ms. Spider seems to have suffered the same attack.


    The difference must be that Pierrot is stronger, so Ms. Spider was defeated while Pierrot is holding on.


    She''s probably the type can''t get along with words alone.


    That''s why I want Pierrot to remain as an ally so that the fight is easier.


    "Ms. Spider''s main attack pattern involves aggressively attacking with her giant body, and she has much more subordinatespared to other bosses. Additionally, she inflicts a curse that slows you down. Finally, her specialty is mind-type attacks."


    Below the picture of Ms. Spider, I wrote down keywords such as [giant body],[numerous subordinates],[movement slowdown curse],[mind-type attacks], and so on.


    Ms. Spider, beingrger than other bosses, uses powerful psychic-type attacks and curses instead of simple physical attacks.


    That''s why it''s essential to resist it bybining the item from the spider attendant with another artifacts for purification.


    And that''s the artifact Eun-jeong is holding.


    Pierrot also has psychic-type attack patterns, and it''s hard to say which is stronger. However, when the yer is hit by Ms. Spider''s mind attack, there''s a mechanic where the yer loses control of their character. How this mechanic will be implemented is the key point to consider.


    The disturbed and terrified look the character has when hit by the attack is what worries me.


    After exining for a while, I started feeling a bit tired.


    Speaking so much at once is hard on my mouth and mind.


    "I''m going to see Pierrot in an hour. Everyone, prepare well in the meantime."


    ...


    It is an hourter.


    After leaving the school, we headed to Pierrot''s circus tent.


    Looking around, the number of monsters was much higher thanst time.


    As times goes by, it bes more and more powerful.


    On the 30th day when the Devil is born, it reaches its peak and besplete hell.


    "Get lost."


    As I spread my aura, some monsters retreated.


    There''s no need to hide anything. This body is from a boss, the mirror monster.


    If we don''t recklessly rush like the spider monsters or it isn''t a trap, we won''t get in danger.


    "E, what is that?"


    What Ha-rim is pointing at is the ghost tree seen in the distance.


    Since ancient times, trees have been treated as containers for holding things such as spirits or ghosts.


    A tree possessed by evil spirits was good material in old tales.


    The monster is along those lines.


    Monsters pretending to be human corpses are hanging from the branches of tall trees, giving off an unpleasant smell and atmosphere.


    The reason why Ha-rim was interested in the ghost tree was because it suddenly appeared in her field of vision.


    "It''s a ghost tree. Sometimes monsters deceive our eyes and act as if they don''t exist. Originally, you had to go all the way to the tree to see it, but thanks to my aura, I was able to shake off the illusion, so we can see it from far away."


    "I see. But those corpses... Are they real people?"


    "No. They''re monsters pretending to be corpses. The only people here are those from James and Maria''s side. There were no one here before you arrived either."


    "...Then the corpse in E''s mansion must have been a monster too?"


    Huh? That''s my corpse. If you misunderstand me like that, it''s fine by me.


    The past that I didn''t bring out because I was reluctant was suddenly washed away. But what is this feeling of shame?


    I could tell from Ha-rim''s smiling face what she was thinking.


    <em>''You used a monster to scare us with a corpse! Did you pretend? Cute!''</em>


    -You really are thinking the same as me!!!


    "It''s rude to share the same thought?!"


    There''s a limit even to misunderstandings.


    Because I overreacted as if my dark history has been exposed, everyone epted it as a fact.


    "Did you get pricked?"


    "No!"


    ...


    We proceeded as safely as possible by pushing back monsters with my aura or attacking and trapping the stronger ones in mirrors.


    We then arrived at our destination.


    It was more like an amusement park than a circus, with huge walls surrounding it in a circle and preventing people from entering the interior.


    In the center was a huge door for entry.


    It seems like we have to go inside, but... No matter how you look at it, it was too big to open with human power. Like a gate.


    "It''s like a fortress."


    It seems that Pierrot has remodeled the stage.


    He fought the Devil.


    As if showing that, there were traces of battle on the wall.


    I approached the huge door and knocked.


    Knock knock.


    Then Pierrot''s voice was heard.


    "Who''s there?"


    "E."


    "E who?"


    Do you know the Western knock knock joke?


    If you knock on the door and ask who the other person is, they will answer.


    It doesn''t have to be your own name, so just answer when they ask who it is and reply with a witty joke to dodge it.


    For example.


    <em>-Knock knock!</em>


    <em>-Who''s there?</em>


    <em>-Delivery. It''s Noodles.</em>


    <em>-Noodles what?</em>


    <em>-Enough with the cheesy jokes, just open the door already~</em>


    Same thing.


    It''s a ssic y on words.


    "It''s E, just open the door."


    But that''s such a corny joke. I don''t like it.


    "...E who?"


    "Hey, you corny clown. I''vee all the way here, you know? If you don''t open the door right now, I''ll break in. You''re even using such lousy jokes."


    "Geez! Got it! I''ll open it. Why so serious? A little wordy wouldn''t hurt, right?"


    "Yeah, I don''t like it."


    "You should read a joke book. [Alice''s Adventures in Wondend] is full of wordy and it''s truly profound yet amusing."


    With that, the door slowly opened.


    Let''s step inside, onto Pierrot''s stage!

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    "I never thought E woulde to visit me. I''m very surprised. You can tell from the outside, but I''ve been quite busy, so it''s hard to meet."


    "Outside..."


    There were traces of a fierce battle outside the stage.


    He must have been fighting right before we arrived, and the only person that he could be fighting is the half-devil.


    How is the fight between Pierrot and the Devil? I''m honestly curious. There nothing more fun than seeing two strong beings shing against each other.


    "You worked hard toe this far. Are you not hurt? With your numbers, it would have been difficult to deal with the spiders."


    "Huh? Spiders?"


    He seems to be talking about the spider monsters. Didn''t you fight the Devil?


    "You didn''t fight the Devil?"


    "Well, in a way, you''re right. I fought against Arachne''s spider army."


    Ms. Spider was attacked by the Devil.


    However, the fact that she attacked is almost certain that she''s being manipted.


    It seems that Pierrot, who''s the strongest among us, couldn''t be manipted, so they decided to borrow the power of Ms. Spider, who is the second strongest.


    "You are stronger than Miss Spider. Can''t you just smash through everything?"


    Pierrotughed as if I said something reckless.


    "Hahaha! If you believe only in strength and fight, you will be caught off guard by the pincers of the Devil and Arachne. Can''t you see this arm that got hurt because I was careless?"


    Pierrot showed his eroded arm.


    The erosion had progressed quite a bit fromst time.


    This looks a bit dangerous. Are you really okay?


    "There is no need to look at it like that because there is nothing to be <em>controlled</em>. It will take days for the erosion to beplete."


    "Are you saying that if we finish quickly, it''ll be over?"


    "Correct answer!... And in terms of strength, Arachne is also formidable. She''s grown a bit since before. You will know when you see it."


    Pierrot guided us inside without looking back.


    Maybe it''s because seeing children might make him want to kill them.


    As we entered the entrance where light was emitting, various rides and a circus tent in the center greeted us.


    It''s a fairlyrge space.


    "Oh, that guy."


    A monkey carrying a weapon met our eyes while on a ride.


    This is the guy I saw in the boss fight in the game. One of Pierrot''s monsters.


    [Ook-ook! Eeek-aak-eek!]


    The monkey ran at a speed that was difficult for ordinary people to follow with their eyes.


    The moment the monkey raised his weapon over his head, Pierrot blocked it with one of his fingers.


    ng-!


    "Stop. Mister Monkey, these are not enemies. After consecutive battles, you must be tired. Rest for now."


    [Ukkig.]


    "Spider scent, you say? Hmm. I understand. For now, please return."


    Pierrot pondered for a moment. He seemed to be contemting some possibility.


    Then he asked us.


    "I didn''t hear the answer I just asked, but with that number of people, it would have been difficult to deal with all the spiders. Are you all unscathed?"


    "No one''s hurt. Well, we haven''t seen spider''s webs, let alone a spider."


    Yes. We didn''t see any spiders.


    What kind of n does she has?


    I wonder if she was hiding somewhere and preparing something.


    "...And the spider corpses outside?"


    "...? There was none."


    Pierrot nodded at my answer and took out several hat-shaped badges from his pocket.


    "I see. For now let''s put this topic aside. First of all, it looks like you will need this."


    "What''s this?"


    "It would be difficult if you keep being attacked by my members like before, so I''m handing over a token. Please don''t drop it."


    As soon as we put on the badges, the monsters who have been hiding went back to their ces as if it had never happened.


    Seems like it''s not a lie. Honestly, I had suspected it might explode.


    "E. Seeing that you''ve led everyone here, I don''t think you came here just to y. There must be a purpose. What is it?"


    Oh, the main point is always weed.


    "It''s good you got right to the point. You''re aware that we''ve been setting up artifacts as we move around, right?"


    "It''s hard not to know. It was so tant that I thought there might be another hidden meaning. What are you going to do if you disturb the Devil?"


    "We have to install them quickly, so there''s no other choice. Even though the artifacts are sturdy, we can''t say for sure that they won''t break. Still, if we finish quickly as you mentioned, it should be over."


    Pierrot scratched his head for a moment as he was about to say something, but did not retort as if he knew we were right.


    "This time, the ce where the relics will be installed is here. I want to get your permission."


    "..."


    I nervously waited for his answer. What if he''s the type who doesn''t like other people hands on his circus?


    If this guy refuses, it will be very difficult. Right now, he''s scarier than the Devil.


    However, Pierrot easily agreed.


    "Do as you please."


    Hurray!


    "But there is one condition."


    "What is it?"


    "Once the artifact is installed, you won''t be able to use the rides because of its strange power. Please enjoy them at least once. That''s all."


    "It''s not that hard."


    I asked the kids to enjoy the rides.


    Adults were entrusted with monitoring them so that they would not get hurt.


    Although it is a horror ride, all the safety devices are in ce, so the thrill feels like a actual thrill with no harm to life.


    I''m d they seem to be enjoying it.


    "Why are you alone?"


    I was sitting alone on the Ferris wheel watching the kids.


    Pierrot curiously looks at me. This guy, when did he arrive?


    "You don''t have to know."


    "Hmm~ I see."


    Oops. I reacted bluntly.


    By doing this, I was advertising that I 100% had a story.


    I have to change the subject. I asked Pierrot.


    "Did you want to see it? Seeing children enjoying the rides."


    "Yes. That''s right. It''s not bad. I also feel nostalgic."


    Nostalgic.


    Perhaps, like Mary, he vaguely senses the feelings about what he wants.


    If all bosses have a wish, I think he has one as well.


    Hey, let''s just ask.


    "What is your wish?"


    Pierrot tilted his head. He seemed troubled.


    "My wish? If it''s the fake wish, I can answer it, but if it''s the real one, I can''t."


    Mary''s false wish is to call and stab to death whoever she''s looking for with a knife.


    Her real wish is to meet her mother.


    Pierrot''s wish seems to have been corrupted as well, and whatever the content is, it''s likely to be violent and cruel.


    "Why?"


    "That''s because I don''t know! The moment I know that will be myst?"


    Well, so did Mary. E said that too.


    "But don''t you have something you vaguely wished for?"


    At my question, Pierrot seemed to be wondering if he could say it.


    I don''t know why he bothered to hide. Isn''t it a wish because you want it toe true?


    After much thought, he opened his mouth.


    "...I''m looking for the director."


    It was an unfamiliar word.


    "If you''re talking about a director..."


    "E. What do you think this world resembles?"


    He suddenly speaks philosophically


    This world resembles something... Because this is a horror game... Simr words...


    "Uh~huh... yground (game)?"


    When I answered that, Pierrot responded in a raised tone.


    "Ohh! This is an interesting idea. I am simr. I think of it as a stage."


    "The director of the stage..."


    "Not all stages can be fun. However, the director who ys the scenario behind the stage and brings entertainment. I am looking for him."


    "It''s quite random. Why are you looking for someone like that? Does such a person even exist?"


    "Is it so strange that I, who seeks fun, is searching for them? And it doesn''t matter whether they exists or not. The important thing is that I am looking for them."


    Well, if you know why you''re looking for it, it''s no different than knowing everything about your wish.


    "...Next thing I would like to ask you, does finding that director have anything to do with helping us?"


    "No. It doesn''t, but saving the children is disadvantageous to the Devil. I''m not pleased with the current situation. Also, the monsters were transformed into spider monsters by Arachne. The monsters are a mystery. Each of them has their own attack method, and even if there is no extermination method, the escape method are all different.


    Trying to unify them into one is not fun."


    Do you see monsters as ythings?


    Well, the interesting monsters make the game stand out.


    I also yed the game and enjoyed it, so I agree to some extent.


    A clown who hates boring performances.


    Simply put, he does quizzes for the main character who can''t physically harm him in the game.


    If she gets the quiz right, he bizarrely harms himself.


    "They are both enigmas and jokes. They deserve fitting treatment."


    "It''splicated. In the end, I have no idea what your wish is."


    "Huh, is that so? Secrets can often be quite alluring."


    I judged that it would be difficult to get a hint from Pierrot''s words.


    Then a good idea came to my mind. Just like I did with Mary, use the mirror ghost story.


    A ghost story about the reflection of a destined person in a mirror.


    I created a mirror and faced it towards Pierrot.


    There, a young brown-haired woman ying with many children...


    Clink!


    "Not yet. It is not yet time."


    Pierrot shattered the mirror in a instant. He knows this technique.


    "As expected, you were watching, weren''t you?"


    You must have seen the entire fight with Mary.


    I stared at Pierrot and questioned him.


    "..."


    "Why don''t you help when Mary is fighting? Saying it''s better to save the children? We almost died, you know?"


    Pierrot answered while averting his eyes. The low tone of his voice showed he felt a little bad.


    "...Sometimes I want to be in a position to watch an exciting performance."


    "You think that makes sense?!"


    "Ahahaha. I''ll definitely help next time, so don''t worry. Because the situation turns interesting every time it''s a crisis, I didn''t feel like stepping in and ruining it. Well, if I had stepped in, Mary would have been killed in an instant."


    "...Next time, you''ll definitely help."


    "Indeed. Got it! I''ll help you!"


    The strongest boss, please actively help me.


    I was suspicious of Pierrot and opened my mouth to continue questioning him.


    "Now, why don''t you go down and y?"


    "..."


    And closed again.


    "Ah, I see. You didn''t fit in and stayed alone. Are there any circumstances?"


    "..."


    Ah, so noisy. I didn''t want to answer, so I covered my ears and turned my head away.


    "Oh dear."


    Snap.


    A change urred in my head as Pierrot snapped his fingers.


    "Eh?"


    "There must be a reason behind it, right~?"


    I was feeling like a fool.


    My mind has be incredibly simple, blurring the line between words that shouldn''t be said and words that can be said.


    On a more fundamental level, the information in my head is roughly maintained, leaving only the necessary information.


    "Oh yes~ There is~ just like a fool, all alone. I''m anxiously pondering about uncertain possibilities~"


    "Oh, really? What are they about?"


    "That''s¡ª what are you forcing me to say, you son of a bitch!!"


    I kicked Pierrot in the face.


    I kicked so hard that I could hear the sound of tearing the air, but there was no wound. Rather, only my feet hurt.


    "Oops. You''re quick ining to your senses."


    "What are you doing!"


    "Because you''re not being honest. I was just ying around a bit. Didn''t you also try to see something in me with the mirror?"


    "That''s why you did a mental attack?!"


    "Instead of doing that, why don''t you just tell me? It might be helpful. I''m not forcing you. I''m actually contemting whether to just break the artifact."


    That''s forcing.


    "Just... There''s a reason. It''s a bit difficult to exin."


    Why am I talking to this guy heart to heart?


    It was when I had such an annoying thought.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    "How are the kids?"


    "They haven''t woken up yet. I guess we''ll have to wait and see."


    "..."


    "Cheer up. Thanks to the nun''s cross, there won''t be any immediate danger. It''s hard to believe even items with purifying properties would be barely of use. Without her, the situation would have be really difficult."


    "I should say thank you to Maria... And you too."


    "There''s no need for that. I promised, didn''t I? To help. My feet is a bit sore from kicking away those giant arms, though."


    "Normally, people can''t fend that off. The building seemed unstable too..."


    "Hehehe... Well, I think I was useful in some way. But even with my power, all I can do is support these children. Arachne is a step above me when ites to mental attacks."


    "In the end, we have no choice but to trust the kids."


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim


    </strong>


    "Ahh!"


    I opened my eyes.


    I still vividly remember the huge eyeballs.


    I think there was someone on the left of them, but I can''t remember.


    Right now I''m on a bed.


    I don''t remember there being beds at school. Is this the infirmary?


    "You finally woke up, Ha-rim."


    "Huh? Oh, Kyeong-min."


    Kyeong-min greeted me warmly.


    I asked him what happened.


    Then he tilted his head as if he didn''t understand what I meant.


    "Nothing happened. It''s normal. I y, eat, and sleep at home."


    For some reason, Kyeong-min''s condition was strange.


    He might be shocked from what just happened, so it''s not surprising.


    I have to ask the others.


    "What about the others?"


    "They''re ying Gonggi in the corner over there. Guys~! Ha-rim woke up!"<sup>1</sup>


    Suho and Eun-jeong, who were ying in the corner of the room, came over.


    At this moment, I nced around the room and realized that this was not the infirmary.


    There are 4 beds. There is only 1 window.


    There is also a door leading to the bathroom.


    And there were various toys rolling around on the floor. A few pieces of paper can also be seen asionally.


    "Ha-rim is a sleepyhead. But as soon as she wakes up, herplexion looks bad."


    "If you''re tired, keep resting. It''s not good to overdo it."


    "Hmm... Thank you for your concern, but where are we?"


    "Where is it? It''s our home. Did you forget that too?"


    "Uh... I see."


    Strange.


    What do you mean by home?


    Why isn''t anyone finding it weird?


    Their conditions are strange too. They''reughing in a creepy way, and their expressions don''t change. It''s as if they''repletely empty inside.


    I got up from the bed, hiding my unease.


    Then I passed them and looked out the window.


    I saw a small vige using old Western-style architecture.


    There are bright lights as if there is a party going on.


    "Do you want to go outside?"


    Suho asked.


    "What?"


    "No."


    "...Why?"


    "Because mom said the vige is dangerous."


    "..."


    After hearing that, I quickly started rummaging around the room.


    The group must have been attacked by a monster.


    Eun-jeong''s bell is very effective when people act weird like that.


    I have to find it.


    "What are you looking for? A toy?"


    "Eun-jeong. Where did you put your bell?"


    "Bell? I don¡¯t know anything about that."


    I''m going crazy.


    Maybe if I give them a good hit, they''lle to their senses.


    You shouldn''t hesitate to go to the extreme when your survival is at stake.


    I raised my hand and approached Eun-jeong, who was still smiling brightly.


    "?"


    "I''m sorry, Eun-jeong!"


    Thump! When I hit her with a pillow, Eun-jeong staggered for a moment.


    But that''s it. Eun-jeong just smiled as if asking what had happened.


    She didn''t even question it.


    It''s creepy.


    I feel like I''m going crazy.


    ...Let''s calm down and sort out the situation.


    It was definitely the ssroom at thest moment.


    But suddenly we find ourselves in this strange ce and the others are in a weird state.


    It looks like we we''re kidnapped.


    So it may be natural that you don''t have the items you had.


    First of all, there is no immediate danger, so I need to gather information thoroughly.


    "Where is our... mom?"


    "Mom is sleeping in the room on the second floor. If she had woken up, she would have made a lot of noise walking across the hallway on her eight legs."


    "Eight... It sounds like a spider."


    A spider... I moved away from the window and headed out the door.


    First, let''s investigate.


    I need to find out the structure of this house.


    I opened the door and peeked outside, and a surprisingly clean hallway caught my eye.


    She seem to care about cleanliness. It had been wiped clean.


    "Mommy says she doesn''t like us being out of the room, soe back quickly before shees."


    I took a step into the hallway and looked around.


    Left and right... Where should I go?


    At this time, the smell of grilled meat came from the right.


    Looks like there''s a kitchen there.


    <em>''Let''s go to the right.''</em>


    Since there was no door to the kitchen, I stuck my head out and looked inside.


    The kitchen is clean too.


    tes and spoons on the table. And the dinner menu was written down. I read it.


    "Today''s dinner menu. Potato soup. Wheat porridge (Emily only). Fruit. Roasted vigers..."


    Wait a second.


    "Roasting people?!"


    I quickly looked at the oven.


    There, something in the shape of a person was upying the space, half burned.


    The fingernail marks in the oven, clearly visible to the naked eye, shook my mind.


    "Urgh."


    I hold back the nausea.


    I feel like there is nothing good about leaving a trace here.


    I''ve already seen a lot of scary things.


    I barely managed to stop myself from vomiting and continued exploring.


    What I can get here is... Maybe a kitchen knife.


    I took a knife. I can use the de if needed.


    Woosh.


    "Isn''t it a note?"


    A note that fell out of nowhere.


    It seems that it fell when I touched the cutting board behind it while picking up the kitchen knife.


    It''s best to read it.


    Rustling.


    The moment I was about to read the note.


    ck ck ck ck ck ck.


    "?!"


    I heard the sound of several people moving at the same time upstairs.


    8 legs.


    It''s clear that the mother that the group were talking about ising.


    But the speed is too fast.


    It''ste to go back to the bedroom. I hid myself for now.


    The sound of footsteps came down to the first floor.


    I held my breath and held the knife in my hand.


    "..."


    ...Rustle. Rustle.


    Rattle.


    Squeak... Bang!


    ck ck ck ck ck ck.


    The sound of footsteps grew distant and then disappearedpletely.


    They walked to the left.


    If they haven''t stopped walking, they probably got out of the house.


    ...The entrance is on the left. Are the stairs to the second floor right next to it?


    And then I heard the sound of keys being used.


    Looks like you need a key to get out.


    It''splicated, so it''s better to go out the window.


    I left the kitchen and went back to the room.


    I secretly unfolded the note while hiding it.


    I''m sorry to you guys, but it''s a bit hard to believe you with those bright smiles... Sorry!


    [I''m scared! Kyeong-min and Suho are both strange. There are human bones in the kitchen too... Ha-rim, please wake up quickly. I''m scared to death.


    Suho and Kyeong-min saw the note that was on the bed and are heading to the second-floor storage room.


    I feel like someone who seems to be our mother is constantly watching.


    If I seed, I''ll leave a note under the pillow. -Kim Eun-jeong''s note- ]


    "?!"


    Eun-jeong wrote it?


    Is this Eun-jeong, the one who is ying with the others and smiling brightly?


    I looked at her. She was smiling and waving her hand. I nodded for now.


    First of all, Eun-jeong was not in her right mind, but there seemed to be a time when she was sane.


    Judging from the contents of the note, I was asleep and she saw both Suho and Kyeong-min acting weird.


    I''m experiencing the same thing as her.


    I looked at Eun-jeong''s pillow.


    ...There was a note.


    I searched Suho and Kyeong-min''s bed and found two other notes.


    First, Suho.


    [When I woke up, you all were asleep and didn''t wake up even when I shook you.


    So, I''ll leave a note first. Nothing is out of the ordinary here.


    A woman with 4 arms and spider legs is pretending to be our mother.


    If you listen to her carefully, she won''t attack you.


    For now, I''m going to keep pretending to be that woman''s child. I''ll find out more and leave a message. -Yoo Suho- ]


    Was Suho the first to wake up?


    Then, Suho. Kyeong-min. Eun-jeong. We woke up in that order.


    If you listen well, she won''t attack?


    The goal isn''t to eat us like the person in the kitchen?


    That''s useful information.


    Next, let''s read Kyeong-min''s note.


    [If you''re reading this note, it''s probably either Ha-rim or Eun-jeong.


    Did you see the note on Suho''s pillow? I rmend reading that first.


    It may be a little awkward, but let me start with some precautions.


    First of all, don''t trust a person who''s smiling brightly.


    It looks like Suho, but the inside ispletely different. No. More like it''s empty.


    Second, don''t get caught leaving the door. I haven''t been caught yet, but it seems like our mother keeps an eye on us from time to time. I don''t think anything good wille of being caught.


    Third, don''t even think about going out the window. There are traps on all of them. I nearly died, really.


    Lastly, you know that token-like thing we got from Mr. Pierrotst time? That person pretending to be our mom snatched it away as soon as she saw it. It''s suspicious. It''s probably in the second-floor storage room.


    I''ll find out more and leave a message if there''s anything dangerous.]


    As expected, it''s Kyeong-min after all. There''s a lot of information.


    If I had gone out the window, I would have been in big trouble. The token given to me by Mr. Pierrot... And now that I think about it, it''s gone. There were a total of 4.


    "Since I''m the only one left, I guess I''ll just put the notes away."


    I''m thest one, so no one will see the messages next.


    ...I''m left alone again.


    But if the fake mother goes out, I shouldn''t just wait until shees back.


    In the contents of the messages so far, there was no mention of her going outside.


    ...Now might be my chance to safely explore the second-floor storage room.


    Gulp.


    Let''s go.


    I''m nervous. Of course, it''s natural to be nervous, but something is different this time.


    I guess it''s because I''m alone.


    Even though we''ve been apart, it feels like everyone is doing their best somewhere.


    It felt like everyone was fighting together.


    ...Not right now. I can''t shake off the anxious thoughts.


    What if the brightly smiling members are empty and fake?


    Where is the real thing? In fact, I just thought that maybe everyone is dead and I would be the only one left.


    It''s so painful to be alone again and not be together.


    ...I hate loneliness.


    After school, I was always alone. This is the time I fear the most.


    The fear of having to ovee it alone is not enjoyable.


    After a scary experience, we were all scared- It''s scary not being able tough and share the same experiences.


    I''m scared of being left alone when it''s all over.


    It''s scary that our adventure doesn''t end as an adventure.


    "..."


    <em>-Especially Ha-rim, I decided to show you an adventure.</em>


    ...Who said that?


    I came out of the room again.


    Right now, I thought it would be better to move quickly rather than being careful.


    I broke trough the hallway at a fast pace. Door. Door. Door. Door. Numerous doors pass by.


    They were all marked with an "X", as if not being used anymore.


    It appears that there were originally a lot of people.


    I stood in front of the entrance. There was a staircase right next to it.


    There are stairs to the upper floor... And stairs to the lower floor, the basement.


    First of all, let''s go up.


    It''s suspicious that all the things we were holding were gone, and the token that Mr. Pierrot gave us was the only thing that remained.


    The priority is to quickly find the hat-shaped badge in the storage room.


    I climbed the stairs.


    The hallway on the second floor was less clean.


    And it was also narrower.


    In the long corridor, there was only one private room, and the rest were storage rooms, bathrooms, and what seemed like windows.


    It seems like the fake mom is using one of the private rooms.


    It''s better to keep it simple. I walked past the bedroom and headed toward the storage room.


    I turned the doorknob. Click. It doesn''t open.


    "...Maybe."


    I noticed a flower pot sitting next to the door, so I moved it.


    This is because I had the same thought that the others who went first might have left a clue.


    Sure enough, there was a note.


    [The key was in a box on the shelf in the bathroom on the second floor. -Kim Eun-jeong''s note- ]


    I took the box off the bathroom shelf and got the key.


    There is no time to rx. I immediately opened the door to the storage room and entered.


    "Cough cough."


    A dusty storage room.


    There were no spider webs.


    Usually, mass media uses spider webs to express oldness, but for a ce where a woman with eight legs like a spider lives, it is surprising that there are no webs at all.


    ...There are a lot of things. Most of them are child care products.


    There are lots of children''s clothes and toys.


    It seems that many of the room were upied by kids. There are a lot of things like crutches and prosthetic. I think it was a ce that cared for child patients.


    "Let''s see where she left the tokens... Oh, a box."


    Two small boxes caught my eye.


    One was open and the other was tied tightly with cloth.


    I looked into the open one.


    "I found it right away!"


    Three hat-shaped badges!


    ...Three? Where is thest one?


    It''s not going to be that easy.


    I took the three tokens.


    Next was the box wrapped in cloth.


    It''s tied so tightly that I don''t think I can untie it.


    "...This knife will help."


    Gradually, slowly.


    I cut the cloth with the knife and opened the box.


    When I opened it, there were a lot of papers.


    It feels like an old-fashioned newspaper. It was difficult to read because it was written inplicated English.


    The only things I could read were phrases like "selling dolls", which were basic words.


    There was a also a photo, and it looked like a store with a sign of an apple on it was selling dolls.


    "I guess it''s a store in the town."


    I saw that vige through the window.


    "Now that we have taken care of everything, let''s go back."


    I stood up and walked down the second floor hallway. It was then.


    Squeak.


    The sound of a door opening?!


    ck ck ck ck ck ck.


    It''s evening this way.


    I quickly found a ce to hide. The ce choosen was the fake mom''s private room.


    ck ck ck ck ck ck!


    It''s nearby. Where should I hide?


    ...I saw a box that was just right.


    I opened the lid and tried to go in. But there was one note.


    [Don''t hide here!]


    Hastily scribbled letters.


    Squeak!


    Creak...

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Gathering Clues


    I never thought she woulde back at this time.


    And the speed of movement is too fast.


    Escaping by conventional means would be impossible.


    I leaned my ear against the floor to locate the enemy''s location.


    To the right... She''s heading to the kitchen. I heard the sound of something being dragged around, so it looks like ingredients were brought in.


    I think I should go back to the room before the cooking is over.


    However, I''m already here, so I should at least do a basic investigation.


    I nce around the room.


    Arge bed and a dressing table were the first things that caught my eye.


    There''s nothing special about the bed, so let''s check the dresser.


    There are few cosmetic products.


    Other than that, I don''t think there''s anything special... I have a feeling of difort.


    What is that?


    Woosh...


    A note fell.


    It looks like the others have entered this room too.


    [Isn''t this dressing table strange?


    I keep feeling uneasy, but I don''t know why.


    And what''s the purpose of this rigid metal that faces me when I sit down?


    I felt the same thing before! It''s like something is blocking my thoughts.


    I had this same feeling in the bathroom... I''m not sure.


    By the way, there was something that looked suspiciously like medicine in the dresser drawer here. -Kyeong-min- ]


    Didn''t Eun-jeong find the note?


    Or maybe it was her who was caught hiding in the box.


    "...There isn''t much time to think about it."


    First, I opened the drawer and took the pills. It''s a habit of mine to always take them and check.


    It''s not like I''m stealing or anything!


    What is this medication?


    There''s a lot of it, and it seems like she takes it regrly.


    It can''t be cold medicine... Is it difficult to live without this?


    But there''s no way that monster is in bad health. A disease that requires medication even though it is not life-threatening... Let''s keep this in mind.


    I went down to the room.


    As soon as I got down, I looked for something that looked like a bag.


    There was something like aundry basket to store clothes.


    I put the things I had packed so far there. I wrapped it with cloth to prevent things from falling out even when running.


    ...I''ll have to grab some papers and pencils that are lying on the floor.


    As I get more information, I might need a ce to write it down.


    "Haa..."


    I let out a sigh. Since I was constantly in a state of tension, it was natural that I was tired.


    The worst part is that I shouldn''t rx yet.


    The monster called Mom is cooking right now.


    It seems like we are the children of that mother...


    Whates next? If you think about it, it''s probably time to eat.


    "..."


    ck ck ck.


    It''s getting closer.


    ...The door opened.


    "Eat... Food."


    I decided to follow the monster''s words.


    Me and the fake group members sat at the table.


    I guess they didn''t notice the missing knife...


    I looked at the monster carrying the food.


    It was smiling.


    First, it was potato soup... It seemed like everyone was eating.


    I took a bite. It was nd, but not to the point where I couldn''t eat it.


    Of course, I didn''t feel like eating a lot, so I just pretended to eat.


    Next is...


    "..."


    "Won''t you eat it?"


    Never. I absolutely hate it. Upon closer inspection, it''s not human.


    Ordinary people don''t have those strange tentacle-like things attached to their necks.


    Because I didn''t eat, the monster''s neck elongated, bringing its face closer to me.


    Don''t get nervous.


    I''m the only one who can get through this situation.


    If I make a mistake, all our efforts so far will be in vain.


    Should I stab her with the knife? No.


    I don''t have the power to defeat this monster.


    There''s no way a girl can kill a monster with her fists or a knife.


    Clues. Think about the clues I''ve gathered so far.


    All the monsters we''ve encountered so far had weaknesses, right? There were clues to figuring out those weaknesses.


    ...The dinner menu list!


    Surely, in addition to the menus that have been presented so far, there was one more menu called wheat porridge (exclusive to Emily).


    Just as I was about to speak,


    I realized that the monster''s face was so close.


    "Flour porridge... P-plea... Se."


    It''s dangerous. I can''t speak properly.


    "...Ah. I''m sorry, Emily."


    Emily? This is the name written on the note.


    Perhaps she had mistaken me for the person who used one of those numerous rooms.


    How can she make such a simple mistake?


    The monster didn''t seem to be thinking properly.


    If I refuse to eat, she might suddenly cut my head off with the spoon she is holding.


    The monster brought me wheat porridge.


    I ate it up.


    When it was time to go back after eating, the monster stayed alone and ate.


    It would be an ordinary sight, if not for the meal being a monster-looking viger.


    I quickly ran away after seeing the monster''s head split open to reveal its tongue and teeth.


    "...I wonder if this will be useful."


    I have a bag of flour in my hand.


    The monster made flour porridge on the spot and ced the remaining ingredients on the floor, so I sneakily took it.


    It''s a good idea to take something whenever you can when it catches your eyes.


    Because it might be useful!


    I''m not the type of person who goes straight to my room after eating.


    Let''s explore the other rooms.


    Every room from the room next to us all the way to the front door was marked with an X.


    They seem locked, but it''s probably worth trying to open them.


    Click.


    It doesn''t open either.


    Is there someone who could try breaking down the locked doors... Maybe Suho? Anyway, it''s really inconvenient.


    As I was about to return to the room without any sess... I noticed a subtle piece of paper sticking out from under the door.


    [Maybe you''ll be reading this, Ha-rim.


    Because you are extremely meticulous, keep looking for more clues.


    There are two things I found out a little more.


    That monster woman sometimes goes down to the vige to procure ingredients.


    And I''m not sure what she does at the back of the house, but she spends time there.


    If you want to do something, then that will be your chance.


    However, since she doesn''t spend too much time in neither of those things, I think it would be difficult for you to go down to the vige.


    And maybe this is just my imagination.


    Can''t you hear something like a sound from the hat-shaped badge that Mr. Pierrot gave us?


    I found it suspicious, so I hid it in my pocket. You should check itter. ]


    "...!"


    I went into the room, put my ear to the three badges, and focused.


    ...I really hear a mumbling sound.


    I can''t hear it clearly, so I think I''ll be able to hear it properly if I get thest one.


    Mr. Pierrot is not a ordinary monster, so there''s probably something hidden in the badge.


    It''s also suspicious that the monster took away Kyeong-min''s as soon as she found it.


    Looks like Suho was able to check because his badge was not caught by the monster.


    Did he say he hid it in his pocket?


    "Um... Suho?"


    "Yeah? What is it?"


    "Is there anything in your pocket?"


    "No, there isn''t."


    "Now that I think about it, where is your outerwear?"


    "Mom put it in theundry room for repairs."


    The ce where thest badge is located is theundry room...!


    I wanted to go there right away, but I heard the monster finish her meal and return, so I decided to wait for a while.


    Let''s go up to the second floor in a few minutes.


    I ced the bag of flour in the basket and sat on the bed.


    ...I couldn''t waste any time, so I wondered what to do for a while.


    I took out a piece of paper and drew a picture.


    It''s a picture of the monster I just saw.


    I thought it would be good to know her characteristics.


    It has 4 arms... 8 legs... Dressed entirely in ck, it looks like funeral attire.


    It''s fast... The head also splits.


    After a while, I realized that I had be absorbed in drawing.


    After putting the picture in the basket, I slightly opened the door and checked the hallway.


    ...There doesn''t seem to be any surveince.


    I decided to bring the basket with me because there might be something worth taking from there.


    Theundry room is to the right of the kitchen, so I''ll see it right around the corner.


    While I was thinking about that and taking a step forward.


    "Where are you going...?"


    "..."


    "Mom doesn''t like kids who don''t listen to her..."


    I started to sweat like crazy.


    It''s right behind me!


    Is this what Eun-jeong meant by the feeling of being watched that she wrote about in her note?


    Suho didn''t just stay still no reason, he was waiting for the moment when the monster left the house.


    Regret, as usual, only surfaced after things had happened, and that was especially frustrating.


    I should have known in advance that there would be some mean of monitoring me on the second floor... !


    "You can''t go to the vige... How many times have I told you that the vige is dangerous... People are going to poison you..."


    Let''s think. The clue will be nearby. Don''t give up hope.


    I have to think about what happened so far. What happened so far. What happened so far...


    A girl with blonde hair shed through my mind.


    <em>-Using an analogy, it''s like riddles.</em>


    <em></em><em></em>


    "..."


    ...Who is it? For some reason, I feel reassured and calm.


    "A disobedient child will be locked in the basement... Tell me. Why were you wandering the hallways? If it''s a bathroom, there''s one in the room... !"


    "..."


    I showed the doodle I had just drawn in the basket to the monster herself.


    "..."


    Gulp. You just need toe up with a reasonable answer, like a riddle.


    If the words make sense, just give it a try.


    Will this actually work?


    "It''s a beautiful drawing, Charlotte."


    The monster went upstairs, and I also returned to my room.


    <em>-Quite the actor, Ha-rim~</em>


    <em></em><em></em>


    I recalled memories from the past. I felt like someone was praising me.


    I wanted to know who it was, but it seemed like an unknown force was interfering with it.


    As I was thinking about that person, it was time to sleep, so Iid down on the bed.


    I wanted to walk around the hallways, but since I didn''t know how they were monitored, I decided against it.


    ...Does that monster even sleep?


    There was a bed in the room, so it''s possible.


    Sure enough, the sound of arge figure tossing and turning was heard from above.


    Then there was the sound of something being eaten and the tossing and turning disappeared.


    I felt like I knew what the medicine in the dressing table was.


    ...


    And it was the next day.


    I somehow made it through the morning and observed the monster''s condition.


    When I looked through the window, the monster was standing outside.


    In front of numerous graves.


    Her back looked very sad.


    I left the window and headed to theundry room.


    There was Suho''s jacket. There were also things like thread and needles, which I took because they seemed useful.


    I searched through his outerwear and found thest badge. With this, four badges were collected.


    Then something incredible happened.


    The four hat-shaped badges merged into one and became a real hat.


    Mr. Pierrot''s voice could be heard clearly from the hat.


    "Find the doll. Find the doll. Find the doll..."


    Find the doll. It keeps repeating that.


    I had seen a store selling dolls in the newspaper I found the a storage room.


    ...I have to go to the vige.


    Sorry for the dy! Been super busytely and spent most of my time studying for some exams and training for a seminary. Next week is when all this stuff will start in full throttle, so I pray the teachers will have mercy upon me.


    On another note, for some reason none of the dialogues from Arachne used quotation marks, so I got a little confused at first. Damn you, author!


    As always, any errors just say, and I hope you liked reading it.


    ¡ªChi


    WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION, I CHANGED SOME WORDS, PUNCTUATIONS AND THE FORMATTING TO WHAT I BELIEVE MAKES IT FLOW BETTER WHILE TRYING TO FAITHFULLY MAINTAIN THE AUTHOR¡¯S MEANING.


    Previous


    Toc


    Next

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    Escape!


    The badge given by Mr. Pierrot turned into a real hat.


    A whispering sound was hearding from the hat, and it was telling me to find a doll.


    I couldn''t find a doll among the many toys here. I guess I should go to the vige.


    I thought about how to go there.


    The medicine I got from the dressing table. It seemed like it was something that would make you fall asleep if you took it.


    I put sleeping pills in the soup during mealtime so no one would notice.


    Soon after, the monster that took the medicine fell asleep.


    I put the things I had collected so far into a basket and left the building.


    This is my first time seeing the building from the outside, and it looks like an orphanage.


    I walked quickly because I was afraid that the monster would wake up.


    It was when I stepped into the entrance of the vige.


    Things that looked like vigers appeared.


    "Tsk."


    I hid in a hurry.


    That''s because the vigers who were on the dinner menu were not human at all, even though they looked like one.


    ...Just as expected. It''s not a person after all.


    It seems like it would be difficult to get the doll.


    It was a good decision to hide.


    However, the number began to increase.


    Where should I run away?


    What would it be like if I could pierce them all with a knife?


    It''s so helpless to have no power.


    The kind of weakness that leaves you with no choice but to be chased by a scary being.


    I am so overwhelmed by the atmosphere that all I can do is run away and survive.


    Can the others be brought back after this ends?


    I''m worried. And.


    ...Lonely.


    "Is this your first time here?"


    "Hmm?!"


    It scared me! I thought I had been caught by a monster pretending to be a viger.


    But what appeared behind me were a boy and a girl younger than me.


    ...The boy was missing an arm.


    "Who are you?"


    "I''ll tell youter. Come this way before you get caught by those monsters."


    I arrived in front of a building, led by the boy''s small hand.


    It''s the doll store!


    It was pretty close.


    I thought it would be difficult to get the doll, but it seems it will be surprisingly easy to get it.


    "Usually, there are vigers in the building, but we took them out of this ce. The owner of this doll store especially hated us and wouldn''t sell us any. So bam! We showed him some spice."


    The boy, who was missing one of his arms, let go of my hand and grabbed the doorknob and opened it, muttering that it was a thing of the past.


    When I entered the store, there were many children ying with dolls.


    Thank god. I can get one.


    "You asked who I was? My name is Charlotte. This is Emily."


    "Hmm?"


    Emily and Charlotte. They are names I''ve heard before.


    That monster woman mistook me for Emily and Charlotte.


    What rtionship do these kids have with that woman?


    Charlotte, noticing my questioning gaze, spoke.


    "That''s right. Even though I''m a boy, it''s a girlish name, right?"


    "No, it just sounds familiar."


    The girl named Emily responded to my vague answer


    "<em>Mumble</em>..."


    I can''t hear it well. Rather than having slurred pronunciation, it feels like she can''t use the jaw itself.


    "-Yeah, I see. This girl has trouble speaking because her jaw is underdeveloped. If I interpret it for you, Emily is saying she''s familiar with you too?"


    Emily? But this was my first time seeing these kids.


    This is my first timeing here in the first ce.


    Where on earth was I taken? I don''t think it''s the world I used to live in.


    "What, are you new?"


    From a corner, a girl with one eye and a leg missing came up, holding crutches.


    Now I notice that all these kids are disabled.


    "...You look familiar."


    The girl looked at me and was pale in surprise.


    "Ugh! This... This person is the one who goes around with that girl, right?!"


    "That girl?"


    "That crazy blonde-haired bitch! I saw that bitch and a bitch named Mary together when they were out for a walk. What was her name..."


    "Blonde hair? Tell me more. Pearl."


    A girl with blonde hair. Urgh, she''s the one I vaguely remembered from my memoryst time... !


    Friend. I feel like she was a dear friend.


    Because fighting monsters with her was fun.


    Who is she...!


    "Urgh... Why can''t I remember her? Anyway! She ughtered those spider monster bastards! Luckily, none of us died... But she might be dangerous!"


    "This... Even if you say that. I don''t know who you are talking about. More details... If you tell me her name, her way of speaking, etecetera..."


    "She''s the person you used to go with, why don''t you know?"


    "..."


    I had nothing to say.


    Charlotte and the girl named Pearl were talking about how they were strangely drawn to that blonde girl, but then suddenly said something.


    "I''m against this girling in here."


    Pearl said with a strict, solemn, and serious expression.


    I quite like someone with determination.


    I smiled brightly and cleared up the misunderstanding.


    "excuse me. I don''t really want to live here. I just need to get some dolls."


    "A few dolls? ...I think there were about four unpopr dolls. They''re in poor condition too, but fine. You''ll leave as soon as you get them!"


    "Okay. I will do that."


    Pearl went to get the dolls.


    Even though she was missing a leg and an eye, she confidently walked forward without asking anyone for help.


    Children with disabilities are often intimidated by the perception that they are different from others, but even if I don''t know who they were educated by, I know that they were loved and cherished.


    "She has a rather fiery personality. In other words, it''s a good thing to be active. Hehehe... Where are you going to live if not here?"


    Charlotte asked, sounding like he was worried. I didn''t want to worry anyone, so I said it without hiding anything.


    "I came from an orphanage that''s way up there on that hill."


    "What...?"


    Charlotte and Emily were startled and waved their arms.


    "That. Is that true?! You were with mom?"


    "<em>Mumble! Mumble!</em>"


    "By mother, do you mean the woman with four arms...?"


    "That''s right! Ah, I miss mom... I worked so hard on this drawing..."


    With a tearful expression on his face, Charlotte showed off a picture he had drawn of her.<sup>1</sup>


    It was a picture he had made of his own mother and the children from the orphanage enjoying a pic.


    There are also people who appear to be vigers.


    "Then you can just go there. It''s not too far."


    "...Mom doesn''t love us anymore."


    "..."


    I don''t know what the story was, but I couldn''t say anything as Charlotte''s face looked like he was about to cry.


    I patted him on the shoulder.


    It was then. One of the children burst open the door and came in screaming.


    "It''s an emergency, it''s an emergency! Mom ising down to town!"


    It looks like the medicine has lost its effectiveness! I had no idea that she would follow me all the way to the vige. A shiver ran down my spine.


    However, the children, contrary to me, acted as if they had heard good news.


    "What?! She''sing down even though it''s not meal time?"


    "This time she came deep into the vige!"


    After hearing the news, Pearl quickly moved with four dolls and made eye contact with me.


    "We have to go now! So take all of this!"


    "Whoa."


    After receiving the four dolls, I watched nkly as most of the children in the store ran outside.


    Isn''t it dangerous because there are monsters outside?


    "Don''t worry."


    Charlotte didn''t follow.


    "We may get sick, but we won''t die. At least in this ce."


    "..."


    As soon as I packed up the four dolls, Charlotte held my hand and came out.


    Then, I saw a being called Mother hunting monsters in the vige.


    The vige, which had been fine, was on fire and only screams could be heard.


    "You kidnapped the kids again? I can''t forgive you. I can''t forgive you!! They are my children!!!"


    Kids were running towards the rampaging monster.


    I wanted to stop the children, but there were too many of them.


    "Mom! Mom, here! Mom!"


    "Look this way!"


    "You dirty spiders. That''s gross..."


    "Ah!"


    The children were sent away with a single wave from the monster.


    There were minor injuries, but no one died.


    Charlotte looked sadly at the scene.


    "...I don''t know why. At some point, mom became like that. You''re going to go back to the orphanage for now, right?"


    "Yeah."


    "Then. Can you show it to momter? I drew it with all my might."


    "Yes... I''ll make sure to show her. Definitely."


    Even though I couldn''t afford to keep the promise, the earnest look on Charlotte''s face made me nod.


    I put his drawing in the basket.


    "Thank you... I''ll show you a side road that will take you safely. I don''t know what''s going on with you, but it looks like you shouldn''t be caught by mom."


    ...


    I was able to return to the orphanage safely.


    "I was told to get a doll. Somehow, I ended up taking four."


    Now what?


    One of the dolls suddenly started moving and speaking.<sup>2</sup>


    "You seeded, Miss Ha-rim. It''s me. Pierrot!"


    "Mister!"


    "I came to get you out of this mental world... What about the other kids?"


    "It feels like there''s a body, but it''s empty inside. We need to start searching for the contents now."


    "Is there a ce in mind?"


    "...Basement."


    It was said that the monster would lock any child who did not obey her instructions in the basement.


    If they''re caught, they''ll be there.


    The basement is down the stairs


    However, when we went down, the basement was blocked.


    "It''s blocked?! Why!"


    "It seems like someone, like you, reached the basement before, so she must have changed it."


    "...What should we do?"


    "I am really sorry. Here, outsiders are prevented from suggesting an answer. Although it is possible to resist with force, the use of the power contained in this doll has already been determined. I cannot use it carelessly. You have no choice but toe up with a method yourself..."


    "Still, let me give you a hint. How about recalling memories with a person who hadn''te to mind before?"


    A person who hadn''te to mind until now.


    It was the blonde girl.


    The person who had been with us since we fell into this world full of monsters.


    She was scary at first, but after some time we started to like her.


    Because she was strong and dependable.


    ...No, there was a more decisive moment.


    Memories of when it was just me, not the others.


    ...It was when the monster attacked me in my dream.


    "...Dream... Monster!"


    A keyword came to mind.


    I quickly ran to the room where the others were.


    Smiling, I passed by them who were still shells and made my way to the beds they used.


    There, I collected their scattered hairs.


    Mr. Pierrot looked at my actions with a puzzled expression.


    "What are you doing?"


    "...ying hide and seek alone is a famous urban legend. You said this is a mental world, right? If monsters can appear in dreams, I believe I can summon them here as well. And there''s no better monster for tracking down a target than this one! The conditions are the target''s hair, something sharp, grain, red thread, and a doll!"


    It is a ghost story and a necromancy that says that if you try to y hide and seek alone, the doll will be possessed by a spirit and will seek out and kill the person hiding.


    Moreover, all the supplies needed to attempt it were already packed.


    "Ho... As expected, you are the main character of the stage."


    I cut open the doll''s belly and stuffed it with grain (flour) and hair.


    Next to it, I roughly ced shards from broken flower pots, then I threaded them together, soaked them in water, and roughly recited the incantation.


    The three dolls with sharp fragments headed somewhere. They looked like they would be stopped at an ordinary wall. However, the dolls passed through the wall and arrived in a hidden room.


    There it is!


    "Guys!"


    Inside the wall I passed through were three cocoons.


    I immediately cut all the spider webs with a knife.


    Then the souls inside flew away to find their proper ces.


    "Then, with this...!"


    I ran right away and returned to the room I was before.


    There, the members who came to their senses weed me.


    "Ha-rim, you did it!"


    "We''re alive. As expected of Ha-rim!"


    I''m sorry. I don''t think I''ll be able to say hello because the doll monsters I used are running out to kill us!


    As I was about to run after receiving a short greeting, Kyeong-min, who was standing at the window, shouted.


    "Wait... Something is running at us!"


    "Let''s just ignore the dolls and run away!"


    "No, I mean the female monster!"


    "Eek!"


    "...There''s no time! Hurry up and ¡ö¡ö. This can''t go on like this. Remember anything that caught your attention!"<sup>3</sup>


    Something that caught our attention...


    ...The dressing table!


    We went up to the second floor and stood in front of the dressing table.


    And we removed the metal te that faces you when you sit in front of the table.


    "It came off surprisingly easily. What now?"


    "I can''t exin in detail because I''m restricted, but we can use that to escape. I''ll create the opportunity! There won''t be a second chance!"


    When the clown doll flicked its hand, the space began to distort.


    It was very unpleasant to see the boundaries of objects blurring and mixing together.


    "W... Wow!"


    "What is this? It''s so bizarre!"


    "This is also a mental attack. All objects in this world will be ambiguous! A red square that was just colored paper has the property of fire just because it is red. A single strand of grass growing up there could be a knife just because it''s thin and sharp!"


    The nature of things be ambiguous. So it bes simpler. I have to use that!


    "Suho, you suddenly have your jacket!"


    "It''s resetting. The world is about to be reset. Arachne noticed the change and is trying to return to the beginning. If you miss this opportunity, you will nevere out. Hurry before it''s toote!"


    The world began to copse due to the effects of the reset.


    The floor also copsed and we fell to the bottom of the world.


    "Urgh..."


    "We''re... Falling!"


    "Eek! Help me!"


    "There''s a hint in your memories! We need to use that metal te!"


    A hint in our memories.


    I concentrated my mind in this intense and confusing situation.


    Memories. There was a fragment of a memory that immediately came to mind.


    I once broke down when I met a monster in my dream and saw a terrifying future.


    It was you who became the light at that time.


    You made a promise to me, like a writer who would change a scary scenario of a y.


    You said you would turn our fears into adventures.


    You were my confidant.


    I think I truly became friends with you back then.


    And more than anyone else, the friend I longed for the most.


    I hate loneliness.


    But you are a friend I can always be with as long as I have "this"!


    Is there a better friend than her?


    I took out a pencil from my pocket.


    And I drew my image on a metal te.


    I was so bad at drawing! But the ambiguous nature of things makes this possible!


    "This metal te contains my image! In other words, it is an object that projects me!"


    "...Then this must be a <em>mirror</em>!"


    The metal te changes shape. It took the form of a perfect mirror.


    Hurry ande get us.


    "E!"


    -That''s the correct answer.


    "Let''s go back."


    Just me or the author writing style changed a little? Hmm¡­


    1. I think the author made a mistake. It says Emily instead of Charlotte.


    2. Originally, this line didn¡¯t exist and it¡¯s really unclear that Pierrot actually is one of the dolls. So I added it because itpletely changes the way you imagine the scenario.


    3. Yes, the white squares are on purpose. They¡¯re censoring something.


    As always, any errors just say, and I hope you liked reading it.


    ¡ªChi


    WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION, I CHANGED SOME WORDS, PUNCTUATIONS AND THE FORMATTING TO WHAT I BELIEVE MAKES IT FLOW BETTER WHILE TRYING TO FAITHFULLY MAINTAIN THE AUTHOR¡¯S MEANING.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    [Boss Battle] Arachne, Mother of Spiders


    "Well done everyone. I already expected you guys to get out."


    I warmly weed the children who had woken up.


    Honestly, I was anxious.


    Pierrot bastard.


    If you had anticipated this in advance and handed over the badges to the kids, you should have at least told me...!


    I looked at Ha-rim


    It''s truly amazing.


    If she had imagined an ordinary mirror, I would not have been able to connect to it because it was unmarked.


    However, I was able to connect to it because she imagined a "mirror containing me" at thest moment.


    Huh.


    In Ha-rim''s arms, there was a piece of paper with a drawing on it.


    I was about to ask what it was when Ha-rim hugged me tightly.


    "At the end, E came to mind. After all, E has to be with us."


    It''s not Eun-jeong, but Ha-rim who is doing that.


    I asked in surprised.


    "Uh, huh? Ha-rim, were you that scared?"


    Ha-rim raised her head and made eye contact with me.


    There was joy in her eyes.


    "Yeah. I was scared. But it''s okay now. Because when I needed it most and didn''t give up, E appeared."


    "Even if you say that, I haven''t done much."


    "No. E taught me that no matter how scary it is, there can be a wonderful oue at the end."


    "I feel embarrassed."


    "So now I think I can do my best no matter what the situation is."


    Ha-rim smiled brightly after saying that.


    Oh, what a wonderful kid she is.


    In the original route, Ha-rim lost all of her friends and ended up giving up.


    But now it will be different. This child will never give up.


    I confidently felt it.


    That Ha-rim is no longer the protagonist of a tragedy.


    A smilees naturally.


    "...You say such adorable things."


    "Honey is dripping from my eyes."


    Pierrot said as he came in through the window.


    It''s a touching reunion after all.


    I let go of Ha-rim and stood in front of Pierrot.


    "Why don''t we start working soon? It looks like the nun and the soldiers you brought with you are very tired, so it will be difficult to stop the chasing spider monsters. And..."


    "Besides, the concealment barrier you put up is nearing its end, so Miss Spider will notice. Right?"


    I interrupted Pierrot, saying we should go quickly.


    Pierrot reacted cheerfully to my action.


    "Ho. I guess you''re very motivated?"


    "Well, I''m just a little angry."


    How dare you touch the kids.


    I pushed through the soldiers and left the building.


    We saw Ms. Spider looking for us on the other side.


    "As expected, it''s really huge."


    She''s bigger than most buildings. She''s huger than the Radio Head demon.


    "As the spider monsters erode other monsters, the total amount of power seems to have increased."


    "Why did she try to consume other monsters? You said she was like that even before she was attacked by the Devil?"


    Pierrot answered my question by shaking his head.


    "That''s obvious. The stronger you are, the faster you be aware of your <em>frame</em>."


    She probably thought that if she gained more power, she would be able to know something about herself.


    "It ended up like that because she offended the Devil."


    "I guess she wanted to find her own wish."


    What is my wish?


    As I was chatting with Pierrot like this, Ms. Spider, who was destroying the innocent buildings from afar, looked toward us.


    "..."


    "She noticed."


    As soon as she recognized us, she came running down the streets.


    The momentum was so great that normally I would have been scared.


    But I was pretty angry.


    I thought the world was falling apart when the kids copsed.


    Besides, I have be stronger. I''m not the mirror monster I used to be.


    Overflowing confidence! Nothing can stop me.


    ...It''s definitely not because the strongest boss, Pierrot, is standing next to me.


    As soon as Ms. Spider got close to us, she tried to throw a huge punch.


    However, when Pierrot released his aura, she was surprised by it and stopped her movements.


    "..."


    He spoke to her, not caring about the dust scattered.


    "Oh! There would be no point in saying hello to you if you are not in your right mind. But I will. Because that''s fun."


    "..."


    "Now, let''s begin the show."


    When Pierrot gestured, joker cards came flying out of his hand.


    The sides of the cards were sharp like knives and left scars on Ms. Spider.


    The wounded Arachne became furious and threw her arm at us.


    I avoided it by going into a mirror I created. Pierrot jumped and dodged the attack.


    Even though I dodged it, the shock wave almost broke the mirror.


    Ms. Spider didn''t stop there, she radiated her aura.


    Then spider webs began to cover the area.


    ...Boss stage.


    This entire area is about to turn into Ms. Spider''s stage.


    If that happens, it bes annoying because you have to be careful not only of the boss but also traps.


    Even if I wanted to block it, the difference in strength is so great that it is impossible to.


    It''s frustrating, but I have to approach it using the strategies I know.


    "It''s incredible. This is Miss Spider''s power that has not been weakened by the artifact."


    It''s a walking disaster.


    Instead of making her fight main character who are kids, make her fight the protagonist with special equipment in a game like Dead Space.<sup>1</sup>


    "It''s annoying."


    Pierrot also seemed to be annoyed by the spider web and began to emit his aura.


    At a nce, the aura was thicker and more powerful than Ms. Spider.


    Even I, an ally, got goosebumps.


    "I''m not at the stage where I''m going to copse right away, so I''ll deal with you sincerely."


    Pierrot''s aura began to push away Ms Spider''s and take control of the area.


    A happy BGM sounds in my ears.


    Pierrot''s stage unique BGM.


    I specially liked it in the game... Of course, I started hating it after dying dozens of times.


    "Oh, be careful there."


    "Kyaa?!"


    Something that looked like an amusement park ticket booth popped out from under my feet.


    The sign at the ticket booth says it''s free, so don''t fight and have fun.


    This bastard. You surprised me!


    "...!"


    Ms. Spider, who was losing her aura, began to run wild even more.


    She randomly destroyed buildings with her gigantic body.


    It was then.


    Debris from the buildings flew towards where the children were.


    "Hey!"


    "Don''t worry."


    Suddenly, a monkey appeared and kicked the debris.


    It''s one if Pierrot''s minions.


    I didn''t know I''d feel so happy to see that guy!


    However, because of that act just now, the importance of the building was revealed.


    Even though Ms. Spider was being controlled, she cleverly tried to target the building where the children were.


    She holds the fragments of buildings in her hands andunches them like cannonballs at the building.


    "That woman is really...!"


    "Don''t worry. You''re still hot-tempered."


    "Why are you so calm!"


    "Because I wasn''t just ying around."


    Pierrot radiated even more powerful energy as if a bomb exploded.


    He suppressed Ms. Spider''s energy andpletely took control of the surroundings.


    It seemed like he had been gathering power this entire time.


    I looked at him in astonishment.


    Amusement rides rose up around him, showing off their presence.


    "Now this battlefield has turned into a fun stage. It is impossible for the audience to get hurt during the performance!"


    When debris touches the building, the building bounces off the debris with a rubber-like sticity.


    It''s like.


    "A trampoline?"


    "Hohoho! It''s a fight with a giant monster. Are you just going to watch? It''s only when the audience participates in the show that it bes exciting!"


    He snapped his fingers and a road appeared in the building.


    The road connected where the children where and where Ms. Spider was.


    I looked at him, not knowing what he was thinking.


    Instead of answering, he snapped his fingers.


    Then an elephant carrying the kids and a cart carrying James and Maria jumped out and raced down the created road.


    "Aaah! What are you bastard doing in putting the children in danger!"


    "Why are you strangling me?! It''s fun to do this! And swearing is bad for your emotions!"


    "You crazy guy!"


    "I thought you were getting better, but you still have a nasty personality! I knew it from the moment you didn''t take the jokes!"


    "Is that what you had in mind?! Are you taking revenge now?!"


    "If you''re that worried, wouldn''t it be okay to protect them from the side? The best show is when they are safe. It would be the worst show if they got hurt. Give the children a show, E."


    Pierrot suddenly lifted me up.


    Then he kicked me in the direction of the kids!


    I don''t know if there was some kind of trick, the kicked butt didn''t hurt, but I felt dirty.


    I screamed, flying like a missile.


    "Just you wait!"


    I got closer and closer to the elephant the children were riding.


    I tried to create a mirror portal andnd safely but when Ha-rim saw me, she opened her arms to catch me, so I stopped an also opened my arms.


    "Tsk! As expected, E is light!"


    "I''m back... Eun-jeong, what are you doing?"


    "Wow E is here! I''m really happy, but I feel motion sick..."


    "I''ll only epts your feelings, so please don''te closer."


    I kept my distance from Eun-jeong, whoined of motion sickness.


    And I saw Suho fighting off the spider monsters that were attacking the elephant.


    I was so surprised that his movements were cleaner thanst time and there was no fear or tension in his eyes.


    "Aren''t you scared?"


    "Well, I''m no sure. For some reason, I''m not afraid at all. It''s not arrogance... It''s just that kind of mood."


    "What about Kyeong-min and Eun-jeong?"


    "Wow... Urgh..."


    Eun-jeong seemed to be more concerned about motion sickness than fear.


    "I was a bit confused until just now, but when E arrived, even that feeling disappeared. Somehow, it feels like my heart is racing."


    Your heart is racing?


    "Kyeong-min, confessing in this situation is a bit... Let''s talk about it just the two of us after everything is over. It''s not that I... don''t like it."


    As I shyly finished speaking, Kyeong-min had a fit.


    "That isn''t what I meant?! You make jokes like that whenever you see me!"


    "What can I do? Your reaction is funny."


    Phew. I let go of the stress cause by Pierrot by cutting down the spiders that were slowly increasing in numbers.


    Even though the number increased, the children were not afraid.


    They looked rather happy, as if affected by the mood.


    This kind of attitude os prohibited on the battlefield, but there is a difference between being happy and being careless.


    While enjoying the thrill, they don''t let down their guard.


    Rather, this is closer to being engrossed in doing something they like.


    These kids are going on an adventure now.


    I really liked that.


    I smiled.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd person</strong>


    James, who was looking at them, spoke to Maria.


    "Those kids are showing ridiculously outstanding skills."


    There was no need for any help when the spiders attacked.


    All attacks werepletely countered with the strange items taken out of Shin Ha-rim''s bag, and with E joining in, there was a perfect connection with no gaps.


    "I know, right? They are really great kids. Even with such a huge monster running rampant, they aren''t intimidated."


    Maria admires.


    But James didn''t seem to like it.


    "It''s strange that untrained children can achieve this level."


    "You''re being stubborn in a strange ce."


    Maria grumbled, feeling like those words were belittling the kid''s abilities.


    James thought to himself that she starting acting like a mother after ying with them for a while.


    "Can you please stop thinking of me as an old man? Strange is strange. I bet no one can watch that monster as if they were watching a show."


    "...But it''s that kind of mood."


    "The mood..."


    Who created that mood?


    Who taught the children not to lose hope among fearful beings?


    No, it''s different from teaching. This is almost like magic.


    James rolled his eyes and then returned his focus to E, who was smiling and directing the children.


    <em>''E... I think it''s you.''</em>


    Although he himself doesn''t know.


    From the time James came here, he felt that he was in a great flow.


    And he chose the person who seemed most important in that flow, E.


    It was E who protected the children.


    It was E who brought them in.


    It was E who created an atmosphere of hope for the children.


    And the most suspicious one was E.


    By taking away the demon''s power from a girl named Mary, the devil''s reaction increased from 1/4 to half.


    And the clown and spider woman are each showing 1/4 of a demon reaction.


    It was difficult to see this as a coincidence.


    If all the piecese together.


    Maybe the huge flow he felt was...


    "James?"


    Maria, worried about James being uncharacteristically quiet while lost in thoughts, asked.


    James waved his hand as if saying he was okay.


    "It''s nothing."


    <em>''...I hope the atmosphere you created is rted to your power.''</em>


    E and the children eliminated the spiders.


    They got closer and closer to Ms. Spider.


    "How happy you look, E..."


    Pierrot, who was observing them while fighting Ms. Spider, thought it was time to strike.


    He shouted in a loud voice.


    "Alright. It''s quiz time!"


    Quiz.


    That was one of Pierrot''s boss battle gimmicks.


    If you guess right, you deal damage.


    If you guess wrong, you will suffer damage.


    [Why aren''t you with the spider monsters?]


    Miss Spider: Even though shemands a spider army, she doesn''t keep them close by. If she had minions who could apply debuffs, it would have been much more easier for her.


    A. Because she''s strong enough even without being with the spiders.


    B. Because spiders are a nuisance.


    C. Because the spiders do not obey.


    D. Because spiders are gross.


    "..."


    [Answer: D]


    "Timeout. You can''t speak because the devil has blocked your mouth. Sorry!"


    Ms. Spider didn''t answer.


    Then her body exploded, causing great damage.


    She tried to counterattack with a mental attack, but it didn''t work on Pierrot.


    "These are interesting results. The answer is D... I remember you loved spiders."


    Pierrot was so busy thinking about that answer that he forgot about the punch flying at him.


    At this moment, arge mirror appeared next to him and the fist went into the mirror.


    Bang!


    Immediately after, a fist came out from a mirror created next to the spider woman and struck her torso.


    Ms. Spider''s body tilted.


    "Hey! Be careful!"


    "Hahaha! Sorry! I was lost in thoughts!"


    <em>''...I guess the Half-devil really stole that from her.''</em>


    "Here''s the next question."


    [What do you hate?]


    A. viger


    B. E


    C. Pierrot


    D. Half-devil


    E. None.


    "..."


    [Answer: E]


    Bang!


    "...As expected. It was an interesting quiz."


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    A momentter, a series of explosion were heard.


    "It''s bloody."


    Ms. Spider who endures that is even more scary.


    I felt that the end was slowlying.


    This is because Ms. Spider movements, who waspleted injured, slowed down.


    Pierrot motioned to me.


    I also prepared to attack with as much force as I could.


    "Let''s end it with one shot."


    I and Pierrot jumped andnded in front of Ms. Spider''s head.


    I created a mirror.


    As big as possible.


    What appears in the mirror is a girl in red.


    "Can you help me?"


    A mirror monster that kill those it encounters.


    As the mirror got bigger, Blood Mary also got bigger.


    A huge ax, a knife, and Pierrot''s hammer were swung at the spider woman''s head.


    An impact sound that sting your ears.


    "..."


    Ms. Spider seemed to hold on for a moment, then stretched out her four arms and lowered her head.


    It seemed that she no longer had the strength to run amok.


    Pierrot saw that and hinted at me.


    "The time hase. Can you offer her rest?"


    1. The literal trantion is ¡°Death Universe¡±. As I didn¡¯t find anything with this name (in Korean, obviously.) I used Dead Space, as I think it¡¯s this game the author is referring to.


    Thanks again for <strong> Patifu</strong> in finding grammar mistakes!


    By the way, because of so many insects flying in my monitor because of it¡¯s brightness during the night, I had to turn it as low as possible, so I made this chapter while squinting my eyes to properly read stuff. Here hoping it¡¯s not so bad.


    As always, any errors just say, and I hope you liked reading it.


    ¡ªChi


    WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION, I CHANGED SOME WORDS, PUNCTUATIONS AND THE FORMATTING TO WHAT I BELIEVE MAKES IT FLOW BETTER WHILE TRYING TO FAITHFULLY MAINTAIN THE AUTHOR¡¯S MEANING.


    Previous


    Toc


    Next

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    A Confusing World


    "The time hase. Can you offer her rest?"


    Rest.


    I think we can do it like we did when we defeated Mary.


    At that time, Ha-rim discovered a glowing phone booth.


    When I looked at her, it was only then that I realized that the drawing she was holding was glowing.


    "The drawing is glowing."


    Ha-rim took the drawing and headed to Ms. Spider.


    The Ms. Spider that fell and the spider monsters that had gathered to protect her did not attack Ha-rim as she approached.


    "The spiders aren''t attacking."


    "I guess that''s what they hope for too."


    Ha-rim held up the drawing in front of Ms. Spider''s eyes.


    "Charlotte worked hard on this! He asked me to show it to you!"


    "Charlotte..."


    Ms. Spider reacted.


    Ha-rim gave a few more names to stimte her.


    "Charlotte. Emily. Pearl. Do you recognize any of these names?"


    She searched her memory.


    "Emily... Because her jaw had problems, she was only fed porridge every day. But she was a child who kept trying to eat hard food, so I couldn''t take my eyes off her."


    "Pearl."


    "Pearl was always strong even though she was missing a leg and an eye. I had no doubt that she would lead the orphanage children well."


    "What about Charlotte?"


    "Charlotte had only one arm, but he was very good at drawing. He always used to drawn and show it to me... Yes, just like this."


    It seemed to me that Ms. Spider''s memory had returned to some extent, so I created a mirror in front of her, just like I did with Mary.


    A ghost story that tells the story of a person''s fate reflected in a mirror.


    It is not necessarily limited to lovers.


    "...What?"


    I couldn''t help but react like a fool to the strange thing that happened while creating the mirror.


    Because the spider monsters started getting sucked into the mirror.


    The mirror got bigger.


    This was clearly a mirror that wasrger than I expected.


    Beyond the mirror created in this way were children from the orphanage and people presumed to be the vigers.


    Ms. Spider eximed in surprised.


    "It''s dangerous! Hurry and get out of there! I repeatedly said that the vigers are dangerous!"


    Among the kids, the one without one leg and one eye said.


    "We are okay now! Now people don''t want to kill us. So there''s no need to leave here."


    Ms. Spider seemed a little shocked by those words.


    She spoke with a trembling voice.


    "Still... Don''t you hate them? Being around hateful people is tiring and difficult."


    A child without one arm speaks.


    "We forgave. Mom."


    "No way."


    "We wanted mom to forgive too."


    Ms. Spider was speechless as if she had been hit in the head.


    The woman was silent for a moment and then opened her mouth.


    "No."


    Her first words were denial.


    "I shouldn''t forgive. No, I won''t forgive. I have to hate the one who killed you until they are dead. What parent in the world could forgive the enemy who killed their child? Even if you forgave, I must not."


    "But it''s hard for mom! You know how tiring and lonely it is to hate others."


    "Come here quickly. Everyone is waiting."


    Ms. Spider shook her head.


    "I am a sinner. A murderer who kills people. A sinner who was consumed by hatred and made an ugly wish to a goat. I didn''t even have any remorse. Yes, I don''t forgive the vigers. They won''t forgive me either. I can''t go there like that..."


    "Are you stupid?"


    I can''t listen to you.


    I suppressed my irritation and stepped forward. Pierrot watched my actions with interest.


    "Ho..."


    "Even if it''s a bit far-fetched, what''s wrong with a happy ending? If everyone is happy, it''s a win-win. I can''t tolerate it fading away and disappearing."


    "What..."


    "I want to show only happy endings to the kids. I want to end this journey on a warm note. If you keep acting like that, I''ll force you into the mirror. Okay?"


    It''s a very selfish remark, and some might call me a devil, but I think it was amazing of me to hold back my frustration so much. It''s so absurd.


    "..."


    "Hahahaha!"


    Pierrot held his stomach andughed. What''s so funny?


    He also seemed quite happy.


    "I heard you well. I really like that you are going to force a happy ending. In that case, I will help you."


    Pierrot took a breath and began to tell a story.


    "I heard your story through a quiz. A long time ago, vigers who regarded disabled children as bugs gave them poisoned food ingredients. The children died painfully after eating that food, and you were so consumed with hatred that you wanted the vigers who treated the disabled children like bugs to be just like them. That''s why you made a contract with them and took revenge by resurrecting the viger''s corpse as spiders."


    Even though spiders are beneficial insects, they are often objects of fear and disgust due to their disgusting appearance.


    It was a simr view to how people in the past hated disabled children simply because of their appearance.


    That''s why Ms. Spider turned the vigers into spiders.


    "What do you mean, Pierrot?"


    Ms. Spider spoke in a displeased tone.


    Pierrot brushed it off as if it was no big deal and continued.


    "But before the Devil took something important from you, you loved spiders, even when you were vaguely aware of your past. Do you know what the reason is?"


    "That."


    Ms. Spider grabbed her head. She didn''t seem to remember much.


    "Because the corpses that turned into spiders included the corpses of the children."


    "That''s!"


    "After bing unable to distinguish, you decided to forgive the vigers and love all spiders. What the Devil stole from you was your love for the kids. Because of that, all the remains is an aversion to bugs. So, even though you controlled spiders, you didn''t keep them around, and the spider monsters ended up in a pitiful situation."


    Wait, if that story is true.


    "...You have already forgiven the vigers. For loving the children."


    Ms. Spider muttered as if she couldn''t believe it.


    "I forgave them?"


    "Mom..."


    I asked Ms. Spider in order to make her feelings more honest and admit it.


    "You. Weren''t you happy when the vigers gave you food ingredients?"


    "..."


    The final blow... It felt like that. She was silent for a moment, then she answered honestly.


    "That''s right. Actually, I was happy... I thought people were finally acknowledging the children. It''s truly amazing how I used to hate them so much, and now it all changed with one gift."


    The vigers probably didn''t like the children.


    That''s why Ms. Spider must have hated them so much.


    "I thought I didn''t have to hate people anymore, so I ran to the orphanage even though my legs hurt. And then I boasted to the kids like a child who had received praise. There was no need to worry anymore. Now we can be happy not just among ourselves, but with everyone."


    The woman''s hand were shaking as she spoke.


    "Why couldn''t I be more honest?


    Why didn''t I act more selfish?


    Even if it couldn''te true, I want to see the dead children again.


    And, and..."


    Ms. Spider finally admitted.


    "I want to see the children hanging out with the vigers. I''m done with hatred, I want to be with everyone..."


    Disliking others is difficult and tiring.


    She, too, was exhausted.


    From hating the vigers.


    Her true wish was not to take revenge on the vigers.


    But living together with all the children and vigers.


    That is truly the ending Ms. Spider wanted.


    Both the mirror and the drawing Charlotte drew showed everyone getting along together, which was the oue Ms. Spider had hoped for from the beginning.


    The children in the mirror spoke to Ms. Spider.


    "Hold my hand, mom. And smile. Together. Let''sugh together."


    "...Okay."


    They held hands.


    They became a bunch of lights and disappeared.


    <strong>[Chapter 3 Cleared.]</strong>


    <strong>[Obtained 1 Devil seed. (Qty: 3)]</strong>


    <strong>[A word from MP: The ending ising soon. The curtain of her stage will be lifted and she will descend. Are you ready?]</strong>


    ...


    "What are you two doing in a ce like this?"


    "Oh, Mister Pierrot."


    After seeing Ms. Spider''s end, Ha-rim and I were staring nkly at the sky when Pierrot came from behind and spoke to us.


    "I''m just sorting things out because my feelings are a bitplicated."


    "I just wanted to be with E."


    "I understand how E feels. There are probably more than one or two strange things happening that don''t make any sense."


    "Really? I don''t know because E doesn''t tell me."


    I red at Pierrot. Annoying. That shameless attitude.


    "I think you kind of know that."


    Pierrotughed softly.


    "I got caught."


    "Eh?"


    I left Ha-rim, who could not follow the conversation, behind me and continued.


    "First of all. My mirror ability. The mirror ghost story I dealt with was clearly a ghost story that reflected the target''s fate. It''s normal to not be able to even talk to that person, let alone hug them. That is clearly beyond the scope of my capabilities. Answer me. Pierrot. Why did you do that then? When I used my ability, I heard youughing softly in anticipation... You''re not even trying to hide it."


    Pierrot didn''t care at all when I red at him.


    "I''ll answer your questions. First of all, that''s your ability. Well, it''s not the power of a mirror monster."


    "What on earth is it?"


    I tried to argue with the iprehensible words.


    However, I was speechless because Pierrot nced at the sky for a moment and then looked at me with pitiful eyes.


    I don''t know why he suddenly gives off a sad atmosphere while speaking in a dark tone.


    Even though I see it, I still don''t understand at all.


    "E, do you remember? I told you two things. The first was that I was looking for a <em>director</em>. The second..."


    "I said the breakup was going to be sudden."


    Rumble.


    Suddenly the world began to shake.


    It''s different from something like an earthquake. Something more transcendent is about to move.


    "E!"


    I protected Ha-rim, who was anxious. Who the hell is this? The guy who would do something like this...


    Half-Devil?


    "Why are you like that? Now all we have to do is go to the department store where the relics will be ced and install them. Do you think it''s too much to do this right at the end?"


    "You werecent. Trying to solve everything using methods brought in from outside in the first ce. Look at that giant cocoon of spider webs."


    I looked where Pierrot''s finger was pointing.


    A giant spider web cocoon. Now that I think about it, it was strange.


    Why does the spider web remain even though Arachne is gone?


    Although that is a bitrge, it is clearly an object that was also present in Ms. Spider''s boss stage. It also has no function.


    If the boss is defeated, it is normal for it to disappear.


    "You look like you don''t know why Arachne disappeared and the cocoon still remains. It''s simple. That was made with Arachne''s power, but it was not created by her."


    ...I rolled my head. And one possibility came to mind.


    Trap.


    Somethingpletely different that only resembled the appearance of an object that I ignored due to my knowledge of the game.


    Pierrot said as myplexion turned pale.


    "...Let me tell you something. The Half-Devil was not such a weak creature. I also had a hard time when it first attacked me. Then, they hid and fought in a ce where they couldn''t reach, but suddenly their attacks became weaker."


    "..."


    Tick.


    The sound of a clock hand was heard in my ears.


    "That''s why you met the Radio Head Demon. What was the Half-Devil doing after ordering Mary and Arachne to attack you?"


    Tick. Tock. Tick.


    "That is the <em>cocoon of time</em>. A cocoon made by gathering and processing monsters rted to time. And I presume that the creation of that cocoon began when you brought in humans from outside."


    Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick.


    "..."


    "Are you getting now? They became desperate because you came in with such a threatening weapon called artifact."


    When ites to time in this game, there was only one thing that came to mind.


    Count down.


    As soon as 30 days have passed, one condition for the birth of the Devil has been fulfilled.


    It was believed that the Devil would not be born unless a story and context were estabilisherd.


    However, doing this meant that, in the worst case, it might be possible to be born, even if imperfectly.


    ...I didn''t want this ending.


    Pierrot patted my trembling shoulder.


    "Well, don''t me yourself too much. Honestly, there was no other way at the time. even if we knew in advance, there is no way to stop it. This world was meant to have this damn boring ending."


    ...So you won''t break down like this, right?


    "...!"


    I remembered why Pierrot didn''t say this from the beginning.


    Pierrot hated dull shows.


    And Pierrot doesn''t find hopeless endings fun.


    At least he didn''t hide it because he wanted us to despair.


    Yes, there''s no way he wanted us to give up from the beginning.


    There''s still something. Something that Pierrot looks forward to in this situation!


    I came to my senses and called Ha-rim.


    "Ha-rim. Stick with me. Hurry!"


    "My wish didn''t change. What I''m looking for is a director. A being who will change this despair. There is only one thing you can do. Prove it. Director inside E."


    Tick.


    Time passes.


    D-7.


    D-6.


    D-5.


    D-4.


    D-3.


    D-2.


    D-1.


    Tock.


    D-day.


    Time skipped. What was in front of us was the worst opponent.


    "It''s been a week since I saw you."


    Pierrot waspletely eroded.


    "Are you ready to prove it?"


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    "Wow, the power has reached its peak to the point it can be seen with the naked eye, and the worlds havepletely ovepped."


    Meph was observing the small city-sized world he had created ovepping with the real world.


    It feels good to know that it has grown so quickly that it is breaking down the wall and bing reality.


    "It''s time."


    "You damn bastard!"


    "It''s noisy. Lab Director Brian."


    Meph got irritated at Brian, who was hurt and crawling on the floor.


    Either way, Brian got angry and screamed.


    "I should have noticed a damn long time ago. It definitely showed signs! Why did I miss it? That''s ridiculous!"


    "It''s not your fault. If you ask me, it''s everyone''s fault. Everyone has becent."


    "What?"


    "In the world I created, more and more powerful monsters appear as time goes by. And the materials from which monsters are created are the disturbing thoughts, stories, and fears from outsiders. Because you put the ingredients in, you get results. And the materials are consumed. It''s simple, right?"


    Meph spoke kindly to Brian, who did not understand.


    "What this means is that all fear of what you experienced has been taken away and you have becent. Well, I''lle back after work is done."


    "You... Are you saying I was just taken advantage of?"


    When Brian, who was weakened by the open wound, said that, Mephughed unpleasantly.


    "Hahaha... Let''s console ourselves like that. It doesn''t change that you becamecent and pressed the nuclear missile button yourself. But don''t worry too much. The reason I do this is not for the same purpose as <em>I Will Stand In The Sky</em>."<sup>1</sup>


    "Who the hell are you..."


    "You mean me? I am part of that force that always want evil but always creates good."


    Brian remembered that phrase. That''s because it is recorded that the most important person the organization is keeping an eye on is always saying that.


    What was that person''s name?


    "Mephisto Pheles..."


    He muttered as he watched the missile fly towards the world Meph created and fully materialized.


    "Now is the final step."


    1. Yes, that¡¯s the trantion of ¡°?? ??? ???¡± (What Meph says).


    Sheesh, what a chapter! I have no words¡­ By the way, do you guys remember when Kyeong-min got controlled by a ghost and talked rubbish? It was foreshadowing to Arachne¡¯s past!


    As always, any errors just say, and I hope you liked reading it.


    ¡ªChi


    WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION, I CHANGED SOME WORDS, PUNCTUATIONS AND THE FORMATTING TO WHAT I BELIEVE MAKES IT FLOW BETTER WHILE TRYING TO FAITHFULLY MAINTAIN THE AUTHOR¡¯S MEANING.


    Previous


    Toc


    Next

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    Advent. (Part 1 Complete)


    Bam!


    I was hit head-on by Pierrot''s fist and fell into a building with a loud noise.


    It felt like my thoughts were paralyzed by a strong shock I had never felt before.


    "Urgh."


    The blood tried to rush up my throat, but I barely managed to stop it.


    Ha-rim is watching.


    I don''t want to be seen coughing up blood!


    Pierrot didn''t care whether I took damage or not. He just coldly said what he had to say.


    "The artifact was destroyed. It was hard, but I was able to destroy it with my own strength and some time. So if you want to have hope, think in another direction."


    While saying that, Pierrot walks step by step.


    He is approaching slowly but surely.


    Despite paying attention to Pierrot in an extreme state of tension, I couldn''t follow his punch at all.


    It seems like all the fighting so far has been nothing more than a joke.


    I created a mirror.


    Clink!


    But it waspletely destroyed.


    "There are no mirrors left in this world. I destroyed it all. But is it even possible to make more after it was created thiste?"


    "What''s happening!"


    The children, James, and Maria came running.


    Because time was skipped without understanding what was happening, they needed a moment to understand the situation.


    Since I was attacked and they saw me knocked on the floor, they were even more confused, taking more time to understand the situation.


    "Mister Pierrot?"


    "Why all of a sudden?"


    "Please step back."


    Maria was the first to react.


    She wielded a gun she had not used before.


    A trump card.


    A golden bullet filled with divine power headed towards Pierrot.


    Crack!


    The destructive power was so great that Pierrot''s head exploded.


    "It''s not that powerful considering it can only be used once."


    Countless balloons floated in the sky, and when one of them burst, Pierrot''s head returned to its original state.


    Maria tried to take out her cross, but Pierrot''s subsequent attack knocked her out.


    James also pressed the button on his gloves and rushed in to stop him, who was trying to finish her off, but his gloves were broken while blocking the attack and he was unable to inflict any effective damage.


    "Outsiders are excluded."


    When Pierrot made a gesture, the soldiers'' guns turned into toys and became useless, and his monsters overpowered all the soldiers.


    "Urgh..."


    "How long are you going to lie down? Director."


    "Damn you son of a bitch..."


    "Enough time has already passed, powerful monsters that even I would struggle with have appeared, and the half-devil is about to be born on the other side, even if they are imperfect."


    "..."


    "The reason why my mind and mouth are intact despite being eroded.


    The half-devil decided that there was no need to stop you because you couldn''t defeat me no matter if I gave you a warning or a hint.


    This is not the time for you to ck off. If this continues, you''ll die."


    As I listened, I felt unjust and angry, and began to curse.


    "Director or whatever! I''m not that. What am I supposed to do here!!"


    While saying this, I quickly created a mirror behind Pierrot.


    Behind him, Bloody Mary attacked him.


    Pierrot didn''t even look back.


    ng!


    "Can''t hurt me. Not with this."


    "Damn it. Urgh?!"


    "The mirror ghost story you showed when you cleansed Mary and Arachne is apletely different power disguised as a ghost story. But why don''t youpletely release that power?"


    "A different power..."


    "Stop it!"


    Ha-rim attacked Pierrot with crudely attached items from her bag. Pierrot dodged the attack.


    "Ho. By attaching items with supernatural power together, the output is strengthened... That''s interesting. But I don''t think it''s time for Miss Ha-rim to step forward. Because it''s a crisis because it''s something you can''t ovee."


    "Kids, run away!"


    "You can''t defeat me. That''s why it''s impossible to ovee. As you said, inside E.


    You''re going to create a happy ending even if you have to force it.


    Keep your word.


    Twist this despair and create something new."


    Pierrot grabbed Ha-rim.


    The children desperately tried to stop it, but they were all gone with a single wave of their hands.


    That wasn''t the end. Pierrot took out a small dagger and pointed it at Ha-rim.


    "You. Don''t do it."


    "Please. Do not let them die by my hand."


    "Don''t do it. Stop, stop!!!"


    Pierrot''s dagger is getting closer to Ha-rim.


    It was clearly a de meant to take a life.


    Memories from the past pass by.


    I don''t care if I die.


    It''s okay to be separated from the kids.


    I have already received a great gift from them.


    However, I don''t want to see them die.


    Because they are my precious friends.


    ...Friends.


    I always thought.


    Am I the kind of person who can cry when a friend dies?


    I couldn''t cry when my only precious friend, a senior, died.


    Is it possible for me, who had no feelings, to get along well with the children?


    Wasn''t I just a reflection of E?


    Wasn''t I just a mirror reflecting what the children wanted to see?


    I''m sure E and I are different people, but.


    Do I really love them?


    My fears and wishes engraved deep in my heart.


    Water droplets formed at the corners of my eyes.


    It ran down my cheeks.


    That''s how I proved that my feelings were real.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    <strong>Kwaaaah!</strong>


    Even though Pierrot was being controlled, he almost ran away for a moment.


    A wave of transcendental existence that can be felt even if the senses are blocked.


    Pierrot let out an exmation even though he was shaking.


    "Oh oh... That power. That is the strength I was looking for.


    One who twists despair and surpasses insurmountable crisis. Even if there is a scenario, the director ignores it and shows the audience somethingpletely different!"


    Pierrot ran to check its power.


    He inted his arm like a balloon and swung a massive fist like a giant''s hand.


    E took out something.


    "Snack."


    When she ate the cookie, her arms became huge.


    She grabbed Pierrot''s fist, which was inted like a balloon, and threw it away.


    Pierrot''s fist was crushed as a result of briefly being hold by her hand, but he smiled happily.


    He flew away and threw cards like throwing stars.


    E didn''t evade it, taking it head-on.


    She looked at Pierrot without receiving a single wound.


    E nonchntly threw one of her daggers and Pierrot''s head flew off.


    "If you don''t get rid of these countless balloons, my life is basically infinite. Now, what are you going to do?"


    Then she said.


    "Humpty Dumpty."


    Then the balloons developed mouths and eyes.


    The balloonsughed unpleasantly.


    Theyughed so hard that their mouths continued to widen and tear until it reached their backs.


    And just like that, the top of the balloon fell off as if a lid was opened and disappeared.


    "...!"


    She caught Pierrot in the air with her hands stretched out like rubber and knocked him down.


    Pierrot was unable to resist gravity and fell to the floor, receiving a fatal shock.


    Heughed even though his body was damaged from the fall.


    "Hahaha!! Excellent!! With that power you have proven yourself well!"


    He was unable to move and was quickly overpowered.


    It was what he wanted, so he started to rx his body.


    "now... There is no time left. Thanks to you, I am satisfied and can rest at the back of the stage."


    "..."


    His body became transparent.


    It was about making one''s wishe true and attaining enlightenment.


    Pierrot didn''t know why he had hoped for such a wish.


    But he was already happy enough, so he was satisfied and nned to leave the stage.


    "..."


    E created a mirror with a wave of her hand and held it towards Pierrot.


    Will she offer salvation to the person who almost killed her friend?


    "Heh. You''re kind. That''s your nature after all."


    The mirror reflected Pierrot''s past.


    Piero, who saw it, sighed.


    "It''s not a very interesting story."


    Pierrot showing a fun performance to the audience.


    Just like everyone else does.


    He also had some precious people.


    However.


    "Because of the war, the children who came to see the performance lost their lovers and made a wish to massacre the enemy soldiers... Hehehe... This part is kind of interesting. I can''t believe I did something like that and regretted it. It''s so ridiculous."


    Pierrot realized something while looking in the mirror.


    The reason he sought out a director was because he wanted to prevent boring tragedies like war from happening in the first ce.


    He hoped that there would be an absolute being who could twist that huge flow.


    A good being on the side of humans. It was something any human could wish for.


    "...Okay. It''s so ordinary. But it''s not bad."


    Pierrot seemed satisfied as he saw the brown-haired woman and children smiling happily in the mirror.


    Pierrot thanked the blonde girl who saved him until the end.


    "Thank you. Go to the church."


    <strong>[Chapter 4 Cleared.]</strong>


    <strong>[Obtained 1 Devil seed. (Qty: 4)]</strong>


    <strong>[A word from MP: Pierrot was the most unpredictable one. Still, I''m d it was of some help.]</strong>


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    "E! Your body..."


    "It''s okay."


    When Pierrot fell and came to his senses, all the children ran to me.


    My that bes transparent.


    The children seemed to have already intuitively realized what was happening.


    "For some reason, I vaguely knew it. That it would be like this. We didn''t run out of key items for no reason. I was so arrogant. I was trying to get to the end through outside means.


    So, now I have to resolve the issue properly."


    "Aaaah! Don''t die!"


    "Ugh... Why did this happen at the end?"


    "Wait, there might be a way. So please hang in there!"


    ...Kids, don''t cry. I''m actually d.


    Because these tears and the pain that pierces my heart prove that I truly loved you.


    Are you like that too E?


    [That''s right. I only realized it when it was over.


    My wish is toe out of the mirror and make friends. My father thought I was possessed or that I would hurt others. So I wanted to prove it. That I will not harm my friend until the end. And this is the end.]


    That''s good.


    [Thank you so much, brother. My brother is not me, but he is also me. my wish came true. I''m d! So much! ...Can you say onest thing to the kids?]


    Of course.


    [You were E''s best friends! Please say that.]


    "You were E''s best friends!"


    "And to me too."


    "E! Are you really going away? I still..."


    I stroked Ha-rim''s crying face.


    "...Bye."


    This is the end for me and E.


    <strong>[Chapter 1 Cleared.]</strong>


    <strong>[Obtained 0 Devil seed. (Qty: 4)]</strong>


    <strong>[A word from MP: E. You were a good vessel. Your virtue is great.]</strong>


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    Immediately after E left, the children were ovee with grief. But all was not over.


    This is because terrifying monsters still remain and they have no way to escape this world.


    "I won''t give up. E. Because E gave me that strength."


    The kids stood up.


    They did not give up under any dire circumstances.


    E made them that way.


    Then something mysterious happened.


    The key items responded to their hopes.


    The church.


    "Let''s go. We''ll finish this!"


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    I was at the back of the stage.


    A ghost waiting in the background afterpleting the stage called life.


    Then I heard a noisy voice.


    [Give me the seeds.]


    "I can''t do that."


    [Give up. Look at those monsters. Terrifying monsters that neither you nor I know about. A giant that feeds on human fears. Do you think the children left alone can ovee it?


    Shin Ha-rim will lose all her friends, be brokenhearted, and despair.


    And, just like in the game, I will be born and fulfill the context of a gigantic evil that appears in the bad ending.


    Those seeds.


    A perfect birth is possible as long as I have the seed left by my father. So hand it over. hurry!]


    I told the half-devil who was threatening me.


    "Oh you stupid Jabberwocky, Jubjub bird, and Bandersnatch. Even if you say that, I believe in them.


    Those kids are already grown up.


    They can show strength in the face of scary creatures.


    No matter what monster attacks them, they will be able to ovee it.


    They don''t get bad endings."<sup>1</sup>


    Oh.Look at that brilliant pir of light.


    The kids seeded.


    The half-devil began to sob.


    [No... Father... Did you want them to defeat me? Then why did you create me?I hate it. I don''t want to remain a part of the program and disappear along with the world. I want to live. I want to enjoy life.


    Game bosses. I was jealous of you guys.]


    I left the vanishing Devil behind and surrendered myself to rest.


    Now I can face the endfortably.


    The story shown on stage is over, and after the ending, I leave behind the curtain and fall asleep with the lingering emotions.


    I will spend this long night with a smile that I will never wake up from.


    Then someone spoke.


    "What are you doing? Are you nning on sleepingfortably?"


    A voice I miss.


    "...Senior?"


    "Come out quickly. I worked so hard to make you, but it would be difficult if you did that."


    I felt ominous.


    "...Go back."


    Giggles.


    "I got four devil seeds that consumed a lot of power within my pure soul. It fulfilled the context of recreating a game I created myself and changing an ending that could never have been ovee in the original. I worked hard to create you. My precious daughter is not going to shyly hide in the back of the stage (death), soe out."


    ...


    "Okay, now, let¡¯s be honest.


    You want to see the kids again, right? Behave as you please. Because that''s what devils are."


    I spoke in a trembling voice filled with fear.


    "...Go back."


    Giggles.


    "I got four devil seeds that consumed a lot of power within my pure soul. It fulfilled the context of recreating a game I created myself and changing an ending that could never have been ovee in the original. I worked hard to create you. My precious daughter is not going to shyly hide in the back of the stage (death), soe out."


    ...


    "Okay, now, let¡¯s be honest.


    You want to see the kids again, right? Behave as you please. Because that''s what devils are."


    I spoke in a trembling voice filled with fear.


    "No. I''m happy with this ending. This is where I belong. I will not defy death. I will die as a human being."


    "...That''s troublesome."


    <em>Rumble.</em>


    "Can you hear it? I''m sure you have some idea what this is. Yeah. It''s a nuclear missile. Were is it heading?"


    "No..."


    "Of course it''s headed towards the children! So what should we do now?"


    I begged.


    "No. No. No. No. No. No!!! Do not do that!


    This is my end. This is the best ending I could have hoped for. I couldn''t be happier.


    I want to fall asleep with this lingering feeling. Please. Please let them go."


    "...Alice."


    "Don''t say it!!!"


    Senior chuckled.


    "Even if you struggle like that, you''ll get motivated with just this one word. It''s so cute how angry you are.


    You can never throw them away. They are so precious to you! In the end, you would do anything for them."


    The seniorughed and then said coldly.


    "Your precious children are going to die."


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    Alice lifted the stage curtain and descended.


    Mephisto: Through the vessel named E, he created a appearance resembling Alice, befriending the children, and transformed his soul into that of a child.


    Utilizing that peculiar nature, he adjusted the soul, revived his dulled emotions, and ultimately made him rediscover his true heart.


    The monsters were happy to follow Alice. <em>It''s Alice. Alice hase to visit us!</em>


    Monsters: We are people''s disturbing thoughts, stories, and fears. We are a stimulus. That''s why it''s fun. We love Alice.


    Mephisto: Alice in Wondend is a book full of word y. However, if experienced in reality, its absurdity can turn into eeriness and fear. There is a difference between fear and entertainment, because you, the main character, You have no idea how much thought I put into matching that context.


    Alice looked at the flying missiles. Look at those strange objects that will maliciously twist the children''s fate into the worst possible oue.


    How strange this is. It was truly a strange thing for a human being who worked hard and never gave up to face this in the end.


    Strange thing. It''s really strange.


    Mephisto: A being who deals with fearful beings called monsters and turns fear into entertainment (adventure). That''s Alice. It can''t be helped but be a good being and a Devil at the same time.


    Alice isted her strange ending in Wondend.


    Because that is natural.


    Part 1pleted.


    1. All 3 are creatures from Alice In Wondend.


    Sorry for the dy! Was busy with exams¡­ Anyway, quite the ending~


    As always, any errors just say, and I hope you liked reading it.


    ¡ªChi


    WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION, I CHANGED SOME WORDS, PUNCTUATIONS AND THE FORMATTING TO WHAT I BELIEVE MAKES IT FLOW BETTER WHILE TRYING TO FAITHFULLY MAINTAIN THE AUTHOR¡¯S MEANING.


    Previous


    Toc


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 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Advent. (Part 1 Complete)


    I''m finally posting a review.


    To be honest, I didn''t think that an irresponsible person like me could write anything until episode 50, but I did write anyway.


    The huge number ofments were the driving force!


    How on earth do other writers write?


    Are they human?


    My inspiration:


    The ghosts in the game originally took its inspiration from the RPG Maker game Ib.


    Mary, who appears there, is an attractive character who can share the ending with the main character even though she is a viin.


    Ah! I was so excited that it would be fun to have a kid like thispletely side with the main character. It''s better if it''s a tsundere.


    Therefore, E''s inspiration would be Ib''s Mary.


    Naturally, the protagonist of the original game joined the ghost story club.


    In particr, Kyeong-min is very simr to the character named Gyeongwon in the novel Ghost Story Club.


    However, Ha-rim, the protagonist of the original game, has two more inspirations other than the Ghost Story Club.


    The first is the yer.


    When ites to games, there are a few games where children are the main characters, and I don''t know how they save the world or escape from scary ces.


    Although we have save and load, following the original flow, she is a person who ovees any danger, whether it be a trap or a monster.


    That''s Ha-rim''s extraordinaryness.


    The second is Faust.


    The theme of Faust is "Humans are saved if they work hard", and since this game was created by Mephisto, the standard route is that Ha-rim, who suffers from losing her friends but does not give up, is defeated by great despair at thest moment, in line with Mephisto''s tastes.


    Mephisto, huh? He''s a bit of a sore loser, still holding onto the loss from the bet against Faust.


    Anyway, in the work, Ha-rim ys the opposite role of Faust, who is saved by God.


    E (Alice) is the one who corrected that.


    From the point of view of the y "Faust", Alice is like a god who brings salvation!


    Something I regret while writing this novel.


    Crude!!! Extremely crude! Vocabry is also small.


    Awkward! Cringe! People reading this must have been very annoyed. Sorry. I''ll do better next time.


    There are also too many settings.


    I''m not the type of person who ns things in advance, so I write impromptu for each chapter.


    So the scale got too big... Save me.


    Next, I should have paid more attention to the rtionship with the children.


    I should have included one episode per person. I''m so sorry. Character development is important, but it seems like I skipped the process of collecting items because I was so busy progressing the story.


    There are serious typos, but the biggest problem is... Sudden development...!!!


    It would take too long to write one episode if I were to write it while in the military instead of on vacation, so I tried to write it all while on vacation as much as possible.


    Although I originally intended for a rapid development, I couldn''t properly resolve the foreshadowing, so everyone was like, "Huh? What''s going on?".


    Sob... Guilty! But remakes are something I just can''t do even if I die.


    I think the fact that I got tired halfway through writing on my phone also yed a role... I''m exhausted from putting so much effort into the illustrations...!


    From here, I''ll exin the settings, but it won''t be fun. Thank you for reading if you don''t understand at all!


    There are people who don''t understand the scene where Alice is born, so let me exin.


    In this worldview, if you collect enough sacrifices and fulfill a certain story, it is possible to create a specific demon corresponding to that.


    There are several stories fulfilled by the protagonist here, and I will exin some of them.


    First of all, it''s the monsters. Monsters are the disturbing thoughts of humans. Stories. It is a being made of fear.


    It has been mentioned several times that these can be reced with a form of stimtion and entertainment, just like people enjoy horror games.


    Pierrot also saw monsters as a supernatural things to enjoy.


    In other words, supernatural is entertainment! Something like that.


    Next is Alice in Wondend.


    Alice in Wondend is the story of Alice''s adventures in Wondend, and as anyone who has read the fairy tale will know, there is a lot of word y here.


    Word y = Supernatural feeling.


    Wondend = A ce full of supernatural things.


    In this way, we created something inmon, and the next one is Alice herself.


    It was mentioned in episode 33 that the main character thinks of Alice as an extraordinary person.


    This is because Wondend may seem bizarre from the perspective of the general public, but Alice, the main character of the fairy tale, epted Wondend as an adventure rather than fear.


    Here, Alice has the meaning of someone who turns fear into adventure.


    The main character entered a horror game where there was no other way than a despairing end, and seeded in twisting it to lead to a happy ending.


    It is treated as turning children''s fears into adventure (y).


    The main character is Alice!


    As a result ofbining various factors, the main character is reborn as Alice the Devil.


    In addition, because the protagonist entered E''s body, his soul was altered to fit the vessel, and his rough appearance was originally a young man with ck hair, but he became a blonde woman, and his emotions became richer. His soul also became of a child. It is closely rted to mirrors, etc too. There was an entire process involved.


    If I show each piece one by one, there will be no end...!


    The game is cleared, and the world where the children and the main character were was copsed. To be precise, Alice was born in the world full of bizarre things!


    Anyway, the children return to reality and live their own lives with their memories erased by the agency. Alice got outside... What should I do?


    That''s part 2... ! She won''t be chased by the institution right...?


    Part 2 will be published within a month.


    If it''s a side story or something. If you request it, I will try to write it.


    Thank you for reading so far.


    Haven¡¯t been TL¡¯ing thistely, still have to catch up to the raws to make sure I don¡¯t TL something wrong¡­ Sorry.


    As always, any errors just say, and I hope you liked reading it.


    ¡ªChi


    WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION, I CHANGED SOME WORDS, PUNCTUATIONS AND THE FORMATTING TO WHAT I BELIEVE MAKES IT FLOW BETTER WHILE TRYING TO FAITHFULLY MAINTAIN THE AUTHOR¡¯S MEANING.


    Previous


    Toc


    Next

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    [Side Story] Snacks Party


    "You there. Wait a moment."


    I talked to James'' subordinate, whom I met while walking down the hallway with Ha-rim.


    Originally, I was going to pass by without saying a word, but the Cheshire Cat''s bell trembled slightly as he passed, so I called him over.


    "...What''s wrong?"


    Because we don''t often talk to each other.


    An awkward and stiff responsees back.


    It doesn''t really matter since I don''t need to really talk.


    I took out my knife and instantly cut off the small insect-like monster that was crawling on his shoulder.


    The monster that let out a screeching sound turned into smoke and was absorbed by me.


    "Don''t be nervous. It''s just that there was a strange feeling of gloominess attached to you. Were you in a bad mood today?"


    He''s so frozen that he can''t answer right away.


    I guess I should have given a hint in advance.


    But if he had been able to react to the sh just now, he might have pointed the gun at me.


    "You''re right... Is it mental pollution?"


    I stopped him because he was trying to inject a suspicious drug into his body.


    It''s like a medicine that treats mental pollution, but there are many settings in creative works that have side effects if abused.


    Just in case, it would be better to stop him.


    "Actually, it''s not pollution, you know? You just have to remove the main body."


    "Ah. Is that so?"


    Yes, I see he trusts my words.


    Well, I guess he trusts James, who trusts me, rather than myself.


    Now then.


    "..."


    "..."


    Since I had nothing to say, I tried to go to the ssroom with Ha-rim.


    The kids invited us to have a snack party.


    I''m sorry for keeping them waiting.


    But Ha-rim looked at me and James'' subordinates in turn and then said to me.


    "It looks very awkward, but I heard that asking each other questions is a good way to be closer. I''ve been thinking about it for a while, but it seems like they aren''t ordinary soldiers, so let''s take this opportunity to ask him some questions!"


    Ha-rim''s eyes sparkled.


    She seemed to like the image of soldiers in special clothing that seemed to be full of secrets.


    Ha-rim is the head of the Mystery Investigation Club.


    It seems like she is very interested in hidden secrets.


    Still.


    "That''s not possible. Ha-rim."


    "Huh?"


    "These guys are people who operate in secret. If you ask about this or that, the soldiers who are receiving orders from superiors have no choice but to coldly refuse. Then we''ll just hurt each other''s feelings, right?"


    A straightforward argument. Ha-rim scratched her cheek as if she hadn''t thought of that.


    "Oh, I see..."


    Ha-rim agreed and got lost in her thoughts.


    I wonder what this kid is thinking...


    I nkly looked at Ha-rim and realized that James'' subordinate was looking at me.


    "...What is it?"


    "Honestly, I didn''t expect you to be so thoughtful and considerate."


    Adults tend to be surprised when children''s thoughts seem even the slightest bit deep.


    Actually, even kindergartners know how to be considerate.


    If you think about it, you must have heard someone call you mature when you were young before.


    In this case, it''s not that adults don''t know, it''s that they have forgotten about it.


    I said it feeling awkward to receive praise for something that seemed obvious.


    "I wasn''t particrly considerate. Hmm. I just thought it was unreasonable to ask when it was obvious it wouldn''t work."


    Wait a minute, I just looked like a tsundere. I feel upset.


    "Then how about having a snacks party together?"


    "So suddenly?"


    I inadvertently tackled Ha-rim''s unexpected suggestion.


    Do you really want to be that friendly with these people?


    Anyway, since it was Ha-rim''s suggestion, I agreed.


    But he couldn''t answer easily.


    "Hmm..."


    Of course. He''s dispatched for a mission, so there''s no way he can make an appointment without his boss'' consent, saying, "I''m going to have a snacks party."


    "So this guy can''t decide anything after all."


    "It doesn''t matter. Because eating snacks doesn''t interfere with the mission. But make sure you are armed to a minimum."


    What a surprise!


    "James... Where on earth did youe from?"


    James answered my question with a shrug.


    "Yep! All right!"


    "Unless it is truly important and confidential, we allow information to be released to a certain extent. This person is a partner of ours. Don''t make the atmosphere stiff for no reason. Keep in mind that this is the field, not inside the institution."


    "Yes. I''ll keep that in mind."


    What is this flow? It goes smoothly as if it was supposed to be like this.


    James, is it okay for you to just skip things like that?


    This guy. In fact, it doesn''t matter if it''s an institution''s secrets or anything like that, right?


    Immediately after receiving permission from James.


    We had a snack party with James'' crew.


    Abination of 5 children and many adults.


    I didn''t think adults would have fun ying with kids.


    Even Maria and James didn''t attend, so wouldn''t it be rather awkward?


    But my expectations were wrong


    "That was the first time you met E, and you were really scared at first?"


    "I told you I was sorry back then!"


    "E is angry."


    "I''m not angry..."


    Peopleugh. The children''s innocent jokes and stories made them smile.


    Since they were people who had experienced all kinds of dangerous incidents, they liked the gentle atmosphere created by the children.


    "When the Mothman attacked, E jumped like this and killed the monster!"


    Kyeong-min keeps telling heroic stories about me.


    This kid too, really. It makes the people hearing it feel embarrassed.


    But he likes me that much.


    Feeling better, I smiled brightly and jokingly asked those who were listening.


    "I did all that, so you guys aren''t going to catch E and lock her up as soon as she goes outside, right?"


    Ta-da, I''m a better monster than you thought!


    James'' subordinates burst outughing at those words


    "Hahahaha!!!"


    "Hehehehe..."


    I burst intoughter, feeling proud that I had scored a hit.


    "Hahahaha!"


    "Hehehe..."


    We keepughing.


    "Haha... Ha..."


    "Hehe..."


    We keepughing?


    "..."


    "...?"


    No, wait a minute. You guys have something to do other thanugh at this time.


    I couldn''t bear the silence and shouted in anger.


    "Hey you guys! Tell E that you won''t catch her even if it''s empty words!!!"


    You''re openly advertising that you will catch me!


    When I shouted loudly, they tried to appease me.


    "Ahem... Cough! If you cooperate calmly, the institution will also provide ethical guidance..."


    "What?!"


    The children were shocked when their cheerful attitude changed.


    "El-E, are you going to get caught?"


    "E is a good girl!"


    "Urgh..."


    In an instant, the warm atmosphere turned into a mess.


    These shitty settings from this setting-obsessed developer! Making Eun-jeong cry?!


    "It''s a misunderstanding. We do not treat all anomalous objects like prisoners or beasts. We take istion and protection as our principles of action."


    In the meantime, I raised a white g to those who stubbornly refused to give up their will and asked to change the atmosphere.


    "Haa... Okay okay. If I get caught, what level am I? There has to be something like that. Istion level or danger level."


    "I don''t know how you know, but the quarantine level is probably <em>Unchain </em>level. This is a rating given to entities where continuous containment is difficult or impossible."


    "Unchain..."


    It sounds strong for some reason. I like it.


    "I have seen you move freely through mirrors and I know that you can summon the mirrors themselves at will."


    From their perspective, I seem to have supernatural powers to create portals.


    However, there was one thing they misunderstood.


    "Unchain... I''m not that strong, right? I have a limited range where I can summon mirrors, so maybe if I make the wall really thick... "


    "Oh..."


    They seem interested in my answer.


    Okay, isn''t the mood getting better? I exined step by step.


    "Could you please exin a bit more in detail? Like numerical values or something."


    To be precise, I tried to exin. That was until I saw the movements of his hand as he was taking notes sneakily.


    "Um, so roughly... Three-hundred... What are you writing down?"


    "..."


    Let''s see, D-888 quarantine rules?


    I dered with a bright smile.


    "The snack party is over."


    <em>Eh, honto?</em> The inte meme that existis in my brain exims.<sup>1</sup>


    Damn institution. This is how it is, right? Just wait and see, I''ll never get caught.


    Such useless settings...!


    "Please calm down. Umm... Aren''t you curious what kind of unit we are?"


    "Oh. That''s an interesting story."


    This time, an interesting story was brought up from the other side.


    James'' warning in advance not to make the atmosphere stiff seems to have had an effect.


    "We are a special forces unit led by Agent James, the Captain. Its nickname is [Four Seasons Deer]. Although its firepower is low, it can respond to a variety of attacks, so it is dispatched when performing missions in unfamiliar areas."


    "Hey... Aren''t you saying too much when the boss isn''t here?"


    "I didn''t reveal the code name, just the nickname, so I don''t think it really matters."


    "Hmm..."


    "Don''t be like that, tell me more. What kind of people are quarantined there?"


    If there is an original copy of Mary, wouldn''t there also be an original copy of Jangsanbeom or Slenderman?


    I want to hear the story of a full-fledged urban fantasy creature.


    "I''m sorry, but I think it''s hard to talk about this part because it''s really confidential."


    The steam is gone. I grumbled at the conversation being blocked again.


    "James also told me that you guys had the original Mary... It''s a shame. Okay! So what kind of person is James to you? As a bonus, Maria too."


    James'' subordinates surprisingly brought up Maria''s story first.


    Normally, humans tended to bring up the story that caused them to worry less first.


    "Agent Maria is a kind and strong person. Despite her kind heart and youthful appearance, she is a veteran who has partnered with the captain and participated in many operations. However, since Agent Maria belongs to a different organization, we have not spent much time together."


    "Other affiliation?"


    "It''s a type of religious group. Honestly, if everyone there was like Maria, it would have a good reputation."


    It''s a concept like a cult. No, they have a partnership, so it''s a little different.


    "Then what about James?"


    "He is someone we can definitely trust in the organization."


    He answered mechanically. It seems like he had nned in advance to say something like this in this situation.


    However, since James was not here, they began to show their true colors one by one.


    "...Still, there are many times when I feel restless because the orders from superiors are subtly ignored. It feels like I''m walking a tightrope."


    "Exactly..."


    "Last time, he didn''t listen to orders and got a warning, so he''s not on good terms with Dr. Kkondae. Honestly, the captain looks like he strictly follows the rules on the outside, but in reality, he''s just like a retired sergeant?"<sup>2</sup>


    "Hahaha! Retired sergeant!"


    Rattle!


    "I am sorry about that. Was the party enjoyable?"


    "Ca-captain!"


    "What... It was. But you were listening behind the door?"


    "It is natural for superiors to monitor them because they may inadvertently reveal truly confidential information. Of course, that won''t happen."


    Yes. I guess so. I knew.


    There''s no way they''re revealing real confidential information. James just wanted to tease them.


    "Uncle James! They want to take E! No way? Right?"


    "Hahaha."


    Jamesughed at Eun-jeong¡¯s question.


    "You caught me. It''s about protecting."


    "Urgh!"


    "What are you saying to the kids! Now, this guy was just kidding. Don''t worry, they won''t capture me."


    "Really?"


    "Yes, right?"


    Maria said while sweating profusely, she can''t lie to children.


    If they see Maria reacting like that, it''s a sure thing that the lie will be revealed.


    They seem like patients suffering from confinement fetish. I wish they were all dead.


    "I hope you don''t hate it too much."


    I couldn''t understand what James said.


    However, I knew that those words came from James'' intuition.


    The way he looks at me is the way he looks at a colleague who will be with him in the future.


    I felt strange.


    1. ¡°Eh, honto?¡± = ¡°Eh, really?¡± Just search for ? ??? and you will see the meme.


    2. <strong>Kkondae</strong>is an expression used inSouth Koreato describe a condescending person, that normally forces the former¡¯s outdated way of thinking onto another person.


    As always, any errors just say, and I hope you liked reading it.


    ¡ªChi


    WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION, I CHANGED SOME WORDS, PUNCTUATIONS AND THE FORMATTING TO WHAT I BELIEVE MAKES IT FLOW BETTER WHILE TRYING TO FAITHFULLY MAINTAIN THE AUTHOR¡¯S MEANING.


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 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Part 2 Begins. ck Alice


    Alice.


    What do people think of when they hear this name?


    Some people may think of an ordinary foreign woman with that name.


    Some people are members of an idol group with the same name.


    Some people may go further and think of a blonde girl from a fairy tale.


    But I am different.


    No, it''s actually closer to the third, but it makes me wonder if that''s Alice from the fairy tale.


    Anyway, when I heard the name Alice, the first thing that came to mind was a devil with that name.


    The first time I saw her was when I was ordered to enter her istion room and perform a procedure on her in the name of care.


    It is rare for a manager instead of a prisoner to enter a dangerous istion room where all kinds of strange things are kept.


    In most cases, this is whenplicated procedures that are difficult for the prisoner to handle must be performed, or when it is necessary to show courtesy by acknowledging the other entity as a person to some extent.


    It''s probably one of these two.


    However, the orders from above were to just say a few words and hand over some candy.


    In that case, it would be thetter...


    The Institution have their own way to treat her, rather than seeing her as a prisoner or a dangerous creature to be contained.


    That''s interesting. The number is D-888.


    Her nickname is <em>our friend ck Alice.</em>


    Friends... What kind of entity is it?


    -step.


    I hoped I wasn''t a living sacrifice of some special management procedure I had never heard of.


    I was hiding my fear behind interest when I entered the istion room.


    Then I saw her.


    It is a disturbing creature that wriggles erratically, a monster with multiple body parts such as legs arms, and at the same time with smooth, soft skin and beautiful blonde hair that catches the eye as if saying it was a human.


    <strong>It was clearly a girl.</strong>


    "Mumble... Mumble mumble... Mumble.."


    The way she was lost in her own world, mumbling like crazy, felt like she was using some kind of ck magic.


    Reciting the contents of an unidentified fairy tale, or saying that she should have died then, etc.


    I could only understand fragments of content.


    Gulp.


    I should have guessed it from the D in the number, but this thing looks dangerous no matter what!


    I calmed my pounding heart and handed her the candy.


    But it seemed like she didn''t even know I was there.


    I quietly ced the candy next to me and a long arm came out from the sea of bustling arms and legs and snatched the candy.


    "..."


    I felt goosebumps.


    "Mumble mumble mumble..."


    The action of grabbing the candy was so fast that I couldn''t react.


    That left me dazed for a moment, but I quickly came to my senses and carried out my next mission.


    "Hey? Can you hear me?"


    I spoke carefully, trying not to provoke her as much as possible.


    "Mumble... Mumble... Mumble... Mumble..."


    <strong>Sting~!</strong>


    Mom and dad it''s not what you think I''m sorry for scaring you all this time even after death I wanted to say sorry but being forcefully resurrected stripped of humanity and enduring such agony without choice damn, damn, damn, damn to the trash-like me there will never be a beautiful andfortable end again please give me back the most naturalfortable and beautiful ending how many times do I have to ask?


    "Urgh!"


    My head hurts. Is it really mental pollution?


    No. The equipment didn''t light up.


    Was it just a brief shock because the thought wave was as strong as pollution?


    I think I can still do more.


    "Miss Alice...! I am Emma. My nickname is Em! Please..."


    [Stop. Stop contact. Thank you for your effort Emma.]


    Since the director of the institute had given an order, I went back without any further trouble.


    I was worried that the weird, scary, but strange devil might be stalking me, but fortunately, that didn''t happen.


    After getting injured in the istion room, I was able to rest afterpleting various disinfection procedures and mental tests.


    "Hmm. It doesn''t seem to be the type to cause harm? But that person''s grade."


    Unchained.


    A level possessed by entities who can''t be contained.


    Of course, this does not mean that it is a transcendental entity that ignores all attacks from the institution and escapes to the istion room.


    It can be a basket that appears out of nowhere and provides snacks, or something like that.


    Since it is a phenomenon that appears randomly in one person among all mankind, even cases where istion itself is difficult are all given an unchain grade.


    But that thing doesn''t look as simple as a snack basket.


    "...There is too little information."


    I have a management position.


    Since I was new and the director of the research center was still researching it, very little information was avable.


    The content of the document in my hand was just such a basic procedure that it made me wonder why it could be quarantined.


    "If you make one mistake, you will die."


    I don''t like the idea of using people as guinea pigs, even those on death row, but we need to get a lot of information through meaningful experiments.


    Why am I the one? Is it because I''m a newbie?


    These days, they put new recruits in istion rooms as a form of hazing?


    "...Haa. This is no different from back then."


    I figured I had survived until now, so I had to be satisfied with that.


    This is because I had been criticizing the higher-ups and I''ve been facing the approaching danger head on. This is the way I has lived so far.


    "I''m tired."


    I closed my eyes for a moment.


    ...


    <strong>Weeeeeeeeeeee!</strong>


    <strong>Alert. A-245. A supernatural creature Appeared. Basic defense procedures. A-guard brought in.</strong>


    "Hmm?!"


    I''ve quickly opened my eyes.


    What? Did the entity escape?


    No. Since it is described as a supernatural creature, it could be an external attack.


    I reflexively grabbed my favorite pistol.


    Then I looked at my pistol for a moment and then shook my head.


    "...I''m a manager now. Not abatant."


    I put down my pistol.


    Instead, I picked up the direct line and called another manager.


    "..."


    Whoosh... Kakaw. Kakaw. Kakaw.


    Instead ofmunication, there is only the sound of waves and seagulls crying.


    This supernatural phenomenon could only be thought to be the work of a supernatural creature.


    I immediately looked at the surveince cameras and beganmunicating with thebatants.


    Originally, as a new manager, other A-managers had to give orders instead of me, but something was blockingmunication.


    I have no choice but to do it. I picked up the emergency microphone and gave orders.


    "Airways A, B, and C connected to A-245 are blocked. B-guard in D. Nonbatants and wounded A-guards retreat to E."


    First, stop it and contact the director of the research center...!


    "This is Agent Fram, B-Guard leader. The monster just got hit by a bullet and disappeared, leaving behind nothing but bubbles."


    "Bubbles?"


    Bubbly, bubbling...


    A bubble appeared behind me and took the shape of a monster.


    I quickly left the area and ran away.


    Of course, I didn''t forget to get my pistol.


    <em>''It''s targeting the manager first. Is this an attack by a hostile</em> g<em>roup?''</em>


    There is no time to rack my brain. This was because I could clearly hear the sound of a monster running from behind.


    "-!!!"


    "That''s so fast!"


    But the passage in front. There is a wall switch in the middle that will forcefully block the passage.


    "Don''te!"


    Bang!


    "Kruk."


    I keep the monster in check with my pistol and sessfully block the passage.


    Bang bang bang!


    I said at the monster, who was using its strength to break the wall.


    "You can''t break it. I haven''t seen anything destroying it even when I was abatant. So give up and be quiet."


    "..."


    Bubbly, bubbling...


    "Ah..."


    This guy knows how to move through space, right?


    "I''m in big trouble."


    I muttered, aiming my gun at the fully formed monster.


    The front is blocked by a wall, and the passage is upied by a monster.


    Even if I''m a formerbatant, it is impossible to win without special equipment, even if my gun works.


    "..."


    Fear began to build in my heart. Still, I didn''t put down my gun.


    I was like that from the beginning. I was a talented person who rose from a low-levelbatant to a managerial position.


    The crises I had been through so far have been so damn numerous. So I''ll live this time too.


    "If I hold on just a little longer, help wille."


    I won''t look away from fear.


    I''ll try until the end


    And I''ll survive.


    In the end, I always manage to resolve the issue with my remainingpanions.


    "Tsk!"


    The bullet is fired and passes straight through the monster''s body.


    Since it literally just passed through, it seemed like there was no damage at all.


    I shouted out, biting my lip to shake off my fear.


    "I''m not dying!"


    <strong>"I see."</strong>


    A mysterious voice suddenly appears.


    I was very embarrassed because it was a girl''s tickling voice that did not suit the current situation at all.


    "?!"


    And I quickly realized that I had heard a voice like this.


    <strong>"You''re on an adventure, right? It''s strange that someone like you is experiencing this kind of ending. Really strange."</strong>


    "...Huh."


    The monster disappeared. I put my gun down.


    I quickly realized why D-888''s nickname was <em>our friend</em>.


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd person</strong>


    "The experiment was sessful. I didn''t know the results woulde out so quickly."


    Even though the experiment was sessful, the director of theboratory did not look good. This attack was not what she intended.


    "It is not the time to be just happy. However, we need to sort out the results right before our eyes."


    The male agent next to her gave her his opinion.


    Well, the raid is something other departments should investigate first.


    The research director thought about the results while checking document D-888.


    "Hmm. Let''s see."


    Since being discovered, D-888 has only been seen nkly muttering to herself or sleeping motionlessly.


    However, since XX days ago, D-888 started to be active.


    It was a while ago when a quarantined object escaped due to the carelessness of the administrator.


    Because the fighting power of the isted entity was stronger than expected, thebatants were massacred, but only thest one was saved by D-888.


    From that day on, D-888 rescued agency personnel in danger or even went outside to rescue several civilians.


    But she didn''t save everyone, so the director did an experiment to find out what the conditions were for helping people.


    <em>''Among death row inmates, only one in 40 has received help so far. At first I thought the rate was low because she really only pretended to save people.''</em>


    But when she pieced together all themonalities of the people she helped, she seemed to have her clue.


    These are all people who almost experienced tragedy.


    Aside from those who deserved to die, Thompson lived as a homeless person due to alcoholism, but then converted and worked as an office worker. He was almost shot to death by a gunman who was targeting his colleague.


    Kim Yu-ha decided tomit suicide due to bullying, but she strengthened her will for her friend who was also bullied, and there was an incident where she saved her suicidal friend, who almost fell off a cliff.


    After careful consultation with a rescued death row inmate, she found out that he was a person who repented for all his sins and was doing his part to atone while in the midst of a terrifying quarantine.


    "Hmm..."


    She couldn''t understand why she was saving them, but rescuing Emma, who had been a low-rankingbatant but stubbornly?survived and rose to a managerial position, somewhat confirmed her expectations.


    "Staying true to your own life, oveing fear and not giving up until the end, or just trying sincerely... Not letting humans experience tragedy... Haa... Is she too much? Is she god?"


    "I guess that''s too exaggerated considering she only saved a few people. Even now, good people in the world are dying on a daily basis."


    "Well, I made a strange guess because of my unconscious wish that she would be a good being."


    Originally, it''s hard to believe that there could be such a convenient existence for humanity. It''s not something that could be artificially created by anyone.


    "Is this kid really a good being? No matter who sees it, she''s undeniable?a monster. And she''s actually a devil. If I could even talk to her, I''d ask her about it."


    "Well, things will make sense now. It didn''t work at first, but now she has awakened to some degree of consciousness."


    The male agent handed over a document with pictures of children attached.


    Theb director asked the male agent if it''s going to be a failed attempt likest time.


    He only made a gesture that seemed to ask her to believe him.


    He entered the containment room and spoke to D-888.


    "...D-888?"


    "Mumble, mumble, mumble..."


    <em>''Really. You don''t even listen.''</em>


    "E."


    "Mumble... Mumble..."


    There is some reaction.


    "Alice."


    "..."


    ''<em>Are you listening now? If so, this is my chance.''</em>


    Swoosh.


    "Aren''t you curious about how the kids are doing?"


    "..."


    The male agent handed D-888 a document containing photos of children. Then she reacted.


    "Hmm?"


    "You finally came to your senses."


    "James? What. Where am I?"


    D-888 acted as if she didn''t even know where she was.


    It seems that everything she has done so far has been done unconsciously.


    D-888 walked around the room and punched the wall. And she widened his eyes as if she realized something.


    "You, you trapped me! You traitor!"


    James chuckled when he saw the blonde girl giving him a resentful look.


    "Nothing has changed.<hr>


    I. AM. BACK!


    The TL everyone has been waiting for is back~ Sorry for dy, had surgery and decided to chill and recover during my holidays.


    Pat4Laifu, the mad, just sent me a super bigger TXT file filled with fixes. What a crazy guy, thanks bro.


    As always, any errors just say, and I hope you liked reading it.


    ¡ªChi


    WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION, I CHANGED SOME WORDS, PUNCTUATIONS AND THE FORMATTING TO WHAT I BELIEVE MAKES IT FLOW BETTER WHILE TRYING TO FAITHFULLY MAINTAIN THE AUTHOR¡¯S MEANING.


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    Next<ul data-sharing-events-added="true"><li>Twitter</li><li>Facebook</li><li></li></ul>LikeLoading¡­

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    The Adventure Is Over.


    "So... You don''t have any memories of what happened?"


    James asked again as if he wanted to confirm.


    ording to what James said, I guess I saved someone or went outside while I was here.


    Of course, I don''t remember doing that.


    I also didn''t know why I did that.


    Thest thing I remember is.


    "Uh... I remember something flying at me like a missile and I blew it away."


    "Not something like a missile, it was a missile."


    "I see~"


    "Huh. You speak so calmly."


    Even if he say that, somehow it doesn''t seem to make sense.


    Me having the power to summon a city-sized mirror and send a missile flying to another world.


    If I had to do it again, would I be able to do it? I can never do that.


    ...Maybe.


    "I''m sorry, but I have no idea about my condition or my strength. I only know that I have be aplete devil. On the contrary, I think those of you who have watched me for so long would know better."


    "If you want information, I''ll tell you. However, you must promise me one thing."


    At that time, a woman dressed as a researcher next to James took a step closer to me and talked.


    Thinking that she must be someone rted to this organization, I asked her.


    "What?"


    "You will belong to the Institution and submit to its control. And you will only use your power for the benefit of humanity."


    That''s grand.


    I answered immediately.


    "No."


    At those words, the female researcher frowned slightly.


    From the Institution''s point of view, this would naturally be an unpleasant situation.


    But I don''t like it.


    She spoke to me in a higher tone of voice than before.


    "That''s like saying you won''t cooperate with the Institution.


    The freedom guaranteed will be minimal, and it will be difficult to provide good treatment.


    Are you the type of devil who wants to harm humanity?"


    Tsk. It''s extreme.


    This almost sounds like a threat.


    However, I felt that shecked the charisma to be that intimidating.


    I confidentlyid out my thoughts.


    "I have no particr desire to hurt people. But I have no intention of following like a ve the orders of an unknown organization or an unspecified number of people I don''t know if I can trust."


    "..."


    "For the sake of humanity? If you tell a passerby to only use their power for humanity, who will follow that? Should I look at them like I''m looking at a crazy person? It is clear that in the name of humanity, they will force me to make an infinite dedication that even other people are reluctant to make. So, it would be a big mistake to think that I will ept without hesitation."


    "...Actually, it''s an offer that any normal person would reject. My thinking was short."


    Surprisingly, she agreed easily.


    I felt embarrassed for being so sharp to her, so I spoke in a softer tone.


    "Well, I understand."


    Seeing me like that, James shook his head in disapproval.


    Still, he was smiling slightly.


    "She''s... So easy."


    "What...?"


    The female researcher answered my question as if she had been waiting for it.


    "The Institution wants istes that canmunicate normally.


    Fortunately, you don''t lie casually and your way of thinking is simr to that of humans.


    I think I now know a bit about your personality."


    "Did you test me?"


    "Yes."


    I remembered that in the past, Maria had figured out my way of thinking using a simr pattern.


    I was once told that I''m an idiot if I fell for the same trick twice, which made me feel bad.


    "I hate you."


    "I feel unfair."


    "Please don''t hate me too much."


    She took a contract out of the drawer.


    A contract is not a forced oath but a minimum procedure to obtain a certain degree of mutual consent.


    Interesting. What kind of suggestion would she make?


    "Now, my suggestion to you is that you do not go out without notice. As long as you follow these guidelines, you will be allowed to go outside with the Institution''s permission and we will grant your wishes as much as possible.


    If you want to enjoy more freedom, you can do what the organization asks you to do. Of course, there is also the right to recuse."


    For an organization that captures and traps anomalous beings to offer me this, it''s is a very peaceful offer.


    I hate being offered freedom, but I have to make some concessions.


    What? You think I''m weird for epting an offer that basically involves having my freedom unterally controlled?


    I''ll make it less weird by saying this.


    These guys are a bunch of assholes.


    I spoke in a calm tone.


    "...Okay. It''s not bad."


    She smiled brightly at my answer.


    "Please sign here."


    "It''s not an unfair contract that agrees to something like a radical experiment, right? Or make me fight a strange monster?"


    I want to avoid bing a victim of VS y as much as possible.


    I feel like I would die.


    "That''s considered a favor, and you don''t have to do it if you don''t want to."


    "So you''re saying you''re going to do it. Well, it doesn''t matter because I can just say no."


    "Great. D-888. We''re more like colleagues now, so I''ll call you by your first name when we have private conversations in the future."


    A name.


    I have already died once and my original name has no meaning.


    We''ve already seen the end of E.


    I think I need a new name.


    I pulled out the one name that shined most strongly in my head.


    "Alice. Call me Alice."


    "Is as expected? You were mumbling that name even before you came to your senses."


    "Really?"


    "Yes! First of all, since we are in a cooperative rtionship, let''s shake hands."


    She offered me her hand. I held it.


    "Please take care of me. I''m Carol, the new head of theb."


    "I''m Alice."


    ...


    "That ck half-sphere is the ovep. It''s a superposition of your world and our world. Well, it sounds grand, but it''s just the size of a small city."


    Carol said as she yed a video while asking people to get rid of the clutter of programs that were taking up most of theirrgeputer screens.


    It looked like a ck sphere swallowing a city.


    They say it was created when the strange world I was in and the outside ovepped, and it looked like this from the other side. There was a reason why a missile flew out of nowhere.


    It looks very dangerous.


    "That ovep began to be visible to the naked eye an hour before the nuclear missile wasunched. Also, people''s fears, disturbing thoughts, and stories began to disappear and be absorbed into that ce. The staff of the Institution and the former head of theb becamecent due to fear, so they hastilyunched a nuclear missile and you appeared, swallowing the nuclear missile with a huge mirror. It was Alice. Really. I thought the Institution had some defenses against psychological attacks, but it turns out that it only resists erosion, contamination, and destruction, but is not immune to being taken away."


    "..."


    "It seems like you have a lot of questions. Anyway, when we met... "


    Why are you trailing off?


    "When we met?"


    "We brought you here because you were sleeping."


    "What the hell."


    I thought you got into a battle with me, who was irrational.


    "It was cute."


    "Noisy."


    "That''s cruel. There are many other stories besides this."


    After hearing various stories from Carol, I returned to the istion room.


    While I was in theboratory director''s office for a short while, the room hadpletely changed.


    Cute dolls and fluffy furniture.


    The walls decorated with colorful patterns made me dizzy.


    "Do you like it?"


    "...I''m not a girl, James."


    "I''m sorry. Was it too childish for thedy? I can change it if you want."


    That''s not what I meant.


    "It''s okay."


    Fluffy.


    The bed isfortable.


    I read the document James gave me while chewing the candy next to me.


    Rustle.


    "You''re calmer than I thought. I thought you would be anxious, so I stayed next to you."


    "What should I say... I don''t even know if I have that much power.


    It''s hard to imagine the scale of the Institution, so it doesn''t hit home? That''s the kind of feeling I have.


    I just stopped thinking about it. Ah. Thank you for your consideration. Thanks to you, I feel better."


    Rustle.


    Ha-rim. Eun-jeong. Suho. Kyeong-min. Everyone is safe.


    That''s good.


    The faces didn''t change at all.


    It seems like not much time has passed.


    James asked me carefully as I was concentrating on the document.


    "...Don''t you miss those kids?"


    Rustle. Rustle.


    "Not really."


    "You say that, you can''t take your eyes off the children''s photos."


    The hand that was turning the pages stops.


    "...Finally. These children have returned to their normal lives."


    "..."


    "There is no danger anymore. They will regain peace and live a normal life like everyone else. Yes. That''s their ending. That''s how the children''s story ended. I have no intention of forcibly lifting the curtain of the finished stage and bringing in the actors. Because I alone am enough. Besides, even if Ie to them looking like this, they probably won''t recognize me. Does it matter since you erased their memories in the first ce?"


    "Are you okay with that?"


    "Yes. I''m okay."


    The adventure is over.<hr>


    Pain. ;-;


    Guys, I swear I¡¯ll fix all grammar mistakes, I saw yourments. I¡¯m just feelingzy right now.


    As always, any errors just say, and I hope you liked reading it.


    ¡ªChi


    WARNING: THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION, I CHANGED SOME WORDS, PUNCTUATIONS AND THE FORMATTING TO WHAT I BELIEVE MAKES IT FLOW BETTER WHILE TRYING TO FAITHFULLY MAINTAIN THE AUTHOR¡¯S MEANING.


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 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    "Please go outside!"


    It had been about a week since I entered this quarantine room.


    As I was rolling around in bed, Carol looked troubled and asked me to go outside.


    I said, confused at her words.


    "No. In the first ce, you shouldn''t let me go outside."


    "But if you don''t try to go out at all, there will be no deal! You have to want to be free before we can try to ask for <em>favors</em>!"


    I see.


    It looks like she can''t ask for a favor because I don''t want freedom.


    In the first ce, I am provided with food, clothing, shelter, and entertainment in exchange for not being able to go out as I please.


    There was no need to listen to their requests because I could live well without going out.


    "...It''s not my fault. Isn''t everything I need here? I have food, a ce to sleep, and most of all, if you wanted me to want freedom, you shouldn''t have left me aputer."


    Carol was about to refute, but she didn''t find anything wrong with what I said, so she picked up on something else.


    "...Now that I think about it, are you eating ramen again? I told you that that''s not girly! A girl should only eat cute and sweet things!"


    Carol took the ramen I was eating and then hugged me. This bitch keeps casually touching me!


    "What do I know about your creepy tastes? Get off!"


    "No, I don''t like it!"


    "If you don''t like it, then it''s okay?! You''ve been tarnishing your image as an elite sincest time, right?"


    Carol holds a high position as the director of the research center, and she has shown off her intelligence and wisdom.


    At least until 3 days ago.


    In less than a week, she began to show her true nature and would y childish pranks only on me.


    "Ahhhh, I''m not leaving until you experiment!"


    This person is casually viting the contract.


    Is this really reality? For a grown adult to throw tantrums?


    I was so embarrassed by the noise that I had to do something.


    "Haa..."


    "..."


    Stare.


    I was really annoyed that Carol stared at me while raising the corner of her mouth, but since she was an important person, I didn''t want to get in trouble.


    "Okay. I have no intention of continuing to live as an insectivore."


    "Really?!"


    "It''s just a whim. If you do this again next time, you''ll be in trouble."


    "Let''s get started right away!"


    She doesn''t even pretend to hear.


    "Okay. Instead, just a little bit. I''m only going to do really minor experiments."


    "Sure!"


    ...


    I felt like it was going to attack me, but surprisingly, the thing Carol introduced didn''t seem dangerous.


    It looked exactly like an ordinary basket.


    "The iste being tested this time is P-888, nicknamed Snack Basket. It''s an unchained level."


    "If it''s unchained... Does that mean it can''t be quarantined?"


    "No. It just means not being able to be restricted. Well, it''s possible to bind it for a while using other means than restraint... It''s just almost impossible. Oh my, the ratings given by the higher-ups are often ambiguous!"


    It''s ambiguous.


    Still, I''m d there''s no danger.


    Even though I have be a devil now, I have hardly ever used my power, so I cannot estimate my strength.


    It would be quite annoying if the unchained entity had the ability to kill.


    By the way.


    "Umm... Okay. But why is that P? I''m D."


    Over there is P-888, and over here is D-888. The numbers are simr.


    "That''s because you are a devil. And that is an anomalous object."


    "I don''t know why they need to be separated."


    "I don''t know what the higher-ups think."


    Words like their position sound like just decoration rose up in my throat, but I could barely hold them in.


    Anyway, I decided to conduct the experiment.


    I stood at some distance in front of the snack basket.


    "It looks like an ordinary basket, so it wouldn''t be easy to tell, right?"


    "Theposition is the same as a regr basket. They show up at appropriate times and give snacks when people need them. It is basically harmless, but thanks to its ability to teleport, it has received an unchained rating."


    "Hmm... Really?"


    The reason why such a basket was able to be quarantined here for a while is probably because the conditions for teleportation are limited to the closest people.


    Since there are many people in the Institution, it seems that the person who received the snack basket is helping by immediately returning it to the istion room.


    Of course, by coincidence, there are times when it goes out of the Institution, so it''s unchained.


    I stared at the basket.


    And then I thought about it in my head. Snack. I want a snack!


    "It reacted."


    In the blink of an eye, the snack basket moved in front of my feet, and the open lid was closed.


    "Open it!"


    "...It''s chocte."


    Carol checked the basket I opened. She recorded its contents.


    "It''s normal. Let''s see, ordinary chocte. It''s not high-end chocte, but it''s quite expensive. And convenience store candy... Strangely, there''s a lot of convenience store food."


    "I see. Most of what we ate was obtained from convenience stores."


    "What?"


    "Nothing. So what information do we get from this experiment?"


    "The same thing happens to devils as well as humans, and I can see beautiful Alice eating cute snacks."


    "I won''t bother reacting. Well, as you promised, that''s the end for today. And I''ll take this with me."


    "Yes. It doesn''t matter."


    I packed some chocte and tried to return to the istion room.


    And I asked Carol about a question that suddenly urred to me.


    "Hey. If there is a D, is there also an <em>A</em>?"


    D is for Devil.


    "..."


    Ah. Is it confidential?


    Or maybe Carol doesn''t even know? I was about to tell her, who was silent for a moment, that she didn''t need to respond, when she answered.


    "No."


    When ites to the Institutions, all kinds of strange anomalous entities are rampant.


    Among them, there is no A.


    I was a little puzzled by that, and I was concerned about Carol''s expression and tone of voice when she said there wasn''t.


    ...


    And it was a few dayster.


    "Ahhhh, I''m not leaving until you test it!"


    Snap.


    My patience reached its limit.


    "I wonder what this is. Did time repeat itself? Huh?"


    I ced my foot on Carol''s stomach as shey on the floor of the istion room and threw a tantrum.


    Of course, I took my shoes off. They''ll hurt otherwise.


    "Hey!"


    Step!


    "Am I a pushover?! Just because I''m calm doesn''t mean I''m okay with it!"


    Carol was distressed when I stepped on her stomach.


    Even feet that were small and soft, like those of a child, would hurt if you pressed on a vital area.


    But that doesn''t make the anger go away.


    My elitist impression of Carol when I saw her for the first time no longer remained.


    There is only a slug crawling on the floor.


    "Ugh! Not the stomach!"


    "If you think I''ll fall for the same trick four times, you''re sorely mistaken! This! This!"


    That''s the fourth time! I had no choice but to participate in the experiment because she ended up lying on the floor! This bitch has no sense of limits!


    "Ouch! Argh! Stop it already; you''ve done enough! Seeing this, you''re quite gullible too..."


    "Noisy!"


    Step!


    "Ah"


    "Hey! Crazy bitch! Someone call James, James!"


    When I stopped stepping on her in horror, Carol got up and said to me:


    "James received another assignment. Hmm. These days, certain groups keep making attacks. I like James too, but he''s quite capable, so we keep him busy."


    "Other organizations?"


    Ah, that''s it. If it''s an Institution, then that''s it.


    It''s set up to be a group of interest or something.


    It''s a spice that adds interest to the setting by adding a story to the anomalous beings and creating a power structure.


    It''s fun.


    "Uh.. Um. It''s originally confidential, but I''ll tell youter. Or would you like me to show you the relevant iste this time?"


    "You said it was confidential, so is it okay?"


    "Oh, I don''t know. You''re a colleague and a friend, right? Right?"


    I thought I knew now why I liked James.


    If you decide it''s okay, you just spill confidential information.


    But it''s a good thing for me, so I''ll just shut up and follow Carol.


    "Now, this is what was confiscated from the <em>Workshop</em>. D-1275-3. Safe grade. The nickname is <em>de nk</em>."


    The Workshop.


    It''s assumed to be a group that randomly creates items with anomalous properties.


    "Hmm."


    Last time, Carol got all the way into the istion room, but this time she is talking while outside the istion room.


    If that''s the case, then this can be said to be something that has the power to kill.


    However, no matter how you looked at D-1275-3, it looked like nothing more than a 1.5m long t wooden nk.


    "It just looks like a wooden nk."


    It was literally just a wooden nk.


    Even though it had the name <em>de</em>, I couldn''t see a single splinter, let alone a sharp point.


    As I was observing with interest, Carol said to me:


    "It''s not a bad idea to explore it yourself."


    "Umm..."


    I touched the wooden nk.


    And then a de appeared.


    "Tsk!"


    The nk expanded and grew in size, and des began to protrude here and there from the wooden body.


    When it fully grew, it no longer looked like a nk.


    "What is this?"


    A wooden doll full of des.


    It looks like it is going to cut people down and use them as firewood.


    "If you think it''s dangerous, juste out!"


    "No. it''s okay. It''s just a doll with des on it."


    I thought about this thing in front of me.


    If it''s something as simple as a battle doll, it wouldn''t be a bad idea to just fight it in preparation for an unexpected battle.


    "Alright. Let''s try it out."


    The wooden doll tried to cut me with a particrlyrge de on its arm.


    I held the de with my bare hand.


    Creak!


    Because it was just caught without recoil, a creak was heard, probably because the doll''s joints were strained.


    Is it this much?


    I ran my finger over the de.


    It stung slightly.


    "It''s so sharp that I can get cut."


    sh!


    The doll cut off the caught de and escaped backwards.


    It then increased the number of desing out of its body, taking on an appearance simr to a hedgehog.


    It is difficult. If I just hit that with my fist, it would sting.


    It was a time when I was thinking like that.


    <strong>[Whisperwhisperwhisper...]</strong>


    "...Who are you?"


    The sound of numerous beings whispering could be heard from somewhere. Telepathy? No, it''s different.


    "Alice. Who are you talking to?"


    <strong>[Whisperwhisperwhisper...]</strong>


    "Are you offering to help?"


    I never thought I would get help from them.


    "Okay. You would be nice."


    As soon as those words were said, a mirror was created.


    From the mirror, a bipedal monster with sharp kitchen knives attached to it came out and stood in front of D-1275-3.


    "What is that?"


    "This is a monster derived from fear of the sharpness of kitchen knives. I guess it was interested because it has the same de?"


    "I never thought you would have such abilities! It''s fun!"


    "Krieek..."


    ng!


    The monster with a kitchen knife defended itself against D-1275-3''s attack with the same de.


    When D-1275-3''s attack was blocked, he attacked through the gap where there was no de.


    However, because the body of the knife monster was not strong, it started to get scratched.


    The monster with the kitchen knife, who was blocking the attack with sparks flying here and there, took aim at the gap created by the attack andshed out his knife.


    D-1275-3''s body was greatly damaged, even though it was protected by a de.


    "Watching fights is fun. I''m going to fall in love with it. Versus games always go beyond the limits, but it''s fun as long as you keep the boundaries."


    "Krieekeek!"


    The match, which seemed to be a close one, ended with D-1275-3''s de beingpletely damaged and no longer causing any damage to the monster.


    After consuming D-1275-3''s metal parts, the knife monster destroyed its body and returned to where it came from through the mirror.


    "Thank you."


    Nod.


    The situation was over, and I came out of the istion room.


    "Ah."


    Next, I had to look at Carol''s despairing expression.


    "You can''t destroy that."


    "...!"


    "You didnt pay attention... I told you in advance. But it''s okay."


    Carol said with a soft smile to the embarrassed me.


    Ironically, it actually hurt my heart more.


    I needed topensate, but since I had nothing, I had few options.


    "Hey, over there. I''ll help you next time too."


    Cheer up!


    "Really? Thank you, but you should not break anything in return!"


    Alice didn''t know that the same wooden nks received codes ranging from D-1275-1 to D-1275-300.

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    "Go outside once in a while."


    This pattern. I feel like I experienced thisst time too.


    But this time, it was James, not Carol, who said it.


    I spoke to James with a disgruntled look on my face.


    "James. You too?"


    "If you live like this, only using theputer, it is easy to fall into lethargy. Sometimes you need a change of pace. So, it would be nice to at least go shopping."


    "There is online shopping."


    "It''s not like you don''t know what I mean."


    I began to feel reluctant to say no to the seriousness that was different from Carol''s.


    I scratched my cheek and listened to James.


    "It''s not nice to act as if you''ve lost your purpose in life. Alcohol and drugs. If you had done either of those two things, you would have fallen in love with it. This is a suggestion as a colleague. Why don''t we try to refresh ourselves outside together?"


    "Okay..."


    I guess you were worried about me.


    I feel like I caused trouble.


    These days, I just use things like YouTube to pass the time.


    Because I was separated from humans, I felt like half of the time value I had pursued in human life was lost, so I seemed to show my lethargy.


    Shopping with James. Are we going alone?


    "But what about Maria? Is she going too?"


    "It looks like she''s been busytely. Because our affiliations themselves are different, it is difficult to know specifically where and what she does. I guess we can meet again the next time we have a big mission."


    "Maria''s affiliation?"


    "We simply call it <em>Cathedral</em>... You, a devil, better not have anything to do with them. Except for Maria, the people in the Cathedral are extreme."


    "I see..."


    As the story ended, Carol sneakily appeared, and she started making a fuss.


    "The decision has been made! Using this as an opportunity, you''ll start going out and experimenting a lot more! I was slowly running out of reasons to conduct experiments with Alice, but it worked out in the end!"


    I gave Carol a cold look.


    "Hide it a little."


    Carol bes more and more entric.


    I didn''t want to listen to her nonsense words pouring out of her mouth anymore.


    I heard her words through one ear and out the other, and gave her a cursory nod.


    I was able to get out after going through a few procedures.


    And since my original outfit was too foreign, I changed into normal clothes.


    ...I''m sure I asked for pants.


    A fluttering skirt. Plus, it''s too short.


    It''s probably Carol''s doing. I''ll have to scold herter.


    It''s winter outside! Wouldn''t it be hard to get warm by only wearing stockings?


    But surprisingly, it got warmer.


    Is this a new product? Or was it always like this?


    "Haa..."


    White steames out of my mouth.


    It''s a simple phenomenon that can be caused just by breathing, so even when I was young, I used to do this when I was bored.


    Walking down the streets dyed pure white, I felt something new.


    I think it was a good thing I came out.


    Being in a world full of supernatural things, it''s worth seeing just the crowds of people.


    However...


    "A lot of people are staring. Well, you do look exotic."


    Blonde hair and blue eyes. No matter how you look at it, I''m not Asian.


    Still, there are quite a few foreigners in Korea, but it seems there are still people who look at them with wonder.


    As I was debating in my head about our country''s multicultural society, James spoke as if that wasn''t the case.


    "It''s because you''re pretty."


    "Huh... I?"


    "It''s different from the past, but I think you''re even more pretty than before, like a doll. You could say you''re an ideal girl. If possible, don''t walk alone."


    I never expected that I would be evaluated as pretty by James.


    It''s a look that goes well with a tall and handsome gentleman like James... But I think it would feel really weird to be happy about it.


    "That''s a pretty embarrassing evaluation of appearance. Anyway, thank you."


    "I''m sorry if you felt burdened."


    As I stopped talking and looked around the street, I came across a building that was in the photo on the document James had given mest time.


    I''ve seen it several times, so there''s no room for error.


    I asked James, hiding my anxiety.


    "Isn''t this the city where the kids live?"


    "Right. The product the research director requested is sold only here. She rmended this ce for shopping, asking me to buy something for her."


    "Why are we buying it? You can buy it yourself!"


    "Sometimes people ask for favors that I don''t understand. Don''t worry; you''ll hardly ever run into them. It''s time for those kids to go to school, and it''s far from where they live."


    When James spoke firmly, I felt relieved. It''s a very miserable life for me to be afraid of meeting old friends.


    James sensed my mood and went into a store that I might like.


    This newly opened cafe seemed to have a limited menu that was very popr.


    "How about it? I heard it''s a limited edition that just came out."


    I took a sip of the drink James bought me.


    It tasted like grapefruit and orange, but also had a hint of pineapple at the end.


    What on earth did they do to taste like this?


    This is very good!


    "Hmm. It''s not bad."


    "Then that''s fortunate. Sometimes it''s good to go outside. Not that I''m saying this from a position of suppressing freedom."


    "That''s true."


    "Isn''t it unfair?"


    "Because you guys are probably desperate too. And I know that you could have done much worse to me."


    It may seem like I''m giving a rough answer because I''m talking with my eyes turned, but I was just saying what I was thinking.


    James knew it too and liked my answer.


    After that, we had a casual conversation, but it didn''t capture my interest.


    "You look lost. There are times when you think you''ve done it all. The map to the next ce is a nk te, and there''s nothing to draw on. It''s good to do something without thinking about it."


    "Empty..."


    No. It''s a bit different. The feelings I feel now are not because I can''t see anything in the future I''m heading toward.


    I am conflicted. Longing, loneliness, and confusion mix together to tempt me to pursue wishes I shouldn''t.


    What I, who isn''t even human, really want.


    "ult items?"


    A young girl''s voice reached my ear. It was so faint that I thought I had heard it wrong.


    "...?"


    "What''s wrong? Are you interested in that ult goods store?"


    "Huh? Ah. That''s right. There are stores like that even these days."


    "When we investigated, there was nothing strange. There''s probably nothing real that will interest you. Even if it was there, the agency confiscated it."


    Have you investigated somewhere again?


    "It''s creepy. You are everywhere."


    "This is an exaggerated assessment."


    James answered while eating a cute cookie that didn''t match his appearance at all.


    Judging by the slight frown between his eyebrows, he doesn''t seem to enjoy sweets very much.


    I''m sorry, James; you''re overdoing it because of me.


    I grabbed the cup and gulped it down, intending to drink the entire thing.


    At that time, the voice that rang in my ears came again.


    "And! Look! With this, you can talk to ghosts!"


    ...Wait a minute, this is a voice I recognize?


    "That''s a superstition!"


    This voice too.


    "Is it okay for us, the Mystery Exploration Club, to do this?"


    "Pfft!"


    Cough! Cough!


    I had no choice but to spit out the drink I had been drinking.


    James wiped my mouth and, at the same time, assessed the situation.


    "...I''m putting what I said to shame. Sorry. Let''s just go back now."


    "Ye, yeah."


    James, who knew I was reluctant to meet the children, led me out the back door.


    As I was about to hurriedly follow James into the car, I heard a voice again, thanks to my inhuman hearing.


    "Eun-jeong, be careful because it''s slippery there!"


    "Woah!"


    "..."


    ...


    James muttered as he saw that there was only empty space in his hand instead of the small, soft hand he had been holding to help her into the car.


    "You, really. You''re so honest."


    ...


    I held Eun-jeong from behind as she fell.


    She just stared nkly at my face.


    The other children were also surprised by my sudden appearance.


    However, the kids thought they had seen something wrong since it is impossible for people to teleport.


    "..."


    I asked because I was worried about Eun-jeong, who kept looking at my face.


    "Are you okay?"


    "Pretty."


    "Huh?"


    When I was taken aback by the very unexpected answer, Kyeong-min next to me tried to help.


    "You should say thank you!"


    Only then did shee to her senses and thank me.


    "Hehe... Thank you. What elementary school are you in? I''ve never seen such a pretty person nearby! Ah. Or are you a middle school student?"


    Eun-jeong asked me, pushing her own face towards mine.


    "Uh... Umm. I''m not a middle school student... So... Umm."


    "You seem burdened. Sorry. Eun-jeong is a bit quirky sometimes."


    "Urgh."


    Suho appeared next to her and pulled her away.


    I almost stretched out my hand in disappointment, but I barely held back.


    I said with a smile.


    "It''s okay."


    "Ahem."


    Suho cleared his throat for some reason and quietly returned to Ha-rim''s side.


    "Hmm... I think we''re the same age. I am Shin Ha-rim. What is your name?"


    "El... I mean, Alice. Please call me Alice. I just moved in."


    When I revealed the name, Ha-rim was amazed and said it was the same name as the main character in a fairy tale.


    "Okay. Thanks Alice! Let''s meet again next time! It would be nice if our school was close."


    It''s been a long time since I graduated from school.


    I waved to the children.


    Until they disappeared from sight.


    In fact, I kept waving after that.


    Wouldn''t they suddenlye running from remembering me?


    Or maybe I''ll remind them of something.


    ...And then remember me, not E.


    With such vain hopes.


    I lowered my hand and turned back to James.


    "...Are you okay?"


    No.


    "Me. Foolish. I promised myself I wouldn''t get involved."


    I''m feeling sad. Really. It''s contradictory.


    "It''s not bad to be a fool sometimes."


    "Is that so?"


    "I sometimes be a fool too. You too have to be an honest fool sometimes."


    James is a fool?


    I looked at him with suspicious eyes. But it seems like he is sincere.


    James got into his car and headed to the outskirts of the city.


    I was in the passenger seat, reliving in my mind being reunited with the kids.


    Tiriring.


    James got a call.


    "...What''s going on?"


    "I''m sorry for calling when you''re hanging out, but I wanted to let you know to be careful when you return; an anomaly has been spotted in your neighborhood."


    It was Carol''s voice.


    "Huh."


    "Ah. It looks like a special unit disguised as police has set off. But I called with the simple thought that an agent who could act immediately could reduce the damage."


    "Please give me information."


    "Originally, giving information over the phone is prohibited, but it''s really annoying, isn''t it? I''ll just say it. There was an incident once when an entire American city turned into a forest, right? I think you probably remember it. That''s right. I think it''s one of the wolves created back then. Haa... But should they be called one? It seems like itbined? Anyway, I don''t know why it''s in Korea, but it''s heading towards the city. Where you and Alice are!"


    "I will try to stop it first."


    "Ah! And please tell Alice not toe forward unless it''s really urgent. You know... Cathedral. Then please~"


    Click.


    "You seem to have good hearing, so you must have heard everything."


    "..."


    "Pleasee back."


    "Thank you."


    I created a mirror and went through it to get out of the car.


    ...


    James muttered to himself, leaving the area where Alice had just disappeared from.


    "Carol. A woman like a snake."


    ...


    Running is okay, but it will attract attention.


    I moved from mirror to mirror all around me.


    There were people who asionally made eye contact, but everyone was so suspicious of their own mind that they didn''t even question it.


    Not only is moving with a mirror stealthy, but the moving speed is less than 1 second, so it can be as effective as using short-distance teleportation in session.


    After changing my perspective about 60 times, I was able to return to the ce where I met the children.


    "Where are you?"


    In my changed view, there was a wolf monster confronting the people who were running away.


    <strong>[Whisperwhisper... Whisper...]</strong>


    I could hear the voices of monsters tickling my ears.


    "Okay. I''d like you."


    I created a mirror with hand gestures.


    A strange creature that was abination of a rat and a bird jumped out of the created mirror.


    That''s the monster of eavesdropping.


    Sometimes people don''t want others to hear what they say.


    Did they hear me? Have I been caught?


    It''s a monster derived from such fears.


    It twisted its joints, looked at me, and then whispered.


    [Aaaah- it''s a monster. It''s a wolf! Everyone, go upstairs to the cafe! Hello, it''s the police, right? <strong>This is the Green Tree Cafe-]</strong>


    "Thank you. It''s there."


    I used the mirror as a portal to move to the expected location.


    In my changed view, there was a wolf monster confronting the people who were running away.


    It growled viciously when it saw me suddenly appear.


    "Who is that girl?"


    "I don''t know! Hey kid! Come here quickly!"


    From what I nced at, it seemed like the kids left early and didn''t get caught up.


    I''m d.


    By the way, something like this happens as soon as I meet the kids.


    <strong>Is it a coincidence?</strong>


    Grrrr...


    "That''s nice of you to say, but I''m afraid if I take even one step backwards, he''ll attack. Hmm. I''ll take care of it."


    At first nce, the wolf-type monster, which was no ordinary wolf, began grinding its teeth.


    The noise rubbed against my nerves and made me frown.


    "If you understand what I''m saying, just surrender. Maybe we can go somewhere where we can eat something more delicious than eating human meat?"


    "Kuaaaaaaa!!!!"


    "I thought so."


    The wolf monster began to swell all its muscles to attack me.


    Murderousness and wildness that gets under your skin.


    <strong>[Whisperwhisper...]</strong>


    There were several monsters that reacted to it.


    If there are too many, it will be difficult, so we need to find the right child.


    Ah, I like this guy.


    "-Okay. Try running wild."


    I created a mirror five times taller than my height.


    A huge gray beast appeared there.


    Its neck was covered with thick, red fur, and its body had a pattern of intersecting ck bands.


    A French monster.


    Once upon a time, when animals were greedy for human meat and people were afraid of animals, and such primal fear abounded, there was a man-eating monster that especially ate people.


    Of the 260 people attacked by it, 113 were eaten, 98 were mutted, and 49 were fatally injured.


    The unprecedented monster attack incident has been recorded, and its horror has been passed down to this day.


    It is said that the monster resembles a dog and a wolf in appearance, but was the monster an abnormally strong wild dog or wolf, or was it somethingpletely different?


    Actually, it doesn''t really matter.


    In the end, this child is also derived from people''s fears, so it is far from his true appearance.


    "But it looks just like you. Are you a distant rtive? If so, let me introduce you."


    Before I could finish speaking, the wolf leapt as if its feet had springs and aimed for my neck.


    In a split second.


    The de-like teeth glistened with saliva.


    The summoned monster swung its forepaws.


    I blinked once.


    Wow.


    Literally, in the blink of an eye, the wolf monster''s face was crushed along with its teeth.


    Seeing that its breathing means that it''s still alive.


    "...The Beast of Gvaudan. It''s a pretty old legend. I guess it was too overkill."


    I handed the wolf over to the Institution and returned.

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    James and I had to listen to what Carol said to us after we returned to the Institution.


    We were not reprimanded because we were credited with safely capturing the wolf and delivering it to the Institution, but our trustworthiness was diminished because we ignored Carol''s orders.


    It bes difficult if the Institution''s opinion is that a chain should be imposed rather than a contract.


    I said to Carol, who was looking uncharacteristically serious as I thought about that.


    "I''m sorry."


    "Urgh."


    For no reason, I put my hands behind my back and tapped the ground with my feet.


    When Carol saw me not making eye contact, she sighed and spoke.


    "I know those kids are precious to you. Still, I hope you can trust our people. There was a way to ensure the safety of the children without using force."


    She wasn''t wrong.


    Because I was in such a hurry, I almost killed the wolf without thinking.


    Although the monster''s power is high, there must have been a way to deal with it without making it visible to people.


    But we''ve erased the memories, so it doesn''t matter, right?


    "Is it such a big deal for me to reveal my power?"


    "Of course, you might think that."


    "..."


    "Cathedral. They are affiliated with our organization, and they deal with divine powers. With that power, they have been hunting anomalous entities, especially devils. Because they''re so extreme, it often causes friction with our organization, whose goal is not the extinction of entities."


    Institution and Cathedral. Both pursue good, but the difference seems to be that the Institution has a neutral tendency to the extent of protecting the devil, while the Cathedral has a quite aggressive tendency when ites to beings rted to devils.


    "That means... You''re saying I can''t get help from the Institution if my presence is discovered?"


    "No. That''s not true, but it will be an inevitable and extreme fight. Since the Cathedral has the upper hand against devils, it would be very detrimental to fight against them. Their power is not something we can just ignore."


    "The power of the Cathedral does not surpass that of the Institution, does it?"


    Carol snorted at my question.


    "Hah. There is no way religious people have more influence than the Institution. They''re just convenient for dealing with devils. Even if the number of devils hadn''t suddenly increased, they would bepletely pushed back."


    Carol didn''t seem to like the Cathedral.


    Not only the Cathedral but also other groups would have been a headache for an organization that pursues neutrality.


    But does the research director even have the authority to attack other organizations?


    She talks as if she could.


    "Can a research director do that?"


    "Uh, Well. You know?"


    Ah.


    "Hmm. So that''s why I didn''t end up being disciplined."


    "What are you talking about?! The price is one small favor. This is not a request from me, but an official request from the Institution, so the content may be different from before. Don''t worry. I''m not going to ask you to do any inhumane experiments or kill anyone."


    "Okay. I caused you trouble."


    <strong>POV Switch - Carol</strong>


    Seeing Alice nodding in approval, I felt my conscience slightly prickling.


    It wasn''t as if I had sternly warned Alice not to use her powers, and she deserved praise for getting the job done without causing any casualties.


    If Alice, who cared for the kids, had heard the phone call with James, it would have been obvious what action she would take in the first ce, so it might have been right for me not to contact him at all.


    Alice seemspletely unaware of that obvious fact.


    <em>''You''re so naive. I tried to lead to this oue, but I ended up bing a very bad person, and I got carried away so easily... But still, it''s a little girl, and it''s Alice... <strong>That''s why she''s so lovely.</strong>''</em>


    I could go on and on about all the things that could go wrong, but there would be no time left for the experiment.


    It''s also unnatural to point out only Alice''s mistakes.


    That''s why I stopped holding Alice ountable.


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    "Haa. Shall we stop talking about such things? I am truly thankful that the monster wolf was caught without any casualties. I just said things that you didn''t want to hear."


    "I''m okay. But what is that monster wolf?""


    "Hmm... It''s hardly a reward, but I''ll tell you. Few beings within the institution have a clear identity, that wolf and D-184-23881 included, but we do know of the incident in which they first appeared."


    "What happened?"


    "An incident where an entire American city was covered with forests. A huge number of wolves appeared in the forest. At that time, they were weaker than ordinary wolves, but the ones we missed began to exhibit anomalous characteristics, to the point we had to prepare soldiers."


    Huh? This is the same story I heard from Maria before.


    Didn''t she say that it was because of a red devil?


    The story ising out now.


    "Thanks to that, we were able to catch the escaped individuals."


    "Hmm... So who is the guy who turned the city into a forest?"


    "Hehehe... It''s."


    "It''s?"


    Why did you stop?


    "It''s a secret! She''s too dangerous, and if you get in trouble because I let you know, I''ll be ruined! It''s not a joke, it''s actually physically life-threatening. Of course, you won''t get into an ident if I tell you, but there''s always a what if, right?"


    "Right. I said something unnecessary. I was just curious."


    I can''t imagine how dangerous it is if Carol, who always spills secrets, doesn''t say anything.


    Or maybe she''s someone whose anomalous properties activate just by recognizing her?


    Nheless, I still felt a little disappointed.


    I can''t help but wonder about the foreshadowing from E''s time.


    Carol saw my thoughts reflected on my face and told me.


    "A devil of a tale. It''s one of them."


    "?"


    "A little hint. That''s it."


    "???"


    ...


    After finishing my talk with Carol, I was ying a game with James.


    Really. It''s ironic that I''m ying a game within a game.


    My favorite type of game are horror games, but I can''t y them because I''m afraid I''ll fall in love with them again.


    I should just enjoy normal online games.


    <strong>...We''re in a game, right?</strong>


    "James! They are good-attributed monsters! You have to hit them with an evil attribute to get the most damage!"


    "There''s nothing we can do because we don''t have evil-attribute weapons. Why do good attribute monsters attack us anyway? If they are on our side, they shouldn''t be monsters in the first ce, right?"


    "It''s all in the creator''s mind. In this game, the angels and everything are a spin-off of the gamepany, which means it''s fake. It doesn''t need to make sense."


    There is no absolute rule about spin-offs. It''s just what thepany says it is.


    In that case, the creator is like a god.


    ...Not really. Because no one in the productionpany is omnipotent. In that case, there would be no such thing as God in creative work.


    We defeated the angel in the game and picked up the item.


    It''s not a bad item.


    But I can''t use it with my job, so I have to sell it.


    I was satisfied to see that the game money had increased.


    "Did you finish your conversation with Research Center Director Carol?"


    "Yes. It seems like they are going to ask for something in return, but what are they asking for?"


    "It''s probably just a little experiment or a request to catch a failed containment entity."


    "Containment failure... How many times did you say it happened?"


    Urban Legends.


    It is impossible to determine whether it is genuine or not, but there were probably some cases where the Institution''s containment failure was the cause.


    It''s the original version of urban legends. It''s interesting.


    That was probably the case with Mary, too.


    "James. Didn''t you say you''d show me the original? Mary''s original."


    "I did. Do you want to see it? It is in this branch."


    "I would like to see it."


    ...


    James received Carol''s permission and led me to where the containment object was located.


    An administrator there weed us.


    Unless it was for research purposes, there seemed to be no need for Carol to go out in person.


    "Hello. It''s been a while since I saw you."


    She spoke happily, but I didn''t know who she was.


    I asked her back with a troubled look on my face.


    "Um... I''m sorry, but who are you?"


    "Huh? You saved mest time... I guess you don''t remember. Im Emma. My nickname is Em!"


    ...After listening to her, I felt like it was in my memory.


    Was she one of the people I saved when I was insane?


    "I think I vaguely remember it. I''m d you''re safe."


    When I spoke with a bright smile, Emma overreacted by spreading her arms.


    I could see her muscles showing through her clothes, and it seemed like she liked working out.


    "Ha. It''s so cute! I wish other istes were like this too!"


    "Cute... No, never mind. Anyway, can I take a look?"


    "Sure. Because we got permission from Director Carol. P-231 is basically harmless as long as you don''te into contact with them, so there is no need to be very cautious."


    Emma took us to a space where they recreated an ordinary street as much as possible.


    What''s interesting is that public telephones are gathered in one ce, like a nest.


    A strange creature that was neither a snail nor a caterpir appeared writhing in one of the receivers, dripping sticky mucus.


    "Is that something that lives in phones?"


    It might feel a bit unpleasant to put your ear to the receiver.


    From now on, I''ll have to use monsters to make phone calls.


    Let''s watch it closely.


    Emma said she needed to feed them, so she started aplicated machine. It rings.


    A phone signal went to the ce where the bugs lived, and the sound of an animal screaming was heard from somewhere.


    Probably a chicken.


    "A phone parasitic bug that emits a girl''s voice and has the ability to move from phone to phone. It gives those who answer the phone pain as if being stabbed with a knife and gnaws at their mind and body. Many of the victims of this entity died, but there were also some who did not. It must have been spread by one of them."


    I see. It''s awful. Mary is much cuter.


    "It''s very different from what I know."


    I created a mirror and called Mary.


    The monster had the form of a girl, but her face waspletely different from the Mary I had met.


    I can only exin that Mary at that time was not just a monster, but something with the soul of a person.


    A monster body and a human soul.


    That is probably why purification was possible.


    Mary. Are you happy there?


    I might be a little jealous, since she ended up with a pretty good ending.


    Mary looks at me curiously as I make a bitter expression.


    I asked Mary to go back, and she went inside the mirror.


    Spider Lady. Pierrot. E too. Everyone has found their own end, but what about me?


    "..."


    "...Did you say it was the power to control monsters? Are there any problems handling them?"


    "It is. There is no problem. But I don''t know how strong this power is or how terrifying the results can be. I just try it when I think I can do it."


    The monsters whisper for me to call them.


    After finishing sightseeing with James, I returned to the istion room and continued my life as before.


    As usual, sometimes I join in on Carol''s experiments and y a few games when I''m bored.


    If it''s free, it''s free. If it''sfortable, it''sfortable.


    It was surprising that James never showed his face during this period.


    As Carol said, he was extremely busy.


    One day, Carol came to me and told me.


    "A-Alice? I have a small request from the organization. Can you please grant it?"


    "What? Just in case, I won''t kill anyone."


    "It''s not like that; there was a request for assistance from our agents, and I wanted you to help them. Of course, it doesn''t matter if you refuse. Because Alice is the one who decides."


    "Even though you say that, it''s extremely burdensome to my eyes. Okay, there was nothing else to do."


    "Thank you!"


    "So, what''s going on?"


    "...Well. Those annoying guys are causing anomalous terrorism..."


    Carol stopped for a moment to keep her exnation brief.


    As she kept thinking for a bit longer, I felt bad because I thought Carol was judging my intelligence level too low.


    "Bullies holding brushes? Anyway, those guys are annoying and we have to punish them."


    What?

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    Carol said they call themselves <em>supernatural artists</em> and are a strange group that perform acts of anomalous terrorism under the pretext of artistic activities.


    The Institution received information that they were doing something suspicious and sent an investigator, but they were having difficulties, such as losing contact or not being able to get any meaningful information.


    Meanwhile, they said that I''m being sent out to see if I can do the job instead... As if I''m a spray with a powerful solution to see if it dissolves the garbage they can''t handle.


    Am I thest resort?


    "Please be careful. Although the ce where Alice is now is an area where the Cathedral is not active and you can use your power freely, it would be a problem to use power on a scale that would blow away a city, right?"


    Carol seems too worried.


    Blowing up a city... Does this make sense?


    As if someone with poor control of their power like me could do that.


    I wasn''t convinced, but I agreed.


    "I wonder if I have that much strength... I''ll just figure it out."


    "Yes... Please contact me often. It''s nice that the phone you made can''t be bugged. Can you make more?"


    The phone Carol was talking about was a phone-shaped monster that used phone ghost stories.


    Sincemunication is not done through normal means, wiretapping is, of course, impossible.


    Moreover, this conversation was not recorded, so no one could eavesdrop unless they were nearby.


    "I can make one or two using simr ghost stories. However, since this is simr to a <em>curse</em> created by the power of a phone monster, it would be difficult for anyone other than me to use it."


    "What? A curse?"


    Carol reacted to the word curse.


    Of course, she might be reluctant.


    Still, I decided to reassure Carol that it wasn''t the scary curse people usually thought it was.


    "It''s not scary, and there are several types, like teleporting behind your back, making you talk to a ghost, and finally, if you hang up one-sidedly, your head explodes."


    "It gets scarier the further you go, right? Do you hold any grudges against me?"


    This woman.


    What the hell... I decided to hang up the phone quickly before she said anything else.


    "No, I don''t! I''ll hang up now. Oh, and the one I gave you will explode if you don''t answer it before the third ring, so be careful."


    "As expected, you do have a grudge."


    -Click.


    I hung up the phone and looked up at the sky.


    White clouds were moving in a line across the blue sky.


    I heard there were a lot of clouds in this area, but it didn''t feel particrly gloomy; they were just blocking the sun a little.


    I quietly chewed a pretzel while admiring the sky.


    Having never traveled before, I never thought I woulde all the way to Europe.


    I don''t think this is a small request.


    Does it matter if the sky is this pretty?


    "Excuse me... Are you Alice?"


    I was sitting in a chair on top of a building when I heard a male voice behind me that I had never heard before.


    Since he knew my name, he seemed like someone from the Institution.


    Let''s see, the name of the guide Carol told me about...


    "Yes. Are you Agent Brehm?"


    "That''s right. I''m Brehm, who will be your guide. Can I tell you some precautions before proceeding?"


    As soon as we met, he immediately started talking about work.


    All people in the Institution are like this.


    I nodded.


    "Good."


    Brehm thought for a moment about what to say first, then nced at the people buying and selling paintings on the street and opened his mouth.


    "Hmm. Beware of street artists. Not only is it difficult to pinpoint who the enemy is among them, but the number of enemies is not very small, so it is better to have no contact with them at all."


    Artists are the enemy.


    Well, they''re called ''supernatural artists'', but that doesn''t mean every artist is an enemy.


    <em>''As for the name...''</em>


    Still, it was a town so familiar with art, being full of artists here and there, so no one paid attention.


    I was irritated at the thought of not being able to go sightseeing after traveling so far, so I asked Brehm with a slight grumble.


    "Are they that dangerous?"


    "Combat power is probably nothing special. However, anomalies always defymon sense and sometimes lead us to the worst possible oue. D-888... I don''t know how strong you are, but I hope you don''t let your guard down."


    I saw the fear and seriousness in Brehm''s eyes.


    I felt bad about that.


    "...How many people were harmed?"


    "Seven agents and thirty-two civilians in this area alone."


    "Okay. I see."


    Seven agents and thirty-two civilians in this area alone. This world is not a fairy tale. No one is going to survive like I did with the kids. It''s so damn obvious.


    I was told what I had to do after a few more warnings from Brehm.


    "ording to information received from the organization, they, who are just a branch of the group, are holding an exhibition tonight. The time is nine o''clock in the evening. To confiscate the anomalous works of the assembled artists, arrest them, and rescue any victims who may still be alive. That is our goal."


    "It''s serious. This is my first time being requested for something like this. I hope it goes well."


    "We''re not disrespecting you, but we don''t have high hopes either. You were suddenly put into a n, and it''s quite dangerous."


    "So is it fine as long as I can take care of myself?"


    Brehm remained silent. It seems to be the correct answer. I understand.


    Trusting and entrusting something important to someone suddenly brought in is something to worry about.


    "I guess that''s what the expectations are for me. Good. How do I participate in the exhibition?"


    Brehm answered my question with a very simple sentence.


    "I don''t know."


    "Huh?"


    I tilted my head a little, wondering if I had heard wrong. Brehm''s face was serious.


    "I literally don''t know. We have to wait for them to move to participate in the exhibition."


    "Hmm... Have you ever caught a member before?"


    "Of course we did. However, those who were caught also did not know how to go to the exhibition... All they knew was that the exhibition would be open at nine o''clock. The theme of the exhibition is living human beings."


    "It''s difficult."


    I''m not good at reasoning because I''m not smart.


    As Brehm expected, it will be difficult for me to be of help.


    I received a radio formunication from him and started acting alone.


    When I asked why they weren''t keeping an eye on me, Brehm said it was an order from Director Carol.


    Carol seems to have quite a bit of trust in me, but I''m in trouble because I feel like I won''t be able to live up to her expectations this time.


    Time passed without any useful information being obtained, and it soon became time for the exhibition to open.


    I breathed a sigh of frustration into the cold air.


    My deepest emotions rise into the night sky in the form of steam.


    If this were the ocean, it would definitely have be a huge drop of water.


    "Are you catching anything?"


    I vaguely asked the eavesdropper standing next to me.


    A strange creature that looks like abination of a bird and a rat. Looking at it, the proverb that the bird will listen to what you say during daytime and the mouse will listen to what you say during nighttimees to mind.


    <strong>[......]</strong>


    The monster lowered his head. I hugged the monster andforted him.


    "Don''t be discouraged. Because it''s not your fault. Thank you. Now go back."


    I returned the monster to the mirror and picked up the phone.


    "There''s nothing I can do. I''ll have to try contacting Carol again."


    The signal goes. Carol answered the phone after two beeps and around the third.


    "Hello?! I''m so sorry! Haa... I need to catch my breath! Haa... "


    Her breathing is ragged. The breathing of an adult woman is quite irritating, so I said it out loud.


    "There was no need to run like that."


    "Aha! After all, it was a joke, right? You''re such a prankster."


    Ah. You mean about exploding when the phone rings three times?


    "No, I was going to hang up right before the third ring."


    "It really blows up..."


    "There''s nothing I can do. That''s because it''s a monster derived from the fear of modern people who feel restless if they don''t answer the phone. It''s his personality that if you don''t answer the phone, you''ll get in big trouble."


    "All right. Then why did you call me?"


    "Um... I''m embarrassed to say, but I''m not making any progress, so I thought I''d ask for some advice."


    I told Carol what I knew. Carol thought for a moment and then shared her thoughts.


    "Maybe there''s aplicated invite that they don''t even know about? Or something where you have to pass the password to the first, second, and third person, and finally tell them the location."


    "It''s an invitation that picks out enemies... Is there any way to figure that out?"


    "It is best to have as much contact with the involved parties as possible. Of course it''s risky, but maybe you''ll be invited directly."


    "Right... I don''t have a lot of time, and I don''t want to fail the request, so I''ll give it a shot."


    "It feels like I instigated it somehow. If you think it''s dangerous, get out right away, okay?"


    "If you''re really worried, don''t hang up."


    I made the phone smaller, put it on my ear, and walked around looking for artists.


    In particr, I went to ces like alleys, as I thought that people who do something that pricks their conscience would instinctively look for a corner.


    As I entered the darkest part of the alley, I saw an artist painting.


    Because it was dark, it was hard to see the small pictures below, but with night vision better than that of an ordinary person, I was able to barely make out the picture currently being drawn.


    I gave the artist a soullesspliment.


    "...It''s an interesting work."


    Then a middle-aged man''s voice was heard.


    "Oh... I never thought visitors woulde to this dark ce. A girl with a voice as pretty as a music box! Hehehe... It''s a good start."


    I''m not a girl...


    I appealed that I was interested in the paintings the artist drew.


    So that he will spill some information.


    "What does this represent? I feel like it''s criticizing something."


    "You have good eyes too. I can''t even see your face. This is a criticism of a fairy tale. You probably know it too. I made it with the theme of Alice in Wondend."


    That''s a very familiar topic! However...


    "Criticism...?"


    When I questioned why he was criticizing fairy tales, the man continued his conversation as if he had been waiting for it.


    "The character Alice is an example of a Lolita character that reflects fairy tale writer Lewis Carroll''s masculine desire. Even if you don''t read any fairy tales, doesn''t it juste out when you look at his life? Taking pictures of little girls!"<sup>1</sup>


    "Uh... Hmm..."


    "Stick to the math you''re good at! I don''t approve of this vulgar novel being famous. My work is better than his!"


    This person is not normal either.


    However, while I was trying to say yes to please him, I had no choice but to grimace due to the noise ringing in my ears.


    "You bastard!!!!!!! Who says he''s a pedophile!?!?! Alice? Do you want to kill him? Let''s kill this son of a bitch! The ethicsmittee will also give you a three-pointed star in recognition!!! Ah, the Director of the Research Center gives you permission, so kill him!


    Carol. What''s wrong with this woman?! No, he didn''t say he was a pedophile. It had that kind of nuance, but...! I''m sure he wasn''t talking to you in the first ce!


    I tried to calm Carol down, who, for some reason, was going crazy.


    "Ca-calm down."


    "How dare you treat Alice with such despicable thoughts?! You bastard should be put to death! Stop calling yourself an artist when you don''t know love!"


    Ah, there is no answer to this. Alice''s Ghost Story phone service has ended.


    Click.


    "...I hear you; that''s a nice piece. Where are you thinking of disying it?"


    I asked the artist as if nothing had happened.


    "It looks like they''re holding an exhibition somewhere. Im nning to exhibit it there."


    "...!"


    I was sure that this guy was real.


    I calmed my voice because I had to keep a poker face.


    I asked with a smile, trying to be as friendly as possible.


    "That''s cool. Can I go take a look?"


    "Well, that''s fine. Although, I don''t know where the exhibition is held."


    It''s a failure. In fact, the thought that these guys might have been deceived by someone also crossed my mind.


    It was then. The moonlight rose high enough to banish the shadows of the buildings.


    That''s how much time passed, and the night deepened.


    The surroundings were brightened by moonlight, but my mood was still dark.


    "..."


    There was something strange about the artist''s expression, which was clearly visible thanks to the moonlight.


    He was staring at my face.


    I felt slightly eerie.


    "What''s the matter? Mister, is there something on my face?"


    "Beautiful."


    "Uh?"


    What did I suddenly hear? I was dazed and let out a strange noise, but he didn''t care at all about my reaction and muttered to himself.


    "Those sapphire blue eyes. Hair like silk. Porcin skin without any blemishes. And a voice like a music box. How amazing."


    "Stop."


    I cut him off with a small squeak. It was a rude action, but I didn''t have time to think about it as I bit my lip and endured the embarrassment.


    A passionate praise as if confessing love. Not only is it incredibly burdensome, but it is also extremely embarrassing, so a feeling of rejection arises.


    I turned my body to the side, hoping to hide my blush, which was more visible because of my white skin.


    "You look so embarrassed. You''re such a pure girl."


    I felt like I could do anything to close that mouth.


    "I told you to stop, you''ve seen it wrong... I''m leaving now!"


    I miserably tried to run away, thinking that if others chose to praise me as an easy way to get rid of me, the effect would be extremely good.


    "I''m sorry. That can''t happen."


    The artist''s mood changed in an instant.


    I looked back in surprise.


    His scattered works, which I had not seen through the moonlight, came into view.


    They were portraits of people, and they were squirming a little.


    The artist thrust the paper towards me, and he said greedily:


    "I think it would be impossible to find a better work than you."


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    The clock showed 9 o''clock sharp. The artist stomped his feet impatiently.


    "It must be time."


    His impatience was interrupted by the sound of music in the wind.


    It was a tone he had never heard before, but it was beautiful.


    The artist felt a surge of inspiration.


    The artist caught it and envisioned it.


    An exhibition appeared in the artist''s mind.


    Next, he imagined a door leading to the exhibition, and his imagination was so specific that it felt like the door was right in front of him.


    "..."


    It wasn''t an illusion, there was a real door. It was the same door as he had imagined.


    "There must have been a reason why no one knew the ce. It''s really amazing... Hehehe...Should I really say that when I can trap people in paintings?"


    The artist opened the door and entered.


    ...


    "Shortly after the tracker on D-888 went dead, a door appeared in the za. The timing of its appearance was close to what the captured <em>supernatural artist</em> said it was. It appears to be the entrance to an exhibition hall.


    "...Confirmed. Combat troops are deployed except for the minimum number of personnel.


    ...


    "Phew! I can''t get used to being trapped somewhere."


    I escaped from the painting while the artist went to the bathroom.


    Theres a popr urban legend that the figures in paintingse to life, so I used a painting-rted ghost to get me out.


    I spoke to the ghost, who was still in the painting.


    "Because of this ce, I think you''ll be quite helpful. First, please hide in another picture."


    After confirming that the painting monster had entered the appropriate picture, I started moving in earnest.


    I needed something to cover my face, so I grabbed a mask near the door that seemed to be the entrance.


    After covering my face, I overheard the conversations among the artists.


    "Look at this. Isn''t this a perfect piece of work? A taxidermy of a lesser demon that has been hiding from the eyes of the idiots in the Cathedral and the Institution! I''m probably the only one who brought a demon!"


    "But the theme of this exhibition is living humans."


    "Haa. We''re all God''s creatures anyway, demon or human, so does it matter?"


    "That''s an interesting perspective. How about a copy of the grimoire that I made by removing the skin of a real, living human being?"


    "Oh, that''s cool."


    Even though I only heard part of the conversation, I understand that these guys crossed a line.


    I wanted to join in on the conversation and dig up more information, but every time they talked to each other, they would talk about each other''s work.


    In that case, I guess it would be a good idea to create a piece of art as well.


    I drew a picture on a piece of paper lying around in the corner.


    It looked good, so I felt better.


    <em>''...But it''s kind of boring to only have that, so let''s summon a monster and have him carry it around like a piece of art.''</em>


    I called out <em>The Crooked Man</em> who looked reasonably human.


    The crooked man is a monster derived from a mysterious ghost story that sometimes appears when photos are taken of ces where major idents have urred.<sup>2</sup>


    It would be a fitting surprise for an uing exhibition where a lot of different things happen.


    "Excuse me. I''m interested in that piece of work, can you exin it to me?"


    I spoke the words that any artist would love to hear.


    "Oh of course, little artist. This work..."


    h h. h h.


    I let the exnation pass through one ear and go out the other.


    I apuded at the end of the exnation.


    This time, the artist showed interest in my work.


    "Oh. A man with a broken neck! He''s breathing very well. Other than Franken Abigail, this is my first time seeing an artist who is this good at modifying the human body. It''s really cool! But what is the drawing in his left hand?"


    Even though he is an artist, he recognizes the value of my drawing!


    I puffed out my chest and tried to describe the work.


    "Heh... This."


    "It looks like a kindergartner drew it. It doesn''t look like it has any artistic value, is it part of the exhibit?"


    "...This is a drawing made by him."


    "My God, to have the intelligence to draw with a broken neck, you''re a genius of modification techniques at such a young age!"


    <em>''Son of a bitch...''</em>


    I felt like turning myself into a <em>devil</em>, but I barely held it in. I have to ask questions. Be patient, be patient.


    "Do you know who the organizer of this exhibition is?"


    "Hmm. I don''t know either. But I know the picture the organizer drew. Now look at that."


    I moved my gaze along the artist''s outstretched finger.


    There was a huge painting there that felt intimidating.


    One star in the night sky. And at the bottom was a city with lights on.


    The title is [Portrait of a Cosmic Being as Witnessed at the Time].


    Is this cosmic horror or something?


    "Hmm..."


    Dozens of human portraits were stuck together like barnacles around the huge painting.


    It was creepy, and hard to tell what they meant.


    When I got closer, wondering if there would be amentary, I heard a whispering from one of the portraits on the edge.


    <strong>Get me out.</strong>


    "... "


    I quickly removed the portrait without anyone noticing.


    Then, I summoned the painting monster and took out a person from the portrait.


    "Urgh. Gasp. Urgh..."


    The person taken out was a male agent of the Institution.


    It was really sad to see him so scared that he couldn''te to his senses.


    I pulled the agent into my arms and began to soothe him. I could feel his heart racing.


    "There, you''re not scared. Breathe slowly and deeply. That''s good!"


    The agent''s breathing returns to normal.


    "There is no fear that cannot be ovee. Even if you''re scared, you can feel at ease a little because I''m by your side."


    The agent''s tremors subside.


    "Don''t think about anything else ominous. Just focus on what you need to do now, because that''s what''s best for you."


    The agent''s sanity returns.


    "Even if we''re scared, let''s move forward steadily. Let''s go on an adventure together."


    The agent''s will returns.


    He eventually recovered his damaged mind.


    So I pushed the agent out of my arms.


    He made a sound of regret.


    I seem to have done something embarrassing to someone I met for the first time.


    I did it out of instinct.


    "Ahem. Are you okay now?"


    "Yes, thank you very much. To rely on a kid like that... So, who are you?"


    "Alice... If I say D-888, will you understand?"


    "...I heard about you, but you feelpletely different."


    Growl.


    The agent''s stomach grumbled.


    It looks like he was trapped for quite some time.


    The agent asked me, scratching his head.


    "I''m really sorry, but do you have anything to eat...?"


    "I have some leftover pretzels."


    I handed the agent a pretzel, and he devoured it quickly. I even gave him some water for fear of choking.


    "I think I''m finally going to live."


    The agent looks rxed. The fear on his face until just now was gone, and I startedughing. I wasn''tughing at him, I wasughing because it was nice.


    "Hehehe... You''re a brave adult, aren''t you?"


    The agent''s face turned red.


    "..."


    "So, what happened?"


    I asked the agent for the whole story.


    "Shamefully, I got caught in a painting while chasing down an artist. Not only me but also other innocent people. When I was in the portrait, I felt my power being sucked into that giant painting. First, let''s do something with that painting. It is by no means an ordinary painting, so it would be impossible to burn it."


    If that picture is the problem, I think it can be easily destroyed.


    I summoned the painting monster and asked him a favor.


    "Damage that picture."


    The monster went into the huge painting.


    But something doesn''t seem to be going well.


    "Do we need the power of the Institution?"


    "Probably so."


    "Well, it doesn''t matter, they''ll be here soon."


    Bang!!!


    As soon as I finished speaking, the Institution''s soldiers burst in through the door. The exhibition suddenly turned into chaos.


    The agent looked at me with a puzzled expression.


    "How did you do it?"


    "Sometimes people are afraid to go to new ces. It''s a monster derived from that. When I got here, I connected this space to the outside."


    "What kind of fraudulent ability..."


    As a result of the Institution''s attacks, artists were arrested like insects flying to a typhoon.


    "This! Why are the guards here?"


    "These are weapons received from the Workshop! Eat it!"


    "It''s destroying the exhibition!"


    "Holy shit! The exhibition is a mess!"


    Some seemed to resist, but it was only for a moment.


    At this rate, the exhibition will end, and the artists will be arrested.


    <strong>It would be nice if it had a trivial ending like this.</strong>


    <strong>[~~~~~!]</strong>


    Music emanated from the huge painting. All the humans paused their actions.


    And I felt the monster that I had ced in the painting being forced back into the mirror.


    "Ah ah ah ah ah!"


    In a picture of the universe, a red star shined intensely.


    Humans, regardless of their affiliation, were robbed of their vitality. The humans trapped in the portraits withered and died even faster.


    I asked, leaving behind the people who were sitting down in fear.


    "...Who are you?"


    Is it a monster pretending to be a painting? No. That''s definitely a painting. It''s also a picture drawn after seeing something.


    I don''t know what the person who drew that was seeing when he drew it... But I felt like I knew roughly how it worked.


    "The owner who drew you must have caught you a long time ago. Then I guess you were the one who opened the exhibition."


    The cosmic being in the picture ignored my words and concentrated on absorbing life force.


    It was a fake imitating something, but if it came out of that picture, it could be the <em>real </em>thing.


    "The intention was to absorb artists and the living human works they created and further devour the people of this region."


    Since it is a painting, it would have been efficient in many ways to absorb the people trapped in paintings or who have be works of art.


    However, when the Institution invaded and precious life force died, it appeared like this.


    The exhibition was a honey trap to quietly prey on people.


    <strong>"...Concentrate."</strong>


    I released my aura to prevent the painting from absorbing any more life.


    <strong>[......!]</strong>


    Now you''re finally paying attention to me!


    "It''s a truly unpleasant power. The power of a ruler who terrifies people and erases any thought of resistance. How severe is it?"


    My gaze collides with the star in the picture.


    Their gazes were so powerful that they created the illusion that the space was distorted.


    The false ruler saw my power and recognized me as an enemy.


    "The fear of an unknown entity? Cosmic horror? Well, okay. It''s something that always appears in horror stories, and it''s also fun in its own way. But I think that should only exist in creation, not in reality. As a human being, I hate seeing people killed by unreasonable beings. I hate it even more when people run away and can''t even think of resisting. Since this world is not paradise, it is inevitable that people will encounter scary things. Still, it''s really strange that I don''t even get a chance to ovee it. They say that even God does not give us trials that we cannot ovee."


    Fear that cannot be ovee is not entertainment.


    Therefore, you are not qualified toe to Wondend.


    The Queen of Hearts shouts in my head. Off with their head.


    "So I''ll close your little universe made of paint."


    The painting must have thought these words were the start of a battle, so it attacked me. The stars shone, and red shes spread everywhere.


    The sh showed off the power of aser attack.


    I dodged all attacks with high mobility.


    But people who are frozen in fear cannot do that. I ced restrictions on my movement to protect them.


    <strong>[.......]</strong>


    Then the painting fired a sh of light towards the humans.


    "Ha! That''s clever."


    I asked the man with the broken neck I had brought out beforehand.


    "Can you cause an ident?"


    <strong>[Giggle... Giggle...]</strong>


    Where the Crooked Man is, there are idents.


    A man with a broken neck stood in front of a work of art.


    Then all the shes of light converged in front of the man with his neck broken and destroyed him.


    This created a gap.


    "It''s okay to be afraid, but don''t stop your steps."


    I scattered the energy containing the essence of my power.


    It began to drive out cosmic horror.


    One by one, the humans came to their senses.


    "What just happened..?"


    "Look there! It''s a man-eating painting! Kill it quickly!"


    "We were all fooled."


    "I can''t help it. It''s a temporary alliance!"


    "What are you trying to do to show off? You will all be arrested after this!"


    The firepower is concentrated on one painting. It seemed to have worked as it began to tear. The painting summoned tentacle-like things, as if struggling.


    Huge tentaclese down on people.


    They tried to close their eyes and cowered, thinking they were going to die.


    But what they saw was me, who fended off the tentacles with my bare body.


    "Go ahead, even if you''re scared."


    After saying that, I summoned the Beast of Gvaudan. The people''s firepower was concentrated once again and struck the artwork. The painting that had exhausted its strength showed holes in its solid durability.


    "Eat this!"


    The agents fired a huge rocket at the painting from somewhere, and the Beast of Gvaudan ran fast enough to catch up with the rocket.


    Kaboom!!!


    The painting, which received great shock, stiffened and was eventually torn apart by the ws of the Beast of Gvaudan.


    ...


    The situation was over, and the Institution was getting the situation under control. Artists were arrested inrge numbers, and some of them became the Institution''s new quarantine friends.


    <strong>[Roar!!!]</strong>


    Okay. okay. Well done, you don''t have to roar. People are scared.


    I sent all the monsters away and approached Brehm.


    As soon as Brehm saw me, he lowered his head.


    "Thank you, Alice. Among them were my colleagues. If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have been able to save or get them out."


    I was burdened by Brehm''s actions.


    "Well... Catching him was the result of cooperation, so don''t humble yourself too much. Even if you didn''t rely on me, there must have been a way."


    "What would have happened if there hadn''t been a devil like you? Is this the limit of pure human power?"


    "No. Absolutely not, so don''t say that."


    "You..."


    Brehm looked touched and spoke quietly.


    "You''re really unique."


    "...Am I?"


    Ipleted my mission and returned safely.


    With this, the Institution will almost let down its guard against me.


    Besides, with this kind of achievement, they won''t be bothered by me lounging around.


    It''s good, it''s good.

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    While I was watching a gaming YouTuber''s live broadcast as usual, I saw Carole into the istion room and install something.


    The secretive and quick movements of her hands were no different from those of a criminal plotting evil deeds.


    "What is that, Carol?"


    She flinched at my words.


    But she shamelessly turned her head towards me and spoke as if nothing were wrong.


    "What? Are you talking about the emergency bell over here?"


    Emergency bell...? It''s usually used as a safety device.


    I was purely curious as to why she wanted to install it without my knowledge.


    "So?"


    "As you can see, it''s an emergency bell, right? It''s amon item these days, something that every home has at least one, right?"


    No way. I didn''t believe Carol''s words and observed the emergency rm carefully.


    When I looked closely, I saw letters written under it.


    Alice Protocol.


    "Do they write <em>Alice Protocol</em> under normal emergency bells these days?"


    "Yes!"


    ...


    "Hey!!! Anyone can see that it''s for calling me, right?! Why are you installing something like this!"


    I rushed at Carol with the intention of grabbing her by the cor.


    Then she assumed the submissive posture of a dog lying on its back.


    A sign of surrender, indicating that she has no intention of attacking.


    It is very unpleasant for me to hit a person who does not resist.


    Carol knew it well.


    "It has nothing to do with Alice! It only rings asionally when the lives of members of this branch are in danger or when help is desperately needed! Of course, there''s no need for Alice to step forward!"


    "Why are you putting such an unpleasant emergency bell here! You''re openly asking for help!"


    "There is nopulsion at all! You can just ignore it, so don''t worry too much about it. And done~!"


    When I was thinking about stomping her stomach.


    I was caught off guard as Carol rolled over and ran away from her lying position.


    The employee waiting outside opened the door as if he had been waiting, and Carol arrived safely out the door.


    I had no idea that she would run away like that, so I could only stare nkly.


    "I will leave it up to you!"


    "Take this and go!"


    The istion room door was closed.


    "Haa..."


    I didn''t really want to do something drastic like breaking it.


    All I have to do is follow Carol''s words and note forward.


    Since I am neither a nobleman nor a saint, I have no intention of volunteering to help just because someone is in trouble.


    Of course, I will feel ufortable.


    Carol seemed to already know something about me, so she must have been aiming for that.


    But I don''t take that too kindly.


    Rather, I, someone who has a hard time knowing the situation outside, can take advantage of this.


    So I should stop caring.


    Iy down in bed. My body is heavy.


    It''s always been like this since I came into this body.


    Because of that, I can''t sleep, so I spend the whole night on theputer... Since I did not get mental rest just like this, my depression only grew.


    But don''t worry too much.


    All modern people have lethargy (the mysterious thirst that we trick ourselves into thinking we have) caused by loafing around aimlessly.


    I started thinking about other things to avoid the pain.


    If I''m thinking about something big that happened recently, it''s that.


    A picture drawn by an artist after seeing a great star.


    He clearly saw something and drew it.


    It is a ridiculous joke to say that a monster with power can be created just by drawing it after its appearance.


    Perhaps the star that the unknown artist witnessed was something like the cosmic horrormonly seen in fiction, something that humanity cannot handle.


    But it is too early to say it is hopeless.


    It''s not like you''re just witnessing it, and you can''t really react to it.


    It''s amon setting.


    The setting in which the human race did not perish purely by coincidence.


    It is purely by chance that humans survive in a ce where scary things that will destroy the world lurk.


    How do you know if that coincidence will continue?


    In such fictions, ridiculous scenarios of world destruction are developed, and people are scared that the world will end one day.


    I''ve never seen a case where it was truly destroyed.


    So it''ll be okay. It should be okay.


    "Please don''t expand my worldview."


    A few days after that.


    The Alice Protocol emergency bell that Carol had installed began to ring.


    Beeep- beeep-


    The emergency bell was glowing red.


    It even had a luminous function, and the loud pulsating sound was irritating me.


    "I''m not a pushover."


    I made excuses even though no one was listening.


    Partly because of my pride, and because I can never get used to the feeling of being yed in someone else''s hands.


    It''s the worst when you know you''re being yed and you''re doing it anyway.


    "...I will never go!"


    ...Never!


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - ???</strong>


    "Damn Institution! I knew it! I knew it would be like this!"


    I was running away from my pursuer, bleeding.


    Even though I''m in pain, I don''t stop swearing.


    I swear so much even when I''m hurt that others might think I''m tough.


    But will others know that it is no different from the final resistance against death?


    I know. Because I''m the one in this situation.


    I had always been very dissatisfied, so swearing was my only outlet.


    So I used to swear in ces where no one was around.


    Right. There were a lot ofints. Would it be correct to call it stress relief?


    I used to hold back from swearing at my colleagues, but now I have to swear at them.


    "This guy, that guy, they''re all crazy people!"


    They called me a murdering monster.


    If you were in your right mind, you wouldn''t have called me that.


    But everything got weird. By a newly arrived, unidentified tool-type iste!


    Bang bang bang!


    The gunshot loudly hits the eardrums. The murderous stabbing from behind made me even more angry.


    "I am not a monster! Don''t you remember me? Brehm! Irene! Sunghoon!"


    "It''s over there! Shoot, shoot!"


    "It''s a humanoid monster! When will the Gray Judgment Unit arrive?"


    Why are they so cruel? Why does this happen? What did I do wrong to my colleagues?


    It''s so painful and sad, why shouldn''t I take out my anger on these guys?


    I know. This was just an ident.


    My colleagues were just unlucky enough to be caught up in the anomaly of the containment unit.


    After continuously running away, an istion room came into view. It was an istion room containing one of the murderous monstersmon in this ce.


    The istion room door seemed to be whispering to me.


    Open, open, open.


    Your colleagues don''t understand your pain.


    So let''s take revenge.


    So let''s kill them.


    I''m with you.


    "......Tsk."


    I couldn''t bear to do that.


    Using the same trick as before, I went into a room and locked the door.


    Unfortunately, the ce I was hiding was in the employee lounge, so it was obvious that I would get caught right away.


    During the brief respite, I cooled off my anger and began to shake my head.


    Anomalous phenomena caused by the anomalous abilities of the newly introduced, unidentified tool-type containment object struck the entire branch.


    When I activated the containment''s ability, the shouting of <em>monster!</em> came out of the containment room, and my colleagues started shooting at me.


    Fucking Sunghoon... That bastard shot first.


    The fact that they, the elites, couldn''t catch individuals like me means that they aren''t under anyone''smand.


    If so, they will be vulnerable to unexpected events.


    Now what?


    The most unexpected thing to do now is...


    The things in the lounge are literally misceneous items.


    Among them was a rope.


    If you ask me why it''s here, it''s a serious case from a senior who suffered from depression.


    Let''s postpone suicide.


    They are crazy right now.


    So wouldn''t acting work?


    If they don''t receive orders and only pursue with murderous intent, I might be able to get away with it by pretending to be dead.


    Anyway, it''s all or nothing.


    I decided to make a loop out of the rope, hang it around my neck, and use scissors to cut the part that connects to the ceiling.


    There will be a scene where a broken rope hangs from the ceiling and I am lying face down with a loop around my neck.


    It was as if an old rope that could not bear the weight of the corpse had broken btedly.


    But before I could execute it, a button in front of my nose caught my eye.


    A recently installed button.


    "...Alice Protocol."


    Research Center Director Carol. This is the button installed by that strange person. Although she was a woman who solved several problems with her entric way of thinking, she was not very trustworthy.


    Of course, the same goes for this button.


    It is more believable to say that it is a secret containment procedure.


    "...Let''s press it anyway."


    Honestly, it seemed a lot better than faking a suicide.


    I was told not to press it unless it was a real emergency, but if it''s not now, then when should I press it?


    To be honest, I always wanted to press it. It also looks irritatingly red.


    I pressed it...


    Silence. Itsted long enough to give up hope.


    "...She''s noting."


    Bang! Bang!


    A strong impact sound was heard from the locked door, as if the doorknob was being broken.


    ''What! I haven''t even cut the rope yet!''


    I hurriedly tried to cut it, but I realized I was toote!


    I squeezed my eyes shut and heard the sound of the door breaking down.


    "...Umm. Where is this ce? I was able to create a mirror portal by marking the ce where the button on the emergency bell was pressed, but I don''t know the actual ce."


    But instead of gunshots, a faint voice tickled my ears.


    I slowly opened my eyes.


    There was a girl with blonde hair standing there.


    No way. Is this Alice?


    Those in high positions in the organization strictly suppress rumors that may cause fear among colleagues, agents, and employees, but they are very bad at hiding happy events.


    So much so that even I, a low-ranking person, heard rumors about this friendly containment entity.


    She let out her sweet voice, flipped her blonde hair, and looked back at me.


    Pretty.


    It is said that the devil takes on a beautiful appearance to tempt humans, and it seems true.


    If she hadn''t looked like a child, I wouldn''t have been able to say anything.


    I locked eyes with hers.


    When I saw her face, she had quite a stern expression.


    No, is it an illusion? Because it has a doll-like face, it may have a static feel.


    "..."


    She kept staring. It seems like her pupils are shaking slightly. Am I mistaken?


    ...What does the devil want from me that makes her look at me like this?


    In fact, it was obvious what the devil wanted from humans.


    No matter how good the rumor is, the opponent is the devil.


    "...Are you asking for something in return?"


    "?"


    "Good. Take my soul. Remember, this is a contract. You must take my soul and give me the strength to resolve this situation."


    "??"


    "I am prepared. Because I was going to die anyway."


    "!"


    The devil widened her eyes and became agitated at myst words. And then she seemed to feel guilty.


    An emotion of sadness appeared on her face. She asked me, looking confused.


    "You. Are you trying to die?"


    "What?"


    "Sorry. I can''t believe I was hesitant toe because of my pride. I didn''t know that some people were so driven to despair to the point of contemting suicide. No, I actually knew. But when I see it in front of me like this, my feelings change... I''m also a very contradictory person."


    I realized that the rope was still tightening around my neck.


    At the same time, she may be misunderstanding something.


    "No, that''s..."


    "I''m not going to make excuses. I''m sorry, I was almostte. The protocol... I shouldn''t have ignored it."


    ...Somehow, I feel like just now I''ve contributed significantly to the power of the Institution.


    She slowly extended her hand to reassure me.


    "Come on. Hold my hand. I will be with you. Can you postpone death, even for a moment? I''m on your side, so you can rest assured."


    "That''s... Okay... All right."


    I cut the rope from the fake suicide attempt with scissors and took her hand.

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    "Ha-rim! What are you thinking about?"


    Time left after lunch.


    Students are busy talking to each other even if for only a short period of time, as is their nature as social animals.


    But for some reason, I kept being lost in my thoughts while looking out the window.


    "Ah, Eun-jeong. Uh... I was just thinking about what I did during vacation. It seems like it went by so quickly."


    No matter how much I think about it, I can''t remember what I did.


    Even the memories of being alone and lonely during the vacation were only partially present.


    Thanks to this, I was scolded by my teacher for failing toplete my summer vacation homework of writing a diary.


    "Now that I think about it, I can''t remember anything in particr. I feel like I spent every day eating, sleeping, and beingzy."


    Maybe that was happiness in its own way?


    "Haa... Hmm. I regret it. After all, I think people have to do something. From now on, I have to systematically n my life."


    I took out my notebook while saying that.


    Then, with a pencil, I created a box called [To-Do List] for today and wrote <em>decide what to do</em> in item number 1.


    "Then what should we do?"


    I began to worry.


    And then I turned my eyes to another page of the notebook.


    The ce was full of my own sketches.


    It was mainly drawings depicting scary things, and characters from ghost stories were drawn from my own imagination.


    And suddenly, a hand mirror doodle appears in between.


    My eyes lightened up.


    "...I got a good idea."


    "What?"


    "I''ll tell you when we are all together. Where are Suho and Kyeong-min?"


    "They''re ying ser right now. I wonder what''s good about being sweaty from sports."


    I went to the yground before lunch time ended.


    Ser is over and it''s time for the students to change out of their gym clothes and into their regr clothes.


    When I went to the yground, Suho and Kyeong-min were drinking water and resting.


    "You were resting."


    "Hello Ha-rim. What''s wrong?"


    Kyeong-min asked, wiping his sweat with a towel.


    "It''s nothing special, but I wasted my vacation so much that I want to do something fun right now. I''m inviting everyone to join us as a club activity."


    When Kyeong-min and Suho heard those words, they tilted their heads and thought about their summer vacation.


    Apparently there wasn''t really anything that came to mind.


    Aside from Eun-jeong, it is pretty unusual for them all to spend their vacation in the same way.


    "Sure. What is it?"


    I smiled brightly.


    "Do you know the ghost story that has been poprtely?"


    "Hmm... Are you talking about the recent mirror ghost story?"


    Kyeong-min seemed to think for a moment, then quickly remembered.


    I thought that, in a way, Kyeong-min was second only to me in searching for ghost stories.


    "As expected, Kyeong-min knows!"


    Mirrors were the stuff of ghost stories.


    Among them, there are representative types, such as the reflection of oneself in the mirror moving at will, an entrance to another world, and something strange appearing in the mirror.


    This ghost story is thest type.


    That''s the ghost story called Alice''s Mirror.


    "Huh. This is my first time hearing it. What kind of ghost story is it?"


    When Eun-jeong asked, Kyeong-min raised his sses.


    "Like Jangsanbeom, it''s a ghost story that suddenly started one day, and it seems like a person named Alice appears in a mirror."


    Kyeong-min listed one of the things he saw on the Inte.


    A student who decided tomit suicide after being bullied tried to jump off the roof.


    But at thest moment, when they turned around again for the sake of their friend who was also being bullied, there was a hand mirror in their hand.


    At first, they tried to go back without paying attention, but they lost their footing and fell.


    In their hand mirror, where they reflected themselves, a woman with grotesque blonde hair and blue eyes appeared.


    When they woke up, they were on the first floor of the building.


    "They said that the words <em>that''s weird</em> kept ringing in her head for some reason."


    "wow... For a ghost story, it has a pretty nice ending."


    Although stories about seeing ghosts are generic, people still believe them, even if they are not very fun.


    However, these types of ghost stories are so unrealistic that no one believes them.


    Naturally, it''s hard for it to be popr.


    Kyeong-min agreed with Eun-jeong''s thoughts, but it was true that it was popr and he knew why, so he told Eun-jeong.


    "It''s unrealistic. But what''s special is that there are quite a few people who have experienced this."


    "Oh..."


    Three People''s Gossip. Just as the saying goes that if three people say there''s a tiger, even if it''s a lie, a tiger will appear, simrly, if many people say something, it gains credibility."<sup>1</sup>


    Eun-jeong seemed interested.


    "The name is Alice, and the main character of the story always says <em>that''s weird</em>, so it is linked to the fairy tales of Alice in Wondend and Through the Looking ss, and secondary creations are quite widespread on the Inte."


    "Huh..."


    That''s unexpected.


    Kyeong-min showed his rted data on his cell phone.


    "Look at this."


    A drawing of a strange girl with a scary face and many arms and legs.


    A girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, like Alice from the fairy tale.


    And she was wearing an apron.


    Although she is portrayed as grotesque, as befitting of characters from ghost stories, there were many who depicted her as ordinary, beautiful figures.


    "Uh. There are many that look scary and some that look pretty."


    "There''s a rted video on YouTube."


    It''s dangerous. The story will leak. I changed the subject.


    "Anyway. We''re going to investigate the Alice ghost story."


    "How?"


    "We could go to the ce where Alice supposedly appeared. Maybe we can do some necromancy or something."


    "Necromancy... The real deal. We''re going to fail anyway."


    To be honest, that was true, but it sounded like fun, so Kyeong-min agreed.


    "Since we don''t have anything else to do, we''ll have to try that, but it''s not like we can bungee jump from the roof."


    "If we fail, we''ll just collect rted stories and record them."


    "It has been decided. Is everyone free today?"


    Ha-rim looked at everyone with eyes full of expectation.


    However, they avoided Ha-rim''s eyes.


    They spoke in order, starting with Kyeong-min.


    "Ah.. I can''t today. I have to go straight to cram school."


    "I''m going to hang out with my parents."


    "Ah! Eun-jeong, what about you?"


    "I have a lot of free time tomorrow, but today is the day to eat out!"


    After all, is there no friend you can be with every day and every hour?


    It would be nice to have a friend who woulde running to you every day just by calling.


    Like a friend you can carry in your pocket.


    ...That''s a selfish thought.


    I made an appointment without showing what I was thinking.


    "...Then there is nothing we can do. Let''s do the research tomorrow! It''s a promise!"


    "Of course. Let''s do it together tomorrow."


    After school, I spent time cleaning my house.


    My goal was to clean thoroughly and kill time quickly.


    That way, I can y with my friends tomorrow.


    I get tired of an empty house.


    "...Since I do housework, time passes easily. But the day didn''tst."


    After finishing my cleaning, I sat down in front of myputer.


    Should I make time for this again today?


    I scrolled through YouTube, looking for something to watch.


    If I just nkly watch videos, I feel like an idiot, but what can I do?


    I have already read all the books at home.


    "..."


    Click. Click.


    As I move the mouse around, it bumps into something.


    "Ah. A hand mirror."


    A hand mirror with a faded rose pattern that I impulsively bought some time ago.


    For some reason, I feel nostalgic when I look at this mirror.


    The illusion that someone is waving their hand in the fog.


    Maybe I had a dream like that at some point.


    "I miss you. Why do I miss you? When I watch movies or cartoons, I feel like I can''t just ignore this feeling."


    I decided to put the hand mirror in the desk drawer.


    I opened the drawer.


    There were five red rose nes ced there.


    It''s strange, there are a lot of strange things today.


    "This. What was it? I''m sure I made it. Why did I make it? "


    I thought for a moment and a reason came to mind.


    "Ah! I was nning on giving it to the others! This is a sign that we are in the same club!"


    But why five?


    I can''t think of why.


    I put the mirror in and focused on YouTube again.


    After two hours had passed, I thought it might not be a bad idea to look into the ghost story we would be investigating tomorrow.


    I clicked on the YouTube search bar and typed on the keyboard.


    "Alice... Alice... Ghost story..."


    There are quite a few rted videos.


    Even though it''s a minor story, it''s a ghost story.


    Alice. Several pictures appear in the video called Imaginated Collection.


    Although there are many bizarre appearances, it is these features that ignite the hearts of young children.


    "It seems cool..."


    Because scary and bizarre = strong! Because the same strange form is established.


    "Blonde hair and skin as white as a doll. Blue eyes. At first nce, she seems like an ordinary foreigner, but when she gets angry, her face turns into something bizarre. Hmm. Is it okay for a ghost story to be this pretty?"


    There was no setting like this in the ghost story, so why do they create their own setting?


    It already feels like a character rather than an object of fear.


    An example of using monsters as characters is an animated video on YouTube that takes popr urban legends like Jack the Ripper, Chucky, and Mothman and pits them against each other in a secondary creation.


    "I wonder if there will be any."


    I scroll down.


    ...There is?!


    "...These fighting games aren''t scary at all... They''re their own secondary creation."


    But even though I said that, I was a gamer, so I clicked on the video.


    After watching for a while, I fell asleep watching thest scene where Alice punches Mothman''s face in a crude motion graphic animation.


    ...


    "Yawn~"


    I went to bedte.


    So, in an uncharacteristic way, I yawned repeatedly. Dangerous.


    In this state, I would fall asleep during boring sses.


    "Everyone, a transfer student has arrived! Alright, let''s stop talking and focus!"


    But fortunately, just as I was about to fall asleep, my homeroom teacher brought in a new student.


    This is my first time seeing a transfer student!


    "Wow..."


    Next to my homeroom teacher, the transfer student was so pretty that exmations of admiration came out.


    Blonde hair and doll-white skin. Sparkling blue eyes. She was the kind of strangely beautiful girl you see in magazines.


    A pretty foreign transfer student! Very rare!


    "Hi. Due to moving this time, I ended up transferring to a nearby school. Even though I look like this, I lived in Korea longer because I am of mixed race. Please take care of me."


    Ah. You were mixed race.


    "...?"


    However, the reaction from the other ssmates is strange. Neither the boys or girls had much of a reaction, even though such a pretty girl just came.


    They''re acting like they''ve just met an ordinary transfer student.


    All I heard asionally from boys was that she had a pretty voice.


    It was as if they were seeing something different from me.


    What. Eun-jeong, Suho, and Kyeong-min are all with their mouths wide open.


    "Oh, my name is Alice. You can just call me that or Ally."


    "...!"


    <em>''Blonde, blue-eyed, and called Alice?''</em>


    It''s unlikely, but isn''t she Alice from the ghost story?


    It''s a really absurd story, but the strange atmosphere that she gives off seems unusual.


    What if, really, she was that Alice?


    Just thinking about it makes my heart pound. Both sleep and boredom flew away.


    "Everyone, please be kind to Alice. Alice, if anything happens, tell me right away! Let''s see, I guess you need a little guide to fit in well at school. Does anyone wants to be Alice''s guide?"


    It''s my chance!


    I raised my hand.


    "I want to do it!"


    "?!"


    Alice looked at me.


    And her eyes widened. It seemed as if her eyes were shaking and she was embarrassed.


    But soon she returned to her doll-like expression.


    <em>''It might be Alice from the ghost story! Well, even if that''s not the case, I want to be friends.''</em>


    "Okay. Ha-rim would be nice. The seat next to her is also empty."


    My homeroom teacher sat Alice down next to me and told her to listen carefully to the ss.


    I said hello to Alice.


    "Hi! I''m Shin Ha-rim! I was lonely because I was in thest seat and the seat next to me was empty, so let''s get along!"


    Alice smiled awkwardly, turning her head towards me like a rusty robot.


    "Okay. Please take care of me, Ha-rim."


    And as if her throat was burning, she took out a water bottle and took a gulp.


    "You know, Alice. Can you go in and out of the mirror?"


    "Spit?! Urgh. Cough! Cough!"


    Oh, she spit water.


    It was just a random question, but is it really that embarrassing?


    ...Suspicious. But that''s why it''s the best!


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    "You did a great job! As expected from our Alice!"


    Carol came into my istion room and immediately started praising me.


    Last time, you rolled over and ran away, and you were so shameless!


    Still, it was better to hear Carol''s current voice than when she was attacked by the flower-shaped anomalyst time, so I left it alone.


    Did Carol also have her own pain?


    Maybe I thought Carol was too entric.


    Carol is human too, so she probably has a sad part in her heart.


    But it''s until here I feel sorry for her. This is a different problem.


    "I''ll give you credit for cing the protocol button out in the open for anyone to press. But if they try to use me in the form of voluntary service, I won''t stand still."


    Despite my harsh gaze, Carol shrugged her shoulders.


    "Service? Hmm... I suppose that''s what the higher-ups think, but I''d like to reward you properly."


    I said to Carol as she narrowed her eyes. What kind of n is this?


    "Compensation? I don''t really need anything."


    "To... To be honest, it''s not the kind of reward Alice needs. Maybe it''s better not to know."


    "..."


    I''m curious! It is said that knowledge is power.


    I asked Carol to give it to me.


    I felt caught in a trap when the corner of her mouth lifted slightly.


    "This. Can you see it?"


    Carol brought with her a photo and a map with some markings.


    Carol pointed to the photo.


    "It''s a school."


    "Yes. To be exact, it is the school where the children who spent time with Alice attend."


    "...What?"


    "Children who went missing when the incident urred. And the kids who were with you until the end. Or so I was told, but anyway, those kids go to this school."


    "What do they have to do with it?"


    When I reacted harshly, Carolughed softly.


    Then, she unfolded the map and showed several red dots centered around the school.


    If my guess is correct.


    "No way."


    "Yes. These red dots are all ces where anomalous objects and phenomena appeared."


    I couldn''t help but frown. Carol said without caring.


    "Anomalous objects began to gather there. This is why James hasn''t been seen for a while. He mainly ys the role of exploring unfamiliar environments, but he is a person whos connected with these children, so I included him in it."


    "Are you saying that the reason anomalous phenomena ur is because of the kids?"


    They are the main characters of horror games.


    The perfect people to get caught up in an incident in this world where bizarre beings exist.


    I thought that the characteristics of a horror game would havepletely disappeared as the space that was considered the game world ovepped with reality!


    Fuck. Are we really still in the game? Ah, I don''t fucking know, I don''t know!


    "Not at all! There is no basis. I don''t even suspect it, it just happens a lot around this area."


    Right? No, it shouldn''t.


    "Umm. Alice. Isting and securing anomalous objects is our domain. It''s not okay to make youe forward for personal reasons. But you''re really anxious to leave it to us, right? Yes? You will feel anxious if you don''t do it yourself!"


    "..."


    "But I''m here to make it happen."


    Carol gave me a bankbook, cards, fake IDs, and a script with some background information, and she quietly said,


    "This is my reward."


    "You''re clever."


    Instead of leaving me to roam around the world and protect the kids, I have to do what the agency asks me to do in return for that much freedom.


    I guess they decided it was the best move for me, who didn''t particrly desire freedom.


    Damn it, I''m caught up in something I''m not even sure about.


    "Haa..."


    I held back because I didn''t want to see the kids get caught up in something dangerous, and I didn''t want to see their normal daily lives copse.


    What if I''m the one to make it copse?!


    I continued to worry. I thought and thought, but eventually I nodded my head towards Carol.


    <em>''I need to act covertly as much as possible without being discovered...''</em>


    Yeah that''s best.


    ...


    "You know, Alice. Can you go in and out of the mirror?"


    "Spit?! Urgh. Cough! Cough!"

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    <em>''Alice is the person responsible for the Alice ghost story that was told yesterday. I''m sure of it.''</em>


    There is no doubt that Alice is a ghost.


    I gathered the group in the club room during lunch and told them that.


    Then they became agitated.


    "Would a ghost be wandering around in the daytime just like that?"


    Suho retorted.


    There is no proper basis on my part either.


    But isn''t it just a stereotype that ghosts only wander around at night?


    Isn''t this where our ult sensitivity iscking?


    A supernatural phenomenon that defies normalws. That is the ult!


    "But it''s suspicious."


    "Hmm..."


    Everyone agreed that it was suspicious.


    I spoke first about something suspicious I noticed about Alice.


    "Alice... Honestly, she''s really pretty! But it''s strange that our ssmates barely pay any attention to her."


    If you have a striking appearance, attention will naturally be drawn to you.


    However, the others paid no attention to Alice''s face at all.


    Even if she wasn''t pretty, as a transfer student, she would probably be asked about things she likes or her hobbies.


    "Definitely. There was no reaction from anyone but us. What could be the reason?"


    "I felt like the other kids in the ss didn''t know that Alice was pretty."


    "Maybe there''s actually no transfer student, and we''re all just possessed by Alice?"


    "I don''t think so, because everyone knows she''s a transfer student."


    Opinions differ.


    But no clear answer was found.


    I immediately listed the suspicious details.


    "She was really flustered the other day when I asked if she could go in and out of the mirror."


    "Isn''t it just because it was a random question?"


    "It''s not enough to make you spit out water."


    "That''s true."


    When I asked Alice if she could go into the mirror, she reacted so violently that she spit water.


    It must mean that she felt prickled.


    My intuition tells me. Alice is hiding something


    "...It''s suspicious, but! There''s nothing we can do. Is there a way to prove that Alice is a ghost?"


    Kyeong-min said.


    The topic of today''s meeting became clear.


    As I was trying to get ult knowledge out of my head, I remembered that Eun-jeong had some leftover beans in her lunch.


    "Hmm... How about sprinkling beans?"


    "In Japan, there''s a custom called Mamemaki, where you throw soybeans at an oni who hates soybeans, saying, <em>Devils out! Fortune in!</em> It''s like an exorcism."<sup>1</sup>


    "Is it going to work on Alice?"


    "I don''t know. It''s for a type of demon called Oni, but just like how we sometimes mistakenly call unknown monsters goblins, wouldn''t it apply to other things as well?"


    "That makes sense."


    Suho nodded.


    I think it''s an interesting exorcism method, but it''s also a little weak, and I''m not sure if it''ll really work, so I decided toe up with a few alternative strategies.


    "Alright... Starting today, the activity of the Mystery Exploration Club is to find out Alice''s identity! Each one of us is going to find out whether Alice is a human or a ghost using any tactics we think of!"


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    The extraordinary is like sweet honey when added in the right amount.


    From the day the excited children began their activities, Alice''s ordealsted for three days.


    The children gathered their own methods for distinguishing between people and ghosts and tried them all on Alice, a transfer student.


    Without even considering that those attempts would cause her pain.


    Suho and Kyeong-min used rtively passive methods, but Ha-rim and Eun-jeong, who felt less distant because they were the same gender, acted more proactively.


    Eun-jeong, in particr, was really persistent.


    After the three-day period was over, the children gathered again in the club room and held a meeting.


    POV Switch - Ha-rim


    I drew an X on the word <em>bean</em> among the various words written on the board.


    "Well... Sprinkling beans didn''t really help."


    I tried throwing beans at Alice under the pretext of ying, but it had no effect.


    First of all, Alice ate the beans well.


    Since we had to sprinkle it naturally, we all got covered in beans, and now our pockets and clothes are full of beans.


    "Even making her p her hands. I thought ghosts always did things backwards, so I thought she would p with the back of her hands. But she did it just fine."


    This time, Kyeong-min spoke while drawing an X on the word <em>backwards</em> written on the ckboard. And then, Eun-jeong asked Kyeong-min.


    "Have you tried making her do a handstand?"


    Kyeong-min shook his head as if asking what nonsense she was saying. And then he said to Eun-jeong.


    "Alice is wearing a skirt. It''s a bit weird to ask her to do it, so... Ah, she might do it if it''s during gym ss when she''s wearing her gym uniform."


    Asking Alice, who is of the opposite sex, to do a handstand while wearing a skirt is nothing more than asking her to show her panties.


    That''s just perverted.


    Eun-jeong, who heard Kyeong-min''s words, tilted her head as if wondering what the problem was, then said.


    "I was insistent, and she did it. I guess she forgot she was wearing a skirt. I think Alice has a soft spot in her heart!"


    "...?"


    Me, Suho, and Kyeong-min couldn''t believe our ears.


    Why is she smiling so brightly while saying that!??


    "I got scolded by Alice for looking at her panties... I don''t get it. We''re both girls."


    ...Eun-jeong is sometimes iprehensible. I immediately brought out the following.


    "The Fox Window didn''t work either... What about the salt?"<sup>2</sup>


    "I gave it to her, and she sprinkled it on the eggs in her lunch."


    The meeting continued, and most of the letters on the ckboard were crossed out.


    There are only two things left now.


    It''s unfortunate, but I decided to stop doubting Alice if I tried just one of these two things and failed again.


    "Most of them failed. Okay, let''s just do this onest time and be done with it."


    The moment I was about to choose one of the two options on the ckboard.


    Bang!


    "You guys...!"


    The club door suddenly opened, and Alice appeared!


    Seeing her frowning face as if she was very angry, I ended up making an excuse.


    "Alice? We didn''t mean to offend you."


    Alice looked like she was going to rush at us at any moment, but she held back her anger and walked slowly.


    Eun-jeong, overwhelmed by the momentum, screamed like a cornered mouse.


    "Hey, this ce is for Mystery Exploration Club members only!"


    "Shut up!!!"


    "Uwa!"


    She seems particrly angry at Eun-jeong...


    "Throwing beans! Suddenly asking me to do handstands! Attaching weird amulets and ying loud noises in my ears! Argh...! Really! I tried my best not to get involved with you guys, but what are you guys doing? You won''t leave me alone! Please leave me alone!"


    "We were equally beaten, taunted, and yelled at!"


    "That''s not what I meant!!"


    Uh... I guess we went too far.


    I scratched my cheek sheepishly, thinking about how I had tried so many different things over and over again.


    Alice stopped for a moment as she saw our reactions, but her anger, which had stopped for a moment, red up again.


    Alice pointed her finger at Eun-jeong and said.


    "Especially you, Eun-jeong! Why do you keep sticking right next to me when I''m changing into my gym clothes?!"


    "But you wait outside when everyone else is changing, and then you change by yourself, which I find suspicious."


    "I don''t care! It''s a burden! Even though I feel embarrassed when I undress, you keep staring at me so persistently...! I''ve told you five times that it''s a burden!"


    "That''s because Alice was covering herself... Like she was hiding something... Your skin is white and pretty. Have confidence!"


    "Ughhhhhh!"


    Its dangerous. Alice''s head might explode with rage. I wasn''t kidding, it really seemed like it was possible.


    "Hmm."


    "Ahem."


    Leaving behind Kyeong-min and Suho, who for some reason turned their heads and cleared their throats, I held out an apple to calm Alice.


    A clear apology is better for human rtionships than ame excuse.


    It was something I read in a book, and I felt sorry for Alice, so I put it into practice right away.


    "I''m sorry, Alice. I did it because I thought you were a ghost. I really didn''t know I was going to bother you so much. Will you please forgive me?"


    Alice''s anger eased as I bowed my head and apologized.


    I shouldn''t think like this, but I think people are too easy. Maybe things will be easy after all.


    "Haa... Why on earth would I be a ghost?"


    Alice wanted to know the reason, so I took out my phone.


    "Look at this here."


    What I showed Alice was the Alice ghost story on the inte.


    Alice''s eyes widened at the post and the grotesque picture of Alice that had somehow been attached to it.


    <em>''What the hell? That''s me! Could it be that this happened when I was crazy? They say that anomalies that can''t be contained spread rumors, and that includes me.''</em><sup>3</sup><em></em>


    Alicepletely calmed down.


    It seemed like she was satisfied with our actions.


    Alice said, straightening her hair that had be matted due to her anger.


    "Did you really believe in this ridiculous story? Okay, I know my timing matches with the rumors. I''ll forgive you just this once. You can''t do this again... If you do it again..."


    "If we do it again...?"


    "Um... If you do it again..."


    Alice thought for a short while, as if she couldn''t think of anything.


    Then she warned us with a look of shame on her face.


    "I''m going to tell the teacher..."


    "That''s!"


    Alice left the club room.


    Maybe Alice will go to ss soon and sleep on her desk, like she has done for three days straight, since it''s ss time soon.


    We then reflected on our mistakes, like a clear sky after a storm.


    "We might have been bullying Alice without even realizing it."


    "But it just felt natural!"


    "At least Eun-jeong wasn''t natural!"


    "Eh. Why~"


    "It looks like Alice wasn''t a ghost after all. Let''s apologize again next time."


    We bought Alice something delicious and promised to apologize together.


    I think it will be a hassle if we go right away, so we''ll have to goter.


    Since she seems to have a good heart, she will quickly let go of her anger and open her heart!


    "Are we done with Alice''s ghost story?"


    When Suho asked that question, I shook my head.


    "No. Let''s try necromancy with a mirror."


    "What if that also fails?"


    "It''s just a shame!"


    "I see."


    <em>''I wonder if I could just hold a mirror up to her and see if she would go in. I want to try it, but I''m hated, and I don''t want to bother Alice. It can''t be helped.''</em>


    I unfolded the paper on which I had written down the items needed for necromancy and prepared them one by one.


    <em>''But it''s so strange. Was I that sociable? I should have been socially awkward because it''s my first time with Alice, but she treated me as if we''ve been friends for a long time. Not just me, but everyone. Hmm...''</em>


    I felt a sense of nostalgia.


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    "How is school life?"


    "Thanks, it''s not that bad. The recognition-impairing device the Institution lent me is effective. Honestly, I feel like I''m overly self-conscious, but it''s quite easy to hide my identity. But it seems like it only doesn''t work on Ha-rim''s group.


    I broke away from them and was in contact with James.


    James took on the role of assisting me with my everyday life on Carol''s orders.


    I asked James why the kids haven''t been affected by the use of P-122, a heart-shaped machine loaned to me by the Institution.


    James readily exined.


    "The object''s perception is impaired by the distance of the mind. Someone who doesn''t know you will perceive you with the same distance as someone who passes by you on the street. On the other hand, those who are close to you will be able to recognize you."


    I remember the children who came up to me while I was sleeping like a loner and threw beans at each other while saying that today was Setsubun.


    It was annoying because a lot of beans got on my body in the process, but it was fun to see Eun-jeong, who hates beans, get soybeans in her mouth and gag.


    Even though I was a stranger to those kids, they showed a lot of interest in me.


    "Those kids won''t know me because their memories have been erased, right?"


    "I guess a connection to the heart is something that transcends memory."


    "...That''s romantic."


    ...


    Oh! I almost lost myself in this sentiment. What am I regretting?


    I ask James to shake off my lingering feelings.


    "Is that the only reason you''re calling this time? I''m guessing there''s another reason you''re calling when school isn''t over."


    James said yes.


    "I need to tell you something."


    I listened to James.


    "It seems like there is a psychic who can move through space with mirrors."


    "A psychic?"


    A psychic. A human with anomalous properties.


    I thought it was obvious they could exist, but when I heard it, I felt surprised.


    "He is a guy whomits petty theft by using mirrors to move through space. He is currently running away after stealing an object-type containment from the Institution."


    "Are you asking me to catch a thief? They''re using a mirror, so I guess I''m the right fit for it. But just in case, I won''t kill them if asked."


    "I know."


    James attached a photo to the Institution''s exclusive app.


    It was a map with a series of curved red lines.


    "The markings in the attached photo show how he ignores some better shortcuts and circles around to nearby mirrors. Our best guess is that he has a distance limit that prevents him from traveling to mirrors that are too far away, and he doesn''t appear to have the ability to create mirrors like you do."


    "It''s simr to me. But weaker."


    "However, even if hes weaker than you, it is not easy to track him down. He''s being chased using an anomalous tracking object, but it is difficult to catch up as he moves around his location using teleportation with mirrors. We''re trying our best, but teleportation is a really annoying ability, so we can barely create an expected movement path."


    "That line of movement..."


    "Your guess is correct. The route coincides perfectly with the school. Unlike you, he has to move around a lot, so we have a lot of time. However, since you might encounter each other in a few tens of minutes, be careful."


    He''s an anomalous human.


    Unless he''s carrying a bazooka, he''s not that scary.


    I''ve also seen monsters worse than that.


    "I''m not a devil that can be afraid of petty thieves."


    "I guess so. But he has a criminal record of child murder."


    "..."


    "It''s not just children who were killed, but most of the victims were children. Alice, I''m not entrusting you with this just because you''re strong. The idea is to focus on protecting children because they may be in danger. Even if you miss him, personnel will have troops on standby at the expected location, remove all mirrors to block the escape route, and then carry out a special quarantine."


    "So that''s why. Thank you, James."


    "You''re wee. Warning about crazy people is something even a passerby would do."


    "Hehehe... Okay. If I run into him, I''ll catch him. See you next time."


    "Please do."


    I hung up the phone.


    James is a person I am very thankful for.


    His attitude towards me, who has be aplete devil, has not changed.


    If you think about it, whether it''s a devil or a mirror monster, it''s the same.


    Besides, James said he had ties to devils in the past, so he might not have a stereotype about them.


    ...When will I meet another devil?


    If the Institution''s quarantine code has a D attached to it, it means it''s connected to devils, but I haven''t seen any devils with whom I can talk.


    <em>''But that doesn''t mean we have to meet. Let''s focus on who I might meet right now instead.''</em>


    I looked at the montage James sent me. Wow, so normal, and yet a killer and a psychic who robbed the Institution.


    <em>''That''s a lot of courage...''</em>


    Hmm... But would he really mess with the kids?


    Of all the mirrors in the neighborhood, where are the bigger odds of having children near mirrors?


    When I thought about it, it made perfect sense.


    I closed my eyes and recognized the school mirrors with just my senses.


    ssroom and restroom. It''s on the rooftop too. What, are they everywhere other than the gym and the sports warehouse?


    Maybe there was a better chance of running into him than I thought.


    I guess I shouldn''t sleep in ss today.

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    <em>''Alice isn''t sleeping in ss today... Has her anger not subsided yet? For some reason, she''s frowning.''</em>


    Alice was monitoring mirrors throughout the school with her senses.


    Therefore, it was natural to frown while concentrating.


    Shin Ha-rim, who did not know this fact, mistakenly thought that Alice was still angry.


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    <em>''She might be in a bad mood because the person who made her angry is sitting next to her!''</em>


    I tore up a page from my notebook and made a note.


    The content of the note was that I was sorry and wanted to go eat something delicious togetherter.


    I passed it to Alice, who read it, then made a note herself and handed it to me.


    [Be careful with mirrors.]


    <em>''...?''</em>


    I looked at Alice with questioning eyes, but she was frowning again.


    I realized that Alice wasn''t actually angry, but rather focused on something else.


    Does Alice have a 4D personality?<sup>1</sup>


    ...I quite like it!


    I wondered what Alice was concentrating on.


    Of course, I was also paying attention to ss.


    I would feel bad for the teacher if I didn''t.


    But I couldn''t figure out what she was focusing on.


    <em>''Now that I think about it, she told me to be careful with mirrors, right?''</em>


    Why do I need to be careful with mirrors?


    Is it rted to the Alice ghost story?


    I took the mirror I had brought for the ritual out of my bag and fiddled with it.


    For some reason, Alice flinched every time I touched it.


    Like she''s being tickled.


    She nced at me and handed me another note.


    [I''m sorry, but would you mind focusing on ss or doing something else? Stop touching the mirror. Please.]


    "...?"


    The request was quite questionable, but wouldn''t it be a good way to foster a rtionship by giving and receiving favors?


    I smiled and nodded.


    "Ahem. I have urgent business today, so we''ll end ss here. It''s okay to move around outside the ssroom, but please don''t make a lot of noise!"


    Wow! Are there any students who don''t like long recess times?


    I asked her if she wanted to go eat something delicious after school.


    "I''m sorry, but I don''t think I can. Ah, I''m not angry anymore, so don''t misunderstand."


    "I see. Okay... So, you know. Me and the others are going to gather and do necromancy together. Do you want toe too? We are a club that explores the supernatural and urban legends. If there''s nothing else to do, let''s do it together!"


    Alice seemed worried.


    I don''t want her to say no.


    I stared at her with sparkling eyes and put my hands together.


    She sighed and nodded.


    "...Okay. Instead, if you do something strange to me again, I will scold you guys."


    "Hehehe. Of course."


    I wrote down the things to do in my notebook. Then, without any sense of distance, I took Alice''s soft hand and led her to the club room.


    Kyeong-min and Suho camete after going to the bathroom... Eun-jeong isn''t here?


    "Suho, where is Eun-jeong?"


    "She''s watching Alice over there by the door."


    She really is.


    Her pigtails are slightly visible.


    After Alice''s scolding, Eun-jeong seemed to realize she went too far.


    "Eun-jeong! Alice isn''t angry anymore, soe out!"


    Eun-jeong stuck her head out and looked at Alice.


    Then she walked slowly and cautiously, ncing at us.


    Alice slowly closed her eyes and didn''t re at Eun-jeong, so she seemed to have taken this as a sign of reconciliation and stood next to her.


    "What are you going to do with necromancy?"


    "What we''re going to do today is mirror necromancy."


    "Mirror..."


    Alice: <em>''It''s a mirror. It''s dangerous near mirrors... But can something pop out of this small mirror? I might be able to do it, but I don''t know if he can do it too... If anything looks suspicious, I''ll destroy it.''</em><sup>2</sup>


    I left Alice, who was deep in thought, and turned off the lights in the room.


    Then I took out the candle I had prepared in advance and lit it.


    After that, I took out the ult supplies that I had purchased with the money me and the other members pooled up.


    "What is that?"


    "It''s a crystal ball we bought at an ult shop a while back. If you look closely, you can see the beach. Isn''t it amazing?"


    "What do you need it for?"


    "I just bought it because it was cheap. I put it here because I thought supernatural things might happen around supernatural things."


    Alice: <em>''...Then it''s not really an ult item.''</em>


    It seemed like Alice wanted to say something, but it was probably just my mood.


    I ignored it and chanted the spell.


    It''s amon spell floating around on the inte.


    But since there is nothing else besides this, there is nothing we can do.


    After reciting the spell, I looked in the mirror.


    "As expected, nothing happened."


    "How many times did we ever seed?"


    "None~"


    It was then.


    <strong>Music flowed from the crystal ball.</strong>


    "What is this?"


    The music echoed in my ears.


    It prated my mind and whispered to me.


    <em>Be honest.</em>


    Then, like an air bubble rising from the bottom of the sea, something inside me began to rise.


    "I don''t want to go to cram school!"


    "I want to be a tank in LoL, but it''s annoying when they tell me to be support!"


    "Eh~! I want to act silly! A bit more!"


    Kyeong-min, Suho, and Eun-jeong, respectively.


    ''Bubbles flooded my inner thoughts, and words poured out of my mouth.


    "I don''t want to be lonely anymore."


    Alice was hugged by Eun-jeong.


    Alice was notpletely unaffected by the music, either.


    She also tried to hug Eun-jeong with both arms, but then shook her head and threw the crystal ball out the window.


    There was a sound of something breaking, and my mind went nk.


    "...What just happened?"


    Just as Alice was about to say something to Suho''s mumbling.


    Alice''s cell phone rang.


    Beep...


    She took out her cell phone.


    Since I was right next to Alice, I saw the contents of the message. The contents were <em>The movement lines ovep exactly.</em> and <em>The guy suddenly stopped.</em>


    Who are they referring to?


    "..."


    A chill runs over my skin. I looked to the side. A man wearing a wooden mask and ck clothes was standing there.


    "A beautiful song awakens the mind, haa... Yes. People must be honest about their feelings. Even if it leads to destruction."


    The man spoke to me in a creepy voice.


    He pulled out a knife from somewhere.


    I realized he was something other than a ghost. I unconsciously took a step back.


    "Killing children is really fun."


    He trotted over.


    "Four people. Unfortunately, I don''t have time, so I''ll have to settle for just two people."


    "There are five people, mister."


    "...?"


    It''s Alice''s voice.


    The man looked towards Alice.


    He didn''t seem to have noticed her presence.


    Even though she was right next to him.


    "Rather than appearing inside the mirror like me, you have the ability to teleport around areas with mirrors. This is so unexpected. There was no point in paying attention to the mirrors in the first ce. That''s kind of annoying."


    "You..."


    "What? Are you going to run away?"


    The man swung his knife at Alice''s provocation.


    However, Alice was standing behind the man in the blink of an eye.


    "How?!"


    "I just moved quickly. Now, what is in front of your eyes?"


    A mirror... There was a full-length mirror in front of the man.


    "Mirror... Sounds familiar, right? To you and to me. So, for a special first time, I''ll show you around."


    <strong>[I''ll show you the world in the mirror.]</strong>


    Alice kicked the man with her thin leg.


    The man was unable to resist and was sucked into the mirror, and Alice followed him in.


    We couldn''t make sense of what had happened so quickly... But we couldn''t contain our growing curiosity, not knowing if it was the song''s effect that was still affecting us.


    We looked into the full-length mirror that suddenly appeared.


    The space reflected in the mirror was a different space than here.


    Ah.


    There, Alice walked towards the man.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    "Shit. Damn Workshop... They had never said anything about this!"


    A petty thief who stole property from the Institution.


    The psychic Jin Myung Suk cursed.


    He only entered a mirror, but a different world unfolded.


    Although the environment was simr to the original, if you looked a little closer, you could see that this world was a crazy ce.


    "The Workshop? So you came from there? Or maybe you received a request. Well, it doesn''t matter. Either way, I will hand you over to the Institution."


    Alice walked lightly and stood in front of the man.


    The man realized that this girl was the master of this world.


    He didn''t know what the girl could do to manipte this space, but he wouldn''t be caught so easily.


    "If you think I will be caught that easily, you are mistaken."


    The man took something out of his chest. It was three wooden dolls.


    "Is that something you got from the Workshop?"


    Alice showed interest in the three wooden dolls the man brought out.


    "No, it''s stolen goods."


    "You''re really crazy."


    Alice shook her head as if she were fed up. The man cut his own skin with his knife, bled, and sprinkled his blood on the dolls.


    Then the wooden dolls rattled and grew in size, bing about 1.5 timesrger than adults, and chainsaws grew from their hands.


    Iron and wood.


    Alice has a feeling of dj vu. She saw something simr among the Institution''s istes. It seems like it was made in the same ce.


    Creak- Squeak-


    The man, now with strong wooden dolls as allies, smiled. Alice just had an expressionless expression.


    Alice asked a question to the man who looked triumphant.


    "Mister. Do you think you are a viin?"


    It was a fairly unexpected question, but the man seemed familiar with it.


    Because it was something he asked himself endlessly. The answer was always the same with his self-rationalization.


    "Viin? No! I''m just being honest. You only get to live once, so you have to live ording to your own will. What''s wrong with pursuing pleasure? If I''m doing anything bad, it''s Gods fault who made me born like this."


    "So you think you''re not a viin."


    Alice nodded her head, but she didn''t look convinced. It just looked like she expected this answer.


    "..."


    "Well, that''s fine, because different people think differently. But it doesn''t really matter what you think in the end, because you''re not the one judging the wicked on stage, the audience is."


    The man couldn''t understand Alice''s words.


    "What on earth are you talking about?"


    "A disgustingly evil person cannot be the main character."


    If there was a stage like that, the audience would boo.


    An unpopr y eventually loses its reason for existing.


    That''s why the criminal in front of her doesn''t even get a chance to try an adventure.


    So.


    "You need to rot and stay in a corner of the stage."


    "What?"


    A de was thrown from somewhere.


    It was as fast as a bullet, but the high-performance wooden dolls of the Workshop narrowly avoided it.


    Then they spun their chainsaws even more menacingly.


    "It''s a strange world inside the mirror. No matter what happens, nothing is considered strange... Ah. It''s a strange world, but nothing is strange. Funny pun, right?"


    Alice smiles. A monster armed with a knife appeared behind her.


    "Knife monster... Is it you again? If you only eat iron, it won''t be good for your health."


    The monster of the fear of kitchen knives expressed denial by shaking his head.


    Then the monster rushed towards the wooden dolls, aiming for their iron chainsaws.


    The three wooden dolls faced the knife monster and showed their strength to not be defeated.


    But that''s it.


    There are more than just the knife monster in this world.


    Step. Step


    One by one, the creatures came, screeching, their bodies partly made of iron. Needles. Knives. Spears. And so on... Beyond that, a monster of fire puffed up its great body to melt iron, and from another ce, a monster of tetanus rushed for rust.


    "The damn ability doesn''t work!"


    The man, who knew he had no chance of winning and tried to escape, realized that his ability would not activate.


    Of course it didn''t.


    The ability was to teleport around a mirror, but this ce was inside one.


    Finding the coordinates would be difficult.


    Alice kicked the man''s leg and broke it before the monsters killed him.


    "Argh!! Ah!!!"


    "Noisy. Be thankful that it ends like this. I also noticed this recently. <strong>There''s a powerful monster sleeping here that even I can''t bring out unless I meet the conditions.</strong> Please don''t wake him up for no reason."


    "This is way above the agreement... Pinhio... You son of a bitch!"


    Alice tried to find a way to silence the man''s noisy mouth.


    It''s better if he can''t use his abilities.


    As she looked around to see if she could find anything good, she realized that there was a strange guy with bloodshot eyes and a bushy beard next to her.


    "Ah. You came at the right time, Sandman. Please make him sleep while we''re here."


    Sandman red at Alice. He seemed dissatisfied.


    "I know, it was loud, right? Just make this guy sleep, and I''ll go."


    Sandman is a sleep fairy. He sprinkled sleeping sand into the man''s eyes and put him to sleep.


    Alice had no right to judge this wicked man''s sins, so she decided to hand him over to the Institution. She had promised them, too.


    When Alice came out of the mirror, she had to face the shocked gaze of the club members.


    "..."


    "Awesome! So awesome! Alice, what on earth are you?"


    "You saved us...? As expected, Alice is the Alice from the ghost story!"


    Ha-rim and the children, filled with excitement, bombarded Alice with questions, but Alice only made a sad expression.


    At this moment, only Shin Ha-rim noticed it and wondered about it.


    "...Please erase it."


    From the mirror appeared the giant face of an old man with tears in his eyes.


    It''s the monster of forgetting. The children''s memories were erased again.


    "Erasing your memories with my own hands doesn''t feel good either... To what extent has it been erased?"


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    Alice continued to sleep.


    She really sleeps a lot.


    She slept until the end of the day.


    I drew my attention from the sleeping Alice and took out my to-do list to write down.


    [To-do list.]


    ...


    13. Go for mirror necromancy with Alice.


    ...


    "When did I write this...?"


    I had already finished the mirror necromancy with the club members. Did I make a mistake?


    I don''t know.


    After about 10 minutes, I woke Alice up. She woke up from her sleep and rubbed her eyes. I then said to her.


    "I''m sorry for troubling you... I''ll buy you something delicious as an apology, so why don''t youe with me?"


    <em>So to that extent</em> Alice said.


    I couldn''t understand what she meant, but I guess it was fine because Alice said it was nothing.


    I gathered the club members and took Alice to a snack bar that we often go to.


    Alice found Tteokbokki spicy, but she didn''t seem to hate it.


    I''ll take her here a lot in the future.


    Alice is an unusual girl.


    I''m sure if we be friends, every day will be exciting!

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Creak. Rattle. nk. The sound of iron gears and wood creaking.


    In a room filled with such sounds, someone stops while trying to use the wrench in their hand.


    "The petty thief... I guess he failed. I thought the Institution guys wouldn''t have the strength to deal with Rulers, but things don''t always work out that easily. It would be nice if things were resolved as easily as a screw."


    <em>''I turned a blind eye to the theft of the dolls, but I only suffered a loss. This is why people who only believe in anomalous abilities...''</em>


    Wooden hands and rolling prosthetic eyes. A mechanical device that reced internal organs. Even at first nce, they weren''t human.


    They talk to themselves with their creaking mouth.


    The asional malfunctioning mouth was something they couldn''t fix.


    "It''s good for me and humanity too that the Institution is alive and well. Thanks to that, there are no interruptions when I''m working... Ah, after all, peace is the best."


    <em>''It''s a pity that I couldn''t get the necessary ingredients...''


    </em>


    The item they were trying to obtain from the Institution was a golden cog.


    It is one of the essential items to strengthen their power and deal with uing threats.


    One day, they will obtain all the ingredients and fulfill their wish. For that to happen, it is best not to be disturbed.


    Whether it''s the Institution or another organization.


    "But... It will be soon. Instead of gears, you can hear the unpleasant whirring sound of metal. The first of the Rulers will appear, a selfish machine god, intent on breaking through the Institution''s shallow defense and taking control. That''s annoying..."


    <strong>POV Switch - E</strong>


    <em>''I''m bored. Because of the cognitive impairment device, the only kids who talk to me are Ha-rim''s group. And if we talk face-to-face, they will recognize me to some extent.''</em>


    If it''s just my face, they wont recognize me, but if I get too close, it''s still a problem.


    Moreover, if I don''t talk to them from time to time, they will be distant again and forget my existence.


    "What are you thinking, Alice?"


    Ha-rim approached me as I sat nkly. I came up with a suitable answer.


    "I was thinking that I didn''t want to think about anything."


    "You said something profound."


    Ha-rim responded to my answer by saying that she did that too sometimes andughed.


    She seemed to notice that I was bored, which is probably a luxury I don''t like to admit to myself.


    After thinking about it for a while, she told me her own way to ease boredom.


    "Hmm... Sometimes when I''m bored, I look around. For example, see those unimed scissors sitting on that desk?"


    I looked at the scissors that Ha-rim pointed to with her finger.


    These are scissors with nothing special about them.


    "If you keep them with you, it could be helpful when you need something sharp. Sometimes you can open a locked bathroom door with it."


    Open a locked bathroom door. I didn''t even think about it.


    I didn''t bother to ask how that was feasible.


    Ha-rim continued.


    "You can''t see it from here, but there''s hand sanitizer in the restroom. If I spray that on me, I can slip away when someonees to get me, right?"


    "That''s a creative idea."


    Not soap, but hand sanitizer.


    Yes, that would be slippery too.


    It was obvious, but I didn''t think about it either.


    When ites to ideas, Ha-rim is better than me.


    "And most of all, look at all the bags and old clothes left on the yground! Don''t you want to look through them? You might find something useful!"


    "No... You''re the only one who wants to go looking through trash cans or leftover bags on the street..."


    "Eh? Really?"


    "Yeah. Really."


    This kid still lives with the feeling of being the main character in the game and interacting with all the interest points.


    In fact, hadnt she already researched everything about the school?


    Of course, she would have refrained from going through someone else''s desk because she would be used of being a thief.


    It feels like she knows where all the loopholes are.


    "Hmm... If you''re tired of looking at things, look at the students in our ss. Do you see them over there? There''s a rumor going around that they''re dating."


    Ha-rim pointed at the young couple chatting sweetly in the hallway.


    I was shocked by that.


    "Are they already dating the opposite sex?"


    "Already. It''s normal."


    "Is it... ?"


    I showed my doubt. Ha-rim took that as a sign of interest.


    She started asking me questions about dating.


    "Alice, are you interested in dating too? Is there a boy you like?"


    "Well..."


    A boy. I was originally a man. So, seeing men as members of the opposite sex... Honestly, I couldn''t help but feel repulsed.


    However, it was amusing to tease Suho and Kyeong-min using the fact that my body was female.


    ...Now that I thought about it, I did feel quite a bit like a woman.


    Yet, somehow, loving a woman feels oddly unsettling.


    There was a feeling of reluctance and resistance to doing this and that.


    It''s confusing to think about gender identity at this age.


    "Was it a sensitive question?"


    As my worries grow longer, Ha-rim asks me.


    "What do you mean?"


    "I learned in ss that there is diversity in love and that we must respect it... But in reality, when you are in the minority, it is difficult to easily reveal your true feelings, and there is no good in saying it, right?"


    I thought Ha-rim had be an ethics teacher for a moment.


    She was so serious in exining things clearly and coherently that it embarrassed me.


    Before she could say anything more, I cut off the conversation.


    "Wait! Can you stop being so profound all of a sudden?! Even if you tell me that, I''m not particrly interested in dating!"


    "Honestly, me neither. But I do have an ideal type. I like someone who stays with me all the time! It''d be better if they''re a good person. I think it''s even better if they''re fun too."


    "Umm... I."


    They said lovees in many forms, right?


    Maybe I was thinking of it as too physical.


    In my head, I imagined someone making a sincere confession that they loved me.


    The other person may be male or female, young or old.


    I came to a conclusion.


    "... Honestly, if someone says they love me, I don''t think anyone could deny it. What can I say... I feel like I can''t reject it?"


    Is it a little strange? I waited for Ha-rim''s reaction.


    She smiled bitterly at me and said.


    "I read in a book that women who are too easy are not attractive!"


    "What books have you been reading?"


    I couldn''t help but retort.


    Ha-rim added that I sounded like an old man.


    Once again, when one topic ended, she moved on to the next one.


    ss is starting soon, so this should be thest topic.


    She pointed to a boy dressed in ck and wearing a hoodie in the corner of our ss.


    "Let''s see... How about the guy over there who watches anime during break time?"


    "Huh?"


    "I once saw him watching an anime called ''Card King Earth'' when I was bored. Was his name Yong Tak-gu? Let''s go ask him what anime he was watching."<sup>1</sup>


    "Wait a minute. That''s not possible. It''s really not."


    "Why?"


    <em>''There''s definitely a reason he''s watching it while alone!''</em>


    "He may be timid and delicate, so I''ll go alone and ask him."


    If you''re watching an anime and the bubbly girl in your ss asks you what you''re watching, you''re probably going to be embarrassed.


    You''re most likely going to think, <em>Uh, what? This is a little awkward.</em>


    Not that I would ever know.


    Because no one else had approached me except for the Senior.


    As a former loner, I feel like I could empathize.


    "Hey... Do you mind if I ask what you''re watching?"


    I asked as discreetly as I could.


    "Uh, what? This is a little awkward."


    A sense of betrayal creeps into my heart.


    But I apologized without a hint of annoyance.


    "Uh... Um... Sorry I interrupted you. I was just curious."


    "Well, let me show you a little bit then. It''s not really an anime."


    His demeanor changed.


    He realized that he wasn''t the one to be judged.


    Loners are naturally paranoid.


    I can''t believe I didn''t take that into consideration.


    "Oh, it''s a virtual YouTuber."


    "Do you know them?"


    "I know. I watch a lot of game livestreams. Streamers are changing a lot these days."


    The 2D character is moving around while ying the game.


    This person is a virtual YouTuber.


    A way to make it more fun is to slightly break down the boundary between 2D and reality by broadcasting while acting as a cute anime character.


    "This is a Monster Hunter series game, right? It was released a while ago."


    "So you know? It was first released overseas."


    "Well, I''ve been waiting for the Korean version of the game since I''ve watched the foreign livestreams."


    I continued talking excitedly with him for about 5 minutes.


    At this time, I realized that Ha-rim was looking at my back with a dissatisfied expression.


    "...Alice... You''re having fun without me..."


    "Oh. I''m sorry!"


    "Uh... Um..."


    "It was fun. Let''s talk next time."


    "O... Okay."


    Ha-rim and I returned to our seats. Tak-gu put his hoodie back on and started looking at his phone.


    [Where are you looking? If you are my fan, watch my broadcast! I don''t like you flirting with that girl!]


    "I''m... I''m sorry, Lost."


    Before I knew it, ss was over and I was on my way home from school.


    Originally, I should have avoided getting too close, but the other kids had work to do and quickly returned home, so I didn''t want to leave Ha-rim alone.


    While this was happening, I asked her about what bothered me.


    "Ah, Ha-rim, didn''t you buy something like a crystal ball at an ult shop before?"


    "Oh, that''s right! I bought it, but I think I dropped it while ying near the window. When I looked for it, it was broken outside the club room window. But how did you know?"


    "It''s just. When you think of ult items, it has to be a crystal ball."


    "As expected! Alice thinks so too, right?"


    I can clearly see what kind of thinking process she and the children went through when they bought it.


    That crystal ball. There was clearly an anomalous power.


    A strange song came from the crystal ball.


    The singing voice had an effect even on me, who probably has a higher resistance than normal humans. It must have been the product of quite a strong being.


    I should ask James to reinvestigate the ult shop and collect the broken crystal ballter.


    "I see. Was there anything suspicious about that crystal ball?"


    Ha-rim thought lightly at my question.


    "Well... When I fell asleep with it, I had a strange dream."


    "What dream?"


    "Something like... I felt like I was at an idol concert?"


    "Eh?"


    "That''s all."


    Come to think of it, the music ying felt like a pop song.


    Step, step.


    Today, the other kids went first because they had stuff to do, so it''s easy for silence to set in when one of two people stops talking.


    The fact that it was us two was enough to make each other chatter, though.


    I thought out topics of conversation in my head.


    Then, unconsciously, one particr topic came out of my mouth.


    "Ha-rim, you like the ult. What would you think if there were a lot of abnormal things like ghosts around you?"


    "That might be fun?"


    "Even if it''s bigger and more dangerous than you imagined?"


    "For example?"


    "For example... A monster bigger than a mountain watching us from the clouds in the sky?"


    "That''s scary..."


    I guess so too.


    I wondered how she would react if she found out that this world was simr to the supernatural world she fell into before.


    Would she despair? Would she start crying? I have to protect them so that that doesn''t happen.


    As I was rubbing my chin and worrying, Ha-rim also rubbed her chin and frowned.


    Am I making that kind of face?


    Ha-rim, too engrossed in rubbing her chin, couldn''t see ahead. So it was quite inevitable that she would bump into someone blocking the path.


    "Ah! I''m sorry."


    "..."


    Ha-rim and I looked up.


    He''s taller than us. Three boys who looked to be in their third year of middle school were blocking the road.


    "Hey, what is this? A wallet just happened to be here."


    "What?"


    From the first word, I recognized the clichd tone of their voice.


    "My brothers and I need some money for cigarettes, can you give me your wallet?"


    It feels fresh.


    Even though I''ve met murderous monsters, it''s been a long time since I''ve seen a middle school student try to rip me off.


    The memory of being robbed of money when I was a grown manes back to me like a shback.


    "...I don''t want to..."


    Ha-rim hesitates and expresses her refusal.


    "Just do me a favor, hmm? Give it to me before you get your ass kicked and cry."


    "Hey, hey, hey, even I feel like crying if you do that."


    "Damn, you two are such assholes. Pfft."


    The gangsters are giggling amongst themselves.


    Since they have no respect for the other person and are only thinking about taking our money, they let their guard down and they say whateveres to mind.


    I''ve experienced this before, but the curiosity in my mind is preventing me from moving my mouth and hand.


    "Yes, I will give it to you."


    Ha-rim puts her hand on her pocket.


    I was thinking of stopping her and scolding the bullies. And then paused for a moment.


    ...Is this something I should do?


    This is not an insurmountable situation.


    We can get away without a problem by just handing over our wallet and putting the money in Ha-rim''s walletter.


    It''s not a dangerous situation.


    It''s just a small event in everyday life. Even if you get hurt, you won''t die.


    I didn''t want to show my strength and make her feel ufortable about me again.


    I watched Ha-rim as she was pulling her wallet out of her backpack.


    ...And what she took out was not a wallet, but an insect repellent spray.


    She took advantage of theirck of attention and sprayed it into the eyes of the person in front.


    The gangster''s screams rang out and Ha-rim grabbed my hand.


    "Hey! Alice, let''s run away!"


    "Uh, yes!"


    I ran after her.


    I could run faster, but I didn''t necessarily need to overtake her.


    "Fucking hell!"


    The gangster who got hit by the spray chased after us, swearing.


    Including the two people next to him, there were a total of three people chasing two female elementary school students.


    To be honest, there is a difference in speed and it is difficult to win by force.


    Is Ha-rim afraid? I looked at her expression.


    ...She has a serious expression.


    "Turn to the right and go up the slide!"


    As soon as I turned right, I saw an old yground.


    I climbed up the steep slide along her.


    It was old, so it was less slippery.


    We arrived at the second floor of a castle-like structure built for children to y.


    Ha-rim kicked the gangster who followed us.


    But the other two who climbed up the stairs rushed at us.


    At this moment, Ha-rim hit the floor and broke it!


    We fell to the ground.


    I was shocked that she had the strength to break the floor.


    "Woah!"


    While I was surprised, she smiled and ran again.


    "The rides at this yground have been degraded for a long time! Even the signs say there''s a risk of falling because they''re cracked!"


    Even so, no one knew if it would break at once.


    Right behind us, the gangster who had been kicked by Ha-rim and slipped, gave chase again.


    Ha-rim took something out of her bag and threw it with great concentration, as if trying to time it.


    It was a hard, round baseball.


    Just as the bully''s foot touched the ground, the baseball got stuck between the sand and his foot, and he fell.


    "Urgh! My ankle!"


    "Sorry, it was intentional!"


    One person was eliminated, so there are now two.


    The two of them were so angry that they didn''t have any rationality left.


    "You better run! If you get caught, you''re dead!"


    On that side, there are middle school students.


    On this side, there are elementary school students (except me!). The running speed difference is clear.


    Even though Ha-rim is fast, the other side is faster.


    It''s not surprising, since gangsters often y sports.


    Ha-rim took a deep breath as if she had made a big decision.


    "... I''m so sorry, but please have courage, Alice!"


    "What?!"


    Shockingly, after calcting the timing for a moment, Ha-rim turned and jumped into the path of a passing car on the side of the road.


    And on a pretty wide road!


    With perfect timing, she seeded in avoiding all of the honking cars without stopping and crossing the road.


    I started to sweat.


    I''m afraid that Ha-rim will die, not me!


    <em>''Ha-rim. The calction of car speed is perfect. Are you really an elementary school student?! Even if you are bold, you are too bold!''</em>


    She runs calmly while apologizing to the drivers.


    I''ve known for a long time that she''s not normal, but she always breaksmon sense.


    We stopped on a street between buildings a few momentster, and the lone gangster behind us gasped, having separated from the other two.


    "Wow. Holy shit. You''re pretty good, I admit. But that''s it."


    Ha-rim found a long stick in the trash can and pointed it at the gangster.


    "Ha! You want to fight? That''s ridiculous."


    The bully ran towards her.


    Unlike the excited bully, Ha-rim was frighteningly calm.


    I saw her eyes moving really fast.


    My guess is that what Ha-rim nced at was his shoulder, arm, and the other person''s gaze.


    She easily dodged the bully''s fist and struck his head and stomach in a series of motions.


    "Argh!"


    And I sprayed the crouching bully''s eyes with the spray Ha-rim lent me.


    She continued to hit the feet and legs of the bully who was rolling on the floor.


    She was thinking of causing pain in his legs so he wouldn''t be able to chase us.


    Honestly, it''s a scary idea.


    If Ha-rim had been a little more scary, I think she would have shed his ankles.


    "You idiot! Why are you getting hit!"


    "Urgh..."


    The other bullies who arrivedter scolded him.


    I wondered if it was the beginning of another chase, but I only shook my head at the persistence of the thugs and felt no tension.


    "...Officer~"


    "Huh? What is it?"


    There was a police officer directing traffic across the road.


    This is a police officer whom Ha-rim sometimes greeted because it was close to the way home from school.


    Ha-rim had deliberately walked towards him.


    "They asked me to give them money, and they told me not to tell the police, but they looked suspicious... Is it okay to give them money?"


    "...You three, follow me."


    The situation is over.


    Ha-rim smiled brightly while wiping away the sweat she had shed while running.


    "Hehe... That was close."


    "Lies..."


    She was full of leisure.


    After all, the main character is the main character.


    Ha-rim stretched out her arms as if she felt refreshed.


    And she spoke as if she had remembered something.


    "That''s right. The topic we just talked about. I didn''t answer properly, did I?"


    "Huh? Ah, that''s right. So much happened in the meantime."


    "Well... No matter how much I like the ult, I don''t think a world full of scary things is a good ce, even more if they are just out there running around and terrorizing my friends."


    "I guess so... Right?"


    "Yeah. But it''s inevitable that they are going to run into something and have to either run away or fight, but it''s weird that I get to decide that."


    I nodded. The thing named trial wasn''t always predictable.


    It''s not like she can handle it every time.


    "Yeah, I guess we don''t have a choice."


    "I don''t want a world where scary things roam around. But if I were in that world, I would try to ovee the scary things. If I try and work hard, I might be able to ovee anything. Like we did just now!"


    Ha-rim was always like that. She never gave up, and even in the original game, she was the one who refused to give up on life until she was given the worst ending possible.


    "And when I did it, it felt really good, like a feeling of being saved."


    "Yeah, you were amazing."


    "Me? Alice was there too."


    "Huh? I guess so."


    In the end, it''s no different from doing it alone. But I couldn''t predict what Ha-rim was going to say.


    "It became even more special because I was with Alice. The bad guys were scary, but the chase became a fun memory for me and Alice... And Alice even smiled!"


    "Smiling? Me?"


    "Yeah! I just saw Alice smile brightly for the first time. If there''s a reward for doing your best, it''s Alice smiling at you, right? If Alice smiles, I might enjoy a few more chases."


    Ha-rim is happy.


    As I was admiring Ha-rim''s smile, a thought suddenly urred to me.


    Had Ie forward to intervene, she wouldn''t have had any fun.


    Keeping the children away from danger and ensuring their safety.


    Keeping scary monsters away from the kids and if they meet any, erase their memories so they can return to their daily lives.


    At first nce, that seems correct.


    Children are precious and must be protected.


    ...But didn''t I rob the children of their adventure?


    Haven''t I taken away their joy in exchange for seeking safety instead of adventure?


    Even if what I erased was a minor incident, even if it was the Institution that erased the memories of that ce full of the supernatural that was the game stage.


    I thought it was the right thing.


    Is this really right?


    "I..."


    Something fundamental inside me was shaken.


    My power bes unstable and ripples.


    Alice who prevents adventures from happening is not Alice.


    "Ah. There''s a food stall over there. Let''s have some snacks!"


    Ha-rim said as we stopped at a passing stall. She took my hand and led me once again.


    I surrendered to the hand, and in doing so, the ripples were calmed.


    "...Sure."

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    After parting ways with Ha-rim, I got into a in ck car.


    The car was old in some ways but also seemed somewhat new.


    It was a car favored by personnel belonging to the Institution, and even though it looked like this, it was resistant to things like bombs and bullets.


    "Hey~ It''s been a while since Ist saw you, right Alice?"


    The woman driving was Carol.


    Sitting next to her is James.


    Aside from James, I don''t know why she, a high-ranking woman, is bothering to give me a ride and move around with me.


    That''s why I looked at Carol with a questioning expression.


    Carol looked at me in the rear-view mirror and smiled brightly.


    "It feels nice taking responsibility for sending our cute Alice home from school... I feel like a mom."


    "That''s all?"


    "That''s all! Or so I''d like to say, but people we shouldn''t get in touch with are walking close by."


    Is it an anomalous object again?


    Why do so many things appear in this area?


    Surprisingly, they dont seem to be targeting children.


    I thought they were bound to be involved in something as the main characters in a horror game, but I guess that''s not the case.


    I guess the Institution is going to ask me to take care of it.


    "Should I take care of it? I wouldn''t necessarily kill them if they''re human."


    "No."


    But Carol''s answer was surprising.


    "We just need to pass by safely."


    She said earlier that there are people walking around that we shouldn''t be associated with, but are they really that dangerous?


    It''s quite serious.


    I slowly looked at the monsters in the mirror.


    Which monster can be brought out now and has the most powerful destructive power without us getting caught up in the fight?


    The Beast of Gvaudan? Slenderman?... Or maybe...


    Is it because I was concentrating?


    My aura came out just a little.


    Carol opened her eyes wide and spoke to me.


    "Ah, I know what kind of misunderstanding you''re having. It''s not that, so rx a little."


    Carol''s words could not continue.


    This is because the vehicle flipped over due to an unexpected attack from an enemy.


    "Kyaaa!"


    "Tsk..."


    The car rolled over with a dull impact sound and only stopped after destroying the entrance of a building.


    No matter how solid the car is, it seems that it can still flip over like a turtle.


    I checked for the attacker outside the cracked window.


    It has a cylindrical face like a hammer and a rtively long and slender body.


    And it had strong arms and legs to support that heavy head.


    ...I feel a simr kind of power that I felt from the wolfst time.


    Carol said that the wolf was derived from a devil, right? The code was also D.


    I asked Carol, who was still in shock.


    "Is that... A devil?"


    "Urgh!"


    "..."


    It wasn''t a shocked gasp, it was just that with the car suddenly rolling, she got motion sickness.


    James threw a stic bag to Carol and then answered for her.


    "That''s right. Would you mind waiting a moment? I''ll keep it in check with my weapon."


    "There''s no need for that. He doesn''t look that strong."


    The energy level I felt was simr to that of the wolf back then. The Beast of Gvaudan can take care of it.


    "We didn''t mean that! Never use your power, never!"


    "Wait?! Can you wipe your vomit off your mouth first before facing me?!"


    I was embarrassed by Carol''s aggressive persuasion and stopped using my power.


    James grabbed the two of us with the strength of an adult man and escaped from the car.


    "You two, don''t even think about making a fuss, just leave the ce for now."


    As soon as we left, our car was crushed in the middle and exploded.


    There was a dent, as if something sharp had been driven into it.


    An <em>awl</em>?


    "I guess it''s not just one."


    Then, from behind us as we fled, we heard pping sounds.


    It had wings, a long and straight body, and a pointed head. Like an owl...!


    When the hammer monster struck the awl monster, the resulting shock wave surged towards us.


    Sensing an intangible energy, I signaled to James.


    James threw Carol away <em>"Hey! That''s too much!"</em> and used his gloves with their own anomalous properties to cancel out the attack.


    That''s strange. The monsters have quite a bit of power.


    However, their aura smells like small fry...


    "Is it a case where they evolve because their appearance satisfies the <em>context</em>? You said there are cases where those who were monsters evolve."


    "You have a good memory. You''re probably right."


    "Hmm. Maybe that''s why they didn''t talk to me earlier."


    Tsk. They can''t speak because they''re a lesser devil. Then what is the difference between them and the widespread anomalous monsters?


    I sighed without hiding my disappointment.


    I was curious about other demons.


    Bang!


    James fired, aiming for the devil''s eye.


    The demons hesitated, unable to attack easily.


    I don''t know why he''s doing that when I could easily take care of them.


    "Help will arrive soon, so act as naturally as possible."


    Natural behavior? When supportes, it means you are an ally.


    Why would he think I''d be nervous?


    The doubts did notst as long as expected.


    I witnessed an arrow filled with holy power flying from afar.


    It reminded me of Mary''s cross that I saw before.


    And Maria''s affiliation was... The Cathedral.


    "Kyaaaak!"


    The fluttering Awl Demon was hit by an arrow and fell.


    I''m guessing it''s hurting like hell, judging by the way it yelped and the smell of grilling meat.


    I think I understand why James told me not to be nervous.


    Anyone who uses divine power would be theplete opposite of me.


    "Kuooo..."


    As the awl demon struggled and died, the hammer demon broke the wall and tried to escape.


    However, when another man dressed as a priest came out of the alley and held up a cross, the devil lost his way of escape and was soon killed by an arrow flying from behind.


    ...I''m scared because I''m a devil too.


    "Cathedral... Is it?"


    "Yes."


    One of the priests who found us, a man with a bow, approached us. Probably the leader.


    James hid me behind him and responded to the man''s reply.


    "Thank you for your assistance. I''m the Institution''s agent, James."


    "The grace of the Lord is avable to everyone. I''m Arch-priest Ginus. Are you both safe?"


    A man with a kind expression.


    However, sparse scars were visible on his face and neck.


    He smells like a veteran who has battled devils before.


    Because he was so tall, he didn''t notice me because of my height and was focused on Carol and James.


    Then, after a while, he blinked as if he had noticed me.


    "There were three of you. Are you hurt?"


    He held out his hand to me. I didnt get hurt, but he was offering me his hand.


    I was skeptical, but I tried to hold it.


    "Thanks."


    "!"


    But then Carol took his hand first.


    Carol, who had been rolling around on the floor, was gone, and only Carol, who was very serious, was standing there.


    "I see. So even the Institution sometimes falls into crisis. Be thankful for God''s care."


    "Thank you. I will provide you with a small amount ofpensation for this workter."


    "I''m not asking for anything in return, but I would be grateful if you could help uster. Oh, and."


    The man''s eyes turned to me. Sharp eyes. He''s analyzing me.


    I am a devil. He''s a priest.


    It was clear that if my identity was revealed, I would be in a very, very troublesome situation.


    I tried not to swallow and to keep myposure.


    "I think the kid is scared. Can I have a word with her?"


    But I''m not even shaking...


    <em>''Wait, isn''t it more suspicious if I don''t act scared?''</em>


    Did that guy suspect my identity from my attitude?


    While I was thinking that, Carol came in front of me and blocked my path.


    "This child isn''t scared because she also has anomalous powers, so herbat abilities are strong as a <em>person</em>. We''re in the process of transferring her, so please avoid contact."


    Carol''s spirit is undeterred by the veteran priest''s sharp eyes.


    I realized that she deserved her high status.


    "On that note, your organization sometimes mistakes devils for anomalies. I know that in your eyes, devils and anomalies are simr, but they are distinctly different. They are enemies that must be exterminated."


    "Aha. So, you''re saying you want to contact this child and see if she''s a devil?"


    "All it takes is a handshake."


    Carol responds coldly to the man, who smiles kindly at her and makes a suggestion.


    "It can''t be done."


    "..."


    "Do you know why this girl wasn''t apanied by other agents? It''s because she''s unstable. Unless its someone as close as me and James, her abilities easily get out of control."


    "Out of control?"


    Of course, she''s lying. Carol is trying to y it cool by lying without even batting an eye.


    However, there were things in the Institution that could actually cause a catastrophe if handled incorrectly, and things that had bizarre quarantine rules.


    An ideal where anomalous entities and devils coexist.


    The Cathedral understands howplicated it is, so they cannot openly doubt Carol''s words.


    "Yes. She may run out of control. That''s why we took the risk and didn''t use unfamiliar agents. This girl is fearless, but that doesn''t mean she doesn''t have an unstable mind, so don''t judge her by her looks."


    "I know what I''m talking about when ites to <em>devils</em>, and the more special they are, the more likely they are one."


    "And I know what I''m talking about when ites to <em>anomalous objects</em>. For example, this pen, which is not that destructive but can modify phenomena at will."


    Carol picked up her pen. It began to emit a mysterious light.


    It is an incredible ability to correct a phenomenon.


    "What would happen if you turned the wind into fire and made the sound of a heartbeat silent with this?"


    As she said that, the man was speechless. Carol spoke quietly to the man.


    "I''d like you to step aside."


    "...I see your point."


    The man stepped away.


    Only after the man was out of sight and she had walked around a couple times to make sure there was no surveince around did Carol rx.


    "I almost got in big trouble. Urgh, I''m tired."


    Quickly shedding her dignified appearance, Carol began to whine.


    She clung to me and spoke nonsense, telling me to give her a kiss for being strong, so I hit her.


    James apuded and praised Carol.


    "You have charisma befitting your position, Director Carol."


    "Thanks, but if you throw me again, I won''t forgive you. I''ll be upset for a week."


    She''s got a backbone.


    I became interested in the pen that Carol had.


    Everyone will want a useful tool like this.


    The power to modify reality. Who could have that kind of thing?


    "Did that pen have such terrifying powers?"


    But Carol shook her head.


    "No, I''m just bluffing. Now look, it''s just writing in the air."


    "What, really? I kinda want it."


    ...


    I was rolling around in the istion room of the Institution after I returned from school.


    Now, here feels like home.


    It''s actually not shabby, and the room is spacious.


    As I was lying down and fiddling with my phone, James opened the door and came in.


    "Is school life fun?"


    "It was nice and reminded me of the old days."


    I nodded.


    It wasn''t very boring, and I also thought that living only in the istion room wasn''t good.


    "I guess sleeping was part of the old days, too."


    "Ahaha..."


    Urgh. Did you even watch me sleep during ss? I smiled sheepishly.


    "It seems like you are close to those kids."


    James said this while drinking the coffee he brought when he came in.


    I take the drink from James'' other hand.


    Cocoa. We took a sip and continued our conversation.


    "I''m trying to control myself as much as possible, but when those kids ask me to join them, it''s hard for me to refuse. Especially Ha-rim. Haa... Why am I so indecisive? I need to control myself."


    "Why do you think you need to restrain yourself? Other than because of the Institution''s regtions?"


    What do you mean by excluding the Institution''s regtions? Is that still okay? I came up with a reason in my head.


    "Those kids might get in danger. They have the right to live safely in their normal daily lives."


    There are probably a lot of things in this world that I don''t know.


    It''s difficult to deal with it like a game, and even harder to predict.


    It would be very sad to lose a friend in vain due to an idental trap along the way.


    "That''s right. But as an adult, I want to give you this advice."


    "Advice?"


    "Just... Follow your heart."


    "..."


    This is simr to what he saidst time, that it''s okay to be a fool sometimes.


    James also added that it would be better to be myself, even if it means being a fool.


    "We feel bored in everyday life. That''s why we go on thrill rides or y survival games where we shoot fake guns to experience something new. When in reality, few of us would be able to handle the real thing."


    "What do you want to say?"


    "Well, it''s not that big of a deal. If the kids enjoy watching scary things, I think it''s okay to let them experience it just enough to have fun. Isn''t it human to pursue the extraordinary on a daily basis?"


    I responded to James'' tant remarks that disregarded the Institution''s rules.


    "Are you telling me not to erase their memories? I''m really worried about whether it''s okay for an Institution agent to say something like that. There might be a voice recording device here."


    "It''s okay. Even Director Carol can''t hear the conversation here. She designed it that way."


    "And I never said not to erase memories. However, I am also human, so it might be difficult to check each and every one. And... The Institution is not so strict that it can control every supernatural phenomena."


    James finishes what he has to say and goes back to his work.


    I looked at his back and theny down again, my worries deepening.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    James came out of the istion room and ran into Director Carol in the hallway. She spoke with a bright smile.


    "Did the story end well? I''m d you''re a good adult for Alice, because she gets lonelier than she looks."


    "Did you hear everything?"


    "No! But I have a rough guess... <strong>Please continue to do so in the future.</strong>"


    Carol passed James.


    James looked at her like that and muttered to himself.


    "...I can''t see what is inside."


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    When I turned on my smartphone to y a game, I was surprised to receive a call from an unknown number.


    This cell phone was made for nominal purposes only, so I never gave the phone number to anyone.


    I answered the phone, wondering if it was spam.


    "...Hello."


    "Hello Alice!"


    It''s Ha-rim''s voice. How did she get my number?


    "How did you get my phone number?"


    "It was written in the principal''s phone book."


    What she''s saying is that she sneaked into the principal''s office and took my number.


    Hey! Do not view other people''s personal information with the sense of examining a point of interest!


    Ha-rim is a good girl, but sometimes she acts outside ofmon sense.


    I didn''t bother to argue.


    "Okay. What''s going on?"


    "Kyeong-min has been acting strange, so I was wondering if there was something wrong."


    What? I asked in surprise.


    "Can you tell me what''s strange?"


    I was already creating a mirror because I was worried that something had happened to him.


    "All of a sudden he''s talking about a YouTube channel, and it''s really bad... What was it? A virtual YouTuber or something?"


    "...?"

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    I couldn''t believe my ears.


    Kyeong-min is into virtual YouTubers?


    It was such an unexpected and seemingly insignificant story that I was taken aback, despite my concern.


    There was a what-if, so I asked Ha-rim to exin it in detail.


    4 hours ago, Kyeong-min posted a picture in the group chat saying he found a YouTuber he liked.


    Everyone was puzzled since they had no experience with such subcultures, but they thought it could happen and moved on.


    After all, there''s no one who hasn''t watched animation at least once.


    But the problem is that from then on, he kept talking about that Vtuber in the chat room and even used all his pocket money to buy merchs.


    In just 4 hours! Even now, he is continuously babbling in the chat with bizarre words they can''t understand.


    Normally, Kyeong-min wasn''t that impulsive, and he wasn''t the type of kid who had a lot of time to chat for hours.


    Everyone felt something was off, so they just went along with it and started discussing over the phone what had happened to him.


    "It''s definitely strange. A person suddenly changing like that."


    "Kyeong-min is by no means the type of person who spends money, but he even sold his favorite books to buy merchandise. We think he''s way too obsessed."


    What kind of cyber-like ghost story is this, to be possessed by a Vtuber as if you were possessed by a ghost?


    "Just in case, it''s best not to watch the broadcast or y the video of that Vtuber. Like you said, you might get possessed, right?"


    "Yes. I understand. I''ll tell the others as well. Haa... It''s a ridiculous story, but could it be that the necromancy we attemptedst time didn''t fail after all?"


    "I don''t think so. Oh, can you send me the picture that was posted in the group?"


    The photo that Ha-rim sent through chat was a screenshot of a Vtuber broadcast sent by Kyeong-min.


    A goth loli character with ck hair and big breasts.


    It is full of features that you cannot forget once you see it.


    So I remember that too.


    "This is what Tak-gu was watching the other day."


    The virtual YouTuber I sawst time when I spoke to Tak-gu, who was quietly looking at his phone.


    He watched her y a game, bouncing and reacting like an animated character.


    "Tak-gu? Come to think of it, I''ve also seen Kyeong-min talking to him in the hallway!"


    "It''s suspicious."


    She didn''te up when I did an image search, so I had to search the name on the YouTube channel to find it.


    When you enter the name you inferred from the broadcast screen into the search box and click the search button, her channel appears.


    <strong>Vtuber Lost.ch 9502 try<sup>1</sup></strong>


    The name is Lost, right?


    I went to her channel and clicked on the video.


    ...The video does not y. Perhaps only subscribers can view it. I don''t really want to subscribe because I''m reluctant.


    Looking at the video profile and title, it is clear that she is a YouTube streamer.


    It was full of games I had never seen before.


    I know some things, but there were games whose release was canceled, unfinished works, and even some that looked like prototypes.


    It''s strange.


    I asked Carol, who had not yet gotten off work that night, about a Vtuber named Lost.


    Carol willingly answered my questions.


    "She''s P-101, Unchained."


    "She''s Unchained?"


    "Yes, that''s right. How do you capture something that exists in the virtual world? It would be difficult topletely eliminate the Inte. We tried deleting it every time a channel was opened or broadcast, but I remember it had no effect."


    "I see. Is she dangerous?"


    "No. There have been no casualties. Still, we don''t know what kind of power she may be hiding. Maybe she suddenly gets angry and does something strange?"


    I realized that there are entities that aren''t very threatening and are hard to iste, so the organization doesn''t actively try to catch them.


    It seemed like they were making an effort to monitor and delete the channels, though.


    Just now, the channel just disappeared.


    I should speak with Kyeong-min and Tak-gu at school tomorrow. Since it''s not dangerous, there shouldn''t be any major issues.


    She said it''s not a dangerous entity. It won''t be a big problem.


    "..."


    And it was the next day.


    I entered the ssroom and sat down. Ha-rim sat next to me and greeted me.


    "Hello Alice!"


    "Hi."


    I greeted her back.


    Seeing that Ha-rim and the children arriving one by one were safe, it seemed like nothing much had happened. During a short break after breakfast, I approached Kyeong-min.


    He looks better than I thought, maybe I''m just meddling.


    ...Nope. This guy has a bunch of figurines instead of textbooks in the drawer under his desk.


    Where on earth did you get this?


    "That, Kyeong-min?"


    Kyeong-min was looking at his cell phone.


    As expected, the screen showed the Vtuber broadcast.


    When I looked closely, my eyes widened.


    I realized that things were not going so normally.


    "Kyeong-min!"


    I called Kyeong-min, but he did not respond to my voice.


    Instead, I decided to force myself into Kyeong-min''s field of vision.


    When I showed my face, he was startled.


    "W-What?! Alice? What''s going on?"


    "You. Why on earth are you so preupied with something like that? Your friends are worried."


    Kyeong-min looked around.


    In fact, besides me, Eun-jeong, Suho, and Ha-rim were also here. Kyeong-min scratched his head.


    "Hahaha... Sorry, everyone. I couldn''t stop watching this once I saw it. It looks like an anime character, but it''s really amazing how it moves as if it''s alive!"


    It must look full of life because it is really alive and moving.


    "Kyeong-min, did that streamer do anything strange?"


    "Huh? That''s weird. What can a streamer do to his viewers?"


    "Um... Yeah."


    Actually, is there any streamer who cares about each and every viewer?


    It may just be that Kyeong-min is addicted to YouTube, and she didn''t really do anything on the screen.


    Still, I don''t want something with anomalous properties to be close to the kids.


    "Can you stop looking at that?"


    "Huh? Why?"


    "Just because...?"


    "Uh... Well..."


    After all, it would be useless to ask unreasonably like this.


    My worries deepen.


    I want him to stop watching the broadcast, but how can I persuade him?


    After pausing for a moment, a method urred to me.


    ... I don''t like this method, though.


    "Can you stop watching it if I ask like this?"


    I hold Kyeong-min''s hand and look at him with as much earnestness as I can.


    It''s a well-known fact that appealing to someone''s sympathy is much more effective than vague threats.


    Kyeong-min''s pupils tremble greatly, and for some reason, lifees into his sunken eyes.


    As expected, he''s a good kid.


    When the other person begs, you listen.


    My poor acting also yed a part.


    "U-um, okay."


    "It''s not much, but I''ll do you a favorter in return."


    I''m d that Kyeong-min also responded positively.


    His cheeks seem red for some reason, but I don''t think it''s a big deal.


    And when I was about to walk over and turn off the broadcast on his cell phone.


    [I don''t like it!]


    "...!"


    On the screen, P-101 started to get angry.


    [This lustful woman! Are you seducing my fans again?! I will never forgive you!]


    "Wait a minute! Who seduced whom?"


    [Is it all about being pretty? Even God can''t take my fan away! I have a n if this happens.]


    Lost moved her hand to the chat window on her broadcast screen.


    Then, one by one, the ck nicknames there turned gray, until eventually they all turned gray.


    At the same time, Kyeong-min disappeared right before my eyes.


    "What!"


    "Kyeong-min...!"


    I asked Lost what on earth she had done, but she didn''t even listen.


    [Hmph!]


    Leaving behind the children, who were shocked by a person disappearing before their eyes, I went out into the hallway and quickly called Carol.


    "Hello? Carol? That anomalous entity I was talking about yesterday. She''s been up to no good."


    "Hmm, I see. I''ll check it out in a moment."


    Carol acted quickly, as if she somehow had a feeling this would happen.


    She spoke to me again shortly after, after I heard her fiddling with something and giving orders to her subordinates.


    "...About a hundred people suddenly disappeared. I''ve been monitoring her stream, and the chat is still there, so that''s my guess, because the number of viewers was about that much."


    "People are trapped in the chat window?"


    "Right. I never thought she would have this kind of power... She must be quite angry."


    "..."


    "We don''t have any real solutions, but we have to respond. Is there any way you can think of?"


    I don''t know all the monsters in the mirror, either.


    However, depending on the situation, a strange monster that I did not know would whisper and talk to me, so I was able to summon monsters that suited the situation.


    This time, there was a guy who was talking to me, and he was someone who could invade the virtual space called the Inte.


    "...There is a way to attack her."


    But.


    "But I don''t know what will happen to the people in the broadcast."


    Because this guy is extreme. It will probably cause harm to other people as well.


    "Ah. I''m going to help you get the day off from school so as not to interfere with the solution. If you need anything else or have a better idea, call me again."


    "That''s what I''d expect from a huge organization."


    I finished the phone call and walked over to the kids.


    The children still looked confused.


    "Alice! Kyeong-min has disappeared right before your eyes, right?"


    "That''s right. Hmm... I guess that broadcast is from a ghost."


    "Oh my god!"


    "Are Kyeong-min and the others trapped in this broadcast?"


    Ha-rim said that it reminded him of a horror movie that was novel but too stupid to get immersed in.


    Suho was quietly thinking of a solution, and Eun-jeong was still confused.


    I asked them.


    "I don''t think we can get help from the police in this matter. Is there any way to get Kyeong-min out?"


    It''s not unusual to be frozen, but the kids quickly epted the situation and got lost in their own thoughts.


    It seems like past experiences remain in the body.


    Suho, who was pondering, proposed an opinion.


    "First, we need to know why she kidnapped Kyeong-min."


    Right.


    This time, Eun-jeong raised her hand and said.


    "Hmm... first of all, she looked angry!"


    "And she said she doesn''t like Alice seducing fans..."


    "Eh. Then."


    Three pairs of eyes turned to me. I reflexively defended myself.


    I spoke as if in a seizure.


    "Wait, wait, wait, you''re ming me for this?! How is that seducing?!"


    No, it isn''t. Although taking the fan itself could be seen as such.


    I scratched my cheek and conceded.


    But even though I knew the reason, I couldn''te up with any good ideas.


    Meanwhile, Eun-jeong told me as if she had a good idea.


    "I got a good idea. That person is a streamer... Right, if she is a ghost who likes broadcasting and has a soft spot for viewers, she probably likes anything fun."


    "Anything fun?"


    "That''s right. <em>Betting</em> has been a means of having fun since ancient times."


    It makes sense.


    Due to the nature of being a broadcaster, there is little chance of turning down a <em>bet</em>.


    Moreover, in mythology and stories, it was amon urrence to see a person win something by making a bet.


    "Then..."


    Before I could say anything, Ha-rim ran over and spoke into the cell phone.


    "Hey, virtual YouTuber ghost, how about a bet with us?"


    [Hmp-? Bet?]


    She still seems angry and has a bad attitude. But at the same time, she seemed interested.


    "Yes! We broadcast at the same time and conduct a poprity vote among your viewers. Whoever gets the most votes wins! If we win, You give everyone back."


    Lost''s eyes sparkled.


    It did sound exciting, after all.


    She smiled arrogantly and epted the offer.


    [It looks fun. Viewers will like it. There''s no way my viewers would betray me... Good! Let''s begin.]


    Lost set a condition for us.


    She said that if she won, we had to listen to her unconditionally.


    A solution has been presented. But it''s too sudden.


    "I know you''re quick to act, but this is too much! Have you ever done a broadcast before?"


    "That''s... Hehe, no."


    Ha-rim avoided her gaze.


    She actuallymitted it, but she, Ha-rim, didn''t know much about broadcasting.


    At this moment, Eun-jeong pulled my sleeve, wanting my attention.


    "It''s okay because I watch YouTube often! I know what''s popr!"


    Eun-jeong speaks confidently.


    While I wasn''t entirely convinced, there was no one else to do it. I decided to give her a chance for now.


    "But it''s ss time soon. Is it okay to do something like a broadcast here?"


    Since it was an emergency, Suho nned to move the kids to the club room and skip ss.


    But we didn''t have to.


    The homeroom teacher who came in suddenly announced that ss was canceled and sent the kids away.


    Excited, the kids ran outside, and in an instant, the ssroom was empty.


    "...It''s full of strange things."


    "So who''s going to be on the air?"


    As I asked that, three pairs of eyes turned to me.


    "Why me again!"


    "But Alice is the prettiest."


    "That''s right. First of all, pretty things work. I know that well."


    I really thought about what I had done wrong to these kids.


    Am I being punished for erasing their memories fromst time?


    I couldn''t refute, and was led by the children''s hands to sit in front of the desk. I took a deep breath and turned off the cognitive impairment device in my arms.


    Suho took on the role of cameraman, and Eun-jeong took on the role of director.


    Ha-rim doesn''t know what to do. She just sat next to me.


    [Let''s get started quickly! Because viewers are bored. This is a broadcast that only we can watch, so don''t think about getting help from outside, okay?]


    The broadcast begins. Although it wasn''t watched by thousands like other famous broadcasters, the number of people, around 100, was quite burdensome.


    Eun-jeong instructed me to introduce myself as I stayed still.


    "Uh... Hey... So... Hi, my name is Alice."


    -BlondesAreGreat: So pretty! ^^


    Dangerous.


    When I try to do it, I can''t speak properly.


    I was so anxious that I nced at Lost''s screen.


    [Hello! Hello! Everyone waited, right? Today''s broadcast is the usual Lost Game y!]<sup>2</sup>


    -Konkonharu: I really waited too long.


    -KyungminHatesStudying: I think you''re cute today too.


    -FriedShrimp: What are you ying today?


    [Do you recognize this game? that''s right! It''s that game that was supposed to be released by a famous gamepany, but it got canceled even after they released a PV. But Lost can bring that game back. Of course, you have to consider that it''s unfinished, right?]


    She''s doing a good job over there.


    And it''s an unreleased game.


    Even I feel like watching at least once.


    She uses special abilities to attract interest, but what can I do?


    "Don''t worry Alice, I have something in mind!"


    Eun-jeong says to me, giving me her thumbs up as I look anxious.


    "What is it?"


    "Zero Two."


    As soon as I heard the word zero two, I flicked Eun-jeong''s forehead.


    Kids these days are so fast that they know everything, but I never thought they would know how to dance sexually.


    This is why the YouTube environment is scary.


    And it''s out of fashion...!


    "Hmm... That''s too direct.."


    "I absolutely won''t do that. Tell me something else."


    "Mukbang! Mukbang has always been popr. The more you eat, the better. Eatingmon foods can also help create a sense of empathy."


    In other words, it is the most safe and easy content to prepare.


    I agreed with Eun-jeong''s opinion.


    "Well, if that''s the case..."


    At that time, Ha-rim ran and brought something.


    It was arge amount of spicy stir-fried noodles.


    But didn''t this be a trend a long time ago? The challenge of eating spicy food. It''s outdated.


    "Nom."


    Eunjung probably had a n too.


    "Mmm... Ah... Sip..."


    "Huh? Alice, is it spicy?"


    -FoodieEater: Did this guy only take one bite?


    -EroTeacher: So when is Zero Twoing?


    ...Oh, damn it, I keep forgetting.


    Why is it that, whether I was E or now as Alice, I''ve always been weak with spicy food?


    Is it because I have a Western body? No, this is also a prejudice.


    "I-I can handle this much..."


    I also have something called pride.


    If I move your chopsticks just a little, I can eat one more. I bluffed and pretended to be strong.


    "Then can you eat more?"


    "..."


    Mountains of cooked ramen piled up in front of me. I felt a slight sense of dread.


    And then, I had a thought.


    Wasn''t mukbang about satisfying others rather than oneself? Is it right to keep eating spicy food? Is this even considered mukbang?


    "You can eat more, right? If you can''t, you''ll dance Zero Two! It''s okay. Alice said she could eat it all. Alice won''t have to dance."


    "..."


    -Charon: The blonde girl is struggling, lol.


    -FoodieEater: What is this kid saying after just one bite?


    "Eun-jeong looks like a devil."


    When Ha-rim spoke as if she were scared, Suho shook his head.


    I was still strong.


    I got momentarily stunned, but quickly regained myposure, raising my chopsticks confidently.


    "I''ll add capsaicin."


    "..."


    That was until Eun-jeong added the sauce.


    "This is my first time seeing Alice cry."


    Suho shook his head once more.


    -MintChocoLover: The shaking eyes are so cute, lol


    -Karpas: It''s been a while since I saw something like this. Lost can''t eat regr meals.


    -KyungminHatesStudying: I think it''s fun.


    -FoodieEater: Looks delicious (not a sexual joke)


    "It''s... Effective... Sip."


    The number of people in the chat window began to increase.


    I kept my most arrogant expression and said that to make Lost agitated.


    When Lost heard me, she shouted in surprise.


    [Nonsense! That kind of low-quality content works? My games are special things that you can''t get now! Of course, there are some that are difficult to y because they were abandoned with little development... Anyway! I can''t tolerate it!]


    I think the fact that the content was always the same yed a role.


    Since her video profile only had game-rted videos, I think viewers wanted to see something else.


    "Okay... Viewers. What do you want me to do?"


    -SpicyFoodlover: Eat more spicy chicken noodles!


    -NotAnOtakuJustTakgu: Just smile once.


    -Charon: I hope the cute girl suffers.


    "Yeah... A smile."


    I smiled brightly. Lost was puzzled by the viewers'' requests.


    [Everyone! Weren''t 2D characters better? You always said 2D is better than 3D! Are you going to y with such a in girl?]


    -NotAnOtakuJustTakgu: Honestly, what kind of man isn''t interested in girls? Since they don''t even dare to talk to me, I just have to endure it by watching an anime or a virtual YouTuber.


    -KyungminHatesStudying: Honestly, me too...


    -Charon: But she''s not exactly in looking either.


    [That''s!]


    Seeing Lost in shock made meugh. Being a broadcaster is quite a difficult job.


    "Hehehe... I guess things will turn out better than I thought?"


    "If Alice gets behind, it''s Zero Two."


    "Why on earth are you doing this to me..."


    The broadcaststed for one hour.


    Following Eun-jeong''s instructions, I desperately filled the airtime.


    Even serious Ha-rim joined in, eating snacks and enthusiastically ying the clown, and in the end...


    "Alice is dead."


    "She did it in the end. Zero Two."


    Eun-jeong and I were sprawled out on the floor.


    I put all my energy into it.


    And it was extremely painful.


    I realized it now, but I think this was Eun-jeong''s goal.


    She intentionally tried to use my suffering to please the viewer.


    After all, aedy is a tragedy if you look at it closely.


    Why is Eun-jeong down?


    I punished her. If she thought she would be safe after doing those things, it would be a big mistake.


    "Conclusion... What is the result?"


    When the voting was conducted and the number of votes was confirmed, there were mixed emotions.


    Alice: 66 viewers | Lost: 48 viewers


    "I won!"


    "Hurray!"


    [Nonsense...]


    As Lost saw the "Mission Failed" message sh on the screen, she was shocked.


    Then Kyeong-min and Tak-gu are kicked out of the cell phone together. Oh, there was Tak-gu too.


    The children wake up Kyeong-min, who has fallen.


    Meanwhile, I grabbed the cell phone and restrained Lost.


    [What is this! Why is this happening!]


    "That is the supernatural power of Error. It caused a problem in your data and temporarily disabled you."


    [I never thought there would be such power. But it''s all over, right? Can''t you go easy on me... please?]


    Lost was talking with a rude tone, but when she saw my expression, she started treating me with respect.


    My expression now was more demonic than ever.


    "No, no, this won''t do. Because of you, I''ve faced all sorts of trouble, and I don''t know if you''ll kidnap people again."


    [Uh...]


    "You said you liked games, right? Well, that''s great. Then enjoy this."


    I created a mirror. From the mirror emerges a character, drawn in pixels, with a cute face and white teeth, like a mascot in a public service advertisement.


    This was Chika, a character from a children''s educational game that had caused a stir in the past.


    Chika was a character in a game focused on dental care, hence the term "Chikachika" for brushing teeth.


    The reason for the stir was the gory texture file hidden by the game developer in the game files.


    Whether it was the creator''s taste or not, they left a creepy texture as an Easter egg, and when a YouTuber found it, all sorts of creepy rumors about Chika spread.


    <em>''Game Urban Legends.''</em>


    It''s strange that such things can also happen in the virtual space of the inte.


    "Ack! Stay away! I said, stay away!"


    Feeling her life was in danger, Lost threw everything in her broadcast screen at the creepy-looking Chika.


    From her essories to game shortcuts.


    That''s when it happened.


    One of the strange icon files thrown by Lost hit Chika and was executed.


    It was a text document, like Notepad.


    That''s when I saw it. A title that shouldn''t exist in this world.


    Mystery Exploration Club.


    "Wait."


    "...?"


    Chika stops at my words. Lost opens her eyes, which were tightly shut.


    "What is that?"


    "W-what do you mean?"


    "What the hell is that game!!!"


    Lost trembled. She showed the file in detail and exined it pitifully.


    "Huh! Th-those are just missing games. My ability is to summon deleted or iplete games. I tried to y it too, but for some reason, I couldn''t even y it with my ability...!"


    "This can''t be. I''m sure I searched thoroughly. There were no records or anything!"


    I couldn''t help but look. The title of one game is written in the list of missing games.


    Mystery Exploration Club ~Summer Vacation Nightmare~


    "...What is this now?"


    {


    Document Title: Missing Games


    <strong>Mystery Exploration Club ~Summer Vacation Nightmare~ (Horror Game)</strong>


    <strong>Eternal War ~War and More War~ (War Game)</strong>


    <strong>Pir of Green ~Reach for the Sky~ (Growth Game)</strong>


    <strong>One Day, a Status Window Appears (RPG Game)</strong>


    <strong>Bubble Romance (Rhythm Game)</strong>


    <strong>Rural Smithy (Crafting Game)</strong>


    <strong>Forest Ranch (Management Game)


    </strong><strong>


    </strong>


    <strong></strong>


    }


    Something out of the ordinary awaits me.


    That''s the feeling I got.

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    The Mystery Exploration Club game was what led me to this ce.


    I stumbled upon this RPG Maker game when I was browsing sites to find a game worth ying.


    Since my first introduction to horror games was a crude one, I had no hesitation in pressing the install button.


    Having fun ying, losing,ing up with a strategy, and watching the ending.


    One day, as the process was repeated, I failed at finishing this game.


    Then, I ended up exchanging bodies with E, the tutorial boss.


    I had no doubts that this was a game.


    That is, until I stepped out of the world full of monsters, which is the main background of the game.


    Haven''t we all thought about it at least once?If you were to enter a game set in modern times, how would ces that were not implemented in the game appear?


    This is what I think.


    I think that it would look simr to the original world it was based on.


    And somewhat add something unique to the worldview.


    The existence of the Institution was mentioned even in the game, so I roughly expected it.


    In the first ce, it was easier to just ept what had already happened before my eyes rather than denying it.


    <em>''But it''s not like I didn''t consider this possibility.''</em>


    The possibility that this world isn''t a game.


    I asked James to look into me, but he couldn''t find my identity, my home, or even thest game I yed, so I had epted it.


    I did...


    "This is a game that exists in reality, right?"


    [Yes yes! That''s right! So could you please put away your scary face? And as a bonus, the toothy monster that''s strangling my neck...!]


    "Who is the producer?"


    [It only says M.P. Probably an underdog. Oh, now that I think about it, all the missing games were made by that person.]


    "..."


    "Huh? Alice, where are you going?"


    "...I''m sorry. Something really urgent came up."


    I created a mirror.


    A mirror that reflects me. I can see myself looking somewhat nervous.


    I stepped and moved from mirror to mirror. My destination is only one ce.


    I exited the mirror closest to my destination and walked.


    I ran even though it was only a short distance.


    It was arge, empty lot.


    It was a ce I had visited in the past, where I had muttered to myself, <em>I see</em>, and had walked away.


    "..."


    I stood in the center of the clearing and spread my aura across it.


    Then something that was hidden was revealed.


    "Lies."


    A hidden grave of my senior.


    I touched the grave with trembling hands.


    This was a ce filled with heterogeneous tombs in a city center full of buildings.


    It''s a very unique ce that suited my senior perfectly.


    For some reason, no other graves were visible, and only the grave of my senior was revealed.


    "Why is only this grave hidden? It''s like you''re advertising that you had something to do with me bing like this..."


    I slowly stopped caressing the grave and took out a shovel from the mirror.


    What I am going to do from now on is an act that is extremely sphemous to anyone.


    I stuck the shovel into the dirt and used my weight to dig it up.


    As I continued to dig, I found something solid.


    It was a wooden coffin.


    I quickly removed the surrounding dirt and came face to face with the intact coffin.


    I paused for a moment and opened the lid.


    "...Ha."


    The coffin was empty.


    My body lost strength and I dropped the coffin.


    And then I spoke to myself, or rather, with the hope that someone would listen.


    "It was the senior, right? The one who made me like this. The one who called me when I had tried to rest behind the curtain."


    It was a long time ago, but I''m sure.


    It was clearly senior''s voice.


    When E''s wish came true and our body naturally disappeared and was about to fall into rest, my senior''s voice woke me again.


    "You knew everything, right? I don''t understand... What exactly happened to me? Why did you put me in the game?"


    My voice is shaking. I noticed that the informalnguage that had be a habit of speaking had disappeared and I was only using the politenguage I had always used towards him.


    My words stopped, but I bit my lip and continued again.


    "And if you were alive... Why didn''t youe to see me?"


    The air is heavy. This wasn''t because of my mood.


    The heavy air was a sign that it would rain soon, and dark clouds were also filling the sky, so it was almost certain.


    Drip. And a raindrop falls.


    Maybe it wasn''t a raindrop.


    "I mean, I can cry now. I don''t know if you meant for it to happen, but now if I have to say goodbye to a friend, I can cry a lot. It''s different than before, right?"


    My wish that E spoke of is for my own proof.


    Just like E wanted to prove to someone that she wouldn''t hurt her friends.


    I may also have wanted to prove my sincerity.


    I had wondered if it was because of E''s personality, her <em>devil</em> nature, that I could consider the kids friends, that I was influenced by the perceptions and thoughts of others.


    The proof that I had changed from someone who didn''t shed a single tear even when my best friend died to someone who could truly consider children as friends.


    I shed a tear at thest moment and proved it.


    "Remember that? In the past, when you told a silly joke, my reaction was always the same and you said it was boring. Maybe you didn''t mean it at the time. But now!"


    I couldn''t finish my sentence.


    What on earth am I talking about? Was my first friend so precious?


    The senior is now a suspicious person who is no different from an enemy.


    "...I''m so stupid."


    And foolish.


    Drip. Drop. Drip. Drop.


    It started to rain in earnest.


    I just got caught in the rain. My clothes are wet and cold.


    The asional wind seemed to lower the temperature and give me a physical feeling of rolling waves.


    "...It''s cold."


    When I was young, it wasn''t bad to get caught in the rain sometimes, but now it just makes my body heavier.


    Was it really that difficult to take a single step out of the rain?


    "Are you okay?"


    I opened my eyes wide. I quickly looked back.


    "Ha-rim. Why are you here?"


    She was standing there holding an umbre.


    Looking at the bag she was wearing, it looks like she was on her way home from school.


    I seemed to have coincidentally ovepped with Ha-rim''s path.


    She won''t be able to see the grave, so my appearance won''t look strange.


    But she, Ha-rim, was looking at me questioningly.


    "Did you cry by any chance?"


    "That can''t be right. It''s rainwater."


    "I see. Being constantly exposed to rain is not good for your health."


    Ha-rim put an umbre over me and led me by holding my hand.


    "Where are we going?"


    "My house! There are extra umbres and the others are waiting."


    My legs, which did not want to go anywhere, moved.


    I walked as Ha-rim led.


    Looking at the children waiting, it seemed like they were all trying to y together because they had some free time since school ended early.


    "For some reason, I felt like someone was here, like I was <em>connected</em> to them, so I separated from the others and took a little detour down the street, and Alice was here."


    "I see. Thank you for the umbre."


    "No problem, because we''re friends!"<sup>1</sup>


    Ha-rim smiled at me, and I smiled back.


    "Friends, yes."


    We arrived at her house before we knew it. It was no different from the house I visited when I was E.


    Because that world was a ce that imitated the outside world.


    As Ha-rim led me into the entrance, the children weed me.


    "Alice is here too!"


    "I was surprised when Ha-rim suddenly walked away."


    "Alice, you''re all wet, you''ll catch a cold."


    As I looked at the children weing me, my gloomy feelings seemed to have been washed away.


    I had vowed to keep my distance from them, but now it seems like I can''t keep it at all.


    "Let''s take a shower first!"


    "I want to go in too!"


    When Eun-jeong said that, I punished her by flicking her forehead.


    Then, I followed Ha-rim''s guidance and headed to the shower room.


    My clothes got wet, so I had to borrow Ha-rim''s clothes, which felt strange.


    Anyway, I grabbed the doorknob to take a shower.


    ...There''s someone behind me. I thought Eun-jeong had crawled in again, so I raised my hand to flick her again.


    "?"


    There was Ha-rim tilting her head.


    Because she shared one umbre, Ha-rim also got wet from the rain.


    It is an unexpected crisis.


    Even though we are the same age outwardly, we will never be able to wash together.


    I immediately looked at the floor and asked her to wash first.


    Ha-rim tilted her head to express her doubts, but went in first as if she was disappointed.


    I guess she wanted to talk while taking a shower with me.


    Only after she washed up was I able to take a shower.


    "Now that we''re all gathered together, we''re going to take a moment to discuss what happened today!"


    If it''s something that happened today, they''re referring about that Vtuber. Come to think of it, I didn''t erase their memories.


    "..."


    James said that the agency isn''t strict enough to catch every minor paranormal activities.


    No matter how I think about it, it didn''t seem like a minor incident... It wasn''t even a ghost in the first ce.


    Well, I think I understand what he meant.


    He meant that if I don''t erase their memories, he wouldn''t bother to erase it.


    I think I understand why James'' subordinates made fun of him for forever staying as a sergeant.


    Although I am grateful.


    "It was really amazing, you know? I didn''t know Kyeong-min would suddenly disappear!"


    "Actually, I only vaguely remember it and it doesn''t feel real... But anyway, thank you for saving me."


    "Alice worked very hard. Eun-jeong also yed a part."


    "Hehe!"


    It is true that Eun-jeong was a great help, but I was the one who suffered the most.


    I found it annoying that Eun-jeong proudly puffed out her chest.


    "...If you do something like that to me again, I''ll be angry."


    "He... He..."


    If you think about it, this kid seems to be the one who bothers me the most.


    Eun-jeong noticed my gaze and looked at me, but I wasn''t so angry that I''d make her anxious, so I lifted one arm and made space at my side.


    Then she came over and clung to me.


    "Squishy~"


    I petted Eun-jeong like that. This devil-like kid. She looks cute when she stays still.


    "The shampoo smells good~"


    "Okay, okay."


    Suho questioned while stroking his chin.


    "What was that? This is the first time I''ve seen something like that since we created the club!"


    Suho said that when they looked for the Vtuber ghost again, she left a message on the YouTube channel saying that it would be closed for an extended period of time and ran away.


    Seeing as Chika hasn''t returned yet, I guess she''s still being chased somewhere on the inte.


    I feel sorry that Lost is getting chased for this long, so I''ll have to ask Chika toe back around tomorrow.


    "After all, there are supernatural things in this world that we don''t know about."


    "It''s getting a little out of hand."


    "But that''s kind of fun."


    Ha-rim nods her head. It was a gesture of agreement.


    But Ha-rim continued her words as if that wasn''t the only thing she wanted to say.


    "Maybe we should be more careful."


    Ha-rim began speaking as the club president.


    "I think we need to be careful as long as there are such things, and frankly, we did something that we were told not to dost time during the necromancy. If something supernatural happened, we could have been in trouble"


    "That''s right. Let''s be more careful."


    Kyeong-min agrees.


    Ha-rim warned them that they should be more careful when taking action.


    However, paradoxically, the activities of the Mystery Exploration Club also meant that they were not intimidated by this incident and kept investigating, only this time more cautiously.


    "Anyway, this is the first ghost we''ve seen. Let''s record it."


    Ha-rim took out a pen and wrote in a notebook. She said that one day, when she graduates, she will keep an identical copy of the book in the club room.


    "Now then, let''s talk about our next activity."


    "Next activity? Is there something else?"


    "Of course there is! The car scrap yard you see after passing the intersection. There''s a strange noise there. It''s like a machine, but like it''s alive..."


    The children are sitting and talking. Everyone exchanges opinions about the next activity with excited expressions.


    I erased their memories because I was afraid they might be in danger, and I''m not thinking of restoring them.


    ...But if they can continue to enjoy only moderately safe stimuli like this, I thought maybe I wouldn''t need to erase their memories.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd person</strong>


    "Let''s see, what about the psychic we caughtst time?"


    Carol asks one of her subordinates as she organizes documents in her office.


    Empty coffee cans piled up due to non-stop work roll and fall on the floor.


    "He didn''t seem to have any loyalty. As expected, he seems to have received a request from Pinhio from the Workshop."


    Carol sighed.


    "I guess that''s how it is. Haa... Why are the demons so unruly? They try to steal things because they don''t get a deal. It''s all because of a certain someone who made all of this and left them unattended."


    "...?"


    Her subordinate was suspicious of Carol''s strange words, but it wasn''t the first time Carol had said something strange, so they ignored it.


    "At least we canmunicate well, right?"


    "... That''s right. Compared to Peter Pan, whose ability tomunicate is questionable, he is a great person. If you look at it this way, our Alice is an angel... Oh, speaking of that, what happened to the ce where Peter Pan appearedst time?"


    Her employee searched through the locker of D documents she had organized.


    She ran her fingers through each one until she found a title that started with P, then opened it and recited it.


    "Peter Pan appeared in the disputed area around 17:26 with the sound ofughter. He was observed to float in the sky for about 3 minutes before disappearing. At the same time, about 120,000 soldiers and 700 civilians at the scene also disappeared. They all returned 2 hourster, but most of them were showing symptoms of narcotic psychosis."


    After getting annoyed at the scale, Carol took a fresh can of coffee and gulped it down.


    The employee didn''t dare say a word about how that much coffee is bad for her health.


    "It''s no different fromst time. Please continue to research ways to efficiently treat the people caught using the istes in the institution. The methods currently employed are ineffective in many ways and cost a lot of money."


    "All right."


    Tap. Tap tap. Silence came again, and only the sound of tapping on theputer filled the space. Another few minutester, Carol was rubbing her eyes as if they were hurting.


    <em>''The management of the branch''s quarantined entities went smoothly, and the new manager''s handover waspleted. The criminal caughtst time needs a more brutal method to be quarantined more safely, so I contacted themittee... Oh, there''s a lot of work to do. I don''t know how I ended up in this job... Ugh... I miss Alice.''</em>


    Tiriring!


    "What is it..."


    A message came in with various symbols.


    An order from the upper levels of the institution. The message included everything from numerical codes to simple riddles, and even biometric recognition and fingerprint scans. It seemed appropriate to say it contained all sorts of things.


    <em>''I wonder what orders they''ve given.''</em>


    Carol looked at the document step by step. Then she soon frowned.


    "...This is quite troublesome. Merrin, we''ve got one more task."


    "Yes, just tell me."


    "Information about the heads of research at other branches. Please gather as much as you can."

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    The gears turn, and we are trapped in a cycle.


    Entangling in the web of crises that repeat and intensify within the cycle, the moment of doom draws near.


    With the creaking sound of a gear grinding and working, God descends and untangles the web.


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    <strong>"Alice."</strong>


    Carol came to talk to me after school, handing me a basket of snacks.


    Her hair is a little messy; she seems to be quite busy these days."It''s you. What''s going on?"


    "Recently, a request came in from the highest level of the Institution."


    I didn¡¯t know what my expression looked like, but I think my eyebrows were slightly frowning.


    It''s a request from the highest level... It''s hard for me to refuse it now.


    In order to protect the children, it was necessary to listen to their requests as long as I was attending school.


    Although my attendance at school was at Carol''s discretion, there must have been permission from higher-ups.


    Perhaps this was a nned procedure.


    "The story is... We are going to investigate an area that shows suspicious signs, just likest time."


    "Are you going to form a team?"


    "Yes. Although they''re personnel from another branch, the rumors about Alice are good within the Institution, so there will be no friction."


    When I heard that I''ll be working with people from other branches, I was a little confused.


    Why would they put me on a team with whom I have never even met in person?


    "I can clearly see your thoughts. Don''t worry. The people you''ll be with aren''t bad people. If you think about it, since we are cooperating with other branches'' work, it wouldn''t be strange for Alice to go along."


    "Ah, it''s like that... It feels like you''re lending me out."


    Carol smiled wryly and said it could be seen that way too.


    I didn''t feel bad because they weren''t trying to dissect or inject drugs.


    Requests like this are probablying in thanks to the increased trust from thest performance.


    "Okay. I''ll help."


    Carol listened to my answer and began to tell me about my mission.


    I suggested that it would be better if the whole team was present, but she said that there would be only a small number of people this time, so there was no need to gather everyone for the briefing.


    "The ce to be explored this time is an unknown factory in a remote area in the northwest of the Great ins of the United States."


    I raised my hand and asked a question.


    "If it''s a factory... is it the one producing wooden dolls?"


    Carol shook her head.


    "No. A separate team has been created for that. Let me continue. We discovered this factory a few months ago and sent some exploration robots along with the expedition team. The exploration robots and other devices all stopped working as soon as they entered the interior, but the strange thing is that the camera and recorder were intact."


    That''s really unusual.


    I think it''s a cliche that the camera usually breaks down and there is a problem in understanding the incident.


    But on the other hand, I guessed it might be a ce so mysterious that even if they saw the inside with a camera, they wouldn''t be able to understand it.


    "Another thing is that the people who were guarding the barricades to keep the civilians out all reported a strange sound. They say they hear a noise like gearsing from above. Well, that''s all for now. I don''t know everything either."


    "Well, it''s a factory, so I suppose it''s possible to hear gears nking, but it could be an audible illusion or a hallucination if it''sing from above."


    "I''m only saying that because there''s a what if. We don''t know the full extent of how dangerous it is down there. Please keep this in mind. It is unclear who built it and when, and we have already dispatched exploration teams <em>several times</em>."


    "..."


    Carol warned. Though, it didn¡¯t seem scary to me.


    I have rarely experienced that kind of fear in my life.


    It''s not strange because my body is strong and my personality has be that way.


    "Alice. Let me tell you one more thing: it is possible to transmit images and sounds from over there to here. But be careful because the opposite is not possible. Just like people outside of the stage can''t control the behavior of people inside the stage."


    "That''s an interesting analogy. Don''t worry, I understand."


    Carol gave me some other details and then looked very serious.


    Looking at her attitude, I was able to realize that this was quite different from the requests I had received from the Institution so far.


    Perhaps what Carol is saying now is more important than anything else.


    "...Alice. This is something I am saying personally. If it is too difficult to resolve, you can run away."


    "...?"


    I couldn''t help but have a bewildered expression. After putting on such a serious face, now she''s worried about me?


    "It''s not just worry, it''s advice. Because this is a mission that involves a lot of <em>seeing eyes</em>. We were given a mission to explore the unknown, but the higher-ups probably had a general idea of ??what kind of ce that factory was, and were sending you to <em>confirm</em> something."


    "How do you know that?"


    "I guess you could call it a hunch?"


    Don''t you just not want to tell me?


    I didn''t press the matter.


    "Okay. In short, it''s a mess."


    Carol was silent for a moment.


    But aftering into this body, I didn''t really feel like I was going to lose to anyone.


    Even if someone tricks you, it won''t be a big deal.


    "You''re treated like ab rat. So keep in mind, there''s no need to <em>solve</em> the problem or create a <em>miracle</em>."


    Carol started to say, "<em>Because you...</em>", but then stopped.


    She then said she had talked too much andughed sheepishly.


    Carol led me to where my team members were.


    When I open the door to the break room, the eyes of those who are talking noisily are drawn in my direction.


    I was surprised at how unique each of them looked.


    "...I guess everyone is now gathered?"


    "Hahahaha! Where''s the demon, and what''s with the little kid?"


    "...Cute."


    "You guys are rude."


    They are noisy guys. I guess it''s better than being stiff.


    "Let''s start with a name. I''m Mason. It''s not my full name, but you can call me that. I''ve taken temporary leadership."


    Mason was a man with strong muscles.


    A blessed beard with a benevolent face.


    My first impression of Mason was that he was a likable guy.


    "I''m Andrew. I''m a cyborg. If I look as powerful as in the movies, you''re not mistaken! The head is mostly organic, so handle it with care!"


    A cyborg. He''s an unusual guy.


    Still, his body is more organic than mechanical.


    Didn''t robots be inoperable once they entered the factory?


    I had my doubts, but I assumed he had his reasons.


    "...It''s Erta."


    Erta muttered in a small voice.


    It was so tiny that I wouldn''t have heard it if my hearing wasn''t so good.


    Erta was tightly wrapped in clothes like a hijab to deal with the toxins in her body.


    "Thest one is me. Nice to meet you. I''m called vin."


    vin was a woman who wore heavy makeup even though she was on a mission.


    These types of women are often snobbish.


    She says she actually wanted to get a bonus, so she applied for the mission and was selected.


    She''s quite confident in her skills.


    Is this the right team? When I looked at them, it seemed like everyone was seeing each other for the first time.


    I muttered softly.


    "It''s a unique team..."


    "Hahaha! You''re the most unique one among us!"


    Cyborg Andrew shakes his huge shoulders and chuckles. I asked back, confused.


    "What?"


    "Imagine a blonde-haired kid wearing an apron having fun next to soldiers wearing specialbat uniforms!"


    "..."


    Is that so?


    I fell silent, feeling like I''d somehow lost, and Erta misunderstood my reaction.


    "You... Shouldn''t you be more careful with your words... No matter how she''s known, she''s a devil..."


    "Demon or not, you should refrain from rude jokes. I''ll apologize instead."


    Mason gave me a handshake as an apology.


    I shook his hand with a friendly smile, trying to reassure Erta.


    Erta. She reminds me of Eun-jeong. I think it would be nice to be friends.


    "It''s okay to joke like this. I''m Alice. You can call me by code, but it would be better if you call me by name. From your perspective, it''s difficult to easily acknowledge a devil as a colleague, so I understand if you don''t believe me. Well, I hope you don''t get too caught up in stereotypes."


    "Ah, okay. I''ll keep that in mind."


    After exchanging brief greetings, we soon boarded the helicopter.


    We talked a lot.


    When I first met them, they seemed to have a lot of questions about me.


    Meeting a friendly, less dangerous devil will most likely be a new experience.


    "You say you''re a demon?? Is it possible to make gold? Even in old stories, there are many stories about betting with the devil and the winner bes rich!"


    vin asked me greedily.


    This honesty of desire is rather cute.


    But there can be no omnipotent devil who can grant any wish.


    "It''s possible to make gold, but maybe not in the way you think, vin. You''re not thinking of making gold at the snap of my fingers, are you?"


    "Huh. How did you know..."


    It is possible to create gold by exploiting the monster of material greed.


    However, that gold has the power to corrupt humans, and if you make a mistake, you will be crushed to death by the gold, as the monster spits it out when attacking.


    When vin was told that the more greedy she was, the heavier the gold would fall on her head, she seriously wondered how greedy she would have to be in order to reap the benefits.


    From the moment she thought about it, I knew she was crazy.


    "Hey kid. I heard that devils don''t defecate. Is that true~?"


    "Urgh..."


    Erta despises Andrew for telling dirty jokes. I answered that question.


    "Uh... It''s true."


    Strangely enough, my body doesn''t really need to excrete anything.


    I don''t know why.


    "Can you really answer that?!"


    "Wow, really?! If you eat something, isn''t itpletely absorbed as energy? The energy efficiency is incredible. And... Oh, that''s right. They say you won''t die unless you put a stake in your heart?"


    "That''s Drac, Andrew."


    "Aha. Thank you, Mason."


    "Erta. Do you have any questions?"


    When I asked, Erta flinched and was surprised. She also had questions about me, but it seems she couldn''t ask them because other people were bombarding me with questions.


    "Uh... Can you remove the poison from my body?"


    "I''m not sure about that. I can neutralize it with an opposing poison, but I''ll have to think about a permanent method."


    "I see, I didn''t mean to burden you..."


    It doesn''t seem to be a good thing to have poisoning out of one''s own body.


    Well, that would be the case for me too. I''ll have to find a way sometime.


    "Hahaha. At first, I thought it would be difficult to approach because of the mysterious atmosphere, but you seem to get along well with people. I like you, Alice."


    "Same thing, Mason. I''m looking forward to your leadership."


    "It''s nice to be counted on sometimes."


    After the conversation was over, the helicopter arrived at our destination.


    After passing through several procedures at the barricade, we faced a shabby factory.


    It was a very small factory, but it felt strange to be sitting in an empty lot.


    "17:21, Mason, mission is underway."


    After Mason reported through themunication device attached to his ear, we looked towards the door leading into the factory.


    Mason pushed a listening device inside the door and tried to listen.


    Crackling...


    "It works. But I don''t hear anything special."


    "Does it have a camera function?"


    "Yes."


    Mason pressed the handle of the long recorder to turn it into a camera.


    The camera will be shared with everyone involved in this mission.


    For us too, of course.


    Nothing special is filmed.


    We opened the door and entered the interior of the factory.


    I felt my skin prickling.


    This is because I felt the temperature and oxygen concentration werepletely different from outside.


    The oxygen concentration is slightly low and the temperature is cold enough to make your breathe out.


    "It''s spooky."


    "It seems like the inside of the factory is bigger than the outside."


    Mason frowned.


    It''s unrealistic from the start. Even at first nce, it was difficult to call the factory a small factory.


    I told them.


    "-it''s not just big."


    Eyes focus on me. I announced, pointing to the floor.


    "It''s very deep underground."


    There was rusty, broken machinery here and there.


    There were some that looked like parts from the exploration robots sentst time, and vin picked up some of them and joked that she would sell them to Andrew, the cyborg, if he needed any.


    Andrew angrily replied that he had no intention of attaching such junk to his highly advanced body.


    He proudly informs us that the machines in his body are EMP-proof. Amazing.


    "Alice. You seem to have pretty good senses, so have you noticed any suspicious behavior around here?"


    "The machines are still running, so I can''t hear any sounds or vibrations, but at least there''s nothing human-sized moving around here. The problem is, I don''t know about the lower floors. It''s mysteriously deep."


    Mason nodded his head and suggested.


    "There are no bodies here. The exploration team must have gone down here. We have no choice but to go down too."


    We found a door leading underground.


    We broke the lock on the door and opened it. I looked at the stairs, where a cold wind was blowing subtly from inside, and it was slightly damp, giving an unpleasant feeling.


    Even when the light shines down, the ck stairs are so dark that I was reluctant to go in.


    "Whew~ This calls for the super strong Andrew to step in. Cowards, stand back."


    Andrew confidently raised his mechanical arm, showing off his strength.


    [Basement Floor 1 - Warning]


    "Thanks to you, I feel so reassured, Andrew."


    Andrew, in a good mood, flickered the shlight attached to his arm.


    While walking through the endless basement with Andrew in the lead, I felt the fishy scent of blood in my nose.


    When I looked in the direction of the smell, Mason seemed to notice something and pointed his finger at the wall.


    "Wait a minute, there''s writing on the wall."


    When the light shines on it, the letters be visible. It was written in blood.


    [1. To unravel the tangled thread, seek God.


    2. Faith is the most important virtue.


    3. Arrogant non-believers be cold tools and dance on the stage.


    4. Those who watch this performance, please know that this is the 66th time.]


    <strong><em>Bang!!!</em></strong>


    The passage we came in through suddenly closed.


    Erta was shocked by that.


    But since she had been on many missions, she did not scream unsightly.


    "Do, do we run away?"


    Maerson asked to be sure.


    The team members returned to the door and analyzed the anomaly. The door doesn''t open.


    Even with guns and bombs, it was just fine.


    "It''s blocked. The energy isn''t flowing back there. The space itself is separated."


    "...The signal is still going, so there''s no loss ofmunication. This is also within the expected. Let''s go forward."


    I follow behind them as they head back underground, pulling out the monster phone.


    Carol answered it.


    But no voice was heard.


    As Carol said, it is possible for us to send a signal, but there seems to be no way for the Institution to assign orders.


    I had a hunch that this was the result of a higher force than any of the forces I had encountered so far, as it blocked not only radio waves but also the power of urban legends.


    <em>''It''s strange.''</em>


    It''s strange that only our side can send information.


    It seems unnecessary to <em>intentionally</em> let us do that.


    "...Nothing the goddamned higher ups ever orders goes right."


    Andrew was a little intimidated and swore to hide it.


    "Hey... This is all being caught on video..."


    "In times like these, you have to steel yourself like that. It''s not like you can just die."


    "That''s right... You have to be at this level to get that much bonus."


    vin, who was on guard and didn''t say much, strengthened her resolve.


    At this point, I wonder just how much bonus the Institution decided to give.


    "...Let''s go."


    [Basement Floor 2 - Hell]


    "It''s a bloodstain."


    "The scent of blood is already making my nose hurt. And... Oh, be careful, something heavy ising."


    Everyone who heard me was on high alert and heightened their senses.


    Everyone focused their eyes on the direction I was looking at...


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    <strong>[Kik, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! It hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts!!!]</strong>


    "What the fuck is that!"


    A fusion of human and machine. But I couldn''t see him as a cyborg like Andrew.


    To anyone who could see it, it looked like the y called a human had been glued to a metallic machine.


    A monster that keeps screaming in pain.


    Even though there is a person''s arm wrapped around the wheel attached to the machine, it rolls at high speed without paying attention.


    The screams get louder.


    "Fire!"


    Bullets rain down. The light created by the fired bullet and heat sparkles, and the monster falls down with the sound of air being knocked out of its lungs.


    "...He''s wearing the same clothes as us."


    When I looked closely, I saw that they were wearing the samebat uniform. Then this is probably...


    <strong>[Ah, ahhhhhhh!]</strong>


    Soon a second monster pops out.


    Many human parts remained, but his back was bent in ces it shouldn''t be and he walked on all fours thanks to machinery.


    It moved quickly and rushed at me.


    "This won''t work. Andrew!"


    "Got it-!"


    Andrew, noticing Mason''s words, ran and caught the machine from the front.


    The sharp ws protruding from the monster''s feet scratched at Andrew, and he bit his lip.


    <strong>[It hurts, it hurts, it hurts!]</strong>


    "Hold on a little!"


    I ran over and kicked the monster in the head.


    With a metallic sound, the head flew off and rolled to a dark, invisible side.


    "Huh! You''re quite tough?"


    "Just because I''m wearing a skirt doesn''t mean I''m a delicate little girl."


    "I think it''s too early to feel safe!"


    The sound of vibration rings in my ears. We realized it without even saying a word to each other.


    This is a floor with holes in every direction, and damn it, those vibrations are the footsteps of monsters.


    "Run to the next floor!"


    Suddenly, a spotlight shines from the ceiling of this dark floor.


    The light source was illuminating the stairs.


    It was ying a role of mercy, like a divine light given by God, as if telling us to survive.


    However, paradoxically, the light also enhanced the despair of seeing numerous enemies through reflected light.


    "Run, run!"


    "It''s so... Far away!"


    "Run now!"


    Abi Gyu-hwan.<sup>1</sup>


    Why was it that only four people were sent to a ce like this?


    I was appalled by the absurdity of the situation.


    Moreover, everyone with worse eyesight than me didn''t seem to notice, but it was a carefully crafted fake.


    There''s no way an ordinary passage would sway like a hallucination.


    "I don''t know who created the factory or who lives there, but excessively unreasonable patterns are bound to attractints."


    I made a mirror and summoned a monster.


    "Out of control."


    <strong>[It''s an emergency! It''s an emergency!]</strong>


    A monster wearing a prison uniform isughing.


    The wave of power created by the monster spread to all the monsters surrounding us.


    Then the monsters that were screaming and charging began to fall, unable to control their bodies.


    I created one more mirror.


    "Overemotion."


    A monster with a ck body wearing a mask. The mask he wore changed from a smiling face to a mask with a gloomy expression.


    <strong>[I''m depressed... I''m depressed...]</strong>


    All machine monsters be helpless.


    One by one, they stop moving and soon lose their killing intent and close their eyes.


    In a noisy space with the sound of steel, the only thing that could be heard was the asional cries of monsters.


    "Wow... Is this what you get when you have the devil as a coworker? I wouldn''t pass this kid up for even a billion dors."


    "You say that like you already have me, vin."


    "That''s the way it is."


    Judging by the way she made a joke, she seems to be having a hard time.


    I smiled at vin andforted her.


    Rattle...


    "...Can''t you hear it?"


    Rattle... Rattle...


    "We don''t hear anything? By the way, I found a staircase behind a dark space that was so far away that I could barely see it."


    I was skeptical, but the stairs were real, so I followed him down.


    But the rattling sound continued.


    Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle... Rattle...


    I can hear the sound of gears and cogs turning.


    It was something very hostile to me.


    Something huge is here.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    He spoke.


    Exile it.


    ...


    [Basement Floor 3 - Punishment]


    The ce Alice and the group arrived at was a maze-like ce with many paths.


    They saw letters written in the middle of a two-way road.


    [Do you believe in God?]


    Alice said.


    "It''s pretty nonsensical to ask a devil if he believes in God."


    The team membersugh at those words.


    Since everyone knew Alice''s power, Alice''s joke was perfect for lightening the mood.


    As long as there is Alice in the future, they will never die. That''s what they thought.


    <strong><em>Bang!!!</em></strong>


    "...Alice?"


    Until Alice''s body was crushed by the arm of a huge machine that came down from above.


    As if judging evil, the mechanical arm turns Alice into a pile of meat and ascends back to the sky.


    The golden hair that could be seen sparsely between the red made them realize that it was Alice just a moment ago.


    "Run."


    Mason shouts.


    "Just run!"

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    A devil who showed great power.


    As soon as Alice became minced meat, I instinctively knew I had to run.


    If that huge palm struck down, everyone would die.


    The hand popped down from the ceiling when Alice sarcastically joked if she believed in God.


    It was as if it was a divine punishment.


    A trap whose trigger is being ridiculed?


    <em>''Or did God really punish the devil...? No, what am I saying? There''s no way a mechanical arm could be God.''</em>


    When the monsters started attacking us, I thought the Institution was trying to use us as human sacrifices.Because there actually was a case like that.


    But when Alice showed her strength, I had hope.


    It''s so reassuring to have a devil as an ally instead of an enemy.


    I thought that the Institution wasn''t just trying to kill us.


    But I changed my mind again.


    We might be fucking living sacrifices.


    "Mason! Where should we go? The path is split!"


    vin asks me.


    I found another sign in front of the path we passed and told Erta.


    "There is a sign. Read the sign!"


    "If you believe that God exists, go right. If you don''t believe it, go straight!"


    I had to think for a moment.


    That sign probably wants us to believe in God.


    I knew the intention.


    But which way should we choose?


    If the giant mechanical arm just now calls itself God, would it be right to please him?


    Or should we, as investigators, not be deceived by what might be a trap?


    The decision took less than 3 seconds.


    Because a giant mechanical arm mmed into the ground behind us.


    "...Go straight!"


    We went straight.


    Then monsters came out of the ground making a hissing sound.


    Andrew swatted them away with his body and we fired to keep them in check.


    After somehow breaking through and moving forward, there was another sign and a fork in the path.


    "Not again!"


    "Do you believe in fate? If you believe in it, then go left. If you don''t, then go right!"


    This is simr to the previous sign.


    The meaning is also simr. I nced back and said.


    "That mechanical arm is slower than I thought. Erta, what do you think?"


    "I- I..."


    As Erta hesitated, vin shouted as if we were running out of time.


    "What are you asking? There is no such thing as fate, right?! Even if I''m destined to die, I have no intention of wasting time here!"


    "All right. Let''s go with disagree!"


    We ran to the right.


    The path was blocked by tangled threads.


    Andrew shouted, asking what kind of bullshit joke this was.


    However, as he was a cyborg, he took out a sharp weapon from his arm and shed it.


    "It''s fucking tough!"


    Then vin exims.


    "Monsters areing from behind!"


    We fired bullets at the chasing monsters while Andrew cut off the threads.


    "Not there yet?!"


    "I''m cutting quickly, but the thread is too tough!"


    "I- I''ll do it. Everyone, cover your eyes and nose!"


    Erta removed the special cloth that had been wrapped around her body.


    Then her corrosive miasma caused the thin threads to be even thinner and melt.


    "That''s it! Just close your eyes and run!"


    The tension continued.


    In the meantime, this thought urred to me.


    Does this maze have an end?


    If the purpose of that mechanical arm is to make us believe in God, wouldn''t it keep us trapped in this maze until we die or believe in it?


    I don''t know what the other team members will think.


    I asked vin, who was as reasonable as she was greedy.


    "vin. The purpose of that mechanical arm may be to make us believe in God."


    "God? Who? The Lord?"


    "I don''t know. Maybe that mechanical arm bastard wants to be worshiped as God."


    "..."


    vin rolled her eyes. No, it''s more like she was calcting.


    She''d probably be tempted to make a deal with that mechanical arm to survive.


    While running, a new sign appears.


    "Humans are not perfect, so ultimately they cannot reach a happy ending. Do you agree with this?"


    "What on earth does this bastard want? Mason. Are we going to run into disagreement again?"


    "..."


    Instead of answering, I looked at vin.


    Because I wanted to hear her opinion.


    vin knew what I meant and made a suggestion.


    "No. Let''s try curry favor."


    "What?"


    "What if it keeps doing the maze until we agree? Let''s agree!"


    Andrew said it couldn''t hurt to try, but he didn''t bet on it.


    I agreed with that opinion and told the team.


    "Okay. Let''s run on the agree path."


    As soon as we took a step into the path, I felt a sensation of floating.


    More like the sensation of an elevator going down... Yeah. We''re downstairs...


    <strong>[Basement Floor 4 - Opportunity]</strong>


    "...This."


    The ce we fell into was pure white.


    A ce that would not be good for the mind to constantly hear the sound of tiny cogs.


    I looked around and noticed someone walking this way.


    It didn''t look familiar.


    "Ah, you have arrived. The fact that you are here means there is a possibility that our interests align."


    The human is dressed in a white robe with gears covering his body.


    I couldn''t see his expression because his face was covered, but it seemed like he was smiling based on the tone of his voice.


    "Brother. I''m in a very bad mood, so I''m going to ask you this very question: Who are you?"


    Andrew asked menacingly, a little unnerved by the unfamiliar surroundings.


    "I am the high priest here. I have no name."


    "And what is this factory?"


    "Hmm... It looks like a factory, but this is a stage. A stage for everyone in the Institution who is watching this in real time."


    vin frowned at him, as if she didn''t like that answer.


    "You seem to want to show us something, but we need to get out of here. Can you show us the exit door? We don''t want to see anything."


    "Oh, I can, of course. If you swear to believe in our God."


    So the purpose of this factory was to make us believe in God, after all.


    While I was thinking to myself, vin was about to shout in anger but quickly calmed down and, with the face of a low-ranking civil servant trying to suppress her frustration, spoke.


    "Haa, this kind of thing... Umm... Yes, I will. I will serve your machine God, so will you let me go now?"


    "I see. Then."


    "What are you doing?"


    The priest said nothing.


    Just when we were about to question his attitude. Suddenly, vin screamed.


    "Ahh! It''s loud!"


    "vin, what''s going on?!"


    vin covered her ears.


    "Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up!"


    "...!"


    I approached vin to check on her condition.


    I realized that there was a strange sounding from her head.


    Just as when you turn up the volume on a jukebox so loud that you can feel the vibrations in the air, vin must have been hearing something loud in her head too.


    "Aaaaaaaaaah!"


    Pop!


    vin''s skull flew through the air and hit the floor.


    Several cogs were stuck in her mangled brain.


    Andrew was confused by a mixture of horror and anger.


    At this moment, a crudely modted voice was heard from the ceiling.


    <em><strong>[Those who ce their faith on a scale, those irreverent ones attempting to bargain with God, shall receive light punishment from the merciful gears.]</strong></em>


    "...Fuck."


    Even in this situation, I didn''t have the mental strength to pay attention to Andrew''s swearing.


    "Well. That''s it. She should have believed more sincerely."


    "You son of a bitch!"


    When I pointed the gun at the priest, I felt the sensation of falling down again.


    <strong>[Basement Floor 5 - Twisted Thread]</strong>


    "We teleported."


    This time it was a dark ce. However, the lighting from the floor was enough for us to see each other.


    "...I don''t think there are any enemies."


    As I said those words, I looked down, where light wasing out.


    The floor was transparent, so the room below was clearly visible.


    "What is that?"


    "Probably the sixth floor. It''s full of monsters."


    Monsters that were abination of machines and people were running around screaming.


    Among them, I saw one familiar figure.


    "It''s vin."


    vin crawled around with her skull missing. I don''t know if she was dead or alive, but since she was screaming, it seemed like she was alive.


    ...It was better to die.


    "Damn it! Honestly, I knew it would be like this! The monsters wear the same battle uniform! How many teams have they sent before us?!"


    Andrew started to get angry.


    When everyone was dispatched here, we came with our own determination.


    But when we actually experienced it, it was too much.


    If things continue like this, we will end up like that.


    Since we didn''t know what to do in a ce full of traps, which could not even be called an expedition, we had nothing to express but despair and anger.


    I understood Andrew''s feelings.


    "...Why did the higher-ups send us here? We''re just a little unique. How are we going to defeat this monster and that giant mechanical arm...!"


    Erta also began to pour out negative emotions. And I also felt those feelings growing stronger.


    It was a strange sensation.


    Sensing the discord, I deliberately spoke coldly to avoid us being swept away by emotions.


    "...I''m just fulfilling my duty."


    "What did you say?!"


    It was a mistake, and Andrew grabbed me by the cor.


    I thought I understood Andrew''s feelings, but he was unusually and excessively agitated.


    "Wa- wait a moment. I know I said something depressing, but I wasn''t trying to start a fight."


    Just as emotions were escting, as if it were tangled threads, and I felt an increasing urge to shoot Andrew, Erta stepped in to stop us, rmed.


    "...Alright. Let''s cool down a bit. Phew... So why are we here anyway? What can we do in a ce overrun with monsters? What kind of exploration team are we? We''re just sacrificialmbs."


    She then added that we couldn''t explore if there was nothing to explore. I then spoke.


    "The Institution has sent exploration teams here several times, and if it is broadcast to them, they will know everything about the situation inside. There are three reasons that can be guessed here. A living sacrifice, an attack, or an experiment."


    "..."


    Erta and Andrew began to listen to me.


    I gave them a rather pessimistic guess.


    "A living sacrifice. The only way to prevent monsters from escaping from this factory is to either die here or be an ally. Or believing in a machine God. We were sent here as part of quarantine procedures."


    I continued before Andrew got angry and didn''t listen to everything I said.


    "The second is attack. In fact, the machine God of the factory chose us, and if we didn''t respond, disaster would ur, so the Institution sent us without any way to do anything. In other words, the Institution has been attacked by the machine God, and we are it''s inevitable victims. In this case, I believe the Institution may have the will to help us..."


    "That''s ridiculous."


    "I think so too. But I guess it''s inevitable for humans to want to have hope."


    "...What about experiment?"


    "They tried to eliminate the monsters in this factory that they had not been able to do until now by using Alice. In other words, everything was a test ofbat power against the containment entity Alice."


    "Then..."


    "It''s a failure...!"


    "..."


    The cute and sweet devil Alice became a pile of meat at the very beginning, so there is no hope left for us.


    I prepared to go down to the next floor to do something.


    "Do you see that over there? It looks like it''s the path to the next floor. Still, it''s better to go."


    Erta and Andrew didn''t respond to what I said. I spoke to convince them.


    "Waiting won''t solve the problem. To be quite honest, the Institution won''t send a rescue team. We''ll be the sixty-sixth, just like the phrase we first saw."


    "..."


    "Erta."


    I called Erta, who was particrly anxious. She didn''t hide her anxiety.


    "But we, what are we supposed to do downstairs, how are we supposed to survive?"


    Downstairs, there are probably more monsters than Alice has ever defeated.


    If we continue like this, we will die unless a miracle happens.


    Still, we have no choice but to do it. We have to go down to the next floor, even if it means sacrificing one person. Because there''s really nothing else we can do.


    "Should I go on a suicide attack? My corpse would be extremely toxic! If I die, at least the lower floors would be cleared out, right? Wouldn''t it?!"


    That was valid.


    We also have purification equipment, so if Erta dies there, the deadly poison will spread and the monster will melt.


    But I didn''t want to sacrifice Erta just for that reason.


    Dying in battle while descending is a sacrifice, but sending Erta down to die is tantamount to murder.


    "You''re both getting too worked up. You and Andrew."


    It felt unnatural.


    Emotions and thoughts are reaching extremes.


    Is it a characteristic of this floor, or the extreme circumstances?


    "...Mason. There''s another sign here in the distance. One of my eyes can see in the dark."


    Andrew remained quiet and then said this with an expression full of anger.


    "I''m so fucking angry right now. I can''t control it!"


    "I know."


    "This sign says faith! Rather than go down there and get killed, I will meet the machine God and kill him right now!"


    "That''s recklessness, Andrew. Wait!"


    Andrew was basically the biggest and strongest of the group.


    Because of that, I couldn''t stop him.


    He ran towards the darkness and descended another set of stairs.


    "..."


    Erta and I quietly waited for him.


    And after a while, another voice was heard from the ceiling.


    <strong><em>[Those who point weapons at God. By bing servants of God, their sins are forgiven. Your Institution will be my precious servants, and I will grant you eternal life.]</em></strong>


    Bang!


    A deformed Andrew fell from the ceiling.


    His head and back were bent to ces they shouldn''t be and he moved in a bizarre posture.


    The mechanical intestines that had reced his internal organs protruded from his skin and whined menacingly.


    "Why is this happening...!"


    I grabbed Erta and ran toward the stairs.


    Andrew was dozens of times stronger than other monsters. Aiming a gun at him was futile.


    "Guns don''t work. Run, Erta! We have to survive somehow. Go downstairs!"


    "I don''t want to! Alice told me that it feels like an inexplicable depth! What if there is infinite space?!"


    "Don''t judge until you see and hear for yourself! You don''t know yet! We''ve always been chasing an invisible hope. It''s still the same now. Erta! Come on!"


    Erta shook off my hand, took off her cloth, and sprayed the poison into Andrew''s eyes.


    After seeing that his eyes were slightly corroded, Erta hid herself into the darkness.


    Before she disappearedpletely, she gave me a sad look.


    "I''m sorry. I don''t have the courage or the will to do that. Thank you for treating me well even though you knew there was poison in my body."


    Erta disappeared into the darkness, and I heard her scream a minuteter.


    If only... If only Erta had lived because I tried to stop her, how great would that have been?


    "Damn it!"


    "What a pity you can''t even make it to the tenth floor!"


    The priest appeared out of nowhere, chuckling and sneering. He was with Erta, who had be one with a machine and was shedding tears.


    <strong><em>[Those who turn their backs on God, fleeing and hiding, it is desirable to embrace fear, but that does not amount to reverence, and thus it is merely irreverence. Therefore, I will personally administer a light punishment.]</em></strong>


    "...Why are you doing something like this?"


    I shot the priest. Then a huge mechanical arm protected him.


    "How irredeemable it is to resist until the end."


    The priest shook his head and I was forced to move down another floor.


    <strong>[Basement Floor 8 - Penance]</strong>


    I wasn''t rxed enough to figure out what this floor was like.


    I held my head and resisted the strange energy that continued to stimte my brain.


    It''s like I''ve be an idiot and I can''t think of anything else.


    One by one, the information disappeared from my mind until I was left with only the basic question.


    <em>''Why, why am I doing this?''</em>


    Why am I here?


    Then I saw the gun in my hand.


    <em>''Why did I pick up a gun? Why am I enduring this pain?''</em>


    I dropped it.


    I hear the sound of the gun hitting the floor.


    But it seems there was something under it.


    Because I simultaneously heard a crash as if ss had broken.


    I looked at the floor.


    There was a broken mirror.


    I saw my blood-soaked appearance in it.


    I didn''t remember being soaked in blood, but I dismissed it as a dream.


    I feel like this is what I deserved for what I''ve done.


    <em>''I look ridiculous, running in search of an unreasonable hope that I can''t see. It''s ugly. I look like a rat soaked in water, no, blood.</em>


    That''s what I thought. The heavens confirmed my thoughts.


    <em><strong>[Those words are true. By believing in me, you can find immortality and happiness. Why do you strive so hard? Be a cog, and after one rotation, you will find satisfaction in that moment.]</strong></em>


    <em>''Why did I try so hard? Even this question is just painful. Yes. It''s not good to be in pain.''</em>


    As I finished thinking, a spotlight shone on me.


    From a ceiling made of the universe, a pulley emerges and rattles.


    A mechanical giant connected to a rope descends from the ceiling and speaks directly.


    *ck background*


    <strong>Machine God:</strong> You are beginning to understand, child. My joy will be passed on to you. Come closer. Whatever you imagine, I will grant your desires.


    Machine Priest: (trembling with joy) Oh...! How holy this is! Another follower is about to join us. Come forth. Let us find happiness in the cold andforting machines!


    Mason takes a step forward toward the Machine God.


    Mason: Of course. I don''t know why I struggled so hard to survive. Let''s go together. (suddenly, his legs give out, and he copses) Thud! *sound of falling down*


    Mason: Please, would you take my hand, Machine God?


    <strong>Machine God:</strong> Of course. A hand even without a hand. A leg even without a leg.


    The Machine God extends his hand, and Mason reaches out to grasp it.


    Mason: You are overflowing with mercy.


    Mason:... (stops reaching out and suddenly drops his head to the floor)


    Machine Priest: Why do you not take his hand?


    Mason silently stares at the floor.


    The priest tilts his head in confusion and looks down, seeing a golden mirror reflecting Mason.


    Mason: I keep thinking about it. Why did I suffer until now? (staring at the mirror on the floor)


    Machine Priest: Do you not realize that the very act of thinking is suffering? How ignorant you are.


    Mason: The reason I endured suffering... And carried out my duties in the Institution was. (suddenly stands up, runs, and grabs a gun)


    Mason: Because I could kill the monsters that took my wife with my own hands! I was a detective. But I could never understand why my wife died! After joining, I learned, though notpletely, the cause of mysterious deaths and many secrets! (aiming the gun at the machine God)


    Machine Priest: sphemy!


    <strong>Machine God:</strong> Repent.


    Mason: This memory cannot be erased! I realized there are things I could only understand by facing pain while working in the Institution. So I don''t want to live thoughtlessly like a cog in a machine!


    <strong>Machine God:</strong> Repent.


    *background of a sky filled with ominous dark clouds*


    Mason is tied to a guillotine.


    Believers who mock him throw tomatoes at him.


    Mason struggles to free himself from his predicament.


    Machine Believer: Hahaha! You look like an ant thrown into gasoline as you struggle!


    Mason: Shut up! (struggling) Isn''t this strange? You''ve got a lump of scrap metal in your head instead of a brain. You idiots areughing, even though your clothes are on fire as if you''ve taken anesthetics! It''s you who should be on this guillotine!


    The followersugh maniacally as they prepare to execute him.


    A heavy and sharp piece of metal falls toward his neck, and Mason is executed just like that.


    <strong><em>Alice:</em> Stop.</strong>


    Mason: Alice?


    *background where gloomy dark clouds begin to disappear and sunlight shines sparsely*


    Machine Priest: What, shouldn''t you have been expelled?


    Mason: Isn''t she dead?


    <strong><em>Alice:</em></strong> More exnationter. Let''s end this y for now. (Lifts up her skirt slightly with both hands, raises her leg, and then stomps the floor with her foot.)


    Bang! *sound of impact as the floor copses*


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    "It uses a strange and enormous power."


    I red at the giant mechanical arm and the priest. Yes. You got me really good.


    The priest pointed at me and shouted in disbelief.


    "Nonsense! It''s impossible to interfere with the stage."


    "Alice..."


    I roughly exined it to Mason, who was still in a daze. Honestly, I don''t know either.


    "I was exiled. I don''t know what you saw, but it was probably a trick. I was trapped in a ck space, unable to move even through the mirror. For some reason, after I heard you shouting, I was drawn here by something."


    "Then the others..."


    I couldn''t look Mason in the eye.


    Because what had happened to them was real.


    "...Sorry."


    I apologized to him. Mason nodded his head with a sad face.


    "You, you! You sphemous devil! How did you get onto the stage?! How is it even possible to destroy it..."


    The priest thought for a moment and seemed to realize something.


    "...Yes. You are the seventh! One of the devils in the story created by Mephisto Pheles! Devils who are not gods but dare to influence the stage from behind the scenes!"


    "Mephisto?"


    "Don''t pretend not to know!"


    "Haa..."


    This guy can''t bemunicated either.


    "...But that''s ridiculous. Even a devil can''t push back the power of a god. Unless they''re equal to it."


    "...Whatever it is, your stage is destroyed. I''m not sure about your powers, but it seems like they are activated by forcibly showing that y to the people of the Institution, right? The y just now. And the Institution that is very far away from here. I can feel a faint connection between the two. Somehow, you substitute the content of the y and apply it to a crisis that will befall the Institution..."


    I hesitantly ramble on about the power of the machine God.


    He cut me off as if it was sphemous for me to even mention his power.


    "Enough. Enough! Our God has warned us. His power over the threads of fate is enough to bring disaster upon you, but he chose to convey his message in the form of a y. What happens if one does not believe in God, and what happens when one acts disrespectfully towards God."


    The priest spoke eloquently, but what I understood was this.


    "In the end, you pushed people into the abyss of suffering in the y and manipted fate so that everyone who was forced to watch it would suffer the same fate, didn''t you? Well, it seems the Institution has a troublesome enemy."


    The High Priest, unable to contain his anger, kicked the ground.


    I mocked the priest, asking him if he could kick God''s abode like that.


    The priest grabbed the back of his neck, angry.


    "Alice..."


    Mason wanted to warn me that provoking him wasn''t a good idea, but I couldn''t help but feel a bit relieved as a faint smile crept onto my lips.


    The Machine God, who had been silently watching the scene, suddenly mmed his fist down on the high priest as he became more agitated.


    Seeing this, Mason shouted at me.


    "Alice!"


    "I have no intention of just staying still. I will protect you. That is the minimum reward for not giving up until the end."


    I hugged Mason and jumped.


    Again, a shock strong enough to copse the floor was transmitted through the air to me.


    I created a mirror in the air and summoned a monster.


    "Out of control."


    [It''s an emergency! It''s an emergency!]


    A monster wearing a prison uniformughs.


    However, the gears that made up the machine God only briefly malfunctioned and had no significant impact.


    <em>''It''s less effective... So it said it was a god?''</em>


    "Excessive emotions."


    [I''m depressed... I''m depressed...]


    A masked monster with a gloomy expression uses its powers.


    Thud!!


    But the mechanical God''s other arm mmed down on both monsters.


    They returned to the mirror again.


    <em>''It doesn''t work at all. This time, I''m not going to try something cheap.''</em>


    Inded on the floor and created arge mirror.


    "Can you broadcast?"


    A monster with a huge body appears after hearing my request.


    It had a body made of junk and a scythe for an arm.


    In his other arm, he was holding an umbre as big as his body.


    <strong>[Crackling*... Crackling*...]</strong>


    The monster''s radio head beeps. I understood what it meant.


    "It''s been a while. I thought you might be somewhere in the mirror too. We were enemies back then, but you''ll help me this time, right?"


    The monster, once the Radio Head Demon, nods his head.


    <strong>[Broadcast. It''s broadcast time. Residents, we''re expecting acid rain, so may you melt to death. The lump of scrap metal, throw it in the trash. Alice and the human will be lucky.]</strong>


    Radio Head Demon started broadcasting.


    Then acid rain falls.


    Mason and I were able to avoid the rain thanks to the power of luck mentioned on the broadcast.


    "Let''s go!"


    I grabbed Mason''s arm, summoned the monster of ornithophobia, and took to the sky.<sup>1</sup>


    I was nning on breaking the ceiling and going out like this.


    "What''s wrong? Isn''t it working?"


    It wasn''t strange for Mason to think that way.


    The acid rain had dissolved the priest and the mechanical God''s body was rusting.


    "He''s not such a soft opponent!"


    <strong><em>[The weather will clear up, and that worthless pile of junk will copse with even the slightest shock, no different from a heap of stones.]</em></strong>


    Then the rain stopped. There is no way that the machine God, who controls the threads of fate, could not stop a single rain.


    And since it even pressed down on the power of the radio demon, which used a simr power, it was obvious who had the superiority in ability.


    <strong>[Disaster alert! Beware of impact!]</strong>


    The machine God swung his right arm at the monster.


    Bang!


    Radio Head tried to defend himself with the huge umbre, but it only held up once and then broke.


    Radio demon''s massive body is pushed away by the impact.


    <strong><em>[It is a pointless resistance.]</em></strong>


    <strong>[The train is arriving. Passengers, please take one step forward and get hit and die.]</strong>


    <strong><em>[Foolish.]</em></strong>


    Twenty trains rushed to the machine God on their own tracks.


    But with a wave of his hand, the trains derailed, leaving only a small scratch on his body.


    The machine God grabbed the head of the Radio demon and broke it with strength.


    <strong>[Broadcast ends... Have a happy day.]</strong>


    This. I could feel that the Radio demon had returned to the mirror with irreparable wounds.


    Now the machine God will actively follow us. I asked Mason.


    "I can''t think of a way to defeat this guy with his strange powers. I''m in a hurry. Mason, does anyone live around here?"


    "This ce is a remote area in the Great ins. There are no people within three-hundred kilometers except this building."


    "Then that''s it!"


    I created a mirror and called out monsters who specialized in finding humans.


    "Please help me find people!"


    The monsters found all the humans in this ce and informed me.


    "Good!"


    I created mirrors at the coordinates provided and visited them one by one. When I appear in the created mirror, the Institution''s agents are shocked and startled.


    "What?!"


    I grabbed the person and pushed him into the mirror.


    "There is no time to exin!"


    In that way, I pushed all the humans I found into the mirror and summoned the monster of ornithophobia again to fly into the sky.


    "What on earth are you thinking!"


    Bang bang bang!


    From underground, I hear the earth shake as the mechanical God chases us.


    You can only think of it as an ignorant power. I told Mason what I was curious about.


    "...I''m going to shoot the same thing you guys shot at me!"


    "What on earth is that?"


    "Nuclear missiles."


    "What?"


    Don''t look at me like I''m a crazy bitch, Mason.


    It''s the only way I can think of.


    That thing can probably manipte the thread of fate to deflect the Institution''s long-range weapons. If it is not shot at this distance, it will not hit.


    "Are you out of your mind?!"


    "Were you guys in your right minds when you fired that just to kill one person?! And I''m only shooting four out of eight!"


    I created arge mirror.


    Four of the nuclear missiles I had locked away in the mirror came pouring out.


    I tried to get Mason into the mirror before it exploded.


    At this moment, the machine God popped out of the ground and spoke to me.


    <strong><em>[You may be my enemy, but you are truly remarkable, little devil. However, know that this form is merely a necessity; my fragmented minds are ever close to you.]</em></strong>


    "..."


    <strong><em>[Will you be able to protect them next time?]</em></strong>


    I took Mason with me and walked outside to the mirror.


    The machine God''sst words were probably referring to the children.


    I bit my lip.

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    I was watching the mushroom cloud of a nuclear explosion blooming beyond the screen.


    I then put my head in my hands and muttered.


    "Haa... That was too much, Alice."


    In many ways.


    Deep down, I hoped Alice would run away.


    Of course, given her personality, she would never abandon herpanions and run away.


    The suggestion that she could run away if she couldn''t handle it was advice, not a suggestion, but it didn''t get through to her.


    I was nervous because the instructions about the Machine God were not exined very well.


    This is what happened in the end.Aside from the fact that the higher-ups were so shocked by theunch of the nuclear missiles that their alert level towards Alice went up significantly.


    There is something else that is important.


    I walked towards a ce with several of my subordinates.


    A room being used as a temporary office by one of the other research directors.


    I stood in front of the door.


    If my suspicions are correct, I will have to kill this person, one of the directors who had witnessed the conflict between the Machine God and Alice, with my own hands.


    <em>''I really hope not, because it''s annoying.''</em>


    Ant.


    That was the name of the director I would meet if I opened the door in front of me.<sup>1</sup>


    ording to my investigation, he was a diligent and productive person... With no religious affiliation either.


    Though he had an innocent appearance that made him hard to suspect, there was something strange about him, and that was that there was a subtle believer-like tone and expression in his reports.


    And he had a history of making unnecessarily aggressive assessments of devils and exterminating them.


    <em>''...Actually, there is no solid evidence up to this point.''</em>


    After I verified my identity by swiping my security card, I asked to meet with the research director about something important.


    A very, very important matter, indeed.


    I waited for him toe out with a friendly smile on my face.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    Although it wasn''t Carol''s intention, she was known as quite an entric to the other research directors.


    She is persistent and sharp, and she is the type of person who can be annoying if turned into an enemy.


    Ant believed that behind the smiling expression on the screen was a poisonous snake, so he tried not to scratch it and make a mess.


    So he opened the door.


    Carol greeted him cheerfully.


    "Hello, Director Ant, how are you?"


    "I''m always well. How about you, Director Carol?"


    "Well~ Of course I''m fine! Alice brilliantly took down the troublemaker."


    Carol subtly scanned his office with her sharp analytical skills.


    Noticing Ant''s broken coffee cup, she allowed a faint smile to y on her lips.


    Ant was displeased to see Carol''s pride in Alice, whom she was responsible for.


    "Impressive, indeed. But she''s too dangerous. Are you sure we should leave her as she is?"


    "Well, while we might be able to restrain her if we wanted, there will be no gains without taking risks. Have you ever dealt a significant blow to the Machine God?"


    Ant couldn''t argue with that.


    Carol scanned Ant''s room again.


    A special ink bottle had been knocked over.


    She noticed the same ink on his hands.


    Carol narrowed her eyes.


    She remembered seeing that ink on some documents that had been previously stolen.


    "That''s true, but..."


    "Oh, have you heard the rumors?"


    "What?"


    Out of the blue, Carol brought up a rumor.


    Ant asked back in confusion, but Carol didn''t change her question.


    "There''s a rumor that one of theb directors is a spy for another organization. It''s such a ridiculous story, don''t you think?"


    Very direct words.


    Saying something like that to his face could only mean she was openly suspecting him.


    Ant was puzzled.


    "...This is a matter to ask the higher-ups of the Institution. Could you please tell me where you heard such a rumor?"


    "Before that..."


    Carol began to approach Ant step by step.


    Ant flinched, but Carol just sat down on the chair next to him.


    She sat with her legs crossed, making a gesture that could hardly be considered polite.


    She then pressed him withughter.


    "Are you still using things like this these days?"


    What was in Carol''s hand was a fountain pen.


    It was also a model that had been used for a long time.


    The fountain pen''s age alone gave it a dreamlike feel.


    "Sometimes old things are better."


    "Ahaha... Old things are better. That''s definitely true. So... What did you write with this pen?"


    "...Nothing special."


    Ant hid a paper, but Carol snatched it.


    The contents of the paper were as follows.


    <strong>[The king lined up the sinners.</strong>


    <strong>The king was truly of a gentle nature and pardoned their crimes one by one.</strong>


    <strong>The king asked.</strong>


    <strong>"You, little child, what crime have youmitted?"</strong>


    <strong>The child said, <em>I was hungry, so I killed and ate my pet.</em></strong>


    <strong>The king forgave the child, seeing his remorse.</strong>


    <strong>The king asked the next sinner.</strong>


    <strong>"You, the one who is crying, what crime have youmitted?"</strong>


    <strong>The sinner said, <em>I was driven by pleasure and killed someone.</em></strong>


    <strong>The king forgave him, seeing his repentance.</strong>


    <strong>The king asked thest sinner.</strong>


    <strong>"You, the girl with blonde hair, what crime have youmitted?"</strong>


    <strong>The girl answered, <em>I impersonated the king and actually tried to be the king.</em></strong>


    <strong>The girl was repentant.</strong>


    <strong>Then the king said.</strong>


    <strong>"Execute her."]</strong>


    Carol reacted dramatically upon reading the contents of the paper.


    "...Oh! This is such an interesting story! And the writing is cute too. Is it some kind of riddle? Or poetry? I''m also very knowledgeable when ites to poetry."


    "It wasn''t written with any particr meaning."


    "I see."


    "..."


    "Then why did you send it to another organization?"


    "...!"


    "That ink and pen, when used together, form an anomalous tool that can transmit thoughts to others just by writing. Did you think I wouldn''t understand what this message means either, traitor?"


    "You knew."


    Ant''s face distorted.


    How she recognized the anomalous tool he managed was unclear, but the important thing was that she understood the message.


    "Oh my, you''re ring at me so fiercely. What''s the problem?"


    "Don''t you understand even after seeing that? A machine iming to be a god. The Ruler''s power is indeed sphemous but powerful enough to be called an authority. It is a hidden power that overwhelmingly surpasses other anomalous objects! Indeed. The only force that can cut off this power is the divine power of the true absolute being."


    Divine power. The influence of the absolute being believed in by Christianity.


    It''s a devil''s weakness, but if handled well, it can also suppress the authority itself.


    The reason the Institution established a cooperative rtionship with the Cathedral, a group of interest, was not necessarily to eradicate the increased number of devils.


    Study of divine power.


    It was to handle the unknown power.


    Carol pouted her lips and mocked him.


    "Oh, is that so? Then you should''ve quit a long time ago. The cathedral is full of pretentiousness. So? Alice defeated that power, so what are you going to do?"


    "Are you kidding me?! It''s impossible. In tales, devils can only suppress Rulers, not defeat them. It is impossible except by divine power. But you said Alice surpassed that, even if only for a moment? Nonsense! That can''t be possible!!"


    What he wanted to say is that it is impossible for the power of a devil to ovee the power of a Ruler.


    Carol found it so funny that she almostughed.


    "Well, I don''t see why not. It''s more useful than your dwindling divine power, so I prefer it."


    "...! How!"


    Bang!


    Carol shot Ant with her pistol.


    The bullet pierced him and soaked the paper with blood.


    She looked down at him coldly and took out a cross from his pocket.


    "Well, thank you for confessing, Ant. It''s an immediate execution."


    As Carol handed the cross to a staff member, she said.


    "Everyone, please search this room and gather more evidence that he was a traitor. There is a very high chance that I''ll face disciplinary action due to my rash actions."


    After she said that, Carol lost herself in her thoughts.


    <em>''The Cathedral has somewhat figured out Alice''s identity... Hmm... I don''t know about the higher-ups in the Institution... It''s hard to predict whether they''ll contact me if they realize it or just ignore it.''</em>


    Carol thought for a while and then started to get annoyed by herself.


    She ruffled her ck hair.


    "Tsk! First of all, I need to make preparations. Ah, how can I get the P-702 that the Cathedral keeps? What a headache. Why am I always stuck with such troublesome tasks? I shouldn''t have made a deal with that damned devil. Well, Alice is an exception, of course."


    "Director Carol. Alice is looking for you."


    Carol smiled brightly at those words.


    She stopped what she was doing, stood up, entrusted the task to an employee, and walked towards Alice''s containment room.


    "When a lovely girl calls, who wouldn''t go? Our little darling must have a lot of questions."


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    I created a mirror in the istion room and safely moved with Mason.


    The mirror was also removed before the aftereffects of the explosion were transmitted through it.


    "Are you okay, Mason?"


    I asked him in my arms.


    "Ah... It''s okay, but..."


    "That''s a relief."


    Mason was still dazed.


    Because he suddenly went through so much.


    After he calmed down, I spoke to him.


    "I''m sorry. I couldn''t protect you all."


    I made a sad face.


    Tofort me, he pretended to be truly okay.


    "We are not in a position where we must be protected, but it''s just that it''s not entirely satisfactory that they died in battle after a fierce fight. But I''m okay."


    The acting was too obvious.


    Mason wouldn''t be a very good actor.


    "Really?"


    When I asked that, he looked even sadder than me.


    I noticed that his spirit was damaged.


    "...That''s not true. No matter what the reason, the fact that my colleagues were sacrificed by an unknown monster is something hard to ept."


    I hugged Mason.


    "Alice...?"


    "I have a talent for calming people down, so trust me."


    It might be a bit embarrassing, though.


    "Mason, how did you feel when you faced that giant mechanical hand?"


    Mason began to find peace of mind as he listened to the steady beating of my heart.


    I questioned Mason as if giving him a psychological therapy session.


    "I was scared. I couldn''t resist. I was weak and nothing more than a handful of dust."


    "But still, you tried your best until the end. It was because of you that I, who had been exiled, coulde back. In the end, you survived."


    "..."


    "It''s not your fault that you couldn''t protect yourrades, and you''re not weak. Rather, you are a strong person. How can a human who dares to resist a gigantic monster be dust?"


    "..."


    His shattered spirit began to piece itself back together.


    I spoke warm words to soothe his wounds, filling in the missing gaps.


    "If you ever encounter a monster so terrifying that you can''t possibly resist it again, as long as you don''t give up, I''ll appear again."


    "..."


    "So,e on, Mason. Get up now. You have your adventure to go on. There''s no need for it to be eventful or for you to struggle to ovee something. Just don''t stop. Walk the path you want to take."


    "I owe you a lot."


    Mason heard me and stood up.


    He''ll go his own way now, whether it''s back to being an active member of the Institution or wiping his memory and going back to being a normal person.


    Thud.


    "What?"


    Mason copsed.


    His tension released, and he fell asleep.


    I smiled at his peaceful slumber...


    Then I jumped onto the bed and buried my blushing face in the pillow!!


    "...I did something embarrassing again...! Urgh..."


    I rubbed my face in my pillow in agony.


    I wondered if I had been too impulsive again.


    I was worried I might have seemed foolish.


    When I see someone hurt like that, I just want tofort them.


    ...This isn''t the time for this.


    I immediately went to find Carol.


    There were mountains of things I wanted to ask.


    Not long after, she came into my istion room, slyly waving her hand at me.


    "They said you were looking for me, Alice. Before we talk, let me just say this. If you hug men like that, they''ll misunderstand, you know? Except for me, all men are beasts, beasts."


    "...?"


    I tilted my head, wondering if Carol was confused about her gender.


    But she seemed unaware that she had said that.


    Sometimes she says weird things like that, so I let it slide.


    "I''ll apologize first. I admit it was extreme tounch nuclear missiles. But honestly, I couldn''t think of any other way."


    I expected Carol to have something to say about that.


    But her reaction was surprisingly warm.


    "Oh, that? The higher-ups were shocked, but you don''t need to apologize. Alice was in danger too... And you wanted to bring peace to those who had been turned into machines while still alive, right? In the most certain way."


    "That''s right. You noticed."


    Carol knew.


    She can see through my thoughts and is really smart.


    But that''s exactly why it was suspicious.


    "Of course I knew. I''m very interested in Alice. I''m the number one person who knows the most about Alice in this world."


    Carol shrugged her shoulders proudly.


    She always imed to know everything about me.


    I asked Carol.


    "You knew everything, didn''t you?"


    Carol avoided my gaze.


    "...Huh? What is this atmosphere? It''s just in scary. Can I go home?"


    I thought there was no way that smart Carol wouldn''t know about the situation.


    Carol''s meaningfulments at the beginning are nothing more than a tant indication that she is hiding something.


    ...Thinking back, I should have been more persistent in questioning her.


    "You knew everything about what the Institution was doing, didn''t you, Carol? I have a feeling. I smell something fishy about you. How much did you know about this?"


    Instead of answering, Carol looked at me bitterly.


    "...Are you disappointed, Alice?"


    "I figured the Institution wouldn''t stop at anything if it meant benefiting humanity. I didn''t have high hopes, but it''s still unpleasant to experience firsthand."


    Carol looked at me with a surprised expression.


    I had said I was disappointed in the Institution, but I hadn''t specifically said I was disappointed in her.


    Carol continued with a sly smile.


    "Is that so? I don''t want to be hated by Alice, so I''ll tell you a few things."


    "Sly..."


    "You''re really angry this time... The first thing I''m going to tell you is about that Machine God."


    "..."


    I listened to the story.


    But Carol was about to open her mouth when she saw my expression and stopped.


    "Ah. I really didn''t hide it. I personally used my resources and only found out about it now. Really. Reeally."


    I tried to focus on the story, but my inability to control my expression must have made Carol think I doubted her.


    It probably seemed to Carol that I was thinking something like, <em>she knew but kept it hidden.</em>


    Carol must have thought I was really angry.


    In fact, I was angry.


    However, I had no intention of ming it all on Carol.


    To clear up the misunderstanding, I apologized.


    "Okay, just tell me. There are things that are difficult for you to talk about, and I don''t want to be self-centered. I''m not doubting you. I''m just a little angry. Even if you did hide it, I appreciate that you''re telling me now."


    "Is that so..."


    Carol stared at me with eyes that showed herplicated feelings.


    Among them, the emotion that is clearly visible is affection, guilt, and bitterness.


    I''m not sure why Carol feels the way she does.


    Still, I thought she would have her own backstory since she is a human after all.


    This is also my feeling, but I don''t think Carol is a bad person.


    She began telling me what she knew.


    "That Machine God is one of the entities our Institution is particrly wary of. In other words, it''s one of the Rulers."


    I asked Carol about the word <em>Ruler</em>.


    "The term doesn''t mean exactly what it says, does it?"


    "No. Among the numerous anomalous entities, they are those with anomalous abilities that can have a profound impact on reality and are intelligent beings that can single-handedly trigger a scenario of destruction of humanity. We call them Rulers."


    I frowned at the unexpected appearance of strong enemies.


    No. In fact, I vaguely thought that such things might exist.


    If there is an Institution that protects humanity in a creative work, there are bound to be monsters equivalent to it.


    "Things have suddenly gotten very serious."


    "The number of Rulers we have identified is seven. The Machine God is one of them. His goal is domination. To achieve domination easily, he tried to get the Institution under his control."


    "...And how?"


    "Manipting the threads of fate. The Machine God manipted the fate of the Institution so that, one way or another, we would send an expedition to the factory. Then he used the expedition team as proxies, using them as characters in a y."


    "..."


    "The content of the y was different, but the ending was always the same. In the end, thest surviving human would be his follower ande under his control. That is the fate he ultimately manipted for us.


    "He had the power to directly trante what happened in the y to reality."


    "You understand well. What happened to the expedition in the y had a direct impact on the members of the Institution. If they were crushed to death there, some members would die under industrial equipment. If theymitted suicide, there would be a surge in depression cases. Of course, even though he manipted fate, it seemed to be quite challenging to have the Institution fall into the Machine God''s hands without any context. The Institution endured numerous casualties, but somehow managed to hold out until the sixty-six time. But as the Institution''s fate steadily shifted towards being under his control, and as the limits were bing clear, Alice, you were sent."


    The 66th time... They held out for an incredible amount of time.


    "..."


    "Alice?"


    "Haa... Yeah. The Institution was desperate too. I''ll stop being angry. Thank you for telling me."


    "As expected of our Alice! But you can''t tell anyone else what I just said. I could really die. If you must tell, at least do so when the rted mission has been assigned."


    "Okay."


    I was lost in thought.


    How should we deal with that huge enemy?


    Half-baked monsters won''t work on him.


    Even strong monsters like the Radio Head didn''t have much of an effect. In that case...


    ...We might need the power of <em>special</em> monsters.


    But even I can''t summon them recklessly.


    Conditions must be met and it is unclear whether they will respond to my call.


    As I continued to think, Carol tapped my shoulder.


    "I''ve told you everything I know, so how about a reward..."


    "..."


    Squeeze, squeeze...


    "Kyaa! So soft!"


    "..."


    I let Carol touch my cheeks as much as she wanted and continued thinking.


    The ones the Machine God referred at the end about protecting are probably the children.


    Just as he couldn''t change my fate of winning, he can''t alter my destiny.


    But perhaps he noticed the existence of the kids by seeing the thread of fate that was intertwined with me.


    It is difficult to monitor and protect them 24 hours a day.


    It would turn into an endless war of attrition.


    However, there is no way to attack him directly and defeat him.


    There are too many constraints when working alone.


    <em>''I might need some cooperation.''</em>


    The Institution cannot be trusted.


    They hide too much!


    Once something happens that cannot be dealt with due to missing information, it is toote.


    This should be thest time I lose a friend.


    <em>''If those kids die, I...''</em>


    No, let''s not think negatively.


    How about borrowing the power of another force?


    The priest mentioned other devils.


    He said I was the 7th.


    If so, there must be at least 6 more.


    What if I meet those guys?


    I asked Carol, but even though she knows some of them, this is top-secret information, so she can''t just tell me like a vending machine.


    She gave information about the Machine God because we''re inevitably going to face him as an enemy, but the devils from tales are also tricky just like Rulers.


    Carol is an informant who favors me and asionally gives me important information.


    Rtionships should not be ruined by making unreasonable demands.


    <em>''Should I try to meet them on my own?''</em>


    ...Oh, I''m going crazy. There''s no way you can meet those guys easily.


    I had no choice but to check the children''s safety in the mirror and send them a message to ask if anything had happened.


    Only after receiving replies from all of them did I feel relieved and rxed.


    And the next day.


    Strangely enough, I encounter one of the devils from a tale.


    "...Huh? Are you the horror game one?"


    A boy with green hair. He introduced himself to me.


    "My name is Jack! If any fairy talees to mind, it''s that Jack! What''s your name?"


    Though it was my first time seeing this boy, one word popped into my head for some reason.


    Just like he called me someone from the horror game.


    "Alice. Just Alice. Nice to meet you, Jack."


    Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk.


    A nt-growing game.

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    I met him when I went out on patrol to check if anything was happening around the kids on the weekend.


    As soon as our eyes met in front of the crosswalk, he waved and approached me cheerfully.


    A green-haired boy.


    A nt-growing game.


    We briefly introduced ourselves.


    Then Jack eximed.


    "Oh...! Hi Alice! I didn''t expect to meet you here!"


    "Same here. I have so much to talk about."


    I walked towards a quiet caf¨¦ to talk with Jack.Jack chattered and mumbled strange things as we walked.


    It didn''t seem important, so I ignored it, but I was a little worried about his social skills when I saw him talking to himself without needing a response.


    I sat down and ordered a drink.


    I let Jack mumble on as he pleased while waiting for the drinks.


    Only after the drinks were served did I take the monster of silence out of the mirror.


    This means that our stories cannot be heard even if there is a wiretapping device.


    "Ooh! Coffee! It''s bitter and tastes bad!"


    Jack said this after drinking a cup of coffee.


    Then he looked at my fresh fruit juice, but I secretly hid it.


    No one can take sweets away from me.


    Jack looked disappointed.


    You shouldn''t have ordered coffee in the first ce...


    "Let''s start the story, Jack. Have you ever been in a game?"


    Even though it''s still unclear whether I''m in a game or reality, I already judge that I''m in reality.


    The world I knew was not one overflowing with monsters, but it is understandable if they were not noticed due to the existence of the Institution.


    Above all, the fact that there was a grave of the senior who shouldn''t have existed in the game makes this ce close to reality.


    Jack nodded.


    As expected, he had also been in his own game.


    "It seems Alice was curious about that! Of course, I also entered the game and came out looking like this! Hehe. It''s nice to meet someone I canmunicate with!"


    I was also surprised that we couldmunicate.


    The devils in tales are said to be picky, even whenpared to Rulers, but they may be more normal than I thought.


    Well, if I expected the tale devils weren''t normal, wouldn''t that be like spitting in my own face?


    "That''s right. It''s good to talk to you. I''m d you''re not some weird devil."


    "...Weird devil?"


    "?"


    Jack looked at me intently for a moment and then widened his eyes as if he realized something.


    And then he dered.


    "Hmm! I guess I should run away!"


    "???"


    Jack suddenly got up and really tried to run away.


    I quickly grabbed him.


    Jack started to resist.


    No, why is this guy so strong?


    Jack''s struggles tore the table like paper.


    Even though I''m not exactly weak, I could feel his resistance growing stronger, and I couldn''t hold on for long.


    The floor might get destroyed too.


    "Wait! Why are you trying to run away!"


    "I''ve been thinking! You''re a female devil!"


    "...That''s... true, so?"


    I was puzzled by Jack''s words.


    Are there any sexist notions even among devils?


    "The two female tale devils I''ve met were both crazy! And even the ones that came out of normal games were crazy, so there''s no way a girl from a horror game would be normal!"


    I don''t know about the former, but for some reason I couldn''t refute thetter.


    Since it''s a devil that came out of a horror game, it looks extremely dangerous...


    But regardless of that, I felt unfair.


    So, I attempted to make a correction to clear up Jack''s misunderstanding.


    "I''m not actually a girl, so calm down!"


    "Look! I knew it would be like this! Is what''s on your chest just padding?!"


    No, damn it.


    "Y-you little brat!"


    I chose a method that worked as a way to calm down a struggling Jack.


    I hugged him tightly.


    When I buried him in my chest, he rxed and let his body go limp.


    "Oh... Cozy..."


    "Haa..."


    This little guy is so strong, that''s why this is happening.


    I sighed and conveyed my intentions to the now calm Jack.


    "Haa... I need your help Jack. I need information and cooperation. I won''t force that on you, but please, can we talk about it a little more?"


    I asked as earnestly as I could. Then he lifted his head from my chest and raised his thumb.


    "You''re really gentle! You might be different from the other devils. Let''s hear what you have to say~"


    He''s a guy whose emotions and mood change quickly.


    I''m already tired.


    "Ahem. Let''s start again. Jack, do you know anything about the Rulers?"


    If the priest mentioned tale devils, the Machine God must have encountered one of them at least once. Could that have been Jack?


    "Hmm! I don''t know! Never met them! Who are these Rulers?"


    No, damn it!


    What does this guy even know?


    "Urgh... You can think of them as being incredibly strong, enough to trigger a scenario that will destroy the world."


    "I see!"


    "..."


    Let''s face it... This guy is a devil from a tale, even if he looks sloppy.


    I''ve just checked his strength, he''s not a small fry like the awl demon.


    His physical strength alone is beyond the reach of an ordinary monster.


    "Okay Jack. I want to stop those guys from attacking my loved ones. For that to happen, cooperation from other forces is needed. Do you know of any other tale devils that would cooperate with me? It would be nice if you could help too."


    "Hmm...! Using my head isn''t my specialty! As for forces..."


    Jack crossed his arms and began to think deeply.


    I don''t really have faith, but thinking about it means that at least he knows a candidate.


    "Ah. How about meeting Ariel?"


    "If it''s Ariel... The Little Mermaid..."


    "That''s right! She''s also part of the group! Just so you know, she''s not exactly normal either, so don''t get your hopes up too much!"


    "..."


    In my eyes, you are abnormal.


    I was going to ask Jack what I should do to meet Ariel.


    But he suggested before I could say anything.


    "Okay then! Let''s go together to see Ariel. My group. That is, the Fairy-tale Tea Party made up of tale devils!"


    "...!"


    ...


    Bubbling... Sea foam rises up around us.


    The surrounding space is bent, scattered, and disorganized like light refracted in the sea.


    "Oh, was that the trigger word? Well, whatever."


    "What the hell!"


    My vision went dark, and after a floating sensation as if swept by waves, I slowly opened my eyes.


    "..."


    "Jack! What if you bring Alice without consulting me?"


    "What do you think? We can increase the number of colleagues. There are seven seats, but there are always just two of us."


    "Talking back?"


    "Ahh!"


    I heard Jack and the girl fighting.


    I got up from my seat and walked towards the sound.


    As I got closer to them, I heard soft music.


    Jack and the red-haired girl, who were arguing at the tea party table with seven chairs, looked in my direction.


    "Hey. I''m pretty confused about being dragged here suddenly. Some hospitality would be nice."


    "...You''re right! Wee, Alice. To our Fairy-tale Tea Party."


    Judging by her appearance, this girl is probably Ariel.


    The protagonist of The Little Mermaid.


    I asked her to confirm.


    "Rhythm game?"


    She smiles at my words.


    Her face is mesmerizing, even more devilish than Jack''s.


    Ariel was wearing an idol costume, so it made sense that she popped out of a rhythm game.


    "That''s right. I''m Ariel. I''m a human who became a tale devil due to Mephisto Pheles."


    Thank god.


    She speaks much more reasonably than Jack.


    Jack said that this woman wasn''t normal either, but I decided not to believe him because I didn''t think Jack himself was normal.


    "Now I finally have someone I can talk to."


    "That''s right, let''s skip the pleasantries. Shall we tell each other what we want from now on?"


    Fast and straightforward.


    It''s okay to make friends, but I can put that off untilter.


    What <em>we</em> want... She must want something from me too.


    I decided to listen to Ariel''s request first.


    "What do you want?"


    "We want you to join our Fairy-tale Tea Party. The goals of the tea party are to find and recruit other tale devils, to protect each other from organizations or other groups, and to find the one who created us, Mephisto Pheles."


    I looked at her with suspicious eyes.


    "Just the two of you?"


    "...There are three people including you. Devils are very independent, so they don''t respond to invitations. Three out of seven is still a majority, right?"


    "Hahaha! Ariel, are you bad at math?"


    "Shut up, Jack."


    These guys are so sloppy... I''m worried if it''s okay to borrow their strength.


    "Okay so... Mephisto Pheles is..."


    "M.P. Haven''t you seen or heard of it? It''s sometimes the name (initials) of the game developer in the games. You must have heard his voice when you turned into a devil."


    "..."


    M.P. is both the name of a developer and the initials of the devil Mephisto Pheles.


    And thest person to talk to me was the senior.


    ...The senior is Mephisto Pheles.


    I knew he was an unusual person.


    But I never thought he was such a famous devil.


    Honestly, it doesn''t feel real.


    Senior. No, why on earth did that devil make me like this?


    Perhaps that''s something the devils of other tales are also curious about.


    "It looks like something is bothering you. We need more people to find Mephisto Pheles, the devil who created us. Because he must have tremendous power. So, we need you to join our side. We won''t force you to do anything. Bute if we call you. And if possible, gather other tale devils too."


    It wasn''t a bad offer for me.


    There will be no loss if the tale devils join forces, and in the end, I also want to find senior.


    Now it''s my turn.


    I told Ariel my request.


    "...Okay. All I ask is that you lend me your strength to deal with a Ruler."


    "Eh... That''s a bit much."


    ...


    "Uh?"


    I got an unexpected reaction and made a dumb sound.


    It felt like all my faith waspletely shattered in an instant.


    Aren''t you guys strong? If this were aic or a novel, readers would have thrown stones!


    "Huh? It''s natural. We don''t know everything about the Rulers, but we know that they are very strong, right? Asking us to help with that is a bit much! And honestly, it doesn''t make sense at all!"


    "Ariel, that''s a bit stingy. Just help her out."


    "I told you to shut up, Jack."


    "..."


    Seeing my disheartened look, Ariel scratched her cheek.


    Sighing as if she had no other choice, she spoke to me.


    "Really, it would be troublesome for us if we got on their bad side. While there are some who can confront them directly... Let''s at least hear about it. Depending on the matchup, we might be able to help. What kind of being is it?"


    "He... Is a mechanical giant who thinks he is a god..."


    "Nope. That''s too much for us."


    Ariel immediately waved her hand and refused.


    Now once again Ariel has betrayed my heart.


    Aren''t these guys really strong?


    "Why!"


    "I told you. There is such a thing aspatibility. His abilities are annoying and we don''t want to engage physically. Yeah, honestly, if we went all out, we wouldn''t lose, but..."


    "Then."


    "I''m sorry, but if we go all out and use all our strength, we''ll be in trouble the next time we''re attacked by an organization or other group. That doesn''t align with the purpose of the tea party."


    "...You saidpatibility. Then, is there anyone else who can defeat the Machine God?"


    "..."


    Ariel seemed to ponder a few candidates.


    She muttered things about one being trapped, another being umunicative, and another beingpletely unknown.


    Then she said to me that one person came to mind.


    "Pinhio. Find Pinhio. He''s a businessman, so he won''t help without a price, though."


    Pinhio. This is a name I heard once when I caught a petty thief.


    I just passed it over at the time, but he was probably rted to the Workshop.


    I asked Ariel.


    "Where is he?"


    "Hmm..."


    She thought for a moment.


    "He''s looking for rare materials... No, parts. Shouldn''t he be somewhere with mechanical devices?"


    "Alright, got it."


    She doesn''t seem to know much.


    Still, I got some useful information.


    First, let''s find Pinhio. That was my first goal.


    "Since you''ve joined the tea party, we''ll give you any help we can. But don''t expect too much or be toocent. We really can''t offer much help but. Hmm... I guess to the extent of protecting the kids for a little while you''re busy?"


    ...!


    "How do you know?"


    When I asked that, Ariel smiled slyly and said.


    For some reason, it felt like a Carol-like atmosphere.


    "Have you ever broken a crystal ball or something before?"


    "Uh... Yeah."


    A crystal ball that Ha-rim bought at an ult shop. It seems like it had a strange ability. Was it something Ariel created?


    "I made that. I could see you through it. But don''t get me wrong, I didn''t give it to the shop owner. I sold it for snack money. It''s like a music album where you can hear my singing if you listen closely. Wanna buy one?"


    Ariel pointed at the crystal ball. I politely declined it.


    "I decline."


    Ariel was sad.


    "Aww... Jack. There''s no snack today."


    "No way!"


    "..."


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    After finishing the conversation, Alice returned.


    Because James gets into trouble if she doesn''t contact him for a long time.


    Ariel thought as she watched Alice leave.


    <em>''...Hmm. It''s pretty, very pretty. But there''s no way he''d favor her just for her looks...''</em>


    Mephisto Pheles. What on earth is so special about that girl?


    Ariel is a little jealous.


    Maybe she might y a bad prank on her?

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    Ariel is sensitive to emotions.


    Therefore, even if Mephisto Pheles doesn''t specifically mention Alice, the slightest hint of affection towards her shakes Ariel''s heart.


    Yes. She was jealous of Alice for receiving favoritism from Mephisto.


    So she decided to y a mischievous prank.


    Even if she says it''s a prank, it''s simply not telling Alice what she knew.


    For example, what Pinhio will do with the items obtained through their trade.


    Well, if he actually seeds, it would be troublesome for Ariel too.


    But it would be quite amusing to see the distorted expression on Alice''s face when she gets stabbed in the back.


    ...<strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    "...The table is broken."


    I took out my wallet.


    I had about 30,000 won.<sup>1</sup>


    I apologized to the employee, very embarrassed.


    The employee said it was probably a defective item and that I didn''t have to pay for it, but I insisted I would and asked for the price.


    ...More expensive than 30,000 won.


    I called someone.


    "...James. I''m really sorry..."


    ...


    "Hmm. It''s strange how you''re bothered by a broken table when youpletely obliterated the factory and its underground with nuclear missiles."


    James said as he drove.


    I couldn''t help but blush.


    I made up the bare minimum of excuses.


    "It''s because I don''t have enough pocket money."


    James chuckled at those words.


    I felt even more embarrassed.


    I gestured for him to change the subject, and he brought up something quite serious.


    "From what I heard, it looks like you ran into a really big guy. This is the first time since I joined the Institution that I have seen an anomaly with such a high security level."


    Ruler.


    A monster that can single-handedly create a world-ending scenario.


    It is no wonder that James, who is not one of the research directors, does not know.


    "He knows about the kids. He must have seen the thread of fate connecting us."


    The fight targeting children will begin again.


    I expected James to help again.


    Seeing my expression, he leaned back in his seat and spoke in a weary voice.


    What he said was uncharacteristic of him.


    "...Honestly, I don''t know if I can be of help."


    I couldn''t believe that James, who had tried to face such a huge devil before, would say something like this.


    I asked back in surprise.


    "What do you mean, James?"


    "It''s not like I''m always full of confidence. I have no intention of running away, but the bigger the scale, the less individual strength matters. It''s going to be quite tough."


    When a situation arises, James'' role will be to eradicate the monsters.


    If the Machine God, bigger than a building, were to fully reveal itself, the bullets fired by an individual would not be enough.


    I put myself in James'' shoes.


    ...In terms of <em>war</em>, would he be an <em>infantry</em>?


    If so, James'' fear is understandable.


    I said this to appease him.


    "Don''t worry James, I will protect you if you want."


    I smiled as kindly as I could.


    Although I am a devil.


    Will James cheer up if I give him a hug? It was when I was thinking that.


    "What if I don''t want that?"


    "Huh?"


    His answer again exceeded my expectations.


    I felt like a fool.


    As I was embarrassed, he tried to wrap up the conversation.


    "I''m grateful, but I decline. Sorry for bringing it up."


    "Uh, um... Okay."


    When I looked at James to see if I had done something wrong, he nced at me while driving and said.


    "...I hope you don''t read too much into what I just said. I was just anxious because I am also human. But I don''t want to be protected. How should I put it... If there is a chance that the oue will change when I risk my life, I am willing to do it. I''m just afraid of not being able to achieve anything at the end of my efforts."


    James'' fear waspletely natural.


    If there is no result waiting for you at the end of your efforts, there is nothing more vain and miserable.


    I thought the same thing... If there were a God, it would be nice if he came down from the sky at thest moment and rewarded humans for their hard work.


    It''s strange that there is a devil but no God.


    "I see. I''m sorry. I didn''t know that."


    I pretended not to care, but checked James''s mood.


    Because I wanted to make him rx a little.


    James shook his head.


    "I told you, don''t let it get to your head."


    "..."


    Why do I get caught every time?


    A moment of silence.


    James tapped his fingers on the steering wheel.


    He seems to be thinking about a new topic.


    I guessed that the topic he was about to bring up was a question he''d always had.


    "So, Alice. Do you want to protect the children?"


    I tilted my head when I heard that question.


    Because it was such an obvious question.


    "That''s right. I want to keep them <em>safe</em>."


    "I see..."


    James mumbled very softly after hearing my answer.


    The pronunciation and volume was so low that no one but me could hear it.


    <em>Have you changed a bit?</em>


    "...?"


    I didn''t understand the muttering.


    What on earth has changed about me?


    ...


    And it was the next day.


    "Alice!"


    Suho seems to be full of energy today.


    When I asked if something good had happened, Suho asked how I knew.


    Actually, everyone knew.


    Even though there was nothing particrly noticeable in his voice, it seemed like everyone noticed it.


    It''s not that important.


    "Today is club activity day."


    These kids are still the same.


    Wouldn''t it be better for horror game protagonists to restrain themselves?


    Then you might meet a real monster.


    "You never get tired of it. What are you going to do this time? As long as it''s not dangerous, I''ll allow it."


    When I said that, the children blinked and stared at me.


    What''s with this atmosphere?


    It felt like I had said something strange.


    Suho said with a smile.


    "When did Alice be our mother?"


    "..."


    My face turned red again.


    I covered my face with my palms, but anyone could see that I looked embarrassed.


    There have been a lot of shameful incidents recently.


    We''ll see, you guys.


    "Hehehe..."


    Ha-rimughs happily.


    I motioned to Suho as if to tell him to speak quickly.


    "Okay. So what are you going to do?"


    "It''s about a ghost story that''s going around these days. Kyeong-min told us before, it''s about a living machine."


    "...!"


    A living machine.


    Is it the influence of the Machine God?


    It''s so fast. I got a little serious.


    "Alice? What''s going on?"


    "It''s nothing. Do you want to keep talking?"


    This time Kyeong-min started speaking.


    In terms of knowledge alone, he probably knows more than Ha-rim.


    "Hmm... Judging by Alice''s expression, she seems to have forgotten or was thinking about something else when we were talking. You have to listen carefully this time. It''s a clich¨¦ story, but there used to be a lot of graves around here."


    "Graves? Really?"


    Eun-jeong didn''t pay attention either. Kyeong-min grunted slightly.


    "I don''t know. Isn''t it a ghost story that''s hard to tell if it''s true or not? Anyway, the souls of dead people remain without attaining Buddhahood, and then their souls seep into objects and move around every night."


    "That resembles the Japanese tsukumogami."<sup>2</sup>


    The reality ispletely different, but people tend to give usible reasons to strange phenomena.


    That''s also a characteristic of ghost stories.


    This is going to be far more dangerous than the kids realize.


    "Wow. It really moves? How do you find something like that if it''s hiding around you?"


    When Eun-jeong asked that with interest, Kyeong-min showed her how to tell the difference.


    "Recently added sightings say they were screaming that they were in pain, but I guess everyone couldn''t see them because it was dark. In the beginning, they said it looked like a wooden doll or a mannequin... This part is strange."


    "It''s scary that it screamed in pain. Maybe it¡¯s actually the screams of people attacked by the machine monster?"


    "...No way! Or so I wanted to say, but we did see a real ghostst time, so I''m not sure."


    "..."


    I was worried.


    It is very likely that that ghost story is the influence of the Machine God.


    There can''t be just one monster, and no matter what the kids do, they won''t be able to make a single scratch on these monsters, which are characterized by their hardness.


    Can the kids be of any use as a force?


    This ce is different from the game. The other person is not a monster either.


    There is no such thing as a <em>strategy guide</em>.


    Monsters have clear weaknesses that even kids can exploit.


    Like riddles, or being turned into games.


    But is the same true for anomalous objects?


    Should I stop the kids?


    My role is to <em>protect</em>.


    I can''t let the kids get involved in something they can''t ovee.


    I am very conflicted.


    "Alice. Alice!"


    "Uh, yeah?"


    "So Alice, are you going?"


    "What... What were we talking about?"


    When I scratched my cheek, Kyeong-min pouted, asking if I was daydreaming again.


    I gave an awkward smile, which for some reason made Kyung-min happy and lifted his mood.


    "Ahem. There''s a big scrap metal dump just past the intersection... I sometimes hear crying there. The pronunciation was simr to <em>pain</em>. It might be a living machine!"


    "So we decided to go after school. How about Alice, are you going?"


    I thought about it before answering.


    "...Alright. I''ll go."


    I cannot control the children who are overflowing with curiosity.


    No matter how close someone is, controlling them unterally can sever the rtionship.


    Even if you seed, it will never be perfect as long as humans think.


    <strong>As long as they don''t forget something that is the basis of their actions.</strong>


    "Wow! Alice is going too!"


    "Alice, just join the club already."


    "I don''t know when I will be able to participate in club activities, so put it on hold."


    "Hmph."


    After school, the kids headed to the scrapyard.


    The intersection is difficult to walk to or take a bus.


    The children chose to walk even though it took time.


    "It''s already dark."


    "Yes. For some reason, it feels like the sun set early today."


    Is this an ominous sign?


    Without being noticed, I summoned the monster of eavesdropping.


    It whispered to me.


    <strong>[It hurts... It hurts...]</strong>


    ...!


    The living machine is over there.


    It seems that the ghost story the children heard was not a lie.


    I can''t let the kids get hurt.


    I suddenly asked them.


    "How long would it take to run there?"


    "Hmm... It''s quite close for a bus... So it''d take about eight minutes by running."


    "Then how about a race? Thest one there buys ice cream."


    "Huh?"


    "On the count of three, we''re leaving. One. Three."


    I said that and ran away.


    My suddenness caught everyone off guard, but it didn''t really matter.


    As I ran, I created a mirror in the children''s blind spot.


    "Hey?! Why are you so fast?!"


    In the mirror, a faceless and tall man appears.


    A monster so thin that it looks as if it might fly away at any moment.


    "Slenderman. Can you protect the children from being seen?"


    Slenderman nodded and disappeared through teleportation.


    Although it is the first monster to attack the kids, it is probably a pretty good monster to protect them at the same time.


    "It''s more serious than expected."


    I trespassed into a scrap metal dump and came face to face with a monster barely tall enough to climb the wall.


    Unlike the living machines I saw in the factory, it was all in one piece.


    It had huge arms that weighed a ton.


    Is it an upgraded version?


    I tried to approach to deal with it and give rest to the suffering human inside the machine.


    "...Huh?"


    But I stopped when I noticed it was fighting something.


    Bang!


    A wooden body with weapons made of iron against the living machine.


    "It''s wooden dolls."


    Wooden dolls are anomalous objects from the Workshop.


    Are the mannequins and wooden dolls mentioned in the ghost story referring to these?


    Since it was not made purely of wood, it could easily have been mistaken for a machine.


    But why are wooden dolls fighting the living machine?


    I apologized to the machine, which muttered inwardly that it was in pain, and decided to watch for a while.


    <em>''Sorry. Just for a while.''</em>


    The wooden doll divided up their roles and attacked as if they were forming a party.


    However, it had no significant effect in the face of a monsterrger than them.


    Boom.


    The machine swung its arms and some dolls fell out.


    The living machine has the upper hand.


    "!"


    However, the wooden dolls began toe one by one, either over the wall or through holes.


    The wooden dolls, which had increased in number, began to tangle and merge with each other.


    It is an ability that is quite simr to that of the living machine.


    Bang!!!


    The wooden dolls grew to the size of the living machine, and stabbed their arms into the center of what was supposed to be the living machine core.


    Then the machine copsed and the puppets ended in victory.


    "...Why are you looking at me?"


    After finishing its work, the giant wooden doll turned its head towards me.


    Sure enough, it''s running towards me.


    I sighed and created a mirror.


    "If it is made of wood, it will be weak with high heat!"


    What came out of the mirror was blue me.


    It is a floating ghost fire.


    "Could you burn it for me?"


    As if in response, arge flickering wisp flew towards the giant wooden doll.


    As the doll waves its hand, the area thates into contact with the Will-o''-the-wisp light catches fire and burns up.


    The doll tried to put out the fire, but when it didn''t work, it gave up and ran towards me again.


    I created another mirror.


    "It''s still weak. We need one more."


    The guy I''m calling this time is something with a human face on a ming wheel.


    This monster is a Japanese yokai that still asionally appears in popr media.


    It''s name, who is also known as the wheel of the underworld carriage, is.


    "Wany¨±d¨­."<sup>3</sup>


    The fiery wagon-wheel monster emerged from the mirror, spinning and charging like a biker on a motorcycle.


    Its speed was too fast for the giant doll to keep up with, and its mobility was no match for it.


    Wany¨±d¨­ climbed up the doll''s legs and reached his head in an instant.


    mes erupted from its wooden tire.


    The mes enveloped the doll and brightened the surrounding area.


    !!!


    In the end, the doll burned to ashes except for the iron parts.


    "..."


    I quietly looked at the doll that had be ashes.


    It was then.


    p, p, p.


    Apuse was heard from the hill of machine parts broken by the doll.


    For a p, it was dull.


    Because it wasn''t skin that bumped into each other.


    From a distance, you could mistake it for a human with an elongated nose, but it was a doll made of wood and iron.


    However, unlike other dolls so far, it spoke to me.


    "Strange monsters living inside a mirror. Truly, it''s Alice."


    A feeling of kinship.


    This guy... Crafting game!


    "You are..."


    "Pinhio. Call me Pinhio."

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    "Nice to meet you, Pinhio. I didn''t expect to see you here."


    This is my third time encountering a devil from a tale.


    I greeted him.


    Pinhio looked at me with his lifeless artificial eyes and then opened his mouth.


    "I didn''t expect to see you here. Are you really saying that after burning the doll? But since it was my wooden doll that did wrong, I''ll let it go."


    This was an act of self-defense, and if we were to be serious, it was an issue for which Pinhio should apologize, but I didn''t want to get into trouble for no reason.


    He came down from the top of the pile of machines and stood in front of me.


    "I have many questions, Pinhio. First, how do you know my name?"


    Pinhio answered willingly."Well, if I don''t tell you, it would seem like I was intentionally digging into your background. Getting information from the Institution is difficult... But you''re quite famous, so there were rumors going around. That''s how I learned your name. I didn''t expect it to be a horror game, though..."


    This guy is like that too.


    As expected, being in a horror game seems to have an effect on first impressions.


    It was unfair, but there was no way to deny it, so there was nothing I could do other than scratch my cheek.


    "I see... Hmm... Ariel asked me to join the Fairy-tale Tea Party. Are you interested?"


    I wanted to talk about the most important detailster, so I asked about the little things first.


    Ariel wants to gather the tale devils.


    Because she wants to find Mephisto Pheles.


    Pinhio must also want to find the person who turned him into a wooden doll.


    There''s no reason to refuse, right?


    "No. It''s not wise to trust a woman you don''t know. And I have no intention of belonging anywhere."


    But he doesn''t seem to be particrly interested.


    And it seems like he''s already met Ariel and heard her proposal... I nodded.


    "This time I''ll ask. What you have. Can I take a look?"


    "Huh?"


    P-122. Heart-shaped mechanism.


    This is an anomalous item that I received from James (Carol must have told him to give it to me).


    I handed it over to Pinhio.


    "Hmm... I thought it was a mechanical device, but it only looks mechanical and ispletely different. The anomalous ability is... Cognitive interference based on the distance of the rtionship. It also has the ability to roughly grasp the emotions and location of people it''s connected to by bonds. This... Isn''t very useful."


    Pinhio shook his head as if disappointed.


    It seems it wasn''t what he wanted.


    He returned P-122 without bothering to activate it.


    "Pinhio, what were you doing here?"


    "Living machines. I''ve seen them sometimes in the past, but this time there were so many that it was suspicious. It would be difficult if there were too many of them, so I am using my dolls to handle them. I also took the useful parts."


    Good. It seems that there is an antagonistic rtionship with the Ruler.


    It might be easy to get cooperation.


    "You seem to know about the living machines. If so, have you ever met a self-proimed Machine God before?"


    "...The one who calls himself a Machine God... I think I know who you mean. Have you ever met him?"


    "Yes, we met. And I got caught by him. I destroyed his stage and blew up his factory."


    When Pinhio heard that the stage had been destroyed, it''s as if the sound of gears turning furiously could be heard in his head.


    He clicked his teeth and spoke to me.


    "Hoo... Destroy the stage. That would be really difficult... You have a favor to ask from me, don''t you?"


    "That''s right, Pinhio. There is something I would like to ask of you."


    "I don''t grant favors for nothing. But if the favor itself benefits me, that''s a different story."


    He seemed to already know what I wanted to ask, so why was he being so roundabout?


    "I want to defeat the Machine God. Can you lend me your strength?"


    Pinhio nodded his head.


    There''s a creaking sounding from his neck. I think it would be better to oil it up.


    "Alright. I like it. That guy has been a major obstacle in my ns. The mass production of wooden dolls was partly his fault. In return, I''ll take his parts."


    "You don''t need anything else?"


    "The cooperation of another devil from a tale is quite a good deal. Especially if it''s strong enough to have given him a blow."


    "That''s a relief. Honestly, I was worried, but it turns out all tale devils are pretty reasonable and decent. You can have the parts."


    "..."


    What is that silence? It makes me feel like I said something weird.


    "Consider yourself lucky. I''ve justpleted a tool to defeat the annoying Machine God. If you want..."


    "Wow! There is a real living machine!"


    A boy''s voice interrupts Pinhio. This voice is Suho.


    "Ah."


    As we were talking, it was time for the kids to arrive.


    The fact that it arrived sooner than expected also yed a part.


    Pinhio turned his head towards them.


    "Are they young children? I don''t like children. They''re the epitome of weakness. Hmm... Alice, what about you? I don''t mind, but if you don''t like them, I''ll kill them. Consider it a simple favor."


    "What?!"


    I couldn''t believe my ears. What kind of thought process leads to such a conclusion?


    "It looks like you don''t like it."


    Pinhio turned his body and took a step closer to the children.


    At this moment, Suho must have sensed something ominous and tried to protect the kids by picking up a metal te next to him.


    "Are you trying to resist with a metal te? That''s amusing. Well, I could give you a better shield. After all, I am a cksmith. I''ll spare you for your spirit. Instead, I''ll cut off one of your arms and make it into an integrated shield, so be grateful."


    "...!"


    Then, Slenderman appeared behind the kids.


    They didn''t notice Slenderman, but Pinhio did.


    Pinhio, realizing that Slenderman''s presence wasn''t friendly, asked me.


    "...Is this guy your monster too? Why is he in the way?"


    "Are you really sane?"


    "...? I don''t see the problem. If you don''t want it, I''ll stop. It''s a reasonable issue."


    Pinhio turned back towards me.


    Feeling uneasy, I warned him.


    "...Those kids are my friends. If you touch them, I won''t let you go."


    "Rx. Tale devils don''t know what powers each other is hiding, so it''s not wise to fight. Suffering a loss due tock of information is a disgrace for a merchant."


    That sounded like he was saying he would have attacked them if he knew everything about me.


    When I frowned, Pinhio said goodbye and walked away in the opposite direction of the entrance.


    "Alice, as long as humans use machines, the fragmented mental entities of the Machine God will keep appearing. Living machines will multiply inrge numbers using humans as hosts. There will be limitations with just my wooden dolls. If that happens, he will appear. In the middle of the city."


    "..."


    "Right. It''s going to be a mess, so you''ll have to make your own arrangements. I will prepare in my own way."


    "Okay."


    I didn''t like what he tried to do to the kids, but I agreed because cooperation was necessary.


    Cancel what I said about him being decent, he''s crazy.


    "Lastly, you should keep your friends far away."


    "What?"


    "I doubt you''re nning to use the kids in your fight. Can they wound the Machine God? Can they dodge its attacks? Can they resist its abilities? If they can''t do any of these, even the giant''s pinky finger will crush them. Even if they can use firearms, they''ll be a hindrance. This fight is too big for children. They''ll die easily around you, even if you''re fine. It''s best for both you and them."


    "You...!"


    I felt a surge of anger.


    Why?


    Because I couldn''t refute those words.


    "Well. See you next time."


    Pinhio disappeared into the darkness.


    Cold as a machine.


    He didn''t seem to have a human mind.


    What happened to him in the game?


    That would be another story.


    "Alice...? What is all this?"


    "..."


    There is still one task left.


    How should I exin Pinhio to these kids?


    I nced at them.


    <em>''Should I erase it? No. Not yet.''</em>


    "Alice? Your eyes look scary. Are you okay?"


    I didn''t erase their memoriesst time.


    So this should be fine.


    Just make an excuse.


    "Actually. That human who looks like a wooden doll is my friend."


    "What! Really?"


    "...Then!"


    "What are you doing?"


    "So... He''s a person who prepares unusual performances. Actually, there was no such thing as a ghost. He didn''t have a better ce at night, so he just practiced here. That''s how the rumor spread."


    I lied effortlessly without even batting an eye.


    Maybe it''s me, not Pinhio, who needs a longer nose.


    "Something doesn''t seem right... "


    Eun-jeong is only sharp at times like this.


    So annoying.


    I hugged Eun-jeong and silenced her.


    This method always works.


    Even if you call me a serial hugger, I can no longer refute it.


    In the first ce, it was because this kid kept snuggling into my arms even during my E days that my sense of resistance disappeared.


    "Ahaha, really? Anyway, he doesn''t like showing his practice to others. So, I tried to exin in advance, but... He got mad and left because I failed."


    "Alice knew everything. Anyway, it''s a pity. I never thought there would be such a meaningless story behind it. But the makeup just looked so realistic. Do you know where the performance is taking ce?"


    "Uh... Um. The center of this city?"


    "Maybe Alice will appear in the y too? She''ll pop out from behind the curtain like, ta-da!"


    "Ahaha... I wish."


    I''m d the kids are innocent.


    And honestly, what can I do if they don''t believe it?


    Even a passing dog would know which story was more credible.


    The children returned to their respective homes.


    The night gets dark.


    I was still concerned about what Pinhio said at the end.


    <strong><em>-They''ll die easily around you, even if you''re fine. It''s best for both you and them.</em></strong>


    "..."


    Time passed and it was two days after we parted ways with Pinhio.


    The Cathedral contacted me.


    "Hello. Miss Alice. We want to talk about the disaster that will happen soon."


    I suddenly became alert, like a criminal who saw a police car.

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    I slowly opened my eyes in the morning sunlight.


    And I noticed that the atmosphere today was different from usual.


    I feel like something big is going to happen.


    Something ominous and terrifying.


    I don''t want to ignore this feeling, so I decided to find something to rece my lucky charm.


    I searched through the drawers.


    "This would be good."


    What I was holding in my hand was a flower ne made using thread and other materials.


    Five red flower nes.These nes, which made me feel an unidentifiable sense of longing, had clearly been sewn by myself, but it was strange that I had no recollection of them at all.


    I guessed that it was probably a ne to give to my friends Suho, Eun-jeong and Kyeong-min.


    As a symbol of belonging to the same club.


    "Now that I look closely, the styles of these nes are slightly different."


    Only two of them had the same style. Did I make them together with the others?


    I''m not sure.


    "...Why five?"


    There is one more strange thing.


    The number of nes needed is 4, including myself.


    Why was there one more?


    There would be no reason to make another ne that requires a lot of work.


    ...I thought of Alice.


    Although we only met for a short time, she was already an irreceable friend.


    Let''s give the remaining one to Alice.


    Thinking about it like that, my joy grew bigger than my doubts.


    I put the five nes in my skirt pocket.


    Will Alice be happy?


    I couldn''t wait to see her.


    Because she is special, pretty and cool!


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    I was wary of the priest from the Cathedral.


    It''s natural.


    Because I was a devil and he was a priest who used divine power.


    Even before I was born, devils and priests have been enemies.


    I was worried that he would suddenly try to beat me with the cross around his neck.


    "Seeing as you came here like this, it looks like you know about me."


    "Of course."


    The middle-aged man with gray hair and squinted eyes answered with a benevolent expression.


    He was dressed in a ck priest''s attire and looked impable.


    "And yet you''re asking to talk?"


    The priest seemed to have anticipated my question and answered without hesitation.


    "Yes. You are indeed a devil. But we know that you''re quite different from the devils that fight us. We need your strength. The self-proimed Machine God is an annoying enemy even to the Cathedral."


    Is the Cathedral also in a hostile rtionship with the Ruler?


    That made sense.


    As long as you''re human, you probably don''t like chaos.


    Because they also have their own order and their goal is to save humanity from the devils.


    A priest and a devil working together... It''s an interestingposition.


    "I''m d you know. Good. Why did you think I would be helpful?"


    "Because you were the first to destroy the Machine God''s y."


    "Ah."


    Destroying the y. To be honest, it was something I did almost unconsciously.


    It was a fundamental, instinctive power that I hadn''t fully grasped myself.


    There are times when it''s difficult because of that...


    "The Ruler is an entity that overwhelms most anomalous beings. You managed to do that, so we have no reason not to seek your help."


    "Surely..."


    As I nodded, he led me to a nearby park.


    He casually sat down on a dirty bench, and I joined him.


    His rxed demeanor didn''t quite match his somewhat shy attire.


    "The introduction iste. My name is Gray Fox. I am one of the humble priests serving God."


    "The priest with the bow... He didn''te?"


    "You remember him."


    "He was quite intimidating. So... What do you want to tell me? First of all, I belong to the Institution. If the Machine God appears, I n to stop him, whether by choice or necessity, even if you don''t specifically ask me for it."


    It is true.


    I intend to fight the Machine God, whether they stop me or encourage me.


    It is inefficient for them to ask me for cooperation.


    If so, then there is another purpose.


    As I narrowed my eyes, the priest raised the corners of his mouth.


    "We know. Firstly, we wanted to let you know that you shouldn''t be wary if we get involved in the fight. Secondly, we have an offer."


    "I''m getting a lot of offers these days."


    "Do you have any desire to join a trustworthy organization?"


    "..."


    Is it that again?


    Last time, I received an offer for a tea party.


    I nodded my head to ask him to exin further.


    "As you know, this world is filled with chaos, which has long surpassed the capacity of the Institution''s power. In this world overflowing with devils and anomalies, who do you think is most suitable to save your loved ones?"


    I frowned slightly.


    This is because it is a proposal that is too tantly targeted.


    It feels like it''s a boy telling a girl with a boyfriend that he can be better.


    ...The fact that I felt weird imagining myself in that scenario was another issue.


    "I think it would be better to borrow the power of thergest organization... Isn''t it?"


    "Hmm. Let''s think about it this way. Which group will pursue efficiency more, arge group or a small group?"


    "...?"


    "The more people there are, the more the group pursues profit. There are so many people that individual circumstances are of no concern. Their minds will naturally pursue efficiency. Who do you think is at risk when you really try to leave them?"


    My face wrinkled a little more. I feel like my anger ising out a little.


    "...That sounds like you''re trying to sow discord."


    "You might think so, but you can''t deny their pursuit of efficiency."


    "..."


    Honestly, that''s true.


    The Institution will go to any lengths to protect humanity, and as the situation bes more serious, it will pursue efficiency.


    I don''t know about now, but they may force me to do things I don''t like.


    "How far can Director Carol go to stop orders from the higher-ups? Carol may be suspiciously generous towards you, but would the head of the Institution be the same? We can stop the devils and control the anomalies with divine power. That is why it exists as an equal partnership. Rather than being locked up like a prisoner and only listening to orders, find a reliable business partner, even if it is on a smaller scale. As religious people, we are not blindly pursuing efficiency, so we are more trustworthy. So, what do you think, Alice? Will you join us?"


    "Uh, um?"


    Gray Fox speaks so passionately.


    He opened his squinted eyes.


    Then I felt something strange.


    A tickling and dazing feeling... When I got annoyed and reacted strangely, he closed only one eye and spoke a little hastily.


    "Ha-rim. Eun-jeong. Suho. Kyeong-min. Is that correct?"


    "How do you know?"


    When I reacted, the priestughed. When I thought about it, it was natural.


    "How do I know? I saw you hanging out with them."


    "..."


    If he knew I attended this school, it was only natural he knew about my friends.


    I fell silent.


    "Divine power suppresses anomalies. This is different from the Institution that can only provide solutions after a problem has urred. Let''s imagine that there is a devil, or rather an anomaly, that suddenly turns people into wolves. Can the Institution stop that? Or is it reversible? No. They''ll just trap the wolves. We can. Healing wounds and blocking attacks are possible depending on the type of divine power used."


    "...Uh... Huh..."


    That''s strange.


    Though it didn''t feel as bad as before, my mind still felt foggy.


    A beautiful bell rings from his watch.


    It stirred my senses.


    The priest fiddled with his watch, stopping it as if it was an ident.


    "Now Alice. Your power is too great, and the enemies are too strong for them to stay with you. They have the right to live safely within God''s protection."


    The priest suddenly lit a fire with a lighter.


    I stare at it nkly.


    "Is that so...?"


    "You must protect the children. It is your duty. The children must not be harmed. Keep them safe... Keep them safe... One moment of danger orcency could take them away."


    "...Yes."


    I nodded.


    "Of course, this does not mean that you should immediately break away from the Institution''s control. All we ask is that you trust us to protect your loved ones. Please give us a chance to join Alice, the kindest of devils."


    p! When he pped his hands, I felt my mind be clearer.


    I looked at him with a questioning expression, but he just smiled with his eyes closed.


    "Huh? Haa... It''s an offer so passionate that it''s burdensome. For me, the more options, the better. But keep in mind, the reason I made this choice was not because ofplete trust, but because your nun left a good impression on me."


    "I''m proud to hear that."


    As I extended my hand, the priest shook it.


    And then I stood up.


    Because I can''t be toote for school.


    I dusted off my dirty skirt and headed to school.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    Gray Fox quietly watched Alice walk away.


    And a momentter, a man with scars visible on his neck walked up.


    It was Archpriest Ginus.


    He bowed to Gray Fox.


    "...How did it go, Gray? Did the brainwashing work on her?"


    Gray Fox shook his head.


    "No. As expected of a devil in the ranks of transcendents, she quickly noticed. However, subtle suggestions worked."


    "I see. So, it was a sess."


    "A small suggestion can crack the mind slightly, making it susceptible to arger shockter. It''s a simple strategy, but if it fails, it''s problematic."


    When hunting a powerful devil, one must exploit vulnerabilities.


    It is good to create wounds that add more woundster.


    The rule that devils are born when the story and context are met is annoying, but sometimes it can be a fatal weakness.


    Gray ordered Archpriest Ginus with a stern expression.


    "While she remains a devil of <em>Alice</em>, before she dares to be the very sky... <strong>Prepare to use the <em>Holy Red Spear</em> as nned."</strong>


    "Yes, understood. But about protecting the children..."


    "Haha. They are the key to this process, so don''t touch them. Well, not that there will be time."


    Gray Fox muttered while looking at the gathering storm clouds.


    "Big events will unfold one after another. And very quickly. Proceed with the n as is. Everyone, perform your duties at your respective positions."


    Gray Fox decided to hurry.


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    "Alice isn''ting?"


    I tapped my desk with my finger.


    I prepared a gift after a long time, but I didn''t want to share them without Alice.


    It was a day when I especially wanted to go out with Alice, so instead of the shorts I always wore, I tried on a new skirt like Eun-jeong... She''s not going to be absent, is she?


    "The sky looks gloomy. I contacted Alice, and she said she overslept a bit."


    When Kyeong-min said that, I felt a little relieved.


    "What? I saw Alice going somewhere with a man. He looked like her parent."


    "Really? Why would Alice lie?"


    "Maybe it''s a family matter. Sometimes it''s better if we pretend not to know."


    When I said that, everyone nodded.


    We decided to wait for Alice, thinking she wasn''t absent.


    "Guys! Guys! Look at the sky!"


    Suddenly, one of our ssmates started screaming.


    "...? What''s going on?"


    "There... There''s a giant descending from the sky wrapped in ropes!!"


    "...!"


    I hurriedly checked outside the window. It''s true.


    A giant hanging in the gloomy sky was looking indifferently to one side.


    It was an unrealistic presence that made us tremble even though it was not looking at us.


    "What! Strange cars are in front of the school."


    "Are they putting up a barricade..?"


    When I looked down, I saw numerous people wearing the same clothes get out of ck vehicles and set up barricades, and some people were running towards the school.


    Suddenly, grotesque monsters, a fusion of machinery and humans, clung to the barricades.


    "What are those monsters?!"


    Children scream.


    I felt the stark difference between the seconds before and after this moment.


    [This is not a drill. Residents, please follow the soldiers'' guidance to the shelters. If you follow the instructions, you will be safe. I repeat, this is not a drill. Residents, please follow the soldiers¡ª]

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    "Carol! He''s here!"


    I called Carol without hesitation.


    She answered the phone right away, as if she had been waiting.


    There was panic in her voice.


    "Yes, Alice, it''s an emergency. This is an unexpected attack for us too. Now that the standby team has departed, we will first ensure the safety of residents. So Alice, please stop that thing!"


    I didn''t feel confident enough to do that, but there was only one thing I could say.


    "Okay!"


    I tried to hang up the phone.


    As long as the residents remain here, the nuclear missiles in the mirror cannot be used.To fight that guy without cheats, I really would have to pay full attention.


    I tried to hang up the phone, thinking about the monsters that would be most effective against the Machine God.


    "Ah, Alice!"


    Then Carol called me.


    "What is it?"


    "We will also send reinforcements, but this fight will be quite difficult. Especially if you can''t use cheats likest time. If you lose this fight and something unfortunate happens, you must not waver. Make sure you make up your mind before fighting."


    Carol had said something like this before.


    Before entering the factory.


    Every time Carol said something like this, a huge crisis was waiting...


    No, it doesn''t matter, because the crisis is already happening.


    "Carol. I don''t think it''s right to think about failure already. Believing in sess is a virtue of young adults like me..."


    "Stop saying nonsense and remember! Do not waver, ever. This is both a concern and a warning! Do. Not. Waver! Always stay calm. Even in the worst situations, the answer might be close by."


    Nonsense...?!


    I didn''t have time to get angry.


    Because I couldn''t just watch the Machine God destroy a building.


    I hung up the phone, leaving behind Carol''s burdensome worries.


    "I got it. Let''s save the ominous talk forter!"


    "I''m not finished talking yet."


    I looked at the metal gianting down from the sky.


    It is several timesrger than what I saw at the factory.


    And the strange devices attached to it were very threatening.


    It was a monster more dangerous than the half-devil seen in the horror game, and if it was not defeated now, it would be an unbearable ordeal for humanity.


    "This is unexpected. I didn''t think it would be this fast."


    I looked back in surprise.


    Pinhio.


    I couldn''t sense him at all.


    He walked toward me, making a faint creaking sound from his joints.


    "Are you ready, Alice? Then let''s fly."


    Pinhio climbed onto the wooden cuckoo doll he had created.


    Since I, as a devil, couldn''t fly on my own, I followed Pinhio onto the wooden doll.


    As we flew through the sky, we saw the Institution''s personnel bustling about.


    "They are people from the Institution. Why don''t they wear military uniforms? Military uniforms would be more familiar to the residents..."


    To the confused residents, police and military uniforms would be more familiar, but the Institution''s personnel were wearing slightly peculiar uniforms.


    When I was puzzled, Pinhio gave me some information.


    "You mean the digital patterned uniforms? You don''t know the obvious. If they stage a war, an inconvenient being might descend."


    Descend? Who?


    I asked him back.


    "What?"


    "There''s no time to exin, Alice."


    The cuckoo was very fast.


    The Machine God, which seemed blurry because it was so far away, was now close enough that his size was almost overwhelming.


    It was fighting the Institution''s helicopter.


    The helicopter was colorful, making me wonder why it had such cute patterns.


    Anyway, the Machine God, who was only exchanging ordinary attacks and defenses even when dozens of helicoptersunched an all-out attack, nced at us and spread his arms.


    [The y will begin. A grand y for all to see.]


    Then, a small stage appeared behind the it''s head.


    When he gestured, theatrical props rose up, and thin strings spread out, barely noticeable as they briefly shimmered in the light.


    It then threw one of the Institution''s personnel onto the stage.


    "This damn monster!!"


    The agent began shooting at the props on the stage as if he was crazy.


    The props transformed into a small Machine God, and as the man kept shooting, his words and movements became increasingly exaggerated and simplistic, like a cheap performance, until he finally shouted.


    "Unbelievable! Even using a gun with increased firepower, it can''t make even a single blemish, so how can it not be called the strongest? I''m giving up, so you should give up too!"


    He shouted that line andmitted suicide with exaggerated gestures.


    [Your weapons cannot leave a scratch on the solid body of a god.]


    A voice rings in my head and the y I just watched is stuck in my mind.


    The Machine God''s fate maniption ability has been activated.


    The helicopter''s gunfire and missiles could no longer leave even a scorch mark on it.


    "Huu... ! Haa... ! Why is it not hitting?!"


    The Machine God chose his second victim.


    The captured agent grabbed the bow and arrows that were on the floor and began to resist.


    Perhaps was also affected by something, but he was unable to hit even a single arrow on the giant Machine God while looking crazed.


    After firing only a few arrows, the agent delivered clumsy lines and thenmitted suicide.


    [Also, your arrows will not reach the body of a god.]


    Once again, the final scene etched itself into my brain.


    This time, all of the Institution''s long-distance attacks did not reach the Machine God because their orbits were bent.


    I realized that numerical superiority could no longer be an absolute victory condition.


    So this is the minimum power that can single-handedly destroy humanity.


    If the Machine God gets bigger here, there will be no chance of defeating him using physical methods.


    But now.


    And because I''m not affected by his fate-manipting ability, I can resist him.


    "Let''s begin."


    Pinhio pointed at the Machine God with his wooden hand.


    Then numerous wooden dolls, nks, and even disguised trees hidden in the ground sprang out and merged.


    They formed four gigantic dolls, half the size of the Machine God.


    The force of the doll''s iron weapons was enough to pierce almost anything.


    [It''s been a while, child.]


    "It''s not."


    It hasn''t even been a week since he and I saw each other.


    [Child, all escape routes from this city have been blocked. But the children entangled in your fate are still here. That means you can no longer use the giant arrow in your mirror. Tell me. What will you do now?]


    I told the Machine God, who spoke as if he had won everything, about what he had left out.


    "But in using your power to block the escape routes, the monsters attacking the residents are at a level the Institution can handle. So, I will reach a conclusion without using any cheats."


    [Try it.]


    I brought up my strength.


    Then Pinhio seemed to have taken it as a signal and gave an order to the giant dolls.


    "Charge."


    The wooden giants rushed at the Machine God, and the collision between them was as loud as the sound of lightning.


    However, there was not a single scratch made.


    He looked at Pinhio.


    [Pinhio. Even though it is a devil, it has a mechanical body made of iron and wood. It is also the only machine that cannot be controlled. We''ve met before.]


    "In that case, you must remember my power too, you tin can."


    [Of course.]


    Pinhio shouted as if making a deration.


    "Our attack shattered that damn pile of scrap metal. It was nothing more than an empty shell as hollow as its head! Whether this is a lie is irrelevant. What I believe is the truth!"


    Pinhio boldly lied.


    His long nose shrunk.


    Then something amazing happened.


    There were scratches on the Machine God''s body.


    I thought I knew why Ariel chose Pinhio as the devil who could defeat the Machine God.


    A sh between the power to manipte fate and the power to manipte reality.


    This conflict makes a close fight possible.


    "There''s a scratch."


    "Unfortunately, it''s not perfect. The Institution''s attacks are still missing, after all."


    "Well, whatever, it''s good enough that a path has opened!"


    I created arge mirror.


    Radio Head popped out from there and red at the Machine God.


    "Alright! It''s time for a rematch!"


    The monster jumped out of the mirror with its huge body.


    It seems very motivated.


    I asked the monster for a favor.


    [Alice.]


    "Can you broadcast?"


    [Crackling- Garbage collection time is now. Until midnight, we ept all garbage. But machines must be specially smashed before collection.]


    Radio Head started broadcasting.


    Using the fact that this was a city, all the overwhelming amount of garbage was gathered in one ce.


    It grew in size.


    Radio Head, which was now on par with the Machine God at eye level, was emitting electric signals.


    "It''s still not enough."


    I created another mirror.


    The one I called forth was a creature that awakened the primal fear of beasts before the development of civilization.


    A monster from France.


    "Go wild."


    [Awooooooo!]


    The Beast of G¨¦vaudan howled.


    "Then let''s go!"


    I got off the back of the cuckoo doll and got on the back of G¨¦vaudan.


    G¨¦vaudan was strong enough to tear through metal.


    One by one, the wounds began to increase on the Machine God''s body.


    But he wasn''t the type who would just watch.


    The Machine God took out a speaker from inside his body and yed sounds that stimted my nerves.


    Beeeeeep¡ª!


    The sound must have been fatal to the Beast of G¨¦vaudan, because he pounded his head repeatedly into a building in agony.


    "Damn it!"


    The Beast of G¨¦vaudan, who stopped, was hit by the Machine God''s fist, which was bigger than a truck, and flew through a building.


    I quickly entered a mirror to avoid being harmed.


    Seeing G¨¦vaudan return to the mirror, I bit my lip.


    It''s definitely strong.


    "Alice! More! We need more! Bring out every card you have!"


    Pinhio shouted.


    Even while the Machine God was fighting with the Radio Head monster, he destroyed one of Pinhio''s dolls and said.


    [Foolish. Do you think stacking garbage can break solid iron? You''re merely a tool for entertainment, not even a proper machine. Let me enlighten you.]


    "...Tsk!"


    Radio Head got pushed.


    The Radio Demon is currently a strong monster that can withstand the Machine God, so we must not lose him right now.


    Action must be taken before he is harmed.


    "Destroy the stage, Alice! The ability to manipte fate also affects your monsters. Even though I suppressed it with my lies, it still weakens our attacks!"


    "Alright!"


    I summoned the fear of birds and rode on its back.


    Then the Machine God began to take action as expected.


    [Hmm...]


    "Urgh!"


    The Machine God operated the machinery inside the helicopter.


    The pilot screamed, but the helicopter was drawn toward the stage and eventually crashed, exploding.


    The pilot delivered dramatic lines as he died.


    [Your vehicles will lose their functions, and for daring to challenge the heavens, you will face divine retribution. This is akin to the Tower of Babel and Icarus, repeating the same hubris.]


    The short y just now also shed in my brain.


    The ability to manipte fate was activated again.


    Words control fate, but they are no different from reality maniption.


    The bird monster lost its ability to fly and began to fall.


    Thebat nes and helicopters deployed by the Institution crashed and exploded, and the Institution''s momentum was instantly broken.


    I grimaced and yelled at the Machine God.


    "Don''t think it''s over yet!"


    As I fell, I created a small mirror.


    What came out of there was a monster that resembled an elephant.


    "A yokai that eats iron. Pulgasari. Have you heard of it?"


    Pulgasari is a famous Korean monster that has a body like steel and can grow in size by eating iron.


    The scary thing about it is that it cannot be killed.


    [Hmm!]


    As Pulgasari delivered a heavy blow to the mechanical god, its body slightly wavered.


    It works.


    In terms of physical attacks, Pulgasari far surpassed the Radio Demon.


    I smiled slightly.


    "As the name suggests, a being who can''t die. It eats iron and growsrger. In that way, it''s quite simr to you."


    I thought the Machine God would be a little agitated.


    But it took its time and spoke to me.


    [Child, you are lying.]


    "... "


    [Something that cannot be killed, that cannot exist.]


    "..."


    He''s not fooled.


    In truth, there was a legend that Pulgasari could only be killed by fire.


    A half-immortal creature that could be too easily defeated.


    The Machine God opened its mouth wide and spewed forth the heat of molten metal gathered from its core.


    When I gestured to Pinhio, he shouted as if making a deration.


    "His body neither burns nor melts. Apletely immortal body! The monster defeated the giant!"


    Heat so strong that it could be mistaken for a beam tried to prate Pulgasari, but Pinhio''s lie protected it.


    But it melted slightly.


    I became irrationally angry.


    "Don''t getcent. Your body is umting damage as well."


    [Indeed, child. But if this fight bes a war of attrition, you will surely lose.]


    The Machine God crushed another of Pinhio''s giant dolls as it continued.


    [And all the children will die. They might already be dead. It''s an easy task to assault them without even putting on a y.]


    "...!"


    "Don''t be swayed, Alice. Focus on the fight. Isn''t the reason you left your friends alone because you have some trust in them?"


    "...You''re right. Thank you."


    Though unintended, I could rely on the Institution, Cathedral and the Fairy-tale Tea Party for help.


    They should be safe.


    I finally calmed down my shaking mind and started creating numerous mirrors.


    I proudly dered to the arrogant Machine God.


    "The Hyakki Yagy¨­ starts now."<sup>1</sup>


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd person</strong>


    "What''s happening?!"


    Armed people that appeared to be special forces had set up a barricade at the school, and some wereing their way while others were dealing with monsters.


    The sight of giant monsters attacking through the windows threw the students and teachers into chaos.


    Moreover, Ha-rim''s confusion increased as a short and terrible y shed through her mind.


    "Did you also see it?"


    "I did... And for a moment."


    "That''s right! I saw Alice!"


    The suspiciously calm club members could not contain their curiosity and held up to the window the telescope that Ha-rim had secretly borrowed (stolen) from the science room to y with the kids.


    Ha-rim said in surprise.


    "It''s definitely Alice!"


    This time, Kyeong-min looked through the telescope.


    There, Alice was fighting monsters that were quite different from those fighting the soldiers at the barricade.


    "Why is Alice there? Ah?! Alice got hit by the giant''s fist!"


    After a sound loud enough to be mistaken for the sound of a bomb exploding, Alice rushes back while riding another monster.


    Kyeong-min shouted while breaking into a cold sweat.


    "She.. Needs help!"


    Although he might be curious about Alice''s identity, the priority was to help Alice, who was being beaten up.


    Suho asked.


    "How?"


    Ha-rim tried to answer the question, but was stopped by soldiers who almost broke down the door when entering.


    "Alpha team, secure the first and second floors. Beta team, the third and fourth. Gamma, cover the remaining areas. Civilians! Don''t be rmed; we were sent by the government! Teachers, please take good care of the children and move them to a safe location!"


    "Barricades are holding, but we should move to the gym in case of unexpected breaches. Small spaces are not safe!"


    Ha-rim and her group saw the soldiers approaching.


    The agent found it strange that the eyes were analyzing him without any sign of fear.


    The moment the agent came face to face with Ha-rim, he realized that the face was familiar.


    "Those kids... Secure the safety of those kids first! These are children specially ordered by Director Carol."


    "Move these kids first!"


    "Soldiers,e here. Don''t worry and follow us, kids."


    "What should we do?"


    When Eun-jeong asked, Ha-rim said that they should follow the soldier for now.


    "Okay, we''ll follow you!"


    The agent was dumbfounded.


    They''re making it sound like they have a choice other than to follow along.


    If the kids found the soldiers suspicious, would they have tried to run away?


    ''They''re calm. Not like normal kids.''


    "Ansen! Come, let''s go! Take these kids!"


    "Understood!"


    The agent led the kids out of the building.


    At that moment, a loud noise made them look up to see giants and two devils fighting in the sky.


    Though far away, the sight of buildings twisting grotesquely, sudden lightning strikes, rain, massive dolls, monsters, falling debris, animal cries, and a spaceship was utter chaos.


    "Oh... Damn, what the hell is that..."


    "So this a fight between transcendents? I can''t believe one of them is our ally."


    They almost reached the gym. It was then.


    A mechanical monster was running towards them from behind.


    The monster was humanoid, about twice the height of an adult, and had heavy iron balls on both arms instead of hands.


    "It is different from the monsters we have seen so far. Ansen!"


    The gun of the agent named Ansen opened fire.


    The other agent practically threw the kids into the gym and closed the door.


    "Kids, nevere out!"


    The agent looked back.


    The monster was almost unharmed, with only scratches and marks left behind by Ansen''s bullet.


    "Bullets don''t work!"


    "Shit! Why is the monster here? Was the barricade on the other side breached?"


    The agent radioed the other team.


    After several beeps, an urgent voice came from the radio.


    "Barricade instation failed! We couldn''t reach the barricade location due to an unexpected attack! Suddenly, <em>Little Mermaid</em> appeared near the school, and the Cathedral attacked the <em>Little Mermaid</em> and the <em>Quick Build</em> team! They are currently inbat! Just now, <em>Little Mermaid</em> was shot down by an arrow made with divine power and simultaneously killed one of the priestess! They are currently inbat!"


    "What the hell?!"


    ...


    The children were crammed into the gym as if they were imprisoned, and were very nervous about the monsters and gunfire outside.


    Eun-jeong asked first, feeling anxious.


    "What should we do?"


    Kyeong-min first calmed down Eun-jeong''s anxiety.


    "Calm down! Just calm down first."


    "I don''t know what''s going on, but I know this is a dangerous situation. Let''s not judge hastily and wait for the soldiers."


    The children waited for the soldiers outside.


    Ha-rim continued speaking while looking at the locked door of the gym.


    "Why was Alice fighting the giant?"


    "She, Alice, was a ghost after all!"


    "But the ghosts I know aren''t the kind of heroes who fight giants?"


    "Anyway, I''m worried about Alice. What if she goes like that and dies?"


    It was a time when the group were hiding their anxiety and raising questions and thoughts in their heads.


    Suho said with a stern expression.


    "You know, Ha-rim. I don''t think this is the time to worry about Alice."


    "Huh?"


    "...The shooting stopped."


    Boom!!!


    A mechanical monster smashed through the door.


    The iron balls in both hands were covered in blood, and there were traces of gunfire everywhere.


    Ha-rim couldn''t help but furrow her eyebrows at that sight and shout again.


    "Everyone scatter!"


    The monster rushed forward and the children quickly spread out.


    Meanwhile, Suho picked up a solid wooden board and protected his body like a shield.


    As the monster was about to go to Eun-jeong, Ha-rim signaled at Suho.


    "Suho!"


    "Got it!"


    Suho blocked the monster''s path.


    Ha-rim gave orders to the children.


    "Don¡¯t cluster together! Surround it in a circle! And don¡¯t attack recklessly!"


    The monster lifted the iron ball and swung it at Suho.


    Suho dodged the attack without blocking it with his shield.


    Another attack followed.


    Suho tried to block the attack with his shield this time, but the stance was awkward, so the iron ball and shield merely grazed each other, making it look like he had dodged.


    It was then.


    Ha-rim felt strange.


    Her eyes became sharp and she quickly shouted.


    "Suho, roll!"


    The monster lunged, thrusting its iron ball like a spear.


    Just like it had smashed through the gym door.


    The speed was so fast that the monster disappeared for a moment, surprising for it''s size.


    "It''s fast!"


    Suho, who barely escaped, was shocked.


    "No. It''s slow overall, but only momentary strong attacks seem to be fast. Kyeong-min, help Suho buy some time!"


    "Ah, okay! Whatever happens, happens."


    Kyeong-min picked up a broken jump rope and a ball.


    Every time Suho found it difficult to respond to an attack, Kyeong-min distracted it by hitting it with the ball, allowing Suho to reposition himself.


    "How is Suho managing to block it?!"


    When Eun-jeong spoke in amazement at Suho, who was holding up surprisingly well, Ha-rim told her the reason.


    "He''s not blocking. He''s mixing in feints. He''s pretending to block but actually dodging."


    A defense method that withstands enemy attacks with a child''s body.


    It was unclear why Suho was so adept at this, but it was fortunate he was!


    "That monster... It''s not very smart. Even though the shield and iron ball didn''t touch, the monster mistook Suho''s presenting the shield as an attack. So its attack patterns became simpler, making it easier for Suho to dodge. If it had attacked randomly, Suho would have been... Huh?"


    Ha-rim seemed to be able to see a puzzle that would solve the urgent situation.


    Right, a clue. If she could find a clue, they might be able to ovee this.


    Words from a blonde girl echoed in his mind.


    <em>?If I were topare it, it''s like a riddle.</em>


    ... Alice? Did Alice tell me this?


    "Eun-jeong! There should be various things in the warehouse. Bring anything you can find! I''ll support Kyeong-min and Suho while I figure something out."


    "O-Okay!"


    Eun-jeong quickly ran to the warehouse, and Ha-rim shouted at the monster with a solemn expression.


    "Over here, you monster!"


    But the monster didn''t even look at her.


    Ha-rim''s eyes became sharper.


    She was analyzing the monster''s every action.


    While it responds to things like the ball thrown by Kyeong-min or being hit by the jump rope, it doesn''t respond to anything that makes loud noises...


    Maybe.


    The monster attacks Suho in session.


    Suho cleverly dodged it, but the iron ball and shield grazed once again.


    Ha-rim gave an order at that moment.


    "Suho, now is the time! Roll!"


    "Uwah!"


    As expected.


    As its appearance suggests, it shows mechanical movements and patterns, but does not respond significantly to sound and relies on sensitivity to shock and vision.


    <em>''Think carefully. Find the mechanism behind its actions.''</em>


    Suho wasn¡¯t actually blocking with the shield; he was using feints.


    The monster visually regarded Suho''s shield as an attack and struck it away...


    But when the shield and iron ball grazed, even the small impact made the monster recognize the shield as an actual barrier.


    "...He also used a quick lunging and stabbing motion when breaking down the door."


    Does this mean that if your attack is blocked by an obstacle, it will destroy that obstacle?


    If you think about it, it is a simple and reasonable pattern.


    They may be able to take advantage of this pattern and its dependence on impact and vision.


    But to do that, they need time to run away.


    "Here! I brought it!"


    Eun-jeong returned with a pile of cleaning supplies from the gym''s adjacent pool.


    Ha-rim had a good idea to ovee this situation.


    "This is it!"


    He threw a cleaning detergent at Kyeong-min.


    "This..."


    "Run around and throw it on the floor!"


    Kyeong-min quickly caught on, distracted the monster by throwing the ball, and spread the detergent on the floor while running away.


    The monster slipped easily on the detergent, giving them time as Ha-rim called Suho into the warehouse to grab twodders and arge red curtain.


    The children, except Kyeong-min, moved the items through the gym windows, while Suho distracted the monster with a baseball thrown from outside the window.


    Despite the wall separating them, the monster measured the distances to the closer Suho and the retreating Kyeong-min and decided to attack Suho.


    "Kyeong-min, it''s enough! We''ll handle it now!"


    The monster, drawn by themotion, didn''t think to go through the window but instead broke through the wall to get outside.


    There, Ha-rim and Eun-jeong stand on twodders.


    They were holding a curtain behind Suho.


    "If it relies only on sight and impact and has a simple thought process, this should work. Suho, get ready!"


    "Leave it to me."


    The monster swung the iron ball at Suho.


    Suho dodged the attack and deliberately let it brush against the shield.


    If you brush against it, it will be recognized as a <em>shield</em>.


    And obstacles are <em>broken down</em>.


    "Now!"


    Suho rolled and the monster rushed forward and attempted a stab attack.


    With Suho already out of sight, the monster instead pierced through the red curtain.


    -Ssh!


    Behind the curtain was the swimming pool.


    Heavy metal doesn''t float.


    The monster, in the deep water of the training pool, seemed to freeze, merely staring at them as if its operations had ceased.


    "We did it."


    "That''s crazy! Did we really win?"


    The children were happy.


    But that too, Ha-rim said for a moment.


    "...Alice. I need to find Alice."


    "Are you saying you will go outside?"


    Ha-rim solemnly nodded her head.


    "...I''ll try to handle it alone. Wait here."


    "What''s the point of you going alone?"


    "It''s dangerous!"


    Ha-rim decided to take that risk.


    Her friends thought Ha-rim''s actions were reckless.


    But the funny thing was.


    They felt that they too wanted to follow Ha-rim and save Alice.


    "Let''s go together."


    "Even though it''s dangerous?"


    "Adventure is always dangerous. What do elementary school kids like us know about the world? Doing risky things is a privilege for kids."


    "Pfft... Alright! Let''s go!"


    Ha-rim couldn''t help butugh when the least childlike children spoke like that.


    With renewed determination, Ha-rim and the kids sprinted toward the unbarricaded back gate.

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    "Haa..."


    Ariel. The Little Mermaid devil sighed.


    This was because the sight of herself bing a hedgehog with sacred arrows pierced into her body looked very shabby.


    She must shine.


    She must be beautiful.


    If her appearance doesn''t shine, Mephisto Pheles won''t even pay attention to her.


    ...How miserable.


    Even though she was in considerable danger, the fact that there hadn''t been any contact meant he wouldn''t even consider meeting her in person.


    Ariel frowned and raised her head.She made eye contact with the Institution''s agents, who were looking at her in front of a pile of corpses of the Cathedral''s priests.


    Surely, they weren''t trying to capture her, right?


    It would be troublesome to kill them, and her body was a wreck.


    ...They don''t seem to have any hostile intent.


    Ssss...


    "Urgh..."


    The Archpriest had been stronger than expected.


    Because of the divine power that did not disappear even after death, pulling out the arrows was not an easy task.


    Or maybe the tool was just good?


    After spitting out the blood that had umted in her mouth, she waved at the agents.


    The bare minimum courtesy of fighting together.


    Thinking there was no hostility, she created a water droplet to return to her ce.


    "Huh? Those kids..."


    At that moment, she saw the children, who had been with Alice, running out.


    She didn''t like Alice.


    But that was that, and this was this.


    She had to keep her promise to protect the children as the minimumpensation for Alice joining the Fairy-tale Tea Party.


    That''s what she had nned whening here, but she didn''t expect that the Cathedral would suddenly intervene.


    Because of that, she had to engage in a fight that wasn''t worth it.


    "Hmph. I''ve done my part. If I knew I''d get this hurt, I wouldn''t havee in the first ce."


    But contrary to her words, Ariel cast a spell on the running children.


    A spell that consumed a fair amount of her power.


    A bubble of healing.


    A secret technique to ensure they could breathe even in the sea of death.


    A death prevention measure.


    "...Haa... This is my minimum sincerity. I''m done."


    Ariel, looking exhausted, shrugged her shoulders and returned to her ce.


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    I red at thepletely devastated Machine God.


    It''s body lookedpletely different from the beginning, with scratches and scorches all over.


    It was literally like a piece of junk.


    One of the arms had been cut off and was already in ruins.


    However, our side also suffered damage to the extent that we had no strength to spare.


    Pinhio fell and all the monsters went back into the mirror.


    for the first time in a while, I had no choice but to take up my knife and stab the bastard myself.


    "Haa... Haa..."


    <strong>[You look exhausted.]</strong>


    The bastard shamelessly spoke to me.


    I was annoyed that he seemed to be pretending to be rxed.


    "Shut up, you damn scrap metal. You have only one arm left, so stop acting all high and mighty."


    <strong>[High and mighty? It''s clear to anyone that both sides have suffered great losses.]</strong>


    "Hah!"


    I scoffed, but it wasn''t entirely wrong.


    The power gap between me, who had lost allies and was barely holding a knife, and the giant with hisrge body, albeit damaged, was clear.


    ...I thought I had be stronger, but strong enemies just keeping.


    <strong>[Don''t be discouraged, little devil. You''re the first to push me this far. When I first met Pinhio, I was a bit surprised, but he wasn''t enough to defeat me.]</strong>


    "..."


    I was dumbfounded and didn''t say anything.


    Was that supposed to be encouragement?


    <strong>[Humans and devils. Monsters with anomalies. Among them, you could be called special. But that''s the end of it. From the moment you failed to destroy my stage, you had already lost.]</strong>


    "Stop the nonsense. I haven''t lost yet. Why? Are you trying to act like a <em>wall that can never be ovee</em> again with your so-called divine behavior?"


    <strong>[You don''t believe me. How unfortunate.]</strong>


    I remembered Carol''s warning not to be swayed.


    He''s definitely trying to sway me with those wicked words.


    I can still move and swing my knife.


    If I just recover a little, I might be able to summon more monsters.


    Seeing that I wasn''t giving up, the bastard suddenly showed four strands of thread.


    <strong>[Do you see these four strands of thread? I can manipte the threads of fate. To control arge number of humans, a stage is necessary. Controlling just four children is a simple matter, but I imed it was impossible without a y. Yes! Shamefully, I lied.]</strong>


    "...!"


    I knew very well what the Machine God was trying to say to break my will.


    The hand holding the knife began to tremble.


    <strong>[I have twisted their fates into ruin.]</strong>


    "The kids are being protected! You''re buying time. If I defeat you before that happens...!"


    When I said that, the Machine God shook his giant head.


    Apanied by a creaking sound that didn''t originally ur.


    <strong>[...You thought the Institution and your allies would prevent it. How unfortunate.]</strong>


    "...?"


    <strong>[Maniption and entanglement are different.]</strong>


    ...Entanglement?


    <strong>[Did you think there were no other threats? Have you forgotten that humans fought and died in the factory due to entangled threads?]</strong>


    What the Machine God was saying that it was possible to twist and entangle fate without the need for a cumbersome y.


    He might have been using that ability from the beginning.


    Anxiety shed in my mind, and I simultaneously recalled.


    Mason and hisrades.


    They had once fought and self-destructed when I wasn''t around.


    The Cathedral and the Institution.


    There might even be organizations I didn''t know about; could they avoid intended conflicts?


    If they fought like Mason''s team and created a gap, and the children got caught in it?


    <strong>[Not just machines, but everything is entangled, leading your children to a horrific fate. Don''t you understand yet? The end for those children is the worst! All the threads will entangle and finally meet their end! Even without a stage, your children will die more tragically than in any y, movie, or novel! This is inevitable! Humans cannot resist fate! Oh! You could stop it if you were there, for that is your power and essence! But what can you do? You are not by their side.]</strong>


    I couldn''t hold back any longer and rushed at the Machine God.


    As if he was aiming for this moment, he instantly restored his arm and grabbed me.


    His grip, capable of crushing even a tank, tightened around me.


    "Urgh!"


    <strong>[Ah! Do you trust those children? Of course, you would say you do. How pitiful.]</strong>


    "Don''t be ridiculous!"


    <strong>[Young and foolish devil. No matter what you did with those children to gain that power, no matter what emotions you shared, or what bonds you built, the stage has already changed too much. The children will die because of you. Can the children wound a giant bigger than a building? Can they dodge my attacks fast enough? Or at least are they strong enough to withstand your attacks?]</strong>


    "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!!!!"


    Due to the rising anger, my physical strength increased rapidly and I tried to escape from his grip.


    However, the Machine God spoke without paying any heed.


    <strong>[It has changed too much! You can''t go back to how it was before! You must have agonized over it constantly! You must have been in conflict endlessly! You wanted to adventure together like before?! But due to your involvement, they will meet a horrific end! Oh my! Do you want to go and save those children, leaving me behind? It''s toote. Far toote!]</strong>


    "Ahh!"


    The Machine God threw me to the ground.


    Because it was so high, I flew like a cannonball and rolled on the floor with a loud noise.


    Not yet... Not yet.


    <strong>[You''re still getting up.]</strong>


    "Take it back... Take it back... Say that everything you said is wrong!"


    I screamed with rage.


    Like a child.


    A child crying and asking an adult to untangle the knotted threads.


    <strong>[Unfortunately, young devil. One of your children''s lives is already unstable. They will die soon. That much is true.]</strong>


    "Liar! It''s a lie!"


    I covered my ears and didn''t want to hear any more.


    Then.


    "...It''s not a lie, Alice. This world is full of truths you wish were lies."


    Pinhio, who I thought was down, appeared calmly.


    "...You definitely copsed."


    "Yes, that too was a <em>lie</em>."


    I couldn''t understand his words.


    Why was he standing now?


    Why did he lie?


    It felt like he was waiting for me to get tired.


    Seeing my puzzled face, Pinhio showed me an object resembling scales instead of exining.


    "?!"


    And when it activated, my body began to be crushed by something intangible.


    "You were special because you could break the stage, Alice. Breaking the Ruler''s authority requires having the same or greater power. But because of that, I was disappointed. You haven''t fully utilized that power."


    "What are you..."


    "You need to be more suspicious of others. You''ve been living by always being swayed. Ah, well, does it matter now?"


    Pinhio activated the scales once more.


    Suddenly, the Machine God''s body started to creak severely.


    The same phenomenon as mine.


    With an unbnced body, being crushed by something, his body was beingpressed.


    <strong>[That is...]</strong>


    "Yes. As you can see, it''s a <em>tool</em>. It''s only natural for a cksmith to create tools."


    Pinhio proudly held up his tool.


    "The ultimate tool. We alwaysck something, so we circumvent, divide, andbine. But there is one thing that doesn''t change. <em>Equal or greater energy</em>. Yes, to put it simply, equivalent exchange."


    Equivalent exchange... ?


    <strong>[This is truly a dead end, Pinhio. But interesting. Whatever you intend to do with my power... It will ultimately be dominion. Ah... Everything is entangled in chaos. Fate is indeed fascinating.]</strong>


    Creak! Creak!


    The Machine God''s body crumbled, leaving only its core, which waspressed to the point that the once-building-sized being became a single cog, falling to the ground.


    Pinhio picked it up and ced it inside his body.


    Then his body began to emit tremendous energy.


    The energy is so simr to the Machine God, it''s like... Like the Machine God had been resurrected.


    I had the illusion of hearing the Machine God''sughter.


    "Thank you, Alice. This is thanks to you. And I wish you luck surviving."


    Pinhio left without looking back.


    "Urgh! Wa-wait! At least check if the kids are safe..."


    I couldn''t finish my sentence.


    Because my body was disintegrating.


    I screamed.


    Trying to escape, I created a mirror, but it was swiftly absorbed by the scales'' energy.


    The price of turning a Ruler into aponent.


    It was impossible to estimate how much the corresponding price would be.


    The pain grew, gnawing at my mind, and I saw my death before my eyes.


    This wasn''t the end I wished for.


    If this was the end awaiting me, I would rather have died behind the curtain.


    As these thoughts ran through my mind, a familiar and nostalgic voice called out.


    Simultaneously, the force disintegrating my body vanishedpletely.


    I lifted my fallen body and looked up, my eyes widening.


    "...What are you doing?"


    "Uh?"


    Mephisto Pheles. And my senior.


    "Ah... I''m disappointed... Alice. I worked so hard to prepare you, but you can''t even fulfill your role?"


    "Se-senior, is it really you?"


    He simply frowned, not answering my question.


    I was so upset that my hands were shaking.


    "Tale devils were created to counter Rulers. Specifically, to suppress and ovee beings that humans could never defeat. You were supposed to perform a very special task... But you struggled so much against the first Ruler. Disappointing."


    "..."


    Why did he suddenly appear and say this?


    I didn''t be like this because I wanted to.


    I suffered so much because of the devil in front of me.


    But.


    ...When I heard the word <em>disappointing</em>, my heart hurt and I couldn''t say anything.


    "I paid the price. Thanks to you, I have used up all the power of <em>Oz</em> I had. This wasn''t part of the fucking n, and it will cause setbacks in future events."


    "..."


    "Next time, do better, Alice. I won''t help you anymore."


    With those final words, the senior disappeared again.


    I couldn''t stop him from leaving.


    Pinhio, the Institution''s agents, the Machine God, my senior, the Cathedral. Everyone left, leaving me alone in this void.


    I looked up at the sky.


    It was full of dark clouds.


    I staggered as I stood.


    All the threads were tangled, filling my mind with chaos, and I knew I wasn''t in my right mind.


    "...Ahaha... What the hell am I?"


    Betrayed, disappointed, endangered, left alone, shattered... Iughed emptily.


    Even so, I staggered forward.


    "I am, I am..."


    Where am I going?


    The answer was clear.


    "...Huh? Huh? Huh?"


    I found the children.


    Driven by a sliver of hope, I was trying to ensure their safety.


    But that hope was shattered again.


    "A-Alice... You were here..."


    Ha-rim, lying on the ground, looked at me with difficulty.


    ...I could pay attention to Ha-rim''s face.


    Because I was staring at the numerous wounds on her body and the fatal injury to her abdomen, which is leading to her death.


    My expression crumbled into despair.


    "Ahhh..."


    Then screamed.


    "Ahhhhhhhhh!"


    They were dragged into this because of me.


    They might die because of me.


    "It''s Alice! Ha-rim''s there too!"


    The children ran towards us from afar.


    I wasn''t looking at their faces either.


    I could only see their injuries.


    Severe wounds on every one of them.


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    Alice''s was nearly broken.


    An ominous energy began to emanate from her.


    Startled, the children flinched.


    Alice began to mutter.


    "Forget it. Forget everything."


    "Alice! Snap out of it, Alice!"


    The children shouted, but Alice couldn''t hear it.


    Her eyes reflected a dangerous aura.


    "I was too careless. Too foolish. And selfish. Honestly... If I wanted to avoid this entirely, I could have hidden my identitypletely. When I dealt with that trivial anomaly, I thought it would be okay not to erase memories. I pretended it was inevitable! Used coincidence as an opportunity! But what is this? Everyone got involved because of me... Ha-rim is dying."


    "Wait, I don''t understand. But I''ll say this. Ha-rim got hurt while luring the monsters for us. It''s not your fault..."


    "Yeah... Haha... You''re all always the same. We would go on adventures and dive into dangerous situations together. Right, if we hadn''t gathered in the first ce, none of this would have happened!"


    Alice, seemingly mad, ruffled her hair.


    She burst into tears and, using all her strength, created a mirror.


    "...Alice."


    "Please don''te closer... Because I''m going to do something really bad."


    Alice ordered the monster.


    <strong><em>-They''ll die easily around you, even if you''re fine. It''s best for both you and them.</em></strong>


    <strong><em>-Young and foolish devil. No matter what you did with those children to gain that power, no matter what emotions you shared, or what bonds you built, the stage has already changed too much.</em></strong>


    <strong><em>-Now Alice. Your power is too great, and the enemies are too strong for them to stay with you. They have the right to live safely within God''s protection.</em></strong>


    "Erase Alice''s existence and the Mystery Exploration Club itself from their minds. I''ll ensure their safety... I''ll keep them safe at all costs. No more need for adventures. No more running from scary things. No more getting hurt."


    Alice smiled brightly.


    The smile was somehow twisted.


    The monster of forgetting looked troubled.


    It was the first time it hesitated at Alice''s request.


    <strong><em>Monsters: No, no Alice. If you do that, you''ll lose everything.</em></strong>


    "Please..."


    As Alice began to cry, the monster of forgetting erased all of their memories.


    Then something strange happened.


    The carefully created mirror shattered, the monster of forgetting vanished, and all power left Alice.


    Alice stumbled again.


    "What is that...?"


    Alice looked up at the sky.


    A giant red spear was flying towards her.


    ...


    "When Little Mermaid intervened, I thought the n had failed. Ah, it''s fortunate things proceeded as nned. Or were we part of the fate the Machine God induced?"


    Losing Archpriest Kinus was unfortunate, but the operation was sessful, so it didn''t matter.


    "Gray Fox... Then?"


    "Yes. Now that she has denied human potential and locked it within a cage, she has lost all her power. Now is the time to deal with her."


    Gray Fox ordered the high priest.


    "...Launch the Red Holy Spear."


    ...


    Tearing through the dark clouds, a massive red spear shot like lightning.


    It was an absolute judgment.


    Alice, caught in the entangled, unsolvable knot, had no way to avoid it.


    Perhaps the true power of the Machine God''s authority, which she had overlooked, was this.


    It was toote for regrets.


    Alice could only look miserably at the sky and the approaching spear.

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    The feared event finally happened.


    Carol turned her head away, not wanting to see Alice, whose heart was broken, even through the screen.


    She always wished for Alice to smile.


    Seeing the Holy Spear pouring down, Carol took out an anomalous object shaped like a red button.


    <strong>P-702</strong>


    Nickname: War Reenactment.


    The moment you use this.


    Humanity''s foolish mistakes are repeated.But funnily enough, this will be used to give Alice a chance to make up for her mistakes.


    "But I didn''t expect you to bring this."


    Behind Carol stood a woman in a nun''s habit and a devil wearing a red hood.


    "We''re just repaying a favor. Thanks to Alice, I could reconcile with this child."


    Maria. A nun belonging to the Cathedral.


    It was really surprising that she noticed the Cathedral''s n and contacted us.


    And even more surprising was the person on her right.


    "Red Riding Hood. What wind brought you here?"


    "..."


    To think she would escape the istion room and take P-702 from the Cathedral.


    Although startled by the bizarrebination, there was no time to interrogate them one by one in this urgent situation.


    "Are you not going to say anything? Well, that''s fine. Then..."


    "...I have a question."


    "?"


    When Carol tilted her head, Red Riding Hood asked in a crawling voice.


    "First, as a test... Carol, are you really using this for Alice? Do you have no ill intentions?"


    "...A test? Fine. I truly cherish Alice. I will use this for her... My care and love for her are sincere. Please believe me."


    When Carol spoke earnestly, Red Riding Hood judged the truthfulness of her im.


    Her brown eyes turned yellow and, after a moment, Red Riding Hood nodded.


    "It''s the truth."


    "At times like this, it''s good that there''s no injustice. Now then."


    Carol removed the protective ss that was covering the button and clenched her fist tightly.


    "Summoning this devil is quite unsettling! But this is the only way to stop the Holy Spear that will chase to the end as long as it exists in this world!"


    Each devil has something they are drawn to.


    There is a <em>situation</em> that summons a specific devil, just like how Alice was drawn to Mason when she was exiled.


    Carol pressed the button with her fist.


    Then, around Alice, people in digital-patterned military uniforms and various weapons appeared.


    Blood was sttered and only terrible screams echoed.


    Although it''s just a hologram, a mere illusion, it perfectly reenacts a horrible war, specialized for summoning him.


    A devil like a natural disaster, who doesn''t even speak, just appears.


    "The lesser of two evils."


    Carol shouted as if dering.


    "Now! I will summon Peter Pan!"


    ...


    Acrid dust surrounds your vision, and an explosion so loud that it feels like your ears will burst covers the world.


    Nevertheless, what can be clearly heard are human screams.


    In the middle of this battlefield.


    He appeared.

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    I opened Uncle Peter''s study.


    It was filled with old books, gunpowder, and unidentified herbs.


    The others sniffed and frowned.


    Among the suspicious antiques engraved with demonic patterns, one item particrly caught my attention.


    Suho, who was in the lead, looked at the uselessly fancy gold paper on the desk and his eyes sparkled.


    "Look at this!"


    Everyone gathered around it.


    I checked the paper.


    This is..."It''s a map. A treasure map!"


    The treasure map supposedly led to immense riches or something like a gem that could grant any wish.


    The location was quite specific and even a safe route was marked, so it seemed like we could easily get the treasure if we had a little courage.


    An adventure.


    When we were starting to get bored, this kind of stimtion was like honey.


    Their eyes sparkled as they excitedly chattered.


    But I wasn''t the type to be satisfied with just what was in front of me.


    Because there were so many other interesting things in this room.


    Sometimes my friends would say that my habit of looking into every nook and cranny of a room I saw for the first time was strange, but I thought it was fun.


    I searched through Uncle Peter''s room like a maniac.


    And eventually I found something hidden.


    I cleared away the relics piled in a corner.


    I poked a hole in the strangely discolored wallpaper.


    Using a spoon, I dug through a wall that seemed too soft to be concrete.


    Bang!


    "What''s this?"


    Beyond the fake concrete I had dug through, there was a safe.


    It had a numerical lock, and to find thebination, I searched the entire house meticulously.


    From Uncle''s birthday to the number of spoons and chopsticks in the house- I was determined to crack the code.


    I entered the numbers as if I was going to try them all.


    "...This is it."


    With a click, the safe opened.


    The safe''s password was a number written on the back of a photo of a young woman who seemed to have died a long time ago.


    That photo of the young woman had also been well hidden, so it took some time, but I can think about itter.


    I opened the safe with anticipation.


    Inside was a bloodstained book.


    The title was Tinkerbell... A book of spells and medicine.


    I borrowed (stole) a bag from Uncle Peter''s study and packed the book into it.


    Of course, I also packed everything else that might be useful.


    The bag was heavy, but my heart felt satisfied.


    When I turned around, the others had all gathered in the living room.


    "Are you done now? Why were you searching every nook and cranny by yourself?"


    Their expressions were sulky, probably because I had been engrossed for too long.


    I scratched my cheek and apologized.


    "Hehe... Sorry. I got too absorbed. I was alsote because I was cleaning up."


    "So, Ha-rim, are you going to go there?"


    "Yeah! Are you guys really going too? You said we shouldn''t take risks."


    "With a treasure like this, it''s a different story! It''s worth the risk!"


    Kyeong-min was surprisingly greedy.


    Well, if you can get gold and silver treasures with just a little courage, who wouldn''t try?


    "...Alright! We''re going. Everyone else agrees, right?"


    When I said that, Suho and Eun-jeong responded.


    "I''ming along because I''m worried about you guys... But I''m curious about the treasure too!"


    "If you''re all going, then I''ll follow too!"


    We really get along well. It would be nice if we could keep working as a team.


    Maybe we should form a club and stick together!


    ...To foster a sense of belonging, I should give them the red flower nes in my pocket.


    "Great! Then take this."


    "What''s this?"


    "Don''t you think we fit together pretty well? So let''s form a team. This is a symbol of our unity."


    Each of them took the flower ne I handed out.


    The kidsmented that the nes seemed somehow familiar.


    And they all wondered why there were five nes.


    "Was there someone else you wanted to give it to? Maybe Uncle Peter?"


    "Um... I''m not sure... But there definitely was one more person... It''s strange, right? Anyway, let''s get going!"


    We confidently went outside.


    We walked on the soft asphalt and passed people who were drinking alcohol and cold medicine like snacks.


    The sharp smell of cigarettes stung my nose, and asionally, nts that made me feel dizzy when I caught their scent asionally spoke to us.


    "First, we need to get past that theater."


    The theater was said to put on an impressive show with a terrifying atmosphere.


    This was probably the theater Uncle Peter had briefly mentioned.


    But the treasure hunt was more interesting, so we decided to slip through the alley next to the theater.


    "...?"


    "What''s wrong, Eun-jeong?"


    "Something... Makes me ufortable. It feels like someone''s in the theater. I can sense a presence."


    I looked at the theater. She was right.


    There seemed to be someone about the same height as us.


    They seemed to be sad for some reason.


    "Is it... An illusion? How can you sense someone''s presence in a building?"


    As we hesitated, the presence suddenly disappeared.


    Though we were puzzled, we had to move further inside to avoid the people gathering to smoke.


    The destination was much further away.


    As we walked, I kept a close eye on the book I found in Uncle Peter''s room.


    The contents of the book were shocking.


    I had thought this world was slightly strange, but I now realized it was apletely insane ce.


    And that there was a way to have a significant impact on it.


    I felt like a fool for even considering that it might be okay to not go back.


    As my expression grew more serious, Suho asked.


    "Ha-rim, why are you looking like that?"


    "Huh? I''ll tell youter."


    "Okay?"


    I felt uneasy about how the treasure map was so openly disyed, but if the treasure was real, it could help us escape this world.


    "This sewer is the entrance, right?"


    We arrived at a sewer hidden by vines.


    "It smells! ...But not too bad?"


    We went into the sewer.


    It was veryrge andplicated like a maze.


    Without a map, getting lost would have been a serious problem.


    Even as we entered the sewer maze, I didn''t stop reading the book.


    "...Certain herbs help to separate one''s existence from Nevend. Drinking tea brewed from these herbs... Makes you sleep well... With a peculiar minty taste."


    This is the tea Uncle Peter used to give us all the time... What on earth was Uncle Peter nning to do to us?


    We had reached about two-thirds of the way through the maze when it happened.


    "...Hey, Ha-rim."


    Eun-jeong looks at us with anxious eyes.


    "Yeah?"


    "Can you hear a ticking sound?"


    We, who had been following the treasure map, suddenly froze.


    We felt our excitement drain away in an instant.


    Tick.


    It was definitely the sound of a clock.


    And then, a heavy sshing sound followed.


    It was the sound of something crawling... Like a beast walking on all fours.


    The sound was getting closer.


    ...It''sing this way?


    "Guys, hold your breath and stay quiet!"


    Thud-! Tick. Thud-! Tick.


    We hid behind a wall.


    Then, a giant crocodile passed through the corridor we were about to enter.


    The crocodile wasrger than an elephant, and a ticking sound echoed from his body.


    After the crocodile passed, we looked at each other in shock.


    Suho was the first to speak.


    "W-What was that?"


    At this moment, Suho shouldn''t have said anything.


    The ticking crocodile had a massive body.


    When it moved, there should have been loud thudding sounds that grew fainter as it got further away.


    But the thudding sound of the crocodile''s steps had only slightly diminished before abruptly stopping.


    What does this mean...?


    "Run!"


    Tick.


    It means that it stopped midway to wait for our next move!


    "I''ve memorized the path! This way leads to the exit!"


    Kyeong-min shouted.


    It was natural to run straight to the exit when encountering an enemy.


    But now, the situation is different.


    "There''s more than one!"


    We weren''t being chased by just one crocodile.


    A sense of dread came over us.


    If we let our guard down, we could end uppletely trapped in an instant.


    We might even get caught and killed immediately if they appeared in front and behind us at the same time!


    Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.


    The wall beside us vibrated.


    It was hard to estimate the number of crocodiles chasing us, but by calcting the timing of the ovepping ticking sounds, I could roughly guess.


    ...Three!


    "We can''t let them surround us! Instead of taking the direct route, we need to avoid dead ends and find a way to evade them!"


    "But how?!"


    I looked at the map.


    We had already strayed far from the main path.


    Three pursuers.


    And they were approaching from different directions.


    Obviously, they were faster than us.


    If they approached from different locations, we had four possible routes.


    We should run to the upper-left route.


    "We only know that there are many of them, but we have no way of knowing exactly where they are. If we wait until their movements converge, all three coulde right at us. Or one coulde from behind while the other twoe from the front."


    Either way, we''re in trouble.


    In thetter scenario, we would be trapped and have no choice but to die.


    To prevent this...


    "We have to distract them."


    Kyeong-min was right.


    My bag was full of herbs I had borrowed (stolen) from Uncle Peter''s room.


    I told the kids about our situation.


    "My bag is full of medicinal ingredients from Uncle Peter''s room. The crocodile''s sense of smell is incredibly sensitive. Crocodiles dislike the smell of strong herbs."


    We realized it right away.


    There was only one course of action we could take.


    "Let''s put strong medicines where the paths ovep!"


    I pointed to a spot on the map as we ran.


    "If we block this route with the medicine, the crocodiles will have to circle around."


    This ce was like a maze.


    Even the crocodiles, which were sensitive to vibrations, sounds, and smells, couldn''t pinpoint our exact location with their eyes.


    The crocodiles doesn''t realize we''re right in front of them, and it maneuvers around the herbs that are blocking their path.


    Of course, the chase continued, but they were blocked by the wall and could not overtake us.


    To put it simply, it was like riding a horse with a carrot in front of it, and the horse running to eat the carrot.


    No matter how fast the horse ran, the carrot never seemed to get any closer!


    And then we do it again.


    We precisely exploited the crocodiles'' blind spots with their inability to know our exact location.


    The stupid crocodiles, even though we were very close, didn''t seem to find it strange that they couldn''t catch us.


    We miraculously made up for the difference in speed with our n and entered the escape route.


    "Sess! The crocodiles are circling around!"


    It''s all going ording to n.


    However, it''s impossible topletely dodge those crocodiles, and we can''t.


    Even though it''s a maze, they live here, so it''s hard topletely lose them.


    Moreover, once we enter the escape route, we would eventually encounter at least one crocodile!


    "Don''t rx."


    The exit was a straight line! If we, being slower, had a chase with the crocodiles, we would inevitably be caught.


    There is only one way for us, who are slow, to reach the exit without getting caught.


    -To not have a fair race.


    The moment the paths of the pursuing crocodiles ovepped with ours.


    As the three giant crocodiles emerged simultaneously from the passage, we were already halfway to the exit.


    Our efforts to twist and block the paths had paid off.


    "They''reing!"


    The chase became a race with starting lines at different points.


    Three massive ticking crocodiles burst out of the back passage.


    They were fast, but the three of them, tangled together, had to slow down to fit through the narrow path.


    The incessant ticking was nerve-wracking.


    "The real game starts now!"


    "Eek! They''re right behind us! Can we really survive this?!"


    "Of course! We ran until now because we believed in that!"


    Even if we''re scared, we run.


    Because deep down, we were convinced that efforts would be rewarded.


    Carrying our fears, we ran.


    For something better.


    "We have to dy them as much as possible! Because of that, at thest moment! When we''re close to the exit! Throw the remaining herbs to slow them down!"


    As we reached the exit, we threw all the remaining herbs towards the crocodiles.


    They were so focused on chasing us that they didn''t pay attention to our actions.


    We managed to buy some time by making them hesitate.


    "...We''re here!"


    We found a rope connecting us to the surface.


    I sent Eun-jeong up first, followed by the others.


    Suho seemed reluctant to go before me, but I was firm, so he reluctantly hurried up without dy.


    Finally, it was my turn to climb.


    The giant crocodile started opening its mouth wide toward me, who hadn''t fully climbed up yet.


    I threw all the useless items from the bag into its mouth.


    While the crocodile''s mouth was filled with items, I quickly climbed up and escaped.


    "Haah... Haah... Haah..."


    Breathless, we sprawled out, wiping our cold sweat.


    "That was close. We almost died for real."


    But... We survived.


    This, too, would be a memory.


    I turned to look at the kids with a smile.


    Contrary to my expectation that they''d be smiling, their expressions were like they had seen a ghost.


    I realized that a shadow was blocking my view.


    Looking up, I saw Uncle Peter watching us with an angry expression.


    "Yeah. You were almost dead. You little brats."


    "Un... Uncle Peter?"


    "With those pale faces... You came back alive. I told you not to do dangerous things. It''s not about concern. The act itself was forbidden."


    We guessed that Uncle Peter was about to give us some terrifying punishment in anger.


    Seeing us scared, Uncle Peter grinned.


    "So you''ve finally realized. How huge, horrifying, and dreadful the risks are for seeking something sweet. In the end, this uncle''s fenced house is safer than everything tempting you!"


    Uncle Peter misunderstood our terrified expressions.


    We exchanged nces and expressed our desire to go home because we were scared.


    At that, Uncle Peterughed like a madman.


    "Look at this, Alice. Humans are all the same."


    ...Alice?


    That name sounds familiar... But who was it?


    "Now... You''ve reflected, right? Stand up. There won''t be any more scary things."


    I took Uncle Peter''s hand and stood up.


    Looking back now, it seemed like Uncle Peter had expected us to open the study door.


    That''s why he had openly ced the fancy map.


    Even if we reached the destination, there probably wouldn''t have been any treasure.


    Uncle Peter''s back looked annoying.


    We returned to Uncle Peter''s house and rxed.


    I went to my room and took a shower first.


    The hot water soaked my entire body.


    They say that taking a cold shower boosts your immune system and taking a hot shower relieves stress.


    I like thetter.


    I looked at my reflection in the mirror hanging in the shower.


    The reflection looked somehow empty.


    "...?"


    Something strange happened in the mirror.


    Dark and ominous things started talking to me from within the mirror!


    I stepped back in surprise.


    Then the monsters in the mirror spoke.


    <strong>[Alice... You must save Alice...]</strong>


    "Alice? Who is Alice?"


    <strong>[You must save her... You must give her...]</strong>


    The dark monsters faded away.


    I was startled and quickly asked.


    "Wait! Okay, I understand. What''s the way to save her?"


    <strong>[Give Alice a rose. A red rose... We''ll share a bit of the memories we have...]</strong>


    "...!"


    ...


    A littleter.


    It was mealtime, and I was cooking in the kitchen.


    Uncle Peter asked me to make him a sandwich since we had troubled him.


    We were the ones who had trouble...


    Since we had broken our promise, even if we had ten mouths, we couldn''t say anything, so I made the sandwich.


    "Hahaha! Delicious! Hahaha!"


    As expected, he''s annoying.


    Uncle Peter ate the sandwich and quickly fell asleep.


    He fell asleep really fast, as if he had taken sleeping medicine!


    "..."


    <strong>Actually, I did put sleeping medicine in it.</strong>


    Good night, Uncle. Maybe you should haveughed a bit more quietly.


    I''m annoyed.


    I thought that and looked outside the house.


    There was a person outside who the monsters in the mirror were looking for.


    And it seemed that I was the same.


    One by one, the kids opened their doors and came looking for me.


    I asked them.


    "How much do you remember?"


    "Just a few fragments. But with that alone, we know we need to find them."


    "I see."


    We all fiddled with the red flower nes around our necks.


    "Then. Let''s go."


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    "Yawn. I slept well. Hahaha!"


    Peter Pan woke up an hourter.


    The sleeping herbs Ha-rim had put in the sandwich were close to a lethal dose for an ordinary person, but Peter Pan was delighted that he had slept well for the first time in a long time.


    "Let''s see... The kids... Are still asleep."


    When Peter Pan opened the door, he saw the inted nkets and carefully closed the door.


    Peter Pan headed to his study.


    His study was inplete disarray.


    It was all because of Shin Ha-rim''s excessive rummaging.


    "It''s a mess. It was intentional, but it''s been rummaged through too much."


    Casual curiosity, the desire for freedom, greed... And so on.


    These are elements that deceive people into doing dangerous things.


    Peter Pan intended to make the children who were tempted by these things suffer to bring out their fears.


    Then he nned to show Alice the children who, filled with fear, wished to live in afortable home.


    "Hmm?"


    As Peter Pan was organizing his room, he realized something strange.


    Even though the children must have been distracted by the golden map, it was odd that they had turned his room into a total mess, no matter how intriguing it might be.


    Peter Pan sensed something ominous and began searching for the things he had hidden.


    "...They''ve searched this far? Even if they found something, they wouldn''t have guessed the password."


    Peter Pan opened his safe.


    It was empty.


    And all the herbs, various potions, and relics were gone!


    Peter Pan hurriedly went to the children''s room and lifted the nkets.


    It was a pile of trash.


    In other words, a decoy.


    The children were not here.


    Peter Pan looked out the window.


    "These brats..."


    Nevend was bing unstable.

 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


    Peter Pan gazed upon Nevend, now reduced to chaos.


    His anger boiled to the extreme.


    People who had been deprived of drugs, hallucinogens, and alcohol were fighting each other, filled with anger and confusion.


    Some of them quickly became groups with threatening weapons.


    The fight between individuals turned into a fight between groups, so it was already no different from war.


    It had been a long time since Peter Pan had been this angry.


    "Clock crocodiles, find the Captain Hooks of this world. There are four of them."


    Clock crocodiles appeared from all directions.


    The citizens of Nevend, terrified, hurriedly fled to their homes.Crocodiles wearing military uniforms searched the entire city.


    ...


    Shin Ha-rim was waiting for someone on the roof of a building.


    She wasn''t bored, though.


    Because Nevend, which had turned upside down, was stimting in many ways.


    Click, ck.


    A man wearing military boots approached from afar.


    When Shin Ha-rim turned around, Peter Pan was right in front of her.


    "You''re thest one. Shin Ha-rim."


    "Nice to see you, Uncle Peter."


    Peter Pan''s insides were boiling with anger at Shin Ha-rim, who greeted him calmly.


    He clenched his teeth like someone who was mentally unstable.


    "Nevend isn''t a perfect world, but it''s not a ce you can easily destroy. Your actions are meaningless. This is a utopia. A ce that exists but doesn''t exist. If it were something that could copse with this kind of chaos, it would have disappeared long ago."


    "I see. That''s too bad."


    As Shin Ha-rim sighed sincerely, small scars appeared on Peter Pan''s arms.


    "But you went too far. Setting fire to factories manufacturing drugs and alcohol, and doing it so casually. Are you crazy, you punk?"


    "And the people of Nevend, who immediately started stealing from each other once drugs and alcohol were cut off, are sane? In order for a human in Nevend to remain in this world, their brains need to be soaked in pleasure. If they continue to stay sober, they could be banished from Nevend and live with the aftereffects for the rest of their lives, or they could be nutrients for this world and disappear forever."


    Shin Ha-rim recited from Peter''s book as if reading aloud and then sipped tea from a water bottle.


    "Especially if it''s this mint-vored tea."


    Peter Pan could no longer hold back his rage.


    "You''re a crazy bitch, taking the book and all my medicine. Okay, I get it. A madman has to learn the consequences."


    "Urgh!"


    Peter Pan grabbed Shin Ha-rim by the back of her neck and stood on the edge of the rooftop.


    Then he stretched out his arm as if he was going to send her crashing to the ground at any moment.


    If he let go, Shin Ha-rim would fall to her death.


    She felt fear creeping into her.


    "I''ll kill you, Shin Ha-rim. But if you confess your sins and return home now, I won''t kill you..."


    "No."


    Peter Pan couldn''t understand.


    Desperation? Or was she up to something?


    In the end, humans value their lives above all else.


    Nothing matters in the face of death, and there would be no way to ovee this situation!


    "Are you not afraid of death? Then you are truly ignorant. You must be speaking like that because you have no idea what true fear is!"


    "No!!"


    Shin Ha-rim refused adamantly.


    "...This is the fourth time you''ve said that."


    Peter Pan teleported to the theater.


    He violently threw Shin Ha-rim onto the stage.


    Ha-rim, who was thrown, groaned in pain.


    "Urgh!"


    She looked around at the scene before her.


    Crocodiles were seated, ring at her.


    And in the corner, her teammates were sitting with their eyes closed, sweating.


    "Kyeong-min! Eun-jeong! Suho!"


    They were groaning as if trapped in a nightmare.


    "Don''t worry. They''re just recalling their memories. Alice erased their memories, so they''ve forgotten even their fears. I will return all that fear to them at once."


    Peter Pan grabbed Shin Ha-rim''s head, forcibly making her recall her memories.


    "...!!!"


    Shin Ha-rim felt like her brain was frying.


    Her nose was bleeding, and she gritted her teeth and tried to endure, but eventually screamed.


    "Aaaaah!"


    "Be afraid, Shin Ha-rim! Stop and return to the safety of the fence! If you do that, you won''t have to be afraid anymore! No more grenades or bombs that could explode at any moment. No more bullets fired from who knows where! No more Captain Hooks who disregard life! Go back to the fence where none of that exists! Run away from an uncertain future where even life and death aren''t guaranteed!"


    "..."


    Shin Ha-rim copsed and didn''t say anything.


    But she seemed to be conscious, as she was still breathing faintly and twitching slightly.


    "Now, that''s a bit better. Don''t worry; your life isn''t in serious danger."


    Peter Pan poured some of the stimnt.


    As some life returned to Shin Ha-rim''s eyes, Peter Pan pulled her up.


    "Good. Stand on this stage, Shin Ha-rim. All you have to do is say one thing. <em>I don''t want to be terrified anymore!</em> Just say that."


    Peter Pan retreated behind the stage curtain.


    The spotlight enveloped Shin Ha-rim.


    The crocodile audience waited for her to speak.

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


    "Don''t make meugh!!!"


    Peter Pan was furious and tried to thrust his huge fist like a spear.


    But I easily caught it with my smaller hand.


    I spoke indifferently to the heavily breathing Peter Pan.


    "It''s toote to resist, War Game. Jabberwock has already decided to destroy this world. Nevend will crumble just from his existence."


    "I won''t listen to anything you say!"


    A shotgun appeared from his body.


    If it were just an ordinary shotgun, it wouldn''t cause me much damage.


    But the power I felt from this weapon was anything but ordinary.Crack!


    So I destroyed it.


    Peter Pan wore a dumbfounded expression and stomped heavily on the ground.


    As the ground cracked and my center of gravity seemed to falter, he summoned the gun again.


    "It''s useless."


    I had wings, so there was no need for me to stay on the ground.


    Even now, I was subtly floating, unaffected by the stomp.


    I kicked him as fast as light.


    Peter Pan flew like a cannonball.


    He stopped after piercing through several buildings.


    Though each pebble on the street was made of soft material, the substances that made up the buildings were tough, so it seemed like he took quite a bit of damage.


    "Urgh! Such incredible strength for a body like that of a kid!"


    "Do you have the luxury to leave suchments?"


    "!"


    I was next to him.


    As expected, using mirrors for teleportation is quite advantageous in battle.


    I grabbed him and flew into the sky.


    The sky was crumbling under the influence of the Jabberwock.


    The fragments that had been the sky, tainted in chaos, fell to the ground of Nevend, and the citizens screamed.


    Peter Pan was horrified.


    "Stop... It!"


    Bang!


    "Oh. You''re strong."


    Peter Pan shook me off and flew toward Jabberwock.


    To charge at the monstrous dragon devouring this world without hesitation- he''s quite brave.


    Peter Pan stood proudly in front of the dragon and gathered all his demonic power into his fist, then struck.


    Bang-!!!!


    A loud noise that could be mistaken for an explosion struck my eardrums, and Jabberwock, the dragon of cmity that seemed invincible, threw back its head.


    I felt a sense of dissonance at the fact that Peter Pan, who was much smaller than Jabberwock, had done this.


    But that was all.


    Jabberwock spoke to Peter Pan.


    <strong>[You dream of an unattainable wish. You are just like me. I, who was destined to be abandoned by my father''s love. So do not struggle- end your fate and be reborn.]</strong>


    Jabberwock tore Peter Pan apart with its sharp ws.


    Peter Pan fell to the za of Nevend, severely wounded.


    Blood dripped steadily, and it seemed his lungs were damaged as he made wheezing sounds.


    Though he would soon recover with the devil''s unique regenerative ability, the pain must have been excruciating.


    Nevertheless, he stood up.


    "I will never... Let you take away my idealnd... Citizens of Nevend! Return to the safety of your fences, I will protect this ce!"


    Jabberwock mmed down its gigantic fist,rger than a building.


    Peter Pan took the blow alone.


    His bones cracked, and his clenched teeth were damaged, yet he raised that fist with even more strength than before.


    I was stunned by his strength and persistence.


    But, on the other hand, I also felt a strange sense of admiration.


    "Now I''m curious. Why are you so obsessed with Nevend, Peter Pan?"


    When I asked, Peter Pan, while struggling to push back Jabberwock, answered sincerely.


    "Horror Game... You would understand! People desire a safe ce. Raining bombs, the screams of people, endless war! The world. The anomalous monsters that fill it. People are weak, so they can''t endure in that hell. They seek their own utopia. I''m just helping them achieve it, it''s for humanity!"


    "And what does that have to do with people bing drug addicts?"


    "Because if everyone is intoxicated by drugs, asleep in pleasure, no one needs to fight. Enemies and allies alike, all are trapped in <em>utopia</em>. If no one fights, war doesn''t exist! Neither does fear! Humans won''t need to fight against irrationality anymore!"


    "Hmm..."


    When I showed interest, Peter Pan started to talk more freely.


    It would have been better if we had talked before fighting, but it seemed Peter Pan only resorted to this after being cornered.


    ...It felt war-like.


    "I was in an endless war. The only way to stop the war, endlessly repeating, was to use all the things in the game and the power of a devil to create a spell... <strong>Tinker Bell</strong>."


    I see.


    I nodded.


    His game is a never-ending war.


    He trapped both enemies and allies in an illusion (utopia) so no one could escape.


    That''s why he''s <em>Peter Pan</em>.


    Such a twisted idea.


    I asked him, who was talking so proudly, one thing.


    Because there''s an obvious contradiction.


    "But, Peter Pan, let me ask you... Where exactly is there no fighting?"


    "...What?"


    People were not going back home, but fighting each other. Even the citizens must have realized it by now.


    This world is no longer safe.


    The citizens had no intention of taking down Jabberwock, helping Peter Pan, or even cheering him on.


    They were just fighting each other to steal someone else''s drugs to escape this fear.


    "Look at the people who are terrified. Do you think their behavior is ideal? They are not caring for each other; they are only fighting to get drugs to either be safer or escape reality. Is this the image you wanted for the people in Nevend?"


    "..."


    Peter Pan didn''t respond.


    I took the chance to gesture at Jabberwock to put his fist down.


    The Jabberwock seemed displeased with mymanding attitude but eventually moved its fist away and rose into the sky again to destroy Nevend.


    I called out to Peter Pan, who was lost in thought.


    "Peter Pan."


    "Shut up!! It''s just notplete yet. If I gain your power, I can create a perfect world! Give me that power! You bitch!"


    This guy doesn''t make sense either.


    I understand why dealing with tale devils is so difficult.


    Peter Pan charged at me again.


    His strength matched his resolve.


    It would be better to use tricks rather than engage in a straightforward physical battle.


    I took out a monster and made my body transparent.


    Peter Pan was startled.


    "Vanished?"


    "People sometimes fear invisible des more than visible ones. This is a monster derived from that fear."


    ...Let''s call it Cheshire!


    I circled around Peter Pan, making it impossible to guess my location.


    "It''s here!"


    Wrong answer.


    Cheshire''s power can make even mirrors invisible.


    Invisibility and mirror travel, he''ll never find my location by sound alone.


    Oh, there''s a gap.


    "Yap!"


    Crunch.


    "Aargh!"


    Peter Pan screamed, his arm broken by the kick.


    He quickly regenerated and tried to find my location again.


    The path he''s walking, burning his body through pain, is so twisted...


    I sighed as I watched him like that.


    "Haa... Considering what you''ve done, I should be killing you, but in the end, you didn''t directly try to kill the children, and even though you could have taken my power, you didn''t... I''ll give you a chance to fix your twisted thinking."


    Peter Pan ignored my words and tried to find me by using the hearing and smell of the clock crocodiles.


    "Come out, Alice! These crocodiles will chase your children! Aren''t you afraid? Your precious ones will get hurt! Soe out!"


    I felt a little shaken for a moment, but I regained myposure.


    Those kids shouldn''t just be protected.


    I don''t want to lock them in a fence, forsaking their potential.


    As much as they trust me... I will trust them.


    <em>''And he''s just threatening with words but hasn''t actually ordered the clock crocodiles to kill the children. Unconsciously, he seems to be reluctant to kill the kids.''</em>


    "Peter Pan. Will you look here?"


    I revealed myself and pulled out a new monster from the mirror. It was the monster of trauma.


    It took the shape of a tall person with a camera for a face.


    It was a child, a teenager, and an old man all at once.


    Peter Pan looked at me.


    I calmly spoke to him, who was rushing at me while summoning a gun.


    "The scenery I saw in this Nevend was truly bizarre. But it was also beautiful. There were so many flowers."


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The bullets were absorbed by the mirror and exited through another mirror.


    Peter Pan frowned and threw away the gun.


    Instead, he poured the demonic power into his fist again.


    The space around his fist distorted, indicating that he was gathering enough power to end this in one blow.


    "But I couldn''t smell the scent of the flowers. The scent of alcohol and cigarettes that people consumedpletely overwhelmed it. Even the flowers'' natural scent had faded because of the narcotic substances that were forcibly inserted into them."


    He swung his fist.


    The force was enough to warp the space around it.


    This punch could deal some damage even to Jabberwock.


    Well, it wouldn''t be enough to knock him down, though.


    "Trauma. Bring out the unforgettable memories."


    sh!


    The camera on the monster''s head emitted a light.


    Peter Pan staggered from the mental shock, and the strength in his fist dissipated.


    I caught that fist and this time, I put power into my own.


    "I don''t know what you experienced in that terrible war. I don''t know what you lost. But the graves and the photos hanging in Nevend that I see sometimes definitely tells me that you lost something and became twisted because of it."


    "Urgh...!"


    The trauma monster brings back unforgettable memories from the past.


    Though it deals mental damage, it also gives a chance to face those memories vividly once more.


    Peter Pan. This is the first andst chance I can give you.


    Face your past and try to correct your twisted path, even just a little.


    "Just like the precious friends I met in the game... Maybe you had someone like that too. Comrades... Or maybe a second family!"


    "Urgh...!"


    Peter Pan''s reaction was strange. It seemed like he was recalling something.


    "...Did you remember what you lost? Now, Peter Pan! It''s time to bring this to an end! If you truly desire utopia, at least try to make it with your wits about you!"


    <strong>POV Switch - 3rd Person</strong>


    A radiant yet sinister power gathered in Alice''s fist, and soon she extended her fist.


    Peter Pan tried to dodge, but his arm was grabbed and he couldn''t dodge.


    A moment of doom and gloom.


    However, Peter Pan felt something different than a sense of crisis.


    It wasfortable and warm.


    The hand of Alice, who was holding his arm, felt that way.


    There was no killing intent in her grip, and even though she held him firmly, there was warmth guiding him.


    He had felt this warmth before.


    The moment he realized this, somethingpletely different reflected in Peter Pan''s eyes.


    It was a woman he had met in the war game.


    "...You."


    Her voice stirred his mind.


    <strong>...</strong>


    <strong>"You''re the weirdo who kept saying that this ce is just a game, right? Why do you look so sad?"</strong>


    <strong>...</strong>


    <strong>"My name is Wendy. What''s yours?"</strong>


    <strong>...</strong>


    <strong>"You survived this war too. Haha... <em>Should I be happy about surviving?</em> Idiot. Of course, you should be happy you survived! It''s sad thatrades died, but I will survive and return home! To a home with a safe fence."</strong>


    <strong>...</strong>


    <strong>"Even if you ask how I can be so strong, I''m not really strong. Look at me. I keep taking the standard-issue tranquilizers, and my hands are trembling. Well, I don''t use them as much these days. Because..."</strong>


    <strong>...</strong>

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


    After the incident was over, the city that had been in ruins gradually regained its original form.


    The Institution sessfully modified and erased people''s memories and controlled the media through various procedures.


    However, the shadow of a giant remained in the minds of the people in the form of ghost stories.


    After taking care of the situation to some extent, the Institution soon reached out to the kids.


    "Absolutely not."


    I firmly refused.


    I threatened them by mentioning a few methods that could cause them trouble, prepared to turn the organization into an enemy if necessary.


    The agents were quite flustered, but after discussing with their superiors, they withdrew in surprise.


    Was it Carol again this time?


    Their reactions seemed too extreme for it to be Carol... Weird.


    Carol had never shown up while the situation was being resolved.


    I wonder what happened.


    Come to think of it, James wasn''t there either.


    ...Puttingplicated matters aside, there was something I had to do first.


    "I''m sorry..."

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


    "Red Riding Hood and Maria have returned, Mephisto."


    At Carol''s words, a man slowly appeared from the shadows.


    He was a man with a fierce appearance like a thug.


    He greeted Carol with a smirk.


    "...Hey Carol, how have you been?"


    "..."


    Despite the friendly greeting, Carol remained silent.


    Judging from the coldness in her eyes, it was obvious what kind of feelings she had for him.


    "Hey, are you angry?"When Mephisto asked, Carol nodded honestly.


    Yes, Carol was angry.


    The way Mephisto Pheles treated Alice must have hurt her.


    "Just a little. Why did you say such harsh things to Alice?"


    "Look at you, Carol, You''ve grown. Now you''re even questioning me."


    Instead of answering, Carol snapped back at Mephisto Pheles, who was being sarcastic.


    "And if you''re going to help, you should have helped properly. Saving her from danger isn''t enough. You just left her after that. What if Alice hadn''t recovered her strength..."


    "Enough."


    Mephisto cut Carol off.


    He shook his head, muttering sexist remarks about how Carol was more squeamish than before because she had be a woman.


    Mephisto Pheles wasn''t a devil with enough patience to listen toints.


    "First of all, harsh words... What''s wrong with telling the truth? Alice is worthless if she can''t defeat even one Ruler."


    Carol retorted with a frown.


    "For someone without value, didn''t you still use the power of Oz? That means Alice is important to you too, right?"


    The Machine God was one of the Rulers, a powerful entity capable of destroying the world.


    It''s hard to imagine the price of turning him into a gear.


    Pinhio''s scale is just a tool; without proper payment, its activation is nullified.


    Alice was designated as the price for that, but if Alice paid the full price, at the very least, she would be unable to recover.


    In the worst case, her very existence might have been wiped out.


    But the fact that Alice was able to survive without even a single hair disappearing was because Mephisto Pheles used the vast power of Oz, which he had carefully preserved.


    The power of Oz, if used properly, could grant almost any wish imaginable.


    It was a great loss for Mephisto to have consumed most of that near-omnipotent power.


    And summoning Oz again would be extremely difficult.


    <em>''There is a workaround using Dorothy, but if Mephisto try to summon her that way, the world will be destroyed.''</em>


    "Of course she''s important. That''s why I gave her a chance by using Oz''s power. But if Alice can''t fulfill her role, I''ll discard her without hesitation. Does that answer your question, Carol?"


    "..."


    "That expression is so arrogant."


    "Ugh?!"


    Mephisto snaps his fingers and Carol clutches her heart.


    Carol wondered if all devils really needed to establish a clear hierarchy to have a conversation.


    Mephisto says to Carol, who is making a pained expression.


    "Alice could have lost her powers and even died. But it''s your job to prevent this from happening in the first ce. I thought you could handle Alice better than anyone else, so I foolishly took your soul that was wandering the world. The way you speak makes it sound like I''m the only one responsible."


    "..."


    "It seems like you''ve be quite attached, but you should stop while I''m still tolerating it. There are already many things that bother me. For example, having those brats and Alice constantly together wasn''t part of the n."


    With those words, Mephisto withdrew the force that was pressing on Carol''s heart. She barely managed to steady herself before speaking.


    "Thanks to that... Alice was able to regain her strength. She might even be stronger now."


    "Wonderful! That is, if you ignore the fact that Alice lost her strength because of those brats."


    "..."


    "<em>Alice</em> is just a passing stage. Keep that in mind. Don''t you want to see the real Alice Riddles, not this fake Alice?"


    Carol reluctantly answered.


    "I understand..."


    "Good! Keep up the hard work! If those stupid human higher-ups try to punish you, I''ll try to deal with it."


    "Yes."


    When Carol responded, Mephisto Pheles walked confidently out the door.


    As he disappeared, agents from the higher-ups arrived.


    The price for summoning Peter Pan at her own discretion.


    Carol had been warned several times before, and this time, it seemed she couldn''t escape punishment.


    Even as the agents took her away, her eyes were filled more with resolve than fear.


    ''Mephisto Pheles. Not everything will go as you expected. That was the case in the past and it is the same now. You, who have lost the power of Oz, cannot control all the variables. You think you know me well? You may have tempted me into following your words against my will, but you don''t know my love, and you don''t understand that people''s thoughts can change. That ignorance will be the critical variable in the ending of this imperfect world you''ve designed.''


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    On the day I decided to grant Eun-jeong''s request.


    Eun-jeong told me what she wanted.


    What she wanted was a free one-day pass to Alice.


    I swallowed hard.


    Eun-jeong is the most merciless of the children in many ways.


    She was definitely going to make me do something weird.


    "..."


    In front of Eun-jeong''s house.


    I stood in front of the door and hesitated for a moment.


    I thought about all the strange things Eun-jeong had made me do so far.


    Back when I was E, she was a cute kid who was scared of me but still followed me. But little by little, she showed her true colors and started rubbing her face against my chest and tickling me.


    ...Also, sniffing me, calling me <em>Mom</em>, being clingy, treating me like a doll, making me eat spicy food...


    "Haa..."


    I sighed and knocked on the door.


    Knock, knock, knock...


    I heard the sound of someone running from inside the door, and the door opened wide.


    It was Eun-jeong.


    Her eyes sparkled as she quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me inside.


    I followed Eun-jeong into the house without much resistance.


    She looked at me with a face full of excitement.


    I averted my eyes because it was burdensome.


    What kind of scary request was she trying to make?


    "Wee, Alice! Today, my parents aren''t home! It''ll just be the two of us all day!"


    To me, it sounded like a death sentence.


    I tried to act indifferent.


    "I-I see. Why are you happy about that?"


    "Usually it''s boring when my mom and dad are busy, but since I''ll be with you, it''s fun!"


    So her parents are both working.


    Eun-jeong, an only child, couldn''t help but be bored.


    I wonder if the reason Eun-jeong made friends outside of her club is because she wanted to relieve her loneliness in a different way than Ha-rim.


    "So, what should we do first?"


    "First is!"


    ...


    A littleter.


    I was cooking with an apron on.


    I was making a variety of simple home-style dishes.


    Since I''m not a skilled cook, I couldn''t make anything fancy.


    "..."


    She asked me to cook... Eun-jeong, this girl...


    Well, at least it''s a normal request, so I felt relieved.


    "Give me food~ I''m hungry."


    "I get it..."


    I set the food in front of her as she urged me.


    Judging from the bills on the corner of the table, it seems like if I hadn''te, she would have had to order delivery.


    A dual-ie household and delivery food are a rtionship that can''t be broken.


    But Eun-jeong doesn''t pick up the spoon in front of her.


    I was worried that she might not like the food, but Eun-jeong just opened her mouth wide.


    "Feed me."


    "Okay..."


    "Ah~am."


    Eun-jeong opened her mouth to receive the food.


    I knew she liked being pampered, but I didn''t expect this.


    I''m scared of this child''s potential.


    Still, seeing her happy face made me feel good too.


    "With all this pampering, your real mother might get jealous."


    "But sometimes I want to be pampered by my pretty mom too."


    I feel like her real mother would be sad to hear that.


    "Besides, my mom is so busy that even when she wants to pamper me, she can''t."


    "I see."


    "That''s why I like Alice, who pampers me! It''s fun! And even though you don''t use that third-person way of speaking anymore, I still like it."


    Third-person speech? That''s ck history..!


    I didn''t do it because I liked it.


    I also thought it was a bit much, but once I started, I couldn''t stop.


    I couldn''t find any words to respond except tough while sweating profusely.


    "Hehehe..."


    After finishing her meal, Eun-jeong said she would wash the dishes herself and washed them.


    But since it was faster and more fun to do it together, I helped.


    There''s something calming about doing dishes side by side.


    I''ve rarely had such experiences, but I remember that even when I was working part-time, washing dishes with someone who didn''t like me always felt more peaceful.


    Whatever we said, it always seemed to pass by smoothly.


    I asked Eun-jeong carefully.


    "Aren''t you curious about how I ended up like this?"


    "Mm~hmm."


    Eun-jeong thought for a moment.


    Her answer was quite unexpected.


    "I didn''t want to ask."


    "Why? Are you being considerate?"


    "Yeah. I kind of understand how Alice feels. Alice is confused right now."


    Does Eun-jeong read emotions well?


    Or maybe I just subconsciously revealed it.


    "You''re not wrong. I''ve gotten used to this body quite a bit, but I still feel unsettled at times. How did you know?"


    Eun-jeong stopped washing the dishes at my question and looked at me.


    My blue eyes met her brown ones.


    I sensed a strange insight in her gaze.


    I felt oddly uneasy and couldn''t say anything.


    "Whether it''s yourself or someone else, when things change, it''s confusing for both. I can''t say I know exactly how Alice feels, but I know it''s natural to be confused. So, I understand."


    You know because it''s natural.


    That''s interesting.


    Eun-jeong can be surprisingly insightful sometimes.


    It''s such a simple yet profound thought.


    I was curious how this young girl came to such a conclusion.


    With a mix of admiration and curiosity, I asked her.


    Eun-jeong slowly started to exin.


    "Well... You see, Alice. I''m very needy. I was even more so when I was younger. Of course, when I was a baby, my mom would always pamper me, but then she started working and got busy. So, I used to demand attention without thinking, and my mom would unintentionally show her annoyance."


    "...That must have been confusing."


    It may have been a small but painful wound to her young heart.


    It''s the fate of children to ovee these small wounds and be adults.


    However, when I listen to them one by one, my heart feels heavy.


    Maybe I shouldn''t have asked.


    "Yeah, I was confused by my mom''s changed attitude. After that, I stopped asking my parents for attention. But then my mom got confused by my sudden change in behavior. I was just trying to be considerate because she was busy."


    "..."


    Eun-jeong continued looking at me.


    Although Eun-jeong''s confusing experience was over.


    It seems that Eun-jeong hadn''t said that just to express sadness.


    She could have brushed it off easily.


    There was another message in her story.


    But I couldn''t quite grasp it.


    "Alice, do you understand what I''m trying to say?"


    "Well..."


    When I couldn''t answer properly, Eun-jeong smiled faintly and said.


    "Even though it may have been a little sad, I still love my mom. I don''t bother her because I love her. And my mom works because she loves me and wants to raise me well. She needs money for that to happen. That''s what change is like. It''s confusing. But Alice, there''s only one way to avoid hurting each other in the confusion. Love and trust each other. I trusted, so I didn''t get hurt."


    "...Oh."


    I was impressed.


    The conclusion she reached in order not to get hurt by her mother''s changed attitude was trust and love for her.


    I continued to listen to Eun-jeong''s words nkly.


    "And Alice, I believe you changed for our sake too. You erased our memories because you love us. That''s why I won''t ask."


    "...!"


    Happiness welled up in my heart.


    This was why she''d been talking all this time.


    Come to think of it, it was Eun-jeong who first suggested an idea to ease my guilt.


    For a moment, I felt as if Eun-jeong was truly my own child, whom I had given birth to and raised with love.


    I even imagined for a second that she was glowing with a radiant light.


    I smiled the warmest smile I could and reassured her.


    "Yes. I love you all."


    After finishing the dishes, Eun-jeong took my hand and led me to her room.


    She started rummaging through her toy box.


    "It''s time to y!"


    Watching her excitedly dig through the box with such urgency made me smile again.


    "So what should we y with now? I''ll do anything you want."


    "...Then let''s y with this! I like ying house."


    However, my face hardened when I saw the item Eun-jeong took out.


    The item Eun-jeong had was too old for someone of her age.


    "E-Eun-jeong. Why do you still have that at your age?"


    "Alice always pampers me, so today, I''ll pamper Alice."


    Eun-jeong wasn''t listening to me.


    I felt a terrifying sense of dread.


    Eun-jeong slowly approached me, holding baby items she called toys.


    "I''m ying mom today!"


    "Don''te. Please put down that bottle and the pacifier! And aren''t diapers too much?!"


    "This is love, Alice. I''ll wash away all your sins. Alice won''t feel guilty anymore! Come on! Alice,e to Mommy~"


    "Kyaaaa!"


    Sin is something that should never be umted.


    At this point, I''d rather be crucified.


    I never... Ever want to go through something like this again.

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


    A quiet alley.


    Delinquent high school students swing their fists at an old man.


    Whack! With the sound, the old man grabs his stomach, where he was hit.


    At the same time, he drops his wallet like a mob in a game dropping a reward.


    "Ah~ That''s why you should have given it to us quickly~ You''re making us look like the bad guys~"


    "Cough! Cough!"


    The old man is so scared that he can''t say a word even though the delinquent students are robbing his money.


    He just lowers his head despite their sarcasm.


    He''s old and weak, and on top of that, he can''t help but be afraid of the bigger high school students.He''s helpless, and even if he runs away, he''ll definitely be caught, so the old man just stays still.


    "Tsk. This is no fun."


    The high school students, fed up with theck of response, snatched the wallet that fell and disappeared.


    Even though they were far enough away to be out of sight, the old man didn''t move.


    The reason was because he was pathetic.


    He felt disgusted at himself for not resisting even once.


    He thought he should have at least cursed at them, but he couldn''t bring himself to chase them and retaliate.


    Was it really right for him to back down from the students just because he was old?


    The pitiful sight of himself was more painful than the physical pain.


    It''s not just about having his money stolen this time.


    He had been timid since he was young, so he had experienced such things often, and when he had grown up and gradually forgotten about it, the fear he had not ovee had once again taken hold of him.


    The old man stood up hesitantly.


    And what caught his eye was a stick that he had no idea where it hade from.


    It was a stick that was almost rotten.


    If that stick had been sturdy, if it had been able to defeat even fearless high school students, would he have had the courage to resist?


    If his body had been stronger, would he have been able to win? The old man picked up the stick and swung it.


    Whoosh... Crack.


    The stick broke. His arm joints hurt from swinging it around for no reason.


    "...Are you looking for a useful weapon?"


    Suddenly, a strange voice was heard.


    "?!"


    Even with his dull reflexes, he was startled and quickly turned around to see something that wasn''t human standing there.


    The cracking sound of the joints and the wooden parts that made up the body.


    It was a wooden puppet.


    The puppet was looking at him with eyes that he couldn''t tell if they were fakes.


    "You''re weak. Your arms, joints, and nerves are dull. It''s inefficient."


    "Who are you...?"


    With all his courage, the old man asked its name.


    The puppet kindly answered.


    It spoke concisely in a voice that could be either male or female.


    "My name is Pinhio. A devil. By the way, don''t you need a weapon? Or do you need a <em>tool</em> rather than a weapon?"


    "A devil?!"


    The old man was startled and stepped back.


    The fear he felt facing this puppet was on apletely different level than from the high school students. His mind went nk.


    He tried to run away right away, but his legs wouldn''t move.


    Pinhio''s next words were what made the dull old man run away without thinking.


    "That arm of yours. I can remove that bothersome arm and give you a powerful mechanical one. How about it? Does that sound good?"


    The puppet showed off a strong-looking arm and moved to cut off his own.


    Pinhio told him not to be afraid because he could adjust it without pain, but the old man couldn''t think clearly anymore.


    "A-Aaaah!"


    "..."


    Pinhio didn''t bother to hold on to the old man who ran away.


    It was the old man who turned down the opportunity.


    "Oh dear, he ran away. Why is that? Well, change is always scary. I can understand."


    Pinhio muttered something like that, then looked at his watch and realized.


    "This is not the time... I came here as if I was drawn to something. How inefficient. I must go."


    Pinhio continued to look at the old man who was still running away, having slowed down.


    For some reason, he couldn''t take his eyes off the old man.


    The old man, running too fast for his age, began to wobble, and soon lost his bnce and fell.


    "..."


    Pinhio created crutches for the old man without him noticing.


    The old man grabbed the crutches and kept running.


    After confirming he was safely out of sight, Pinhio turned away.


    "Don''t get beat up anymore, old man."


    ...?


    He mumbled the words without thinking.


    He wondered why he was muttering something like that.


    Sympathy?


    No... No way.


    There''s no way he, who is not human, could have feelings.


    He is a puppet. And a tool. At the same time, a devil.


    He has no heart.


    It must have been some kind of malfunction.


    Thinking this, Pinhio went on his way.


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    I was heading to Kyeong-min''s house to fulfill his request.


    I was mentally exhausted from being tormented by Eun-jeong, but a promise is a promise, so I shouldn''t bete.


    Please! I have to make a good impression on Kyeong-min.


    I have teased Kyeong-min and Suho for a long time, so I don''t know what kind of request (revenge) he''ll make.


    ...No, it''s fine.


    I trust Kyeong-min.


    It''s just that Eun-jeong is a bit of a weirdo, which is why I suffered through all that!


    "A, my baby. How adorable!"


    While I was thinking about something else, a mother walking with her baby in a stroller came into view.


    She was walking down the street, ying with the child in an exaggerated high tone.


    The baby''s giggles made me smile and I couldn''t take my eyes off them.


    I was passing by a tree while ncing at the stroller. That''s when it happened.


    A stray dog ??suddenly ran up to the baby and barked fiercely.


    It didn''t seem like the dog intended to bite, but it was definitely threatening the baby and mother.


    The baby started to cry in fear, and the mother tried to run away in a panic.


    But I stopped her.


    "No, you can''t. If you do that, the trauma will only remain. Even if you erase this memory, you still need to ovee it."


    "Who... Who are you?"


    I gave the baby a stick.


    I sent the baby a look, and somehow, the baby understood. With a determined expression, the baby swung the stick and hit the dog on the head.


    "?!"


    The dog was stunned for a moment.


    There was no major damage, but the dog, agitated, tried to bite the baby.


    Crackle.


    I released a small bit of my aura, scaring the dog away.


    The baby, thinking it had chased the dog off, startedughing.


    I quickly ran away, avoiding the mother''s puzzled stare.


    ...


    "You''re here, Alice."


    "This is the third request."


    Kyeong-min opened the door.


    Behind the door was a woman who was wearing sses just like Kyeong-min and looked very strict.


    She must be his mother.


    "Hello. I''m Alice, Kyeong-min''s friend."


    Judging from her strict appearance, I thought she would value manners, so I bowed 90 degrees to greet her.


    Her expression softened, as if my behavior wasn''t so bad.


    Even if it were me, I would have been worried that my son''s friend might be strange.


    "I heard about it. You''re a friend from the same club? It''s his study time, but I''m letting this slide just this once."


    "Oh. Thank you."


    Studying on a day off? Kyeong-min must be working hard.


    Is he really an elementary student? I want to ask, but I remember seeing kids with packed schedules even when I was his age, so it''s not too strange.


    Especially in Korea.


    "Well, is there anything you want to eat? I''ll go out and buy it."


    It''s a bit strange to send someone''s mom out to buy a snack.


    I tried to refuse.


    "It''s oka-"


    "There''s a chocte cake at home, do you want to eat that?"


    "-ay, I''ll eat it."


    If it''s already here, why not eat a little?


    "...? I see."


    She looked at me strangely because I changed my mind midway.


    I tried to suppress my embarrassment and hurried into the room with Kyeong-min.


    His room was full of books.


    It looked like he had just been studying, as his desk was cluttered with green tea and scattered school supplies.


    But there''s something about a boy''s room that feelsfortable.


    Eun-jeong''s room is strangely unsettling.


    I dived into Kyeong-min''s bed.


    The febreze smells amazing.<sup>1</sup>


    "So, Kyeong-min, what kind of favor are you going to ask me?"


    Lying down made me want to sleep.


    It was proof that my mental fatigue hadn''t gone away yet.


    But today''s the day I''m supposed to help Kyeong-min, so I can''t just fall asleep.


    "Before that... Alice, it seems like you had a tough time with Eun-jeong."


    "Huh?! How did you know?"


    Why do I always get found out so easily?


    When I asked, Kyeong-min answered.


    "I can tell just by looking at your tired eyes."


    Oh.


    It was that easy to figure out.


    I scratched my cheek and apologized to Kyeong-min.


    "Oh. Sorry. It''s a rare day that I''m granting you a favor... And I''m tired..."


    Kyeong-minughed when I apologized.


    I wondered what was so funny, tilting my head in confusion, and he exined.


    "Your personality has be much more gentle. Besides the asional scary moments, you used to tease me whenever you had the chance."


    "...Is that so?"


    Now that I think about it, it seems like that was the case.


    But teasing and ying around with same-gender friends is fun, isn''t it?


    Right. Especially since Kyeong-min had good reactions.


    Kyeong-min thought about something, as if what to have for lunch for a moment and then quickly said.


    "Then... My request is... Let''s just rest together."


    "That''s it? Right now, I''m prepared to grant you something more impressive! Like... Making frogs rain down from the sky."


    Kyeong-min looked like he couldn''t help but wonder who would ask for such a favor, but he didn''t bother to say anything.


    "It''s simple, but sweet. Alice. Whether you''re E or Alice, I know you''ve had a hard time. So let''s rest."


    "...Okay."


    Honestly, I was touched.


    Friends really are the best!


    Kyeong-min brought me a soft pillow.


    Since his bed was a double, we could both lie down side by side.


    I buried my face in the pillow, and we started talking about things that happened in the past.


    All those scary things became fond memories, making usugh.


    "Alice. I like this kind of atmosphere. It''s like taking a break while talking about things. Since I learned the middle and high school curriculum in advance, there are times when I feel really worn out. That''s why I''ve realized even resting takes skill."


    "I see."


    "It wasn''t as bad as the world with those monsters, but still. You know? I didn''t show it, but it was tough, especially at the start."


    "Ahahaha... I''m sorry I tried to hurt you at first..."


    Even though it wasn''t intentional, there''s no way to exin it well.


    This misunderstanding probably won''t be cleared up for a long time.


    Kyeong-min seemed slightly flustered.


    "Huh? Oh, I didn''t mean to me you. I felt reassured knowing I had a reliable ally like you."


    "Really?"


    "Of course. I thought the only thing left was a hopeless future, but what''s this? A girl I thought was my enemy is helping us? And she''s really strong and pre-... Uhm... Anyway! In the end, you gave us a direction on what to do. That''s why we held on."


    I felt grateful hearing all this.


    It''s so touching...


    "Did you just try to say I''m pretty?"


    "You really haven''t changed a bit..."


    The rising yfulness was not something I could control.


    I was originally a man.


    Of course, I''m a woman now.


    Changing gender is something I don''t really care about anymore.


    However, it''s really fun to joke around with guys of the previously same gender.


    Especially when using a woman''s body to make fun of a boy going through puberty!


    For Kyeong-min, though, it must seem like a mean prank.


    Ah, right.


    Suddenly, a memory popped into my head, a perfect prank to embarrass him.


    If I tell him this, he''s going to explode.


    Ah, whatever!


    "Kyeong-min, do you still want to see my panties?"


    "Hey!!!"


    "Ahahahahahahaha!!!! I''m finally saying it! Do you know how embarrassed I was back then? You were whispering about it in the restroom with Suho! I seriously wondered what I''d do if you really tried to look!"


    "... Please. How long are you going to keep dwelling on that?"


    "You idiot! Of course, forever~! And look, if I lift my skirt just a little like this, doesn''t it make you nervous?"


    "~!!!"


    "Ahahahaha!!!"


    "Stop."


    As I clutched my stomachughing and rolling around, Kyeong-min''s gaze turned icy.


    Huh?


    That''s the first time he''s looked at me like that.


    Did I go too far?


    Sensing his mood, I quickly sat up and folded my legs, sitting upright.


    "Alice, I''m sure Eun-jeong made you do all kinds of things, right? And you did everything she asked, didn''t you?"


    "Huh? Yeah... Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden?"


    "Then, it''s only fair that you do the same for me, right?"


    "...Uh... Um... That''s right."


    "Alice, <em>rest</em> should be my first andst request. We''refortable with each other, right? What if I tell you to lift your skirt right now?"


    Oh no, I almost forgot.


    The reason I''m granting requests is to clear my karma.


    I agreed to do anything to atone.


    The power dynamic here was clear.


    "...Sorry, Kyeong-min. I won''t tease you anymore."


    "Hmm. I still feel like you need more reflection. Maybe I should ask Eun-jeong what she made you do and have you do the same for me."


    "Please, no! I''m sorry! I''m really sorry! I won''t pull this kind of prank again! I just automatically do pranks when I''m with boys!"


    As I grabbed his pants and begged for mercy, Kyeong-min looked at me in shock.


    "Wow! Okay, okay. What in the world did you go through?"


    "Do you know what it''s like to be bottle-fed and have your stomach patted?! And the worst part? That was the least humiliating thing!"


    And at this timing.


    Creak.


    "Why are you two so noisy? I brought you some cake-"


    Kyeong-min''s mother entered the room, holding a tray with slices of chocte cake.


    "...Oh my. Was our son so attractive that a pretty girl would grab his pant leg and beg him?"


    I was speechless, unable to respond, just stammering awkwardly, while Kyeong-min swiftly exined the situation.


    "It''s a misunderstanding."


    Surprisingly, that exnation worked.


    "Really? Then go ahead and enjoy the cake."


    "Ah, yes."


    She was so calm and rational, I realized Kyeong-min definitely inherited that side of her.


    I decided to make peace with Kyeong-min by feeding him a slice of cake.


    "Here, say <em>Ah~</em>."


    "I already told you I''m not mad."


    But he opened his mouth and epted the bite anyway!


    After this, the moment the sweet taste of chocte hit my tongue, my exhaustion seemed to melt away.


    This cake is expensive! So delicious!


    As I focused on devouring the cake and juice, Kyeong-min, having nothing else to say, decided to satisfy some of his curiosity.


    "By the way, Alice, didn''t you summon Jabberwocky before? A dragon or something? Oh, I know you said you''d exinter, but could you maybe tell me just a little bit now?"


    I nodded.


    "Yeah, I summoned the Jabberwocky."


    "That thing... Was probably..."


    He''s quick to catch on.


    Or maybe, being a kid, he''s more sensitive to these things.


    After all, it was the kids who managed to push through all the monsters and eventually defeat the half-devil.


    "Yep. That guy is the half-devil who tormented us."


    "Why did it help us?"


    "Well... He''s part of the <em>story</em> tied to the Alice series. In a way, it was meant to appear."


    Honestly, I had my doubts too.


    If the monster that destroyed Nevend just by its existence had attacked the kids without listening to me, they would have really all died.


    But that guy is now an ally.


    Though I can''t summon it again unless certain conditions are met.


    "Hmm, that''s a bit hard to understand. So, does your name being <em>Alice</em> have something to do with the Alice series?"


    "Well... Something like that. It''s a long story. When I took on this form, the tales of the Alice series was forcibly imnted in my mind, so I guess there''s a connection... But I can''t be certain. I know you''re curious, but I''ll save the full exnation forter. I''ll have to tell the others anyway."


    I smiled at Kyeong-min, who seemed disappointed, and tried to reassure him.


    "Hehehe... Since only Ha-rim is left, please bear with it until then."


    "Okay. Onest thing. Is there a Mad Hatter in your mirror world, too? I''m really curious how much you''re like the Alice in the stories."


    "There is, actually. But he''s a special entity. Unless the right conditions are met, he won''t listen to me, and he just spouts a bunch of nonsensical stuff. I''m a bit hesitant about him. He might help someday, but we''ll see."


    With that final answer, Kyeong-min and I decided to rest on the bed.


    Though it was just an hour, sleeping beside someone gave me a sense offort, and it ended up being the best sleep I''d had since I became like this.

 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


    <em><strong>*This section is from a point further in the past.</strong></em>


    Director Carol opened the door to the containment room.


    In this room, there''s a talking pumpkin head that was identally discovered by the Institution and is now kept isted.


    A talking pumpkin head. It sounds funny.


    However, this is not just a simple pumpkin head.


    This thing is a soul that returned from death.


    It''s one of the well-known evil spirits, even in modern times.


    Director Carol roughly knew what it was."Hello. Seems like you''ve awakened from a long slumber; how''s your body holding up?"


    "Body? Not too bad. Ah, but don''t you have any intention of offering up that head of yours? I''m wondering if it''s really mine. I could take it off your neck once and see if it fits mine. If it''s not mine, I''ll return it."


    Is that a threat?


    Carol judged that, due to its nature, there was no malice intended.


    "Hmm. As the legends say, your humor is quite sharp, Jack O''Lantern."


    "Humor? I wasn''t joking. I was serious."


    "..."


    As Carol didn''t respond, Jack O''Lantern began babbling on his own.


    As expected of a soul who lost his head while ying pranks, it rambled on to the point where Carol''s ears almost hurt.


    "Wow~ This ce is amazing! It''s full of magic and tools I''ve never seen before! Looks like I can pull off some pretty fun pranks here."


    Pranks.


    Carol sensed that pranks yed by an entity like this wouldn''t just end as mere jokes.


    She quickly tried to change the subject.


    Carol searched for a topic and noticed Jack O''Lantern shivering slightly.


    "...Are you cold?"


    "Of course I am. The warmth of life doesn''t exist for the dead. But I can bear it... Because I have this friendlyntern given to me by a kind devil!"


    Jack O''Lantern proudly disyed hisntern.


    There are various stories, but one legend says Jack got thisntern by pleading with the devil after a lifetime of tricking them, when Jack was left shivering in the cold after his death.<sup>1</sup>


    Looks like that devil couldn''t help but feel some twisted affection for Jack.


    "Wow~ Devils sure are kind-hearted! I yed so many tricks on that guy, but the moment I begged, they made thisntern for me! Wahahaha! Even devils are, after all, creations of God! Long live our existence that helps each other!"


    Carol was curious about how thentern was made.


    "Hmm... Did you perhaps meet the Lantern Devil?"


    Jack O''Lantern tilted his head and acted like he had heard something strange.


    "Lantern Devil? A devil''s just a devil. What''s with then~tern part?"


    "Huh? If it has the power to makenterns, then isn''t it the Lantern Devil? It satisfies the context of <emntern</em>..."


    Carol was taken aback by the unexpected reaction.


    Deceiving the devil and receiving antern from them.


    He who was close to that devil would not be ignorant about this.


    "Hold on, hold on. I don''t get it. Why add some ty~pe of devil? A nickname? Since when do these little devils without names have titles? And what''s satisfying the context?"


    "Um... Devils are supposed to be born and grow by fulfilling a specific ''context'' or ''story,'' right? I thought you''d know that, given that you''ve met a devil personally."


    "What are you talking about? What kind of existence is born like that? Are devils supposed to be <em>creations</em> or something? Oh. Got it. This must be a new joke. Hold on! I''ll decode this joke!"


    "..."


    "Devils... Stories... Context... Got it."


    "Got what?"


    "That your sense of humor is terrible!"


    "..."


    Once again, Carol''s reaction was dry, and Jack O''Lantern awkwardly scratched the back of his head.


    Then, all of a sudden, Jack O'' Lantern poured the porridge that was supposed to be his meal on the floor and began kneading it.


    "It wasn''t a joke? Well, if it wasn''t a joke, maybe I misunderstood. Heh... If devils were actually born that way, it would indeed be funny. Look here, I''ll try making a devil too!"


    Of course, no devil emerged from the spilled porridge.


    "You lied to me. I was going to make a Mess Devil."


    "...I''ll show you some data on devils, so let''s begin the experiment first."


    "Okay, keep your promise."


    "Yes... If you cooperate with the experiment. And I need to talk to you about some personal stuff."


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    "Hello Alice. I thought I would die from thirst from waiting."


    Ha-rim, who rarelyins, was grumbling.


    Iughed slightly because Ha-rim''s reaction was refreshing.


    "You''re so impatient. Did you miss me that much? You''re always seeing me after Nevend."


    Since the Nevend incident, the Institution has imposed only minimal restrictions on me.


    That''s why I cane out whenever I ask without being restricted by time.


    I was very suspicious of why this change was happening, but I didn''t want to think about it right now.


    Because today is the day to y with Ha-rim!


    "Today, it''s just the two of us hanging out! It''s our private date."


    My ears perked at the slightly off-putting word.


    "Date? Do you know what that means?"


    "Yeah. It''s when friends hang out, right?"


    Is it?


    Come to think of it, the word <em>date</em> doesn''t have to be used only that way.


    I overreacted.


    Noticing my dyed reaction, Ha-rim, seemingly aware of something, spoke with an embarrassed expression.


    "It... Wasn''t what I meant, Alice."


    When she reacted like that, even I, who didn''t care, blushed.


    "Huh?... Haha. Right. So where shall we go on our date?"


    I intentionally let out augh and continued the conversation.


    When I asked where she wanted to go, Harim answered vigorously as if she had been waiting for it.


    "The amusement park!"


    "Oh..."


    The rest of the kids said they would meet at home, but Ha-rim was serious.


    I followed her to the amusement park with interest.


    The name of the amusement park was Strange Park.


    They said that it was an old amusement park that was remodeled and various rides were added, so it has been receiving a lot of customers these days.


    We received our tickets and went inside the amusement park.


    Ha-rim led me to a ride with an excited expression.


    "This is a newly built roller coaster. It''s basically high and has a lot of spinning parts, so it''s really scary!"


    <em>Scary</em>, huh...


    Most people might hate scary things, but I know Ha-rim''s personality well.


    "Then, of course you want to ride it, right?"


    "As expected, Alice knows me well."


    I waited for my turn while holding hands with Ha-rim, who was smiling brightly.


    When it was our turn, the staff strictly checked our heights and let us board.


    We gradually went up.


    Just when I wondered if this was a bit too high, the roller coaster stopped for a moment... And we fell straight down!


    "Wow!"


    Some people were excited, and others were really scared and screaming.


    I also raised the corners of my mouth when I saw Ha-rim smiling brightly.


    "..."


    But it wasn''t enough.


    I feel this level of thrill every day, right?


    Knowing you, Ha-rim... You''ll love this.


    The moment the roller coaster briefly passes through a shaded area, a mirror is created.


    An ominous shadow is reflected in the mirror.


    It was a shadow shaped like the ride we are in.


    The shadow ripples.


    "Would you like to make it more fun?"


    The shadow escaped from the mirror and became one with the roller coaster.


    The shadow wiggles happily.


    Of course it would.


    This shadow was born from the fear of roller coasters, so it perfectly matched the ride.


    "Wooaahh?!"


    "What is this?!"


    The roller coaster''s speed increases even more.


    People who notice something strange before the 360-degree rotation section start to ask questions.


    Even if they realize it, it''s toote.


    The roller coaster spun as if it were going to split people apart.


    People almost felt like their souls had been taken out...


    No, it''s really been taken out?!


    "Hey! Aren''t you overdoing it?!"


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    Their souls returned to normal.


    This is why you can''t trust supernatural entities.


    Sighing in relief, I waited for the roller coaster''s highlight.


    It was the broken rail.


    The people who noticed it started screaming.


    "Kyaaaa!!!"


    However, we passed through the track without incident.


    Of course, it was just an illusion made by the monster; there was no broken track.


    While people caught their breath like mice who''d just escaped death, Ha-rim asked me.


    "Was that you, Alice?"


    As I returned the monster to the mirror, I replied.


    "Yes. I just added a bit more thrill."


    "You''re the best, Alice!"


    "The <em>best</em>? Don''t say that yet, we still have lots of rides to go."


    Ha-rim looked up at me with huge anticipation.


    Then, like a child, she excitedly dashed to the next ride.


    What a lovable child.


    "...Onto the next ride!"


    It''s the Viking.


    We passed the standard height easily and boarded the ride.


    The Viking moved back and forth like a pendulum.


    It slowly gained strength, but it stillcked thrill.


    Once again, I summoned my mirror.


    "Would you like to release your fighting spirit?"


    The monsters that responded to my words jumped out of the mirror.


    They looked like barbarian warriors.


    This monster was derived from the fear of barbarians.


    Theirbat power is onlyparable to that of a strong human warrior, but nothing could liven up the atmosphere more than them.


    They shouted at each other and started fighting.


    People who thought it was a special event for this ride looked at them curiously.


    But when arge ax fell onto the deck beside one of the spectators, they realized that this was not an event and were shocked.


    "Please save me!"


    "Don''t worry, they won''t actually hurt you."


    Next is the Gyro Drop.


    The thrill of falling while lifting and dropping people from a very high ce.


    The ambiguity between death and survival is the identity of this device.


    Then, what if we made it so that you werepletely sure that you were dead?


    "What is this, how high does this Gyro Drop go?!"


    Using the height monster, I increased the height tremendously and made them fall to the ground.


    Using the sound monster, I made the people who are pale and scared hear a huge impact noise.


    People probably thought they had crashed and were really surprised.


    ...Some even fainted.


    I''m sorry.


    But Ha-rim isughing.


    So please forgive me!


    Our thrilling experience continued after that.


    "The Top Spin is too fast?! Slow it down!!!"


    I increased the Top Spin speed to the max and gave the illusion that the device is malfunctioning and you are thrown off.


    "What?! There''s a ghost in here!"


    "Well, it is a haunted house."


    "That''s not what I meant!"


    I pushed the line of what the Institution might tolerate before they sent someone to intervene.


    "This amusement park is weird!"


    "Wow, isn''t the quality of this amusement park amazing?"


    The reactions were divided.


    Some people realized the weirdness and ran away from the amusement park, while others got excited and enjoyed the amusement park more actively.


    Thetter reaction was especially enjoyable.


    The fear that I maximized also served to increase the fun.


    Thrills are one of the essences of amusement rides.


    Fear is y.


    No matter how scary it is, as long as it doesn''t harm human life or spirit, even if it hurts a little, it can remain as a memory.


    After enjoying ourselves to the fullest, Ha-rim and I talked while eating ice cream and reminiscing about old memories.


    Could the day already be over?


    But the sun was still shining brightly and it felt like it wasn''t enough.


    "..."


    "What''s wrong, Alice?"


    "It''s almost the end, so I think we need a more interesting ending."


    Ha-rim said that this was enough, but it was clear that she was looking forward to it.


    What should we do to have fun?


    Should we find another ride?


    No, we''ve already ridden all the rides that looked scary...


    Oh. A good idea came to me.


    I pointed to the empty observation garden with my finger.


    "The garden over there. It''s empty."


    "Because it says no entry."


    "...Ha-rim. Follow me."


    I asked Ha-rim to wait a moment and restructured the maze in the garden.


    For someone like Ha-rim, who''s the protagonist of a horror game, this is perfect.


    After finishing the preparations, I spoke to her.


    "This is a maze I put together on the spot. There''s a chaser, so you''d better stay on your toes."


    "So this is the final event."


    Ha-rim looked happy.


    I could practically hear her heart pounding.


    I decided to spice up things a bit more to liven up her expectations.


    I spread a chilling mist inside the maze.


    Even though there were no dead people, I ced skeletons that had been broken using the bone monster.


    Pools of random blood, ominous crows, broken tes.


    All the ominous things beckoned to her.


    Come to the strange maze.


    Shin Ha-rim.


    "...I suddenly feel scared. Who is the chaser?"


    In response to that question, I pulled out the knife I''ve been using for a long time.


    "Me."


    I locked my icy blue eyes, with the faintest hint of killing intent, on Ha-rim.


    Harim''s survival instinct must be ringing an rm bell.


    "...This is strangely creepy."


    I''m sorry.


    But this is all for your enjoyment.


    Even if it''s a little scary, bear with it.


    Even though it''s awkward, this is my way of showing my love for you!


    "...Ah?"


    I suddenly understood the twisted joy those monsters must have felt when they chased children.


    My heart is pounding so hard at the thought of chasing Ha-rim that I can''t stand it.


    Of course, I''d never actually harm her!


    "Keep an eye out for mirrors in the maze; I might appear in them at any time. So, the game''s on, Shin Ha-rim. Try to escape without me catching you."


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Ha-rim</strong>


    Aliceughed and disappeared after saying herst words.


    For the first time in a while, Alice gave me the creeps.


    My heart races with excitement, but I couldn''t help but feel serious.


    I opened the door where the no-trespassing sign had disappeared and entered the maze.


    The moment I stepped in, crows scattered in a flurry of wings.


    I felt a strange presence every time I walked, and because of the structure of the maze, I couldn''t know in advance what was waiting for me when I turned the path.


    That made me nervous.


    First, I dug the dirt floor with my shoes and left a mark while going forward.


    After passing a fork in the road, an iron gate appeared.


    "...I''ll need a key."


    I retraced my steps to the fork and marked the right path with a simple drawing of the door.


    Then, I took the left path.


    Strangely, the left side was riddled with dead-ends.


    After drawing Xs on dead ends for a long time, I finally found the correct way forward.


    Where I arrived, there were roses of three colors.


    Red roses. Blue rose. And yellow roses.


    There was a sign written right above them that read:


    <strong>[What is Alice''s favorite rose?]</strong>


    A riddle? As soon as I finished reading the question, a mirror suddenly appeared.


    The mirror was a sign that Alice, the chaser, might appear.


    But even after waiting for a while, Alice didn''t appear.


    "...So you''re saying she''ll appear if I''m wrong?"


    Silence.


    But I heard a smallugh.


    Red. Blue. Yellow.


    Of course, red is right.


    Even though I don''t know much about the Alice series, I know that Alice and red roses are rted.


    I went over to pick a red rose.


    "..."


    Wait a minute.


    Was it true that Alice likes red roses?


    Wasn''t that what the Queen of Hearts liked in Alice in Wondend?


    I haven''t read the book in detail, so I''m not sure.


    I don''t know Alice''s taste well, but in her previous appearance, she was definitely wearing a red rose as her hair decoration, so...


    Alice''s favorite rose is...


    "This is it."


    I reached out to the red rose.


    Then the mirror rippled and Alice appeared.


    "Unfortunately, it''s the wrong answer..."


    "Just kidding."


    "Huh?"


    Alice stopped herself from appearing.


    "..."


    Because I didn''t have a flower in my hand.


    In other words, I didn''t choose anything.


    I made a trap by looking like I chose a rose and Alice reacted rashly.


    It won''t work next time.


    "This is your favorite rose, right?"


    I showed Alice the ne I''ve been wearing every day since I reunited with her.


    It''s a red rose ne.


    Even if it wasn''t a real flower, it was definitely shaped like one.


    The color shouldn''t matter; this rose is special to Alice.


    "Right, Alice?"


    "...Correct."


    Alice''s delicate hand appeared from the mirror and ced a key in front of me before vanishing.


    I leisurely picked up the key...


    And quickly ran away.


    <strong>[So you noticed.]</strong>


    Alice''s eerie voice could be heard from behind.


    And she was running slightly faster than me.


    No one said getting the answer right meant she wouldn''t chase me.


    Not to mention, the left path''s excessive dead-ends seemed suspicious from the start!


    Whoosh... Thunk!


    The knife was stuck right behind me.


    "Hey! Throwing knives during a chase is cheating!"


    <strong>[You''re old-fashioned.]</strong>


    nk!


    I managed to get through the iron gate with the key by a narrow margin.


    Alice was looking at me through the iron gate.


    It''s obvious what she''s thinking.


    "Alice... I know you like breaking doors down! But I can''tpromise on this one thing!"


    Doors are meant to be opened with keys.


    Not to be smashed!


    When I spoke firmly, Alice replied with a sullen expression.


    "Okay..."


    Alice disappeared.


    I moved to the next location.


    In each location I moved to, there were statues of different shapes.


    The shapes were a dodo bird, an elderly man, a flower, and a clock.


    When I looked closely at the statues, each statue had a part dug out in a specific shape.


    It seemed like an event would ur if you <em>fit</em> something into the shape.


    There were four paths behind the four statues.


    I went down the path behind the dodo statue.


    It was a straight path.


    The only suspicious thing was that there was arge hole in the middle of the path.


    I took a close look at the pit and jumped boldly to avoid it.


    When I reached the end of the path, several animals were gathered and ying.


    They looked like ordinary animals, but could they also be the scary things Alice pulled out of the mirror?


    I approached them.


    Among them, the dodo, which was particrlyrge, announced when it saw me.


    <strong>[It''s here. It''s here. The race is about to start. Stop. Stop. If you lose the race, you''re extinct.]</strong>


    "A race?"


    <strong>[Yes. If you lose, you will be extinct.]</strong>


    I noticed a mirror behind the dodo.


    Of course.


    If you lose the race, Alice will pop out and dere game over.


    The animals and I stood on the race track.


    A shorter course, less than half the size of a school yground.


    I have to race here and win.


    But how?


    It didn''t seem like humans could run faster than animals and get through.


    As always, I had toe up with a trick.


    "Hmm... Before we start, can I make a suggestion?"


    <strong>[What is it?]</strong>


    "I''m new to this course, but you''re all familiar with it. Isn''t that unfair?"


    <strong>[Unfair?]</strong>


    "Exactly. So how about we all cover our eyes and start running."


    <strong>[Understood. Agreed.]</strong>


    All the animals who epted my suggestion blindfolded themselves with cloth.


    Of course, me too.


    "Oh, and by the way, what''s one hundred twenty plus thirty-two?"


    <strong>[Easy question. It''s 37.]</strong>


    I tested it just in case, and as expected, this bird is an idiot.


    "I see~ I''ll call the start and end of the race. Begin!"


    The animals run in unison.


    They tripped and fell a lot because they were blindfolded, but they somehow managed to stay on the course.


    I watched until they were three-quarters through before announcing the results.


    "...Race over!"


    The dodo says with an expression of disbelief.


    <strong>[Wha... What?]</strong>


    <strong>[It''s true, the human''s at the finish line.]</strong>


    <strong>[How could a human be so fast? No wonder we went extinct.]</strong>


    <strong>[The Red Queen will scold me! I don''t like it!]</strong>


    In reality, I hadn''t even moved from the starting line.


    Since the starting and finish lines were the same, and everyone''s eyes were covered, no one knew whether I had run or not.


    There wasn''t even a referee, so I won from the moment I announced the start of the race.


    In shock, the dodo bird stared, while a few smaller animals handed me a rectangr block.


    There was a part in the dodo statue that had the same shape, so I thought I could just put that in.


    After confirming that Alice wouldn''t appear in the mirror, I turned my back to it.


    <strong>[I won''t ept this!!!!!]</strong>


    Suddenly, with its neck and legs grotesquely twisted, the dodo charged at me, screaming.


    A chill ran down my spine, and I instinctively sprinted away.


    The dodo was so fast that I almost got caught.


    However, it fell into a hole in the middle of the chase and met a meaningless end.


    I returned to the statues area and put the block in the dodo statue.


    A note fell from somewhere.


    <strong>[What do these statues symbolize? Absolutely nothing!]</strong>


    I''m so tired.


    Next, I proceeded to the path behind the elderly man statue.


    This time, it was a very simple path.


    When I arrived, there was an old man sleeping in bed.


    I''ve seen this guy before.


    ...It''s Sandman!


    I didn''t know we''d meet again here.


    "Excuse me..."


    I shook Sandman awake.


    Sandman red at me in displeasure.


    Are you going to suddenly pounce on me?


    When I became nervous, Sandman threw me a triangle block and went back to sleep.


    "That''s it?"


    It''s too simple.


    I picked up the block, turned a corner slightly, and hid to look at Sandman.


    Because I doubted whether Sandman had really given me the right block.


    Maybe he''d suddenly jump up and yell, <em>"Disqualified!"</em> to Alice.


    After watching for a while, Alice walked out of the mirror and started arguing with Sandman.


    "Sandman! I told you to give a quiz! Why did you just hand it over and go back to sleep?!"


    <strong>[...!]</strong>


    "I can''t deal with this! I even got you a bed! I''m taking it back!"


    <strong>[...!!!]</strong>


    "Ah, okay. Seriously... I''m just kidding. Don''t cry, I won''t take it away from you."


    Alice''s heart is so weak...!


    Sandman only pretended to cry, but Alice was easily fooled.


    After confirming that this block was real, I went back to the statue and put the block in.


    The note fell again.


    <strong>[Sometimes, facing fear directly is the answer.]</strong>


    What does it mean?


    Next is the flower-shaped statue.


    I went down the path behind the statue.


    I passed the winding path and there were a lot of flowers.


    They were chatting, but I couldn''t hear them well because they were so noisy.


    As I wandered around the flowers, I suddenly noticed something strange.


    There was no mirror.


    That''s strange. If there were no mirrors, Alice wouldn''t be able to track me.


    ...First, I have to do something with these flowers.


    What should I do?


    "Shall I burn them?"


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    "The atmosphere suddenly became cold..."


    I approached the silent flowers and asked.


    "Do you know where the block is?"


    <strong>[Block? If you answer my question, I''ll tell you where the block is.]</strong>


    "What question?"


    <strong>[E or Alice. Which one do you like better?]</strong>


    "Huh?"


    I was taken aback by the unexpected question.


    Why would this flower ask me this?


    I felt slightly offended.


    <strong>[Alice isn''t here. You can be honest. If you tell me an answer she doesn''t like, I can tell her something else, you know?]</strong>


    ...Aha.


    This flower.


    It''s not a flower at all.


    "Hmm... Really? Thene closer. Actually..."


    I whispered to the flowers, as if telling them a secret.


    The flowers trembled slightly as if tickled.


    <strong>[Ooh~]</strong>


    "I like you."


    <strong>[?!]</strong>


    "I won''t say I like both equally. I just like you. Being with you makes me happy, and I don''t want us to part. I like your beauty, your asional eeriness, all of it. No matter what, all the memories we''ve built up so far speak for themselves. I really like you."


    As I spewed out embarrassing words, the flowers shrank so much that it couldn''t raise their heads.


    One of them finally spoke.


    <strong>[I''m... Embarrassed...]</strong>


    "Silly. If you ask me this again, I''ll get mad. Got it, Alice?"


    <strong>[Yes...]</strong>


    The flower hands me a trowel.


    I dug right underneath and found a block.


    I picked up a star-shaped block and put it in the statue.


    As I thought, a note fell out.


    <strong>[No talking in the library.]</strong>


    Hmm...


    Thest one is a clock-shaped statue.


    The path opened up to the front, back, right, and left, and I roughly followed the path in one direction, but for some reason I couldn''t reach the end.


    Clearly, I can see the clock far away with my naked eye, but I can''t reach it.


    It''s like a mirage.


    But when I look closely...


    "The second hand is turning counterclockwise."


    Oh, it''s a simple puzzle.


    I went counterclockwise to the left, back, right, and front.


    Then I was able to reach the ce where the clock was hanging.


    When I touched the clock, a round block fell down with a thud.


    I picked it up, went back, and put it in the statue.


    Thud.


    "Is this thest note?"


    <strong>[Do not be bound by time.]</strong>


    Woosh-!


    A huge door, mirror, and clock appeared.


    It seems that putting in thest block triggered it.


    Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.


    The timer that appeared with the door is ticking.


    The time limit is 1 minute. 4 seconds have already passed.


    I started searching, judging that there must be a hint somewhere.


    It didn''t take long.


    Because I found a pickaxe and a sign carelessly ced on the wall.


    <strong>[Find the button.]</strong>


    "...Find the button?"


    The only things that can be broken with a pickaxe are statues.


    Does that mean I have to choose the correct statue and break it to find the button inside within the remaining 30 seconds?


    I first picked up the heavy pickaxe and struck the clock-shaped statue.


    Bang!


    ...It doesn''t break.


    20 seconds left.


    I need another way.


    Another way...


    Is there a hint?


    Ah.


    I thought of the notes that fell from the statues.


    <strong>[What do these statues symbolize? Absolutely nothing!]</strong>


    <strong>[Sometimes, facing fear directly is the answer.]</strong>


    <strong>[No talking in the library.]</strong>


    <strong>[Do not be bound by time.]</strong>


    I pondered this for the remaining 20 seconds.


    The time was short, so I couldn''t think deeply.


    But thanks to that, it made my thoughts more intuitive.


    After finishing my thoughts, I faced the mirror confidently.


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    "Ha-rim, unfortunately, time''s up~"


    I got out of the mirror and looked for her.


    Would I finally seed in getting her to game over?


    The thought made me a little excited.


    In the original story, Ha-rim was a human who survived countless terrifying entities.


    Being the first to make her lose would be rather thrilling, wouldn''t it?


    "Brace yourself. I might actually cut you down this time."


    But then.


    "Where could she be?"


    Where could this kid be hiding?


    There''s no ce to hide here!


    My keen senses kicked in while I was looking around.


    As soon as I seemed to notice, I suddenly felt a strong presence behind me.


    When I turned around, Ha-rim was running towards me with a mirror.


    The mirror I just came out of.


    It was the ssic case of <em>"it''s dark under themp."</em> I''d never considered she might hide behind the very mirror I emerged from.


    In the first ce, it''s weird to dig up something that was nailed to the wall with a pickaxe and take it off!


    Alright, but still...


    <em>''My reflexes and speed are beyond the ordinary. If she just charges at me, won''t she just get caught?''</em>


    I reached out to grab her.


    That was then.


    She pressed the mirror she held against my hand.


    Normally, when a person is stopped by a wall, they instinctively halt and move their arms, even if the wall is soft.


    Even though the mirror broke and the ss shards flew, I, who was not damaged, ended up reflexively putting my hand into the mirror.


    My hand went in.


    With this, one hand was sealed.


    "You''re using the mirror against me!"


    It''d be hard to hold her down with only one hand.


    Trying to grab her with just one hand would require force, and any struggle could hurt Ha-rim.


    This is difficult, so I should step back for now.


    "Isn''t this where the button is?!"


    But then she suddenly reached into my mouth.


    "Urgh?!"


    And then...


    Beep!


    I heard the sound of a button being pressed.


    "... I waspletely defeated. Urgh... You really figured it was in my mouth."


    "You gave hints."


    The first note contained the message not to be obsessed with the statue,


    The second hinted to face the chaser head-on.


    The third hint was a subtle nod to the <em>mouth</em>.


    The fourth suggested that running out of time didn''t mean failure.


    Of course, the pickaxe was a trick.


    Combining all the hints, she had made it this far.


    I had set it up for her to notice, but I never thought she would actually figure it out.


    "No matter what, it''s scary that you put your hand in my mouth without any resistance... Hesitate a little."


    I can''t win against her.


    I had hidden the button in my mouth to finally im victory, but she found it regardless.


    "Gross, isn''t it, with all the saliva? Let''s go wash your hands over there."


    "Hmm... This is my first time sticking my hand in someone else''s mouth. Honestly, it feels nice, kind of warm and soft. And it even smells like cotton candy."


    "You?! Stop saying weird things and just wash up already!"


    I pushed Ha-rim, who was saying embarrassing things, into the water pipe and made him wash his hands.


    What a handful.


    Ha-rim, like Eun-jeong, has some strange quirks.


    With that, the final event came to an end, and we sat together, sipping drinks and watching the evening sunset.


    It was time to part ways.


    I opened my mouth to bring it up.


    "Oh, the sun''s setting."


    "Alice. Are you happy?"


    Ha-rim''s question came out of the blue.


    Maybe it was the warm glow of the golden sunset, but her words about happiness moved me naturally.


    "Yeah. I''m so happy. Having met you guys."


    Ha-rim blinks in surprise, as if she likes my unhesitating answer.


    She smiles brightly and says.


    "Me too! That''s why. Can I ask you a favor?"


    "What favor?"


    "I. There''s one thing I''m scared of... I''m scared of breaking up with Alice."


    "..."


    "I like Alice. Even when my memory was erased, I could vaguely recall memories in my dreams. It was so blurry that I couldn''t tell anything except for the blonde hair, but it was such a vivid dream that my heart ached."


    "..."


    "Alice. I know that we might not be able to be together forever. This goes for Suho, Kyeong-min, and Eun-jeong. It might be funny for me, who''s not even a middle school student, to say this, but please, Alice. Until I can ovee that fear... Please... Please don''t disappear."


    As expected, leaving the memories erased was the wrong answer.


    It was also the wrong answer for me to even do that in the first ce.


    That''s how much it hurt them.


    To the point where this little child was worrying too much.


    A golden afternoon.


    Dreamlike weather.


    Warm words exchanged.


    All of these things on a boat.


    Floating on the gently flowing river, the boat will eventually sail toward the horizon and disappear from sight.


    Are you afraid of that, Ha-rim?


    Actually, I''m afraid too.


    So, Ha-rim, write down our memories in your journal.


    A journal so lengthy it takes time to go through just once.


    So if you ever forget, you can remember again.


    Everyone knows you''re diligently keeping a journal of memories.


    If you find a ce to put your memories and keep them by your side, fear will eventually transform into a vague feeling and only act as a spice that makes your nose tingle in your memories.


    That, too, can be a form of joy.


    "If you''re Alice, the one who came back to me... Then you''ll grant this wish, right?"


    The answer is already set.


    Entertaining a cherished friend''s wish.


    It wasn''t such a bad feeling.


    "Of course."


    Today is the end.


    And it was the best day.


    Ha-rim.


    Like with E, Mary, Ms. Spider, and Pierrot.


    I hope, until the end, you will be with me.


    My dark-haired, main character.

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    "Alright then... The First Official Meeting of the Mystery Investigation Club will nowmence. Let''s give it a round of apuse."


    "Yay~!"


    p p p...


    We''re in the club room.


    Today, we''ve set a time for this to answer the kids'' curiosities.


    Ha-rim stands beside me, writing "1st Official Meeting" on the board.


    Though we already had a ridiculous amount of meetings back then, she said she forgot the count, so we''re starting fresh.


    Ha-rim takes her seat, and four pairs of eyes turn to me.


    "From now on, it''s question time. If you have any questions, raise your hand and ask."As soon as I say this, Kyeong-min raises his hand and asks the first question.


    "E, why did you be Alice?"


    <strong>First question. About Alice.</strong>


    Of course, it would be this.


    I figured this would be the first question.


    But it''s a tricky one because I don''t have a straightforward answer for it either. I only have some guesses, so I can''t really say "Because of this!" to them.


    "I don''t know for sure either. But I''ll tell you what I think. First, there are beings in this world called devils. You all know that, right?"


    Everyone nods.


    We''ve met devils before.


    Of the two we faced, the one that showed itself was the radio-head devil.


    Now, it''s no longer a devil but a pure monster who helps me, but back then, he was running towards us with his huge body trying to kill us, which was quite terrifying.


    "ording to what I heard from James, devils are born when a story or narrative (context) is fulfilled. For example... Imagine something that barks and walks on all fours. You would think, "This is a dog.", then a Dog Devil will be born. Of course, an evil offering might be needed too, but you get the idea."


    This... Even I think it''s such a strange exnation.


    And I''m not even joking!


    But I can''t think of a better example.


    The kids also look confused.


    "So E fulfilled the context of the <em>Alice in Wondend series</em> and became a devil of Alice? And that''s why you''re called Alice?"


    I nod.


    Honestly, I don''t know what part of what I did was simr to the Alice series.


    Aside from the blonde hair, there''s not much inmon.


    "You probably don''t understand. Actually... I don''t understand it either."


    "It''s hard. It definitely seemed like you used up all your strength trying to save us and disappeared... But you were actually in the process of turning into a devil?"


    I denied.


    "That''s not true. I definitely died back then. Only my soul remained and I left the stage of life."


    The kids looked even more confused.


    I tried to exin it to them properly.


    I continued my spections while talking nonsense.


    "Hmm... Maybe I needed to die once to be reborn. Or maybe the victory over the half-devil triggered itter... However, one thing is certain. It wasn''t my intention."


    "So, you were forced to be Alice. It feels too artificial. Alice couldn''t identally fulfill the context and be a devil. Maybe someone intended it."


    As expected, Ha-rim is sharp.


    First of all, it''s certain that I became a devil by someone''s intention.


    The half-devil back then.


    The guy I now call Jabberwock asked me for the seed.


    The seed nted in me probably sprouted, and all the monsters, including those that flowed in from outside, became the offerings that gave birth to me now.


    At this point, you might be wondering who nned this.


    Of course, I know who.


    That person is my school senior and the game developer M.P.


    And his other name is Mephistopheles.


    Was he the devil from the book Faust?


    A fairly high-ranking devil, no doubt. But what is his goal?


    Why create devils of fairy-tales?


    Pinhio. Jack. Ariel. Peter Pan. And me.


    We''re all fairy-tale devils.


    When I was in danger after being stabbed in the back by Pinhio, Mephistopheles appeared and told me that the <em>fairy-tale</em> devils were created to stop the Rulers.


    Why me of all people? Why did it have to be devils of fairy-tales?


    And what does the devil Mephistopheles gain by stopping the Rulers?


    Is he trying to save people?


    "That''s right. The mastermind exists. And I know his name."


    "!"


    The children are surprised by the sudden deration of the existence of the mastermind.


    The children''s expressions became more serious and they started paying more attention to hear his name.


    "His name is Mephistopheles. He''s the devil from Faust."


    "What! He''s real?"


    The children are surprised by the familiar name.


    Of course.


    If things that were only told as stories actuallye to light, it would be shocking.


    "I just thought it was a y!"


    In many ways, it will be an opportunity to expand your inner worldview.


    It breaks the limits of your imagination and prepares your heart to face more things.


    "I''m embarrassed because there''s so much I don''t know, but I don''t know his purpose either. I''m going to find out little by little from now on. Oh, I have one thing to correct."


    "?"


    "You said <em>forced</em>. In fact, it was <em>half-forced</em>. I never dreamed it would turn out like this. But I was the one who decided to be a devil. Mephisto led me to my decision, and I went along with it. Don''t misunderstand me, it''s not because I have any regrets about life."


    The kids became depressed when they heard that I had no regrets about life.


    I stepped on andmine!


    "So that''s how it is for Alice..."


    "No!!! It''s, uh, it''s like this, alright? It''s like how old folks face death with serenity! You''ll understand when you''re older! It''s not that I didn''t want to see you guys or anything...!"


    "Then why did Alice be a devil?"


    Phew. They believe me. I was shocked.


    I almost hurt the kids again.


    But it''s surprising that you''re curious about that.


    It wasn''t a particrly strange question, so it''s okay.


    "...Do you know that Mephistophelesunched a missile at you?"


    "...!"


    Guess not.


    I can tell just by their faces.


    "We didn''t know at all! Devils shoot missiles these days?!"


    "Yeah... They do. So I had no choice but to protect you. I couldn''t stand the thought of you dying that way after everything we went through."


    It''s natural for someone who tried to do something to get what they deserved.


    If there''s a god, that''s natural.


    ...If there really is a god.


    The kids thought carefully.


    They seemed confused as various pieces of information entered their heads.


    I scratched my cheek and apologized.


    "Umm... I''m sorry. I tried to exin, but I ended up leaving you with a lot of questions. Are you disappointed?"


    Then Eun-jeong smiled brightly and said.


    "No! Whatever it was, Alice came back to save us. I''m so happy about that!"


    "Really? Hehehe... Me too, I''m so happy to see you again."


    After that, Ha-rim looked serious and didn''t say anything.


    I asked her why she was thinking like that.


    Then she opened her mouth.


    "I get why Alice ended up this way. But where were you, and what were you doing all this time?"


    <strong>Second question. Where was Alice and what was she doing?</strong>


    Ha-rim seemed worried.


    She must have thought I was homeless and lonely after the incident.


    But though I missed them, I wasn''t just a homeless person.


    "Oh. I''m living well under the protection of a huge secret organization that practically controls the world."


    "...?"


    Ah, right. These kids think James and Maria were military operatives dispatched by the government.


    I ended up giving them more information that would make their heads spin.


    "I thought it was strange. The government sending a priest like Sister Maria!"


    "It was full of strange and unusual things, so I just let it slide, but now it''sing back to haunt me like this...!"


    "The idea of ??a huge ult group was just an urban legend... Are we just going to have our memories erased or something?! Oh, we''ve already been through it."


    The reaction was more intense than I thought.


    I thought they''d get used to it by now.


    I enjoyed the kids'' confused reactions, but I wanted to ease their worries, so I said a word.


    "Don''t worry. If anyone tries to touch you, I''d drag half of them with me, even if it means dying. Even if that means a third of humanity."


    "..."


    Huh? The mood dropped.


    Did I put too much intensity into that?


    I asked the children in confusion.


    "Uh, why the reaction?"


    "It''s nothing."


    ...


    Alice wouldn''t know.


    That for a moment, she seemed more dangerous than anything else when she muttered that with dead eyes.


    Even more so than when she''d erased their memories!


    Having glimpsed a fragment of her madness, the kids decided to stay quiet.


    ...


    "Okay, third question. What is the giant mechanical giant we saw?"


    <strong>Third question. What does the self-proimed mechanical god do?</strong>


    I decided to tell them what I knew.


    "Um... A Ruler. The mechanical god is one of the Rulers. He''s a being who desires control. He interfered with your fates, trying to push you to death. Oh, and <em>Ruler</em> is a term used by the Institution. They call beings who could single-handedly destroy the world Rulers. This world might not be as dangerous as the other one, where you could die on the streets, but it''s more dangerous than you think."


    After hearing the story, Suho opened his mouth with a tired face.


    "I''m getting more and more scared to ask questions."


    The more the story progresses, the bigger the scale bes, and nothing is solved.


    However, exploration is something that you have to experience every time you take a step forward.


    "Alice who can speak calmly is scarier. In that sense, hug me."


    Eun-jeong... Your words are full of contradictions.


    I had no choice but to hug Eun-jeong andfort her before continuing.


    "I didn''t say it calmly... Anyway, it''s a terrifying monster. Last time, we fought and lost, but if something simr happens next time, I will never lose."


    The god of machines was turned into a cogwheel by Pinhio''s ability.


    Anticlimactic, sure.


    But somehow, I doubt it''s over that easily.


    Maybe... No.


    That''s too baseless a guess.


    I''ll have to check for myself.


    "Yeah! Let''s defeat it together next time!"


    "Haha... Thank you."


    Next question.


    "Fourth question. Who is Uncle Peter?"


    <strong>Fourth question. Who is Peter?</strong>


    I said clearly.


    "He''s Peter Pan."


    "You mean Peter Pan from the fairy tale?"


    "Of course, he''s not exactly the same. He also became a devil of a fairy-tale like me. Yeah. You could say we''re the same kind."


    "I see. I never imagined Peter Pan in a military uniform."


    Though I appear as Alice, I''m nothing like the Alice in the story.


    After all, as a devil of Alice, I''m quite different from the original.


    Peter Pan was even more extreme, though.


    "I think his goal was... To create a world without horrors like war. So he tried to create Nevend... Hmm. But it became quite twisted. Someday he''ll appear before us, but whether he''ll be an ally or enemy, nobody knows."


    Ha-rim muttered, ncing at his bag.


    "He doesn''t seem like apletely bad person... He even gave me a gift."


    "Huh? What did you say, Ha-rim?"


    "Ah. Hehe... It''s a secret."


    "...?"


    Ha-rim''s vague response is super suspicious.


    I also have a lot of umted karma, so I can''t say anything.


    I pretended not to know and took the next question.


    "Okay. Next question. That dragon you call Jabberwock... Is it that half-devil?"


    Ah, that''s what Kyeong-min had asked about.


    Ha-rim must have been concerned about that too.


    "Yes. He''s known as Jabberwock, Bandersnatch, and Frumious Bandersnatch. Of those, his strongest name is Jabberwock. Back then, it was a powerful monster that could rival the Rulers, but now it''s my ything."


    "Can you summon him now?"


    "No. This guy doesn''t listen to me at all. When I call his name to the mirror, he''s clearly listening, but he doesn''t even respond."


    Jabberwock, that insufferable lizard!


    I thought he''d reformed when he helped us, but he doesn''t even respond, so I''m mad.


    If you think about it, he was destined to disappear, but he''s still relying on my existence to survive.


    Show some respect, you damned reptile.


    "That''s too bad, he seemed so strong."


    "He can only be summoned when certain conditions are met, so it''s not perfect. Outside of special ces like Nevend, I probably won''t be able to summon him again."


    Why do powerful monsters always have conditions?


    If I could handle even one of them freely, I wouldn''t have had to fight the machine god to a draw.


    "Thest question is... Yeah, this will do. You mentioned devils of fairy-tales, right? So, are there more besides Peter Pan and Alice?"


    <strong>Last question. Devils of fairy-tales.</strong>


    "Yes. There''s Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, Ariel the Little Mermaid, and the backstabbing... Pinhio."


    "Alice seems mad."


    "She must have been hit."


    Shut up!


    "The ones I know of are these. ording to Ariel, there might be two more... So, no more questions?"


    The kids looked at each other and nodded.


    Even though they didn''t look relieved, they probably had a rough idea of ??their current situation and the dangers of this world.


    "Roughly... Haa. But what should we do now? Now that we''ve talked about it, there''s nothing we can do."


    Suho looked restless.


    He wants to be prepared for any danger.


    Suho is a tough kid who blocks attacks with his shield.


    At the same time, an all-round tank that quickly detects threats, deflects strong attacks, and dodges them.


    I understand his attitude.


    "Hehehe... We just have to live our lives. We don''t need to wander around looking for danger, and we certainly don''t need to be afraid in advance. If trialse, we''ll just do our best each time."


    I decided to be with these kids.


    Our bond became even stronger as we wavered and wavered here and there and made wrong choices.


    They''ll make up for my shorings.


    ...Okay. I''ve waited long enough.


    Pinhio.


    Isn''t it time for you to make a move?


    I silently looked out the window.


    I sharply stared somewhere beyond the buildings and mountains.


    And the next day.


    My portable <strong>Alice Protocol</strong> rings.

 Chapter 88

    Bonus: Machine God and Alice.


    ------------------------------------


    Pinhiounched an attack on the Institution.


    Currently, Pinhio''s puppets and the Institution''s Branch 0-5 are locked in a fierce battle, and Pinhio has managed to take advantage of the chaos to get inside.


    Naturally, there werebat operatives who attempted to stop Pinhio, but he subdued every single one of them and continued forward.


    They used a variety of weapons, primarily guns.


    "A gun. A fine tool."


    But to Pinhio, their guns were already inferior, merely tools that couldn''t harm him.


    After quickly grasping the gun''s mechanics, he subdued them with his wooden puppets."Yourbat skills are quite refined. Consider your lives spared as a reward for putting on a good show. After all, I am a businessman too."


    Pinhio leisurely roamed the hallways.


    It seemed like subduing this ce would be easy with so many wooden puppets.


    After all, this is only a branch.


    The Institution''s main forces were busy outside, barely holding off Pinhio''s puppets desperately, and struggling to contain the isted entities that were never supposed to be released, turning the ce into a disaster zone.


    Even getting in and out of the Institution is easy, thanks to the sheer number of puppets that have been piled up in quarantine, unaware that they were traps.


    Unless the entire base was blown up, his n couldn''t go wrong.


    Of course, he had already made it impossible for them to detonate it with his <em>lies</em>, so it wasn''t a concern.


    But then, something happened that made things a bit challenging for Pinhio.


    "...Hmm. Looks like they even employ anomalies as staff here."


    A creature appeared from around the corner.


    A gori with abnormallyrge feet, roaring as it showcased a body as massive as its feet.


    It crushed a wooden puppet with one swift kick.


    This wasn''t a puppet that could break so easily.


    "Ah... It''s a containment entity. Looks like it escaped nearby. Perfect. My purpose ultimately lies among you, after all. Would you be so kind as to guide me to the other anomalies?"


    Instead of answering, the creature pounced at Pinhio.


    The puppets blocked its path.


    Since the corridor was narrow, he couldn''t bring in arger puppet, and they were slightly pushed back.


    "...I guess words don''t work."


    As the formation broke, a de puppet moved forward, but Pinhio stopped it with amand.


    He wanted to observe the creature''s abilities more closely.


    Pinhio addressed the rampaging creature out of nowhere.


    <strong>"You can''t attack me. After all... You''re very tired and worn out."</strong>


    Then, the creature''s body slumped.


    Its strength drained, and its eyes grew heavy.


    As he said, a wave of fatigue washed over it, pressing down.


    "Am I right? It''s an undeniable <strong>truth</strong>."


    Pinhio approached the now incapacitated creature.


    He observed it but found no exceptional abilities aside from its physical strength.


    Pinhio shook his head.


    "It has no other powers besides its developed physical abilities."


    Since it was a hindrance, he shifted his hand into a saw to sever its neck, raising it high.


    "...!"


    Pinhio suddenly distanced himself from the creature.


    Thanks to bing a devil, his instincts were sharper.


    Just now, he felt a slight sense of danger.


    All at once, fries started sprouting from the heads of nearby puppets.


    Like parasites, they wriggled through the puppets'' bodies, rendering them useless.


    "Is the hamburger ¨¤ carte or abo?"


    A woman, wearing a uniform from a well-known hamburger brand, asked with a friendly smile.


    Pinhio quickly realized she wasn''t human.


    His puppets attacked her.


    The woman picked up a kiosk that had mysteriously appeared, using her monstrous strength to smack down the puppets.


    "These peculiar anomalies are utterly unpredictable."


    She used the kiosk as a shield and made fries grow from the puppets'' heads, making it inefficient to break through without a strategy.


    He could crush her with sheer numbers if he wanted.


    But it seemed faster to step in and take her down himself.


    Pinhio took a step forward.


    Then, his foot copsed as if it were severed.


    "What is this?"


    In that instant, his right arm crumbled.


    Upon closer inspection, he realized his shadow was copsing before his body.


    And there was a shadow of an unfamiliar being as well.


    "Creatures living in shadows, shadow monsters?"


    How strange.


    From the shadows came the sound of childrenughing.


    It sounded like they were ying a prank.


    Pinhio quickly regenerated his damaged parts.


    "I am a craftsman. With a bit of <em>lying</em>, I can make tools to chase shadows."


    Pinhio''s hand was empty.


    But as he made a motion that looks like he''s cutting with scissors.


    Snip! The shadow was cut away.


    At the same time, there was a metallic tter, as if invisible scissors were breaking apart.


    "Well, its durability iscking. Needs an upgrade."


    One creature was down.


    Now, who''s next?


    As Pinhio turned his head, he saw more anomalies breaking through the puppet army and reaching his position.


    They even multipliedpared to before.


    He could somewhat understand the Institution''s headache in managing these things.


    "Kyaaaaah!"


    "Hamburger! Hamburger! Hamburger!"


    "Excuse me, may I take out your intestines?"


    "You''re infected, my friend. Let me heal you."


    Each creature, eager to unt its odd characteristics, shouted strange lines and lunged at Pinhio.


    Pinhio murmured as he faced them.


    "Like Boltzmann brains, aren''t they? Why do you ignore the rules? Why do you keep endlessly spawning?"


    Their disregard for the rules made it hard to deduce their abilities.


    A priest would use holy arts.


    Ann ordinary person would wield weapons.


    A magician would cast spells, but these beings wielded only bizarre, inexplicable powers.


    Growing irritated with their persistence, Pinhio spoke to the increasingly numerous anomalies.


    "Why do you exist? If you were beings from myths or folklore, that''d be one thing. But without any stories or legends, you just pop up one day to trouble humans. You''re ultimately nothing more than that. Meaningless, fearful beings who will only repeat their cycle of birth and death in a ce where there is nothing.""


    Pinhio muttered indifferently.


    <strong>"That''s why you never existed in the first ce."</strong>


    The beings blocking Pinhio''s path disappeared.


    As if they were never there.


    The silence returned.


    Pinhio spoke, satisfied.


    "It''s finally quiet."


    p. p. p.


    "Well done."


    A sweet voice, like that of a young girl, echoed from behind.


    A girl with golden hair and blue eyes.


    It was Alice.


    "Meaningless, fearful beings... Well, you could say that such things have their own kind of purpose, don''t you think? Or maybe not."


    "Alice."


    "Yes, the naive demon who got betrayed by you... Go on, make an excuse if you''ve got one."


    Alice looked like she was barely holding back her anger.


    Though her mouth was smiling, her eyes were anything but, making it obvious even to a psychopath what emotion was in them.


    Pinhio responded with a single word.


    It was something Alice didn''t expect.


    "Congrattions."


    "What?"


    Alice, taken aback, questioned him, and Pinhio continued smoothly.


    "I said congrattions for surviving. Surprised? I never held a grudge against you. If you wantpensation for that incident, I''ll provide it earnestly."


    "Hahaha... You''re really capable of saying that."


    "It was simply a strategy to take down the Machine God. I don''t bear any ill will. Let''s not be too harsh."


    Alice sighed, realizing how utterly unself-aware Pinhio was. Trying to reason with him felt like talking to a brick wall.


    Alice gave up talking about this topic.


    "By the way, what was that just now? Those creaturespletely vanished as if they never existed. Scary."


    Alice pointedly asked about the phenomenon where the monsters had disappeared in an instant.


    Pinhio responded with an uncharacteristically witty response.


    "Hmm. I don''t know what you mean. They weren''t there in the first ce, were they?"


    An obvious lie.


    Alice quickly caught on.


    "Oh, so it''s a lie. Stronger than what you''ve shown before... You must''ve used the Machine God''s cog, didn''t you?"


    Was the Machine God''s power a good match for Pinhio?


    Or was this what he was aiming for in the first ce?


    As Alice stared at him, Pinhio nodded.


    "Correct. My lies can affect reality, but their power was never particrly strong. A lie was just something akin to a spoken charm. If I said someone was strong, they might feel stronger; if I said it was raining, a few drops might fall. But you can''t make something seem like it never existed."


    Now he''s saying he can.


    Alice''s expression grew weary.


    "A cheat code, huh. So, why attack the Institution?"


    "Why else? Anomalous entities have all sorts of unique powers. Among them, there must be some with abilities to alter reality. I''ll find them to make my own power even stronger."


    There were countless kinds of anomalies.


    So it was easy to assume that the Institution would have at least one or two entities with powerful reality-manipting abilities.


    Like a genie in amp that grants wishes.


    Still, Pinhio didn''t enter the institution with such a wild guess.


    He had created a device.


    It was a machine designed to answer questions, though all of Pinhio''s special tools came with ws.


    They had the durability of a cookie or a one-in-ten sess rate.


    In this machine''s case, it was supposed to answer his questions, but its responses were excessively vague and abstract, making it nearly impossible to decipher.


    Pinhio tried enhancing it with <em>lies</em>, but simr reality-altering entities seemed to repel the effect, yielding unsatisfactory results.


    The few words he managed to obtain barely qualified as information, just a list of obscure terms.


    Oz.


    Devil.


    Institution.


    Fan of The Ending.<sup>1</sup>


    Ruler.


    These terms were clues to powerful forces that could reshape the world however they pleased.


    Pinhio hade to the Institution seeking them to achieve his goal.


    "Oh? Well, I won''t get in your way."


    "Thanks."


    "But, tell me... What will you do with the power to alter reality? Sorry for all the questions, but it''s kind of important to me."


    Pinhio saw no reason not to answer.


    If anything, he wondered if Alice might even share his vision.


    "I don''t mind telling you. Alice, you came from a horror game, didn''t you? I''m sure you''ve had plenty of experiences being chased by terrifying beings."


    "Yes."


    "For humans, that''s a truly miserable fate. To be forever condemned to run and hide... It''s truly pitiful."


    "...Right?"


    Alice thought his words were slightly off, but she nodded.


    "So I made a decision. I''ll give them weapons. Weapons that are incredibly powerful. Not just mechanical arms or the like, but something that would let them overpower even monsters. I''ll modify their bodies, granting them powers that surpass any weapon. Well, they may stray a bit from humanity in the process."


    Alice went quiet for a moment before asking,


    "...And their consent?"


    "Who cares about that? Sometimes, there are things more important than consent. Do stage directors ask the actors on stage for their opinions before crafting a performance?"


    Typically, they make decisions on their own, shaping the performance how they see fit.


    After all, they hold the authority, the right to decide.


    The moment he finished speaking, a de grazed Pinhio''s cheek.


    Mirrors floated ominously around them.


    As a dark energy surged from Alice, Pinhio took a step back.


    "So that''s it... You just want control. You''re no different from the Machine God."


    Pinhio couldn''t understand which part of his statement had angered her.


    If it came to an unavoidable fight, he would simply face it.


    "Though I don''t understand, a great endeavor usually requires such trials."


    Alice stomped on the metal floor, bending it under her weight.


    Then, like a bullet, she dashed along the wall, charging straight at Pinhio.


    Pinhio reflexively reached out to counter, but Alice grabbed his arm and mmed him into the ground.


    Thud!


    "Hmm. Quite rough for a little girl."


    Not that she was a girl, probably.


    Alice retrieved something from inside one of her mirrors.


    It looked like some type of seed, somewhat simr to a nt seed.


    "Locked and loaded."


    She threw the seed at Pinhio, embedding it directly into his armor.


    The dent in his armor quickly healed over, holding the seed in ce.


    "What... Did you do?"


    "Hmm~ well, I thought I''d nt a nt-type monster in you, but I guess your body''s no longer wood?"


    "Seems that way."


    Indeed, his body now had a scent and texture closer to metal than wood.


    A likely side effect of using the Machine God''s cogs.


    Pinhio was perplexed as to why he hadn''t noticed his transformation earlier, but now wasn''t the time to ponder it.


    Pinhio sent out an army of puppets.


    Alice smashed one of them, feeling its texture.


    "Pure metal, huh. Then he can eat it as much as he likes."


    Alice pulled out a monster from her mirror.


    Even Pinhio recognized this one.


    A Pulgasari.


    The metal-eating monster.


    "The very monster that gave the Machine God trouble."


    Realizing he had to handle the Pulgasari himself as it began devouring his puppets, Pinhio prepared to take action.


    The more it eats, the bigger it gets.


    But it''s weak to heat.


    Pinhio quickly improvised and created a high-heat weapon.


    Then, it happened.


    "Hm?"


    <strong>[Excuse me, random check here! Beep beep beep beep-! Oh, what''s this? This weapon is too dangerous. I''ll be confiscating it.]</strong>


    A man dressed like a security guard from an airport suddenly appeared and waved a detector over Pinhio''s body.


    A creature supposedly derived from the fear of being disarmed.


    Without even moving his hand, the creature snatches Pinhio''s weapon and runs away.


    Pinhio felt a sense of absurdity.


    "What''s the difference between the monsters you use and these strange anomalies?"


    "Who knows? Honestly, maybe not much."


    While Alice shrugged, Pinhio gathered his puppets together to form a massive fist.


    In this narrow, straight corridor, one well-aimed punch would be unavoidable.


    If she couldn''t dodge, she''d have to counter it.


    Judging that, Alice pulled a cookiebeled <em>Eat Me</em> from her pocket, took a bite, and inted her fist in response.


    -Bang!


    The impact pushed them both back, forcing a brief separation before they prepared for their next moves.


    Slice!


    This time, Pinhio struck first.


    With the sword he''d just created, he thrust at Alice, the de extending to sever her arm.


    "Gah?!"


    Alice hid in the mirror.


    Despite having the upper hand in the attack, it''s hard to find Alice in the many mirrors, and even if he does, there''s no way to strike her once she''s inside the mirror.


    In the end, he''d have to resort to his <em>lies</em> again.


    It was a power that consumed a lot of energy, so it was best to subdue her without it... But he had no choice.


    <strong>"...Alice suddenly emerged from the mirror and surrendered."</strong>


    "?!"


    Alice is thrown out of the mirror, looking bewildered.


    But she didn''t surrender.


    The lie doesn''t fully work because they are both transcendent.


    Pinhio drew his sword and charged.


    He raised it with the intent to strike her down.


    Just then, Alice pulled out a phone and made a call.


    A phone call in this situation?


    No, this was an attack.


    Realizing this, Pinhio braced himself.


    "Hello? It''s me, Alice. I''m right behind you."


    "...!"


    Alice appeared behind him and struck the back of his head.


    Pinhio staggered under the dull impact.


    "You''ve gotten stronger."


    "Do you still have time to talk?"


    Alice retrieved yet another anomaly from her mirror.


    It looked like a girl holding a phone.


    "Mary, make the call."


    Ring ring ring ring!


    Like vines growing, phones started sprouting all over Pinhio''s body, ringing incessantly.


    Pinhio ignored them and charged straight at Alice.


    "Cheshire!"


    Meow~


    A cat''s meow sounded.


    Whatever Alice had done, she vanished from sight, bing invisible.


    Ring ring ring ring-!


    The ringing phones were incredibly distracting, and Alice''s chaoticbat style was maddening to deal with.


    Pinhio severed the phones and hastily crafted sses that would allow him to see invisible things.


    Most <em>improvised</em> things don''tst very long, but it''s inevitable.


    The moment he put them on, the sses shattered.


    But in that brief instant, he saw Alice.


    "There you are!"


    ng-!


    Pinhio thrust his sword, forcing Alice to block it, revealing herself.


    "Are we done with cheap tricks?"


    "No."


    Ring ring ring ring ring¡ª!


    Despite supposedly severing the phones, more of them began growing on different parts of his body.


    And soon enough.


    Boom!


    It exploded.


    Pinhio''s body tilted as he was severely damaged.


    Alice took advantage of the opening and kicked him, sending him flying into the wall like a cannonball.


    "If you don''t answer the calls, they explode. How annoying. It''s so varied and annoying that it''s almost worthless to get data."


    Pinhio, bruised and covered in dust, muttered.


    "So what?"


    Even as he mumbled, more anomalies emerged from Alice''s mirrors.


    Every one of them was a pesky creature with its own gimmick.


    All the puppets nearby had already been devoured by the Pulgasari.


    Without summoning the puppets fighting outside, the battle was as good as lost.


    Concluding his thoughts, Pinhio nced at Alice, who had already regenerated her arm.


    "...I didn''t want to do this, but I have no choice. This is a warning, Alice. If you don''t back down now, I will erase you. Even if I can''t use this power frequently, I can certainly use it to remove you."


    Pinhio''s reality-altering abilities had limits.


    It was ultimately an energy-consuming ability.


    Losing his ability to alter reality in the Institution would drastically increase the risk of failure.


    "Being erased as if you never existed in the first ce... That''s terrifying. It''s the ending I personally fear the most. Never... I don''t want to see that end."


    Alice''s reaction is quite the opposite of how she was in battle.


    As if persuasion would work.


    "Then."


    "But... Fear that can''t take my life is only joy after all. Come on. It''s your turn. I never thought I''d borrow your power. Honestly, the conditions were ridiculous. I didn''t think I''d ever use it."


    Alice was speaking to something.


    Behind her, a single mirror rose into view.


    It was different from the other mirrors.


    This one was blood-red and ominous.


    "...What is that?"


    "This is the most primal fear, existing even before darkness and death. Among the monsters I control, it''s the strongest, yet a bizarre being that never reveals itself in my presence."


    Pinhio felt his nerves tightening.


    He felt like something big was about to happen.


    "Is the world we see truly reality? Works of fiction, mirages in the desert, reflections in mirrors, illusions. Everything is meaningless. We may just be fragments, drifting apart without purpose, like a dream without meaning. Doesn''t that frighten you? The thought that we might all be so utterly insignificant? That''s why humanity subconsciously fears this the most.""


    Pinhio gathered his power.


    His instincts tells him.


    He has to erase her now.


    Drawing upon a force even greater than what he used to erase the anomalies around him.


    "...Am I dreaming of the butterfly or is the butterfly dreaming of me? Ignoring my worries, he sleeps leisurely... What a mischievous guy. A monster that I must never wake up... <strong>I call you, Red King</strong>."<sup>2</sup>

 Chapter 89

    Pinhio opened his eyes in a dark space.


    If his memories weren''t tampered with, it would have been right after falling victim to the strange abilities of Alice, another fairy-tale devil.


    "This is..."


    It was dark.


    He couldn''t see even an inch ahead, but at least he knew that the surrounding area was empty.


    He needed to analyze what had happened.


    In Pinhio''s head, the gears creaked as he thought.


    But they didn''t move properly, as if rusty.


    Instead, a part of his heart ached.Was his heart hindering his thoughts?


    Surely he was a being that didn''t even have a heart.


    It was clear that Alice had done something.


    "..."


    Pinhio walked away.


    His body creaked loudly as if it were damaged in several ces.


    After wandering aimlessly in the dark for quite some time, a faint scent of cherry blossoms brushed past his olfactory sensors.


    "Cherry blossoms..."


    Pinhio followed the scent as if he was possessed.


    After walking for some time, he finally arrived at the source of the scent.


    There, a cherry blossom tree in full bloom was weing Pinhio.


    "Alice. What are you trying to show me?"


    He approached the cherry blossom tree.


    That''s when it happened.


    He stepped on something.


    ...It was a human hand.


    Usually, when you see a human hand, you shudder, saying it is scary.


    However, Pinhio knew this rough hand better than anyone else, so he was more surprised than afraid.


    "...My hand."


    It was the hand he had when he was human, before bing a devil called Pinhio.


    Even though it was crude, it was still a human hand.


    A soft and weak hand.


    Pinhio''s gaze followed the hand to the tree''s roots.


    The hand was sticking out from under the tree''s roots, so it was obvious what was under this cherry blossom tree.


    Pinhio bent down to check.


    There was his own corpse.


    The corpse''s expression was full of sorrow and anger.


    "...Why do I look like that?"


    Pinhio reached out toward the corpse.


    Somehow, he felt that if he did, he might find the answer he was looking for.


    As the hand made of wood and iron and the hand made of flesh ovepped, a story unfolded in Pinhio''s mind.


    It yed like a movie, and Pinhio sat back quietly, watching.


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Pinhio</strong>


    I was a factory worker.


    I quit school at a young age and started working part-time to earn money for medicine for a rtive I could call my father.


    The repetitive work was dull and boring.


    Anyone unsuited to such work would have quit quickly.


    But I was okay.


    I had long since learned how to empty my mind and perform without making mistakes.


    The people at the factory called me a machine.


    Machine.


    I liked that nickname.


    Because machines are helpful.


    Working hours passed and break time came.


    I sat on my chair nkly to catch my breath.


    Then another factory worker came up to me.


    I had never seen him before.


    "What do you want?"


    "Oh, your tone''s a bit stiff. Did I offend you?"


    "No. Just asking."


    He suddenly giggled.


    I just stared nkly at him.


    He looked me over slowly and then muttered that I didn''t seem the type to be Alice.


    I tilted my head at the iprehensible words.


    "Oh, sorry. Just that you talk so differently from how you look."


    "I picked up my rtive''s manner of speaking. I was raised by him since I was young. If you need me to use honorifics... I can do that."


    "Hahaha! No, it''s fine. Anyway, I noticed you looked nk even while working. Isn''t it boring to sit idly even during your break?"


    "...Not really."


    When you work, your thoughts and emotions be lighter.


    That''s why I didn''t feel bored at all.


    "Is that so? But at least try this. It might be fun."


    "..."


    I downloaded a game on my phone as he said.


    I couldn''t remember why I followed his advice.


    I downloaded the game naturally, as if I was possessed by something.


    The game was about a cksmith crafting and selling various weapons.


    It was awkward because I usually lived a life far from games, but I got into it smoothly.


    I wasn''t addicted.


    It was just a little fun, but it was simr in that it was about making things.


    Plus, I liked the fact that I could enjoy myself without spending any money.


    The money I received from the factory wasn''t that much.


    One day, while I was working and ying games at the same time.


    When I came home, I saw someone I could call my father... Copsed.


    I panicked.


    Did I panic?


    ...I''m not sure.


    In the video, my face was obscured, like I was wearing a mask.


    I dropped all the eggs I had bought at the market.


    Without even collecting the broken eggs, I took him to the hospital.


    I looked at him unconscious in the hospital.


    He was my rtive.


    My only rtive.


    Since my parents left me when I was a baby, I never knew their faces, and I didn''t particrly miss them.


    But this person is different.


    He took me in and raised me despite his illness.


    Well, maybe because we were both quiet, we barely talked, but the bond called family continued.


    I asked the doctor about his condition.


    ...Incurable.


    The doctor said he had an incurable disease.


    He''d been holding on with medication, but he was close to his limit...


    I knew he was sick, but I didn''t know it was incurable.


    I just thought he was putting off the surgery because he didn''t have enough money.


    So I was under the illusion that if I earned money from the factory, it would somehow work out.


    No, I wasn''t under the illusion.


    He was the one who said he''d get better if he took his medicine.


    I was deceived.


    "...Why did you lie?"


    "..."


    He didn''t answer.


    I waited for his answer and then went out the door.


    At that moment, I heard a sob.


    "Useless... Useless..."


    "..."


    Was he talking about me?


    I couldn''t be sure.


    But I thought he was referring to me.


    Because in the end, I was useless.


    No matter how much money I earn from the factory, I can''t cure an incurable disease.


    All I could do was cover the hospital bills to prolong his life for a while.


    The next day, I went to work as usual.


    I looked at the machines running and thought.


    <em>''If only he were a machine...''</em>


    There would be no reason for him to get sick.


    I watched the machines assembling parts in the factory.


    I saw a passerby with a prosthetic leg.


    I saw the machines that made life easier for people.


    They were full of usefulness, so why am I like this?


    I was convinced that even the nickname <em>machine</em> was too much for me.


    ...Why did he lie?


    Did lying somehow help his disease?


    ...In the end, he died.


    I see myself falling down and hitting my head on the floor.


    I couldn''t tell if I was sad.


    In the vision, my face was still hidden behind a mask.


    I feel a sense of disparity between me in the video and me watching the video.


    If this was a memory from the past, I should remember why I acted like that, but I had no idea.


    "..."


    I decided to keep watching the video.


    And the next day.


    I went to work at the factory as usual.


    I was like a cog.


    A cog that kept endlessly turning without thinking.


    I earned money and earned money, and then...


    What do I do now?


    The purpose of earning money for medicine was over.


    In the end, that person is dead.


    Was there any meaning to my actions?


    Objects that arepleted through repetitivebor.


    What on earth do those objects mean to me?


    I quickly came to a conclusion.


    They have no meaning.


    Nothing changes even if Iplete objects that no one might use.


    Unfinished objects flow along the conveyor belt.


    I felt like I was one of them.


    But there was no one here toplete me.


    So I quit the factory.


    And the next day.


    I was holed up in my room ying games.


    It was my only escape.


    That day, I skipped meals and just kept ying until I copsed from exhaustion, drifting into sleep as if I''d passed out.


    And then I woke up in the game.


    "Where is this...?"


    When I opened my eyes, I was in a foreign town where it was snowing heavily.


    People were walking down the streetughing.


    In the game, snow did fall in the background, but I''d never seen the vige bustling with people like this.


    "Inside the game?"


    It was hard to believe.


    I muttered that while standing in my workshop.


    The workshop was a ce where yers made weapons.


    It seemed to be created along with the yer.


    The functions of the workshop and the yer''s unique functions were the same as in the game.


    The material creation function that would be impossible in reality, and the auxiliary function that allowed even me, who had no manufacturing knowledge, to easily make items.


    On top of that... There was even a setting that made it impossible to leave the workshop.


    Of course, the screen in the game was fixed to the workshop, so it seemed to be an aftereffect of that.


    Sighing deeply, I resigned myself to this forced confinement.


    For several days, no customers came to the workshop.


    That is, until a man who seemed to be the vige chief approached me.


    I recognized him.


    An old man with gray hair.


    In the game, he was a pixted character who didn''t look anything like this, but he was so distinctive that I recognized him immediately.


    He was an NPC who gave quests or offered some advice. And now, he was my first customer in this workshop.


    He asked me to make a new dining table because his was broken.


    At that time, I might have looked a little surprised.


    Because this game was solely about crafting <em>weapons</em>.


    Why did I think weapons were necessary in such a peaceful vige?


    This world is simr to a game, but a little different.


    After thinking that far, I set about crafting a table right away.


    A very ordinary table.


    After I handed it over to him, I began to wonder.


    How could I return to my original world?


    If.


    If I fulfilled all the requests of the townspeople, wouldn''t I be able to leave the game?


    With that thought, I threw myself into crafting things for the vigers.


    When assembling things in the factory, I just absentmindedly put the same things together in the same way, like cogs turning, but the things people asked for were all different, so I had to think through each task.


    And strangely, I didn''t mind that feeling.


    ...


    "Make this for me!"


    "...Okay."


    The bakery owner''s daughter had recently visited and asked me to carve a wooden bear for her.


    I''ve never carved anything, but I think I can do it somehow with the auxiliary function.


    "What''s your name?"


    "Cassie!"


    I made it for her without taking any money.


    She happily hugged the wooden bear and ran to show off to her friends.


    It must be heavy because it''s made of wood, yet she carried it easily.


    I stared at it nkly.


    I couldn''t tell what kind of expression I had because I was wearing a mask.


    ...My heart ached slightly.


    "This is something we made at our restaurant. Would you like some? I made it with you in mind!"


    It was Varian, who ran a restaurant at the street corner.


    He handed me a sandwich that was decorated so beautifully that it was burdensome.


    I don''t know what he was thinking, but... I made him a decoration made of iron and wood as a way of showing my gratitude.


    He dly epted it.


    The sandwich was delicious.


    "You''re the guy who made the doll for Cassie, right? Me! Make me one too! Something cool, not a doll!"


    "...Okay."


    This guy is Cassie''s friend and often fights with the kids.


    He usually protects Cassie from bad kids, so he''s not really a delinquent.


    I think his name was Tom.


    A wooden sword should do for him.


    I made the boy a wooden sword.


    The boy was happy and showed it off to Cassie.


    I just stared nkly at it again.


    I''m nk, but I definitely seem to be alive in the video.


    "Hello. I''ve been using the watering can you made mest time."


    This was Fram.


    She had a hobby of growing nts.


    A woman who keeps annoyingly suggesting that I make growing nts a hobby.


    When I stubbornly refuse, she makes a sullen expression.


    A strange woman who wants to make azaleas bloom in this cold ce should get out of my workshop right away.


    I didn''t show even a hint of sympathy.


    Fram pretended to leave, then suddenly tossed a flowerpot, some fertilizer, and several seeds at me before running off.


    "The ck seeds were given to me by some strange person who told me to pass them to you~ If something strange sprouts, don''t me me~!"


    In the video, I immediately put the seeds and flowerpot in the ck hole (trash can).


    I continued to receive requests after that.


    Baro, who runs the shop next door.


    Belle, who sells fish from afar.


    Carl, a yful street magician.


    Friedel, who rarely left his house, making him hard to see.


    ...And then, the vige chief, Geppetto, once again.


    He looked at me with a satisfied face.


    "You look better."


    "Do I?"


    "Of course. When I first saw you, you had an expression that wouldn''t have been strange if you suddenly died. On top of that, when I tried to have a few words of conversation, you kept cutting me off and kicking me out, which honestly hurt."


    "...Is that so."


    Honestly, I don''t remember, but I think I did.


    "The vigers were surprised when they saw your expression... But you seem to have changed quite a bit."


    "I don''t know."


    But it''s believable.


    That might be the reason why they didn''t talk to me until the vige chief spoke to me first.


    "Hmm... I''m bored, how about a quiz?"


    He said out of the blue.


    Before I could answer, the vige chief asked me a question.


    "Who is that person over there?"


    He pointed at a person walking down the street with his finger.


    I knew him.


    "Hypno. He''s a rival of Varian."


    "Then that person?"


    "Erin. She breaks things often andes here quite a lot."


    "And that person?"


    "Pekka. That kid is a delinquent. To be honest, I don''t like him."


    The quiz continued until I got sick of it.


    "What exactly are you trying to say?"


    When I asked that, the vige chief smiled broadly.


    "Do you know what I said to you when I first met you?"


    "You asked me to make you a dining table..."


    "There was more than that."


    "..."


    When I shrugged my shoulders as if I couldn''t remember, the vige chief sighed.


    "I suggested that you try talking to the vigers. If they''re good people, connecting with them could be a kind of therapy."


    "..."


    "You ignored me back then, saying you weren''t mentally unstable and didn''t need it, and yet here you are, familiar with so many people. Looks like it worked after all."


    I shook my head.


    "We aren''t particrly close."


    When I tried to deny it, Cassie appeared from somewhere and waved at me.


    I couldn''t ignore her, so I waved back.


    The vige chief looked at me happily.


    "Hmph."


    He then said that it was already getting dark, so he had to go.


    Recently, there''d been ominous rumors circting in the vige, which might be the reason.


    The vige chief turned around and started to head home.


    At that moment, I noticed something strange about him.


    "Hey, your leg."


    The vige chief was limping.


    "Oh, I fellst time. <strong>There was a bloody smell and something suddenly jumped out of the forest.</strong> I couldn''t see it well, but it must have been a wild animal."


    "Wait."


    I called him back and quickly made a crutch for him on the spot.


    "Don''t overwork yourself, you''re old."


    "How much is it?"


    "This is a thank you, so no charge."


    "A thank you?"


    "I heard everything... Tom told me you''ve been praising my skills to everyone... Why, Geppetto? Why do you care about me so much?"


    The vige chiefughed again.


    His eyes were warm.


    It was as if he was looking at his own child.


    ...My heart ached again.


    "I said you were good because you were good. Hehe. Of course, you looked lonely, so that''s part of it. You''re young, don''t act like an old man who''s lost everyone dear to him."


    His words felt like they were a reflection of himself.


    It seems that there was a hole that could not be filled in the heart of the vige chief who lost precious people.


    Perhaps he saw the same emptiness in me and wanted to help fill it.


    The hole created by losing precious people can only be filled with precious people.


    Even if the hole doesn''t fillpletely, the will to try is what matters.


    Admitting it felt a bit embarrassing, but his kindness had helped fill my emptiness too.


    "It''s just pointless meddling... But let''s say it wasn''t entirely useless."


    "Hehehe..."


    After the vige chief left, I started cleaning up.


    I had to throw away the useless wood that was left over.


    Usually, I throw these useless wood and scrap metals into the ck hole.


    This was a system that was also used when I yed the game, and it was a trash can for discarding unnecessary or incorrectly made items.


    The ck hole only epts objects.


    <strong>People can''t enter, so it seems quite safe.</strong>


    "..."


    It''s been quite some time since I settled in this vige, but I still can''t see a way to go back.


    I thought that if I fulfilled all the vigers'' requests, like in the game, an exit would appear.


    ...Or maybe.


    Did I need to receive a request to make <em>weapons</em>, like in the game?


    Countless recipes for weapons were rotting in my head.


    The vige was peaceful.


    There was nothing dangerous.


    Why did the game need so many weapons?


    A fleeting question.


    ...I shouldn''t have overlooked this question.


    "Kyaaaa-! Belle, Belle''s dead!"


    It happened without warning.


    The children of the sea, crawling out from the deep, attacked the vige with their fishy smell and disgusting tentacles.


    Screams echoed through the peaceful vige.


    Unarmed people were torn apart by the spears of the fishermen, and the town''s guards were struggling and somehow protecting others.


    From afar, the vige chief is seen running towards them with a shabby farm tool as a weapon.


    "I''m sorry to ask this of someone who has only been in this vige for a short time! Would you stay here and make a weapon for me? Please! The people are in danger!"


    <em>''No... why is this happening...''</em>

 Chapter 90

    Most of the vigers have barely handled anything more dangerous than a kitchen knife.


    No matter how good the weapon I hand them, they won''t be able to wield it well.


    Furthermore, the stronger the weapon, the easier it is to hurt the user.


    If they were dolls, I wouldn''t care, but I can''t let people face such risks.


    That''s why I made them the most basic weapons.


    Swords, axes, spears, and the like.


    The clever vige chief set up a barricade to block the beings from the deep sea, but no matter how much I thought about it, it seemed difficult to survive two nights.


    <em>''Is this why yers had to sell weapons in this vige?''</em>Looking back, I saw some strange elements that seemed like Easter eggs.


    Texts like suddenly being unable to request support because allmunicationworks were cut off, or not being able to sleep because of a strange smell.


    I overlooked it, so I wasn''t able to prepare in advance.


    <em>''What am I supposed to do?''</em>


    The only thing I could do now was to create weapons.


    A saw-staff that could grind down enemies.


    A methrower that spits fire specialized for deep-sea creatures.


    However, if used incorrectly, these are dangerous weapons that could eat the wielder instead.


    As I hesitated, the third barricade fell, and a tentacled monster with dozens of eyes broke through.


    There was no turning back now.


    I handed them the strongest weapons I had at the moment.


    The methrower zed, and the saw-staff spun, cutting down the creatures.


    The morale of the vigers gradually rose.


    I felt a momentary sense of relief and looked over the people''s condition.


    They were all exhausted.


    They were maintaining tension and fighting well, but the stress and fatigue were clearly at their limit.


    I stretched my hand out toward the outside.


    However, I was blocked by an invisible wall and could not go any further.


    The people were fighting, yet I couldn''t help them from here.


    No matter how strong the weapons, the users are only human.


    At this rate, they''ll all die.


    "Aaaaaargh!"


    <em>''Austin!''</em>


    As expected, what I was worried about happened.


    He dropped his saw-staff, severing his own foot in the process.


    Austin''s stomach was then pierced by the monster.


    He screamed, but soon his head was crushed, and he died.


    I''ve only seen him twice, but I remember our warm conversation.


    Why is human life so easily crushed?


    If his body was made of iron, he wouldn''t have died.


    If I had foreseen this situation, Austin wouldn''t have died.


    "Kyaaaaaaaahh-!"


    <em>''Fram...''</em>


    Fram was eaten by the monster.


    Herst words were her screams of pain as she was devoured like a crop being harvested.


    I didn''t like Fram.


    Because she was foolish and self-centered.


    Despite the men''s dissuasion, she mustered up her courage and went into battle.


    Even when her slender arms twisted and horrifying scenes unfolded, she still lifted her weapon.


    But in the end, her end was so terrible.


    If there were such a thing as a god, he couldn''t allow this sight to continue.


    Those who somehow managed to stop the enemies fell one by one.


    There was nowhere left to retreat.


    Behind them was a shelter where children and the elderly were hiding.


    "...?"


    In the distance, someone was running towards us.


    A small boy.


    It was Tom.


    "Hey! Give me a real weapon quickly! Not this wooden sword!"


    Tom said as soon as he saw my face.


    That was a foolish statement.


    A child''s body was useless in battle.


    The height of inefficiency.


    But what if we took off that tiny arm and converted it into a prosthetic arm?


    Naturally, I rebuked Tom.


    "Stop talking nonsense and just run away!"


    "If you won''t give me a weapon, I''ll fight with this wooden sword anyway!"


    "Wait! Stop!"


    Tom didn''t listen to me and ran straight to where the monsters were.


    This wasn''t courage, it was recklessness.


    At the very least, I didn''t want him to die in vain.


    Oddly, Tom achieved some surprising results in keeping the enemies at bay with his light wooden sword.


    But, regardless, I continued to pound against the invisible wall in the video.


    Bang!!


    "Run away!"


    I shouted as I mmed my fist at the invisible wall.


    In the video, I was hitting the wall hard enough to make my hand bleed, looking quite desperate and urgent.


    "Damn it! Everyone run away! I can''t hold out anymore!"


    "Stop whining! If we don''t stay, what will happen to the kids?!"


    "The chief is right! Stop whining-"


    Crunch.


    Just as Tom rebuked someone for whining, he was crushed by a giant tentacle.


    "Tom!!"


    The vige chief screamed.


    But even that was a luxury, as an even greater threat approached.


    A monsterrger than any creature we had ever seen appeared, destroying the bakery building.


    People were crushed in an instant without being able to resist.


    Some were squeezed to death like fruit.


    Others took their own lives with the weapons I had made.


    Where is the being who can save this desperate situation?


    If angels or gods exist in this world, surely they should save these helplessmbs.


    Why is no one saving them?


    Even the Devil would be fine.


    Someone save them.


    ...


    ...I''m stupid. I''m so fucking stupid.


    Why am I looking for God now when I''ve never been interested in religion before?


    God may not exist.


    But what is certain is that I am useless trash here.


    It''s not them who should be the first to be trashed, but me, and yet I stand here alone.


    I want to get out.


    I want to get out. I want to get out. I want to get out.


    I''d rather die out there with them.


    "..."


    The chief is looking at me.


    The vige chief, who is about to be trampled to death by a monster walking behind him with a loud noise, raises his mouth slightly as if he has given up.


    "There''s a big hole in your heart... I would''ve liked to fill it a bit in this vige but... I''m sorry."


    Don''t say that.


    I have to get out.


    I have to fucking get out.


    I have to find a passage... A passage.


    Any small hole will do.


    "..."


    The me in the video, looking like I''m not in my right mind, roll my eyes like crazy and stop at one ce.


    I found it.


    A hole.


    A trash can where poorly made equipment and leftover materials are thrown away.


    Maybe I can get out through there?


    No, I can get out.


    I can fucking get out.


    I shoved my head into the hole.


    I can''t get in.


    Of course.


    This hole wasn''t made for people to pass through.


    It''s a ce where cold inorganic things without hearts go in.


    It was never meant to be a passage.


    "...A machine. That''s what the people at the factory called me."


    Sometimes, when pushed to the edge, people try to escape the oing terror.


    One of the ways is to lie.


    Just like my rtive... No, my father lied when he was at the end of his life.


    I kept mumbling.


    "I am a machine. I am a tool. I am a doll."


    A technique to empty your heart that I learned while working at the factory.


    The heart gradually grew colder as I actively utilized it.


    The tears for the dead, the tears of joy I might have someday, all erased, I sank deeper into the void in my heart.


    <em>''Look at me now. I couldn''t save anyone. Not my father, not the chief, not Tom, nor anyone else in the vige. In the end, I was useless.''</em>


    <em><strong>-So, are you going to stay that way forever?</strong></em>


    A voice is heard.


    It''s a voice I''ve heard somewhere...


    <em>''...I don''t know.''</em>


    <em><strong>-If you''re useless, then just make yourself useful.</strong></em>


    The voice was sweet, like the voice of the Devil.


    The voice guided me, who was wandering through the depths of my heart.


    What the voice showed me were the machines of the factory.


    <em>''I see. Machines and tools were always useful. Then, I just have to be a machine, too.''</em>


    I ultimately abandoned my heart.


    the soul slipped slowly into the hole.


    In the pitch-ck darkness.


    A ck seed sprouted.


    The body began to be remade anew.


    A ck seed germinates.


    The body is recreated.


    I had seeded in denying my humanity by lying to himself and deceiving reality.


    "..."


    Twisting reality itself, I, now an imperfect transcendent being, stepped outside the workshop.


    There, many monsters spotted me and rushed to stop me as if they sensed something was wrong.


    I slowly advanced.


    I ughtered the monsters in front of me one by one and crossed the pool of blood with my cold feet.


    As the monsters died, I became more perfect.


    And finally, I killed thest monster and stood on the mountain of corpses and looked around the vige.


    "They''re all dead."


    The corpses of monsters and humans were all over his feet.


    Among them was the corpse of an old man whose name was probably Geppetto.


    "..."


    I felt nothing.


    Surely that man had once been precious to him.


    But as a creature now made of iron and wood, I couldn''t even guess what expression to make.


    Why did I want to protect this person in the first ce?


    "Hmm..."


    Yes, I must have wanted to protect him because he''d been human, like me.


    However, I couldn''t understand my past actions.


    If I had truly wanted to protect these people, I could have modified some of them into living weapons to put up a better fight, if not guarantee victory.


    Soft human flesh was inefficient, after all.


    "Waaah!"


    A girl''s scream broke his thoughts.


    The child crying in front of the corpses is... Cassie.


    Since I had once cared for her, I couldn''t help but take an interest.


    But why is she crying so sadly?


    Ah. It''s a simple thing. The death of one''s own kind makes a living being feel fear.


    She was likely afraid she''d die as well.


    There was no guarantee this was thest of the monsters.


    The world likely swarmed with even more of them.


    Don''t cry, Cassie.


    I''ll go on a trip ande back soon.


    I''ll modify you.


    You''re special, so I''ll give you a body that will never die!


    Oh, and while I''m at it, I might as well modify the rest of the vigers, too.


    Actually, no, let''s upgrade all of humanity to fight the monsters!


    How magnificent.


    How useful a machine I am!


    Beep.


    Suddenly, the Pinhio in the video froze.


    Someone had paused the video.


    The immersion shattered, and I realized I was sitting in a movie theater.


    "Do you really think so?"


    "Alice."


    Alice, seated beside me, asked with a sad expression.


    She looked as if watching that video reminded her of herself.


    Alice continue.


    "A goal followed only through cold logic will lead you nowhere in the end. Even if you modify everyone using the power of the Machine God, you won''t find happiness in that."


    Alice spoke as though my actions were meaningless.


    And since she acted like she already knew the answer, I asked her.


    "Then... What should I do? Honestly, my heart is still empty. I don''t think I''m obligated to agree with you, either."


    "The answer to that is here."


    Alice held out something.


    It was a seed with a rainbow glow.


    "I made this with the power of monsters tied to emotions. It''s... A bit crude, but... I''m not good at creating things. The thing I nted in you when we first fought was a very small amount of this."


    "Hmm..."


    "I wish you''d ept it. There were some monsters who didn''t want to lend me their power, so I took it by force, and I had a hard time. Even now, most of them don''t respond when I talk to them because they''re upset."


    "I''m not one to get swept up in the atmosphere. I don''t know what you''ve done to this seed, and it doesn''t sound particrly appealing to me. So..."


    "It''s good not to get swept up. It''spletely your decision. So you''re not going to take it?"


    Alice kept holding out the seed to me, urging me to make a choice.


    If I was suspicious, I didn''t have to ept it.


    Or I could take it and throw it awayter.


    "I..."


    Why was I hesitating?


    I''m a machine. I saw it in that video.


    How useless I was as a person with emotions.


    How worthless I was as a human.


    Someone who protected nothing and only repeated failures.


    "Pinhio. You in that video. You, a human, are wearing a mask. But that is a mask that only you can see. You cannot read expressions because you have abandoned your own. Aren''t you curious about what kind of expression you, who had emotions, would make in front of a mountain of corpses?"


    "..."


    I don''t want to be curious.


    It''s different from not being curious.


    Some kind of iprehensible rejection is rising.


    It must be because of the seed that Alice nted in my body.


    "Like the ghost story about a corpse under a cherry tree, face the horror that lies beneath the splendor. Face the fear and regain your will. Don''t hesitate because of past failures. Don''t let past failures make you hesitate. We can make it... As long as we try."


    "Regaining emotions is ultimately nothing more than a downgrade for me."


    When I said that, the me in the video, who should have stopped, suddenly started talking.


    "But sometimes it''s better to use a weaker, more suitable weapon than to just blindly use a strong weapon."


    I retorted.


    "Maybe you don''t have a choice. When you''re really cornered, you have to take out a strong weapon."


    "You can think about thatter. We''re not cksmiths who only make weapons."


    "Even if you make tools for everyday life, they won''t help you fight."


    We talked back and forth as if we were debating.


    Arguing with myself makes me realize that finding the truth through conversation is a long and arduous path.


    "It helps us understand andmunicate with them."


    "...We have to protect people."


    "That''s right, we have to protect them. Arm them with weapons, and protect them yourself. Tools have many uses. Sometimes you can suppress your emotions and take up weapons. However, it''s also necessary to understand andmunicate with them."


    "Who would benefit from me having emotions?"


    When I said that, the version of me in the video fell silent.


    Was it decided, then?


    However, the me in the video only moved slightly to show the mountain of corpses that were covered by his body and the crying girl.


    "...Cassie is crying."


    This time, it was me who closed his mouth.


    <strong><em>-Waaah! Where did everyone go?</em></strong>


    My hands were shaking.


    Alice gently held my wooden hand.


    She handed me a seed.


    I took the seed.


    "A terrible misfortune has urred. We can''t truly console her. But we can cry with her."


    <strong><em>-I miss you...</em></strong>


    I nted the seed in myself.


    The seed sprouted as if it had been waiting.


    <em><strong>-Sister...</strong></em>


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    Both the Pinhio in the video and the one outside the video shed their masks simultaneously.


    Pinhio''s wooden face copsed, revealing a human face.


    Her expression was filled with anger and sadness.


    Tears fell down her cheeks.


    "Ahhh... I wanted to protect them. I couldn''t even save my father... I wanted to save them this time! They''re all dead! Because I wascent! Because I was weak!"


    She screamed and then lowered her head and cried.


    This ce was her inner world.


    If she tried to fill this space with tears, she could easily do so.


    Those tears would be the nutrients that would grow Pinhio''s new heart.


    "You are a devil who created weapons (tools) because you wanted to protect people, but when faced with a great disaster, you abandoned your heart and chose to be a tool. Because you abandoned your heart, only your purpose of protecting others remained, and you ended up with a twisted ending. Now, I hope you will go down the right path, even if only a little."


    "..."


    "It seems you''ll need more time."


    Leaving Pinhio''s sobbing behind, I exited the theater and headed toward the end of the still-darkened hall.


    After a while, the gear that had been hidden away finally revealed itself.


    "Now that the n is ruined, isn''t it time for you to show yourself again?"


    <strong>[...]</strong>


    "You damn piece of scrap metal."


    As I spoke venomously, a face of the Machine God emerged from part of the gear.


    It was a ridiculous sight.


    <strong>[So you insist on ruining everything.]</strong>


    "Pinhio was a machine beyond your control. So your n was to corrupt her and take her power for yourself, right?"


    If cockroaches were this tenacious, even Sesco would have given up.<sup>1</sup>


    But now, it''s truly over.


    Last time, the core and the clones were separate, but Pinhio''s scale must havepressed everything, including the clones, into this one gear.


    <strong>[I merely seized an opportunity from a crisis.]</strong>


    "I see. Now it''s the end."


    <strong>[Indeed. The end, I suppose. But... It was entertaining, I must admit.]</strong>


    Iughed in disbelief.


    "Ha! You did all this grandiose stuff, but in the end, it was all fun? Was tormenting people and making them cry that much fun? Yes, it was fun! Terror is inherently thrilling. But entertainment should nevere at the cost of human lives."


    In my mind, the Queen of Hearts shouted.


    Off with his head!


    I slowly grabbed the gear that was small enough to fit in one hand.


    And I began to tighten my grip.


    <strong>[Entertainment... This world is filled with malicious dangers. Do you think it''s possible?]</strong>


    "Of course."


    And so, I crushed the gear.


    Crunch...!


    The fragments fell and I instinctively knew that they had a huge impact on this world.


    I muttered as I looked at the fragments.


    "...Because that''s what I''m going to do."


    ...


    Alice.


    Defeated the first ruler.

 Chapter 91

    "Is this the ce?"


    "Yes, Director Carol."


    Carol gets out of the helicopter.


    She kicked away a piece of debris from the fight between Pinhio and Alice.


    They really managed to shatter such a thick wall like this.


    "Alice did it in a shy way. It''s not as bad as when she dropped the nukest time, but..."


    Carol pulls a detector from her pocket.


    Searching through the debris one by one to find what you want is...


    Quite inefficient.However, the detector''s response was strange.


    The signal was weak.


    "Urgh! It''s not working well because reality is distorted by reality maniption!"


    Carol shouted nervously, and the attendant next to her flinched.


    Seeing this, Carol awkwardly twists her hair.


    "I''m sorry. Lately, I''ve been so annoyed by all the things going on... It''s all because of that Mephisto guy. That guy only likes to cause trouble and never takes care of it, you know? Look at this! If Alice hadn''t stopped Pinhio, the Ruler or whatever would''ve created a mess!"


    Carol alternates between apologizing and venting her frustration.


    You can tell that she usually gets quite stressed out.


    As Carol continued to curse Mephisto inwardly, leaving the attendant behind who looked troubled, he said a word to cheer her up.


    "But at least we have a chance to get some materials."


    "That''s good to hear, but..."


    Carol sighed and stopped cursing, then rummaged through the wreckage and put the detector on each one.


    After about 5 minutes, a red light came on from the detector.


    Carol immediately put on her special gloves and cleared the debris to get the broken gear.


    "Okay. With this in hand and after reporting to the higher-ups, we can finally go see Alice again."


    "Um, what about the punishment...?"


    The attendant asked Carol and then covered his mouth as if he made a mistake.


    He had expected that she would at least be separated from Alice, but he was surprised when Carol said something unexpected, so he unconsciously asked.


    Still, orders given by the higher-ups are basically secrets.


    It wasn''t something to be asked lightly, so he had to be prepared to be scolded.


    However, Carol didn''t care.


    "Well... I guess you could say there was no punishment, but I received various demands. The details are a secret. Hehe. Even the higher-ups are like that. Their vague orders make it clear they''re still wavering over whether to approve or disapprove of what Mephistopheles did." ?§¡


    "..."


    Even though the details were kept secret, what that loose-lipped woman said was a considerable amount of information.


    In the first ce, bringing up the story about Mephisto Pheles was a top secret of top secrets.


    The attendant was even considering taking an amnestic.


    Carol, who was looking at the attendant who was struggling alone as if she was having a hard time, thought to herself.


    <em>''No matter what oue the Institution and Mephisto Pheles aim for, I have no intention of going along with it.''</em>


    "Let''s hurry and get back."


    Carol got on the helicopter, told the driver the destination, and looked out the window.


    They soon left the base and saw an ordinary city.


    What kind of monsters were hiding in that peaceful-looking, everydayndscape?


    Carol frowned slightly at that thought.


    [Don''t you get it yet, Carol? The world is the greatest joke! So... I hope you don''t hate this world too much.]


    "..."


    Why is that suddenlying to mind?


    Carol nced out the window and saw her attendant.


    He was smiling faintly while sending a message to someone else on his smartphone.


    Carol asked.


    "If you don''t mind, can I ask what''s so fun about it?"


    "Haha. My daughter just asked me what I''m going to do for Halloween in a few months."


    "Is that so? You know we don''t have any holidays, right? If you want to take a vacation, it''s better to request time off in advance."


    "Yes, I understand."


    After a short conversation, Carol looked out the window again.


    She looked a little lonely.


    <em>''Halloween... I''m reminded of an old friend. Where did you go, leaving only those words behind...''</em>


    ...


    <strong>POV Switch - Alice</strong>


    "Here, Alice! This is the new spicy ramen! Try it!"


    It''s after school now.


    Suddenly, noodles covered in spicy sauce are trying to invade my mouth.


    And I resisted it with my teeth, and finally pushed Eun-jeong away and asked her.


    "...I wouldn''t say I can''t eat it, but Eun-jeong, why do you keep trying to feed me spicy food?"


    "I want to see Alice panting from the heat!"


    "So you''re not even trying to hide it anymore?!"


    "Eek!"


    I stretched Eun-jeong''s cheeks and teased her.


    It''s a big mistake to think that I''ll be teased all the time!


    While I was stroking Eun-jeong''s head because she was sobbing and I felt guilty, Ha-rim asked me.


    "So... Did you solve the problem you had to solvest time?"


    "Umm... Well, that''s right. I wonder what happened to her."


    Even after being ejected from Pinhio''s consciousness, she still seemed confused.


    When I looked at her, she noticed my gaze, muttered something about seeing meter, and quickly disappeared.


    "I couldn''t catch her for some reason."


    Hmm... While it wasn''t impossible to catch her then, I had a hunch I''ll run into her again soon.


    It seemed like she had no intention of antagonizing me or attacking the Institution anymore.


    I seemed to have let them go of Peter Pan the same way too... We''ll have to wait and see what happens.


    They''re kind of like me in a way, so I don''t want to be too harsh on them.


    "So what are you going to do today?"


    When Ha-rim asked that, I thought deeply.


    Is there anything light and enjoyable to do?


    "Hmm~ Let''s take it easy today? Do you want to do the homework the teacher gave us today?"


    As I said that, I took out my textbooks from my bag and handed them to the kids.


    The kids'' reactions were quite cold.


    "Alice... I''m disappointed."


    "N-No, I''m joking!"


    I put the textbooks away right away and started thinking again.


    Should I give them a tour of the mirror world?


    "I have a good idea. Let''s analyze ghost stories!"


    At that moment, Ha-rim suggested.


    "Analyzing ghost stories?"


    When I asked again, she nodded.


    "Ghost stories. I used to think they were stories made up of about 90% fiction and 10% truth... There really are scary things in the world. Do you understand what I mean?"


    Kyeong-min listened quietly and nodded.


    "Aha. I think I know what you''re trying to say. There''s a possibility that ghost stories themselves are true, right? That''s why we''re going to analyze ghost stories and track down the <em>real</em> ones."


    "That''s right!"


    James also said that ghost stories may be caused by the Institution''s memory erasure or information control not being perfect.


    Like Mary, in which the actual entity was a bug-shaped monster.


    "It seems like it would be good for relieving boredom. Well, let''s not really try to meet the monsters in ghost stories. Let''s spend the day peacefully."


    "Why are you so obsessed with being peaceful?"


    "We had a big day yesterday. I destroyed the scrap metal Ruler I mentionedst time."


    "Eh~ You went without us?"


    Ha-rim whining was cute.


    I smiled slightly and tried tofort her.


    "Hehehe... Sorry. It''s not because I didn''t trust you that I didn''t take you, so don''t be too disappointed."


    "If Alice is like that..."


    Ha-rim understood and went near the ckboard and spoke.


    "Okay. Since we don''t have any specific materials, let''s analyze the ghost stories thate to mind today. Does anyone have any?"


    "Um... How about a doppelganger ghost story?"


    I thought Kyeong-min or Ha-rim would raise their hands first, but surprisingly, it was Suho.


    "Doppelganger..."


    "Didn''t you meet a doppelganger before?"


    The doppelganger monster was one of the monsters I met when I was E.


    He was a guy who left quite a bad impression, but looking back, he also warned me about the time that the half-demon had twisted.


    ...If I had noticed it then, would things have been different?


    "Yeah, that''s right. But the doppelganger we met wasn''t the main character in the ghost story, but a <em>derivative</em> of a ghost story. If a ghost story is the chicken, then the doppelganger was the egg. Uh... Anyway. My question is this. Why did the saying that one of you dies when you meet a doppelgangere about? Is it because whatever qualifies as a doppelganger kills the other person?"


    "That''s right. If the legend isn''t just exaggerated, why would one die upon meeting the other?"


    While I was responding to Suho''s words, the mirror I had put in my skirt shook.


    Shake, shake.


    <em>''Doppelganger bastard. He wants toe out and tell his story.''</em>


    Thwack.


    I lightly hit the mirror and warned him not toe out.


    I felt bad for the doppelganger in the mirror that quickly became quiet, but I didn''t want to make things awkward.


    <em>''They copy not only the appearance of a person but also their memories, so they don''t even know that they''re a monster, so it''s annoying because they run wild.''</em>


    "If this legend wasn''t just made scary for the sake of it, there must be a reason it started. It''s weird to think someone would die just because they look alike.Unless it actually happened."


    "Hmm..."


    The children began to worry as Suho continued to ask questions.


    At that time, Eun-jeong, who was struggling to eat spicy ramen by herself, asked.


    "But how do you die? A heart attack?"


    "Usually, one person dies from a heart attack or the other person kills the other!"


    "Then, isn''t the truth that they''re a murderer who''s actually disguised?"


    Ha-rim guessed that the original doppelganger was a murderer who was good at disguising.


    Of course, this is a guess based on the assumption that the identity of the doppelganger is something that can be identified.


    "Oh..."


    When I showed interest in the novel answer, Eun-jeong brought up another opinion.


    "Maybe the doppelganger eats them!"


    The doppelganger eats them?


    "Why?"


    "Um... To rece them? They eat them to rece the person, just like in the story of the mouse that eats fingernails."<sup>1</sup>


    It''s much less believable than Ha-rim''s.


    Still, in a world where supernatural monsters rule, it seems worth thinking about.


    "Both are interesting hypotheses. Okay, let''s list both."


    Ha-rim listened to me and wrote down both opinions on the ckboard with chalk.


    The identity of the doppelganger: A monster that tries to rece a person, a murderer who is good at disguise.


    This ghost story was likely made up by people who felt creepy when they saw their own reflection in a dark space.


    Furthermore, it is possible that someone who was surprised by seeing themselves in the mirror died from a heart attack as a result of this ghost story.


    But let''s skip it because it''s fun to guess.


    "It''s somehow exciting. Next... Kyeong-min, you should try it."


    "The ghost story I thought of is about werewolves."


    The ghost story Kyeong-min came up with was truly an unexpected one.


    Eun-jeong tilted her head slightly.


    "Werewolfs? That''s not really a ghost story..."


    Werewolves, like vampires, were the kind of monsters that only appear in old movies. Right.


    They''re closer to legends than ghost stories.


    Even in legends, half-human, half-beast monsters are amon subject.


    "It''s a legend. But in essence, it doesn''t seem that different."


    Ha-rim added strength to Kyeong-min''s words.


    In a broad sense, legends fall within the scope of human ominous imagination, so it wasn''t wrong.


    However, Kyeong-min denied the keyword legend.


    "No. It''s a ghost story. It''s a ghost story that''s been trending recently."


    Kyeong-min then showed several eyewitness ounts using webpage photos captured on his phone.


    There are quite a few at a nce.


    Of course, there are no direct photos, and there are only vague photos and eyewitness ounts that say they heard the sound of wolves howling.


    "Isn''t it strange? It''s rare for old legends to be a topic of conversation like this."


    To Kyeong-min, who was raising questions, I simply gave a clear answer.


    "That must be a real werewolf."


    "Huh? I thought it might be a psychopath wearing a costume, but I didn''t know Alice would confirm it."


    "Yeah. I''ve seen something like that before. I even fought one."


    I encountered wolf-like monsters at the ce where I first met the kids.


    It was just a few, but since there must have been a lot of them, the Institution might have missed some.


    There must have been many eyewitness ounts as a result.


    The interesting thing is that the werewolf story that was simply a rumor was actually involved in something bigger.


    It wasn''t just that werewolves survived like endangered animals and were living in hiding, but that an entire foreign region had turned into a forest, and the werewolf monsters that jumped out from there easily overpowered the Institution''s numbers.


    The truth behind that huge incident is also a mystery that must be solved someday.


    Hehehe... I''ll save that story forter~


    "Wow. This ghost story was real."


    I gave a little warning to Kyeong-min, who was surprised.


    "There''s a possibility that there are more werewolves, so be careful if you hear animal sounds on the street."


    "That''s creepy."


    "Okay, next!"


    Ha-rim summarized it on the board again.


    Werewolves: There really are. There seem to be a lot of them.


    This time, Ha-rim, who had been writing on the board, raised her hand.


    When I gestured, she said.


    "Do you know about this guy called <em>This Man?</em>"


    Kyeong-min nodded as if he knew.


    Of course, I know that ghost story too.


    "I know. It''s a ghost story about <em>the man everyone has seen in their dreams.</em>"


    This Man is a ghost story that started on a website where they put up a picture of a strange-looking man that you''ll remember once you see it and ask, <em>Have you ever seen this guy in your dreams?</em>


    It was known in Korea as This man, derived from the phrase <em>Ever Dream This Man?.</em>


    The interesting thing about this ghost story is that many people said they had seen This Man.


    Whether it was the maniption of some force or someone who actually knew about it, this ghost story with a rather creepy atmosphere quickly gained poprity and became famous.


    "But that''s a fake made by a marketing strategist."


    "Oh."


    That''s how it turned out, but...


    "Hey. It''s not fun to think that way. There''s a secret institution that controls information, so who knows if it''s a lie?"


    "That makes sense."


    "It''s only half-fun, but Suho is serious~"


    When Eun-jeong teased Suho, Suho stuffed more noodles into Eun-jeong''s mouth, who was taking a break from eating spicy ramen for a moment.


    "Fine, fine~ But even if that''s a lie, I''ve never seen this person in my dreams?"


    "Honestly, me neither."


    "Me too! I think this ghost story is fake."


    There''s a reason why ghost stories end up as ghost stories.


    People say they''ve seen This Man, but I guess no one has actually seen him in their dreams.


    "I thought he might be a mind control psychic, but I didn''t know about This Man before I heard this ghost story. I think he might be fake."


    "That''s disappointing."


    Ha-rim was tantly disappointed by my words.


    Compared to what came before, it''s a disappointing conclusion.


    "Then what about the 200 won coin?"


    Kyeong-min asks.


    200 won coin.


    It''s a ghost story that became a hot topic on intemunities, and it''s about a 200 won coin actually existing in the past.


    Aizen brought up a story about a 200 won coin, and it spread as several people agreed with it.


    It''s simr to This Man.


    "Oh, that''s also a mystery. But I don''t know anything about 200 won coins."


    The other kids only heard of the ghost story, but they had never actually seen a 200 won coin.


    In the end, the story ended with the idea that this was just a mistake made by people who yed with toy currency that was popr in the old days.


    Until thest ghost story Eun-jeong told.


    "...Then is the ghost story of the smiling girl like that?"


    "Huh?"


    "Oh, right! There was that too, right?"


    When I was about to ask what kind of ghost story it was, the kids started to react.


    Since I had never heard of such a ghost story, I just had an invisible question mark floating above my head.


    "Unlike This man or the 200 won coin, I think I''ve seen that girl before."


    In the case of Suho and Kyeong-min, they were not sure, but Eun-jeong and Ha-rim said they definitely had seen it.


    It seems that everyone is different, but the fact that they reacted more to this than 200 won coin or This Man seems strange.


    I felt a chill down my spine, suspecting that they had been brainwashed as a group.


    "Wait a minute, you guys. What are you talking about?"


    "Huh? Haven''t you seen Alice?"


    "..."


    When I asked for an exnation, they briefly exined about the girl that everyone vaguely knew.


    Her hair was brown. She had a ribbon on her head. She wasughing as if she was having fun.


    And every time I thought of her, I felt a strange chill.


    It was suspicious because it was so specific for a dream, and most importantly, because the kids all knew about it.


    I asked other people through Kyeong-min''s cell phone, and it seemed like 3 out of 5 people knew about the girl.


    <em>''If there were so many people who knew about it, it would have been a hot topic in themunity, but it''s also very suspicious that it remains as a small ghost story that only those who know about it know.''</em>


    Could it be that the Institution controls inte information?


    If something happened in the past, they could have just erased their memories, so why bother?


    ...Maybe there is something in human memory that even they can''t erase.


    "Everything we''ve said before seems fake, but it''s quite suspicious that we all know the brown-haired girl."


    "What on earth is this phenomenon? Did everyone in the world meet that girl at least once?"


    "Hey, everyone in the world? That''s ridiculous."


    "Didn''t we meet in a past life? The intense memories just follow us into this life!"


    "Why doesn''t Alice know?"


    The kids talked about this and that, but no one came up with an opinion that could resolve it. The ghost story analysis time that was meant to be light ended on an uneasy note.


    I thought that maybe it was the most ghost story-like ending to any story so far.


    And what if.


    If that ghost story was caused by something abnormal that urred in this world, then the inside story might be bigger than anything I''ve ever seen.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!