Chapter 281

[And what if I’m not fine with that?] The plush rabbit inside the TV hesitated, but the host’s voice grew softer, more cunning. [Look around, Mr. Soleum. See how your brutish mercenary has wrecked the set. This space, built with the sweat and tears of the staff, the cost of disrupting the broadcast…] Inside the giant TV, the plush rabbit suddenly sprang up and began smacking the screen with its stuffed hands. As if protesting against his words! […! My goodness, this is—] The host’s massive gloved hands reached up as if trying to adjust an antenna, but the screen flickered, briefly revealing the rampaging Good Friend plush inside. Eventually, the host sighed in frustration and withdrew his hands. [It can’t be helped.] All the stage lights momentarily dimmed. Before Kim Soleum even realized it, the host had returned to his prior form, standing right in front of him. [Yes… It’s true that watching and getting involved in your actions was immensely enjoyable.] [Who would have thought my mask would become such a nuisance…] The host spoke in a refined, almost resigned tone. [This Braun acknowledges it.] [That following your unique, creative, and gripping developments was thrilling and fun…] [That playing the role of the good friend was… uniquely enjoyable.] Kim Soleum realized something. It was obvious that the one moving the plush inside the TV was the host himself. Which meant that the rabbit’s earlier outburst… Was an extension of some part of the host that had felt that way. A lingering trace of the ‘Good Friend’. The bombardment that had stormed the talk show had ended at some point. The lights had returned, and now, in this half-destroyed set—which somehow still looked like a part of the show—Braun stood, watching Kim Soleum. Watching the friend who had been just beyond his reach. [But now, that plush body is no more.] [Of course… A great host always has a Plan B.] With a magician’s flourish, the host’s gloved fingers twirled, revealing a single silver coin shimmering between them. The Silver Serpent Coin. The coin Kim Soleum had used to summon the ‘Good Friend’ before. The very item he thought had burned away along with the plush body. Kim Soleum, watching from beyond his body, was visibly shaken. “I was sure it got incinerated…” [Haha, a true entertainer must also be well-versed in magic! Just a simple little trick.] The coin fell from Braun’s hand into the front pocket of Kim Soleum’s suit. The very spot where the ‘Good Friend’ had always stayed. A gloved finger gave the pocket a light tap. [Take it. And if you use the proper medium to call me again… I will come, Mr. Roe Deer.] Unlike the shocked Kim Soleum, Lee Jaheon coolly relayed his words aloud. [Oh, but this friend may not be as ‘good’ as before.] “So that means you still could be.” […Ah, such a magician with words, Friend!] The TV screen remained dark, displaying nothing. But in its reflection, Kim Soleum could see his own face. And he spoke with the urge to smile. [A teaser for a sequel!] The host raised both hands. [Now, let’s give a round of applause to my temporary crew member, who is leaving this magnificent, dazzling studio to return to the dreadful reality of his challenges!] Kim Soleum turned his head in surprise. The audience seats were still filled. The cameras were still rolling. And on the stage screen, glowing letters read: ‘Special Bonus Segment! Behind the Scenes with the Host (Sensitive Personal Information Will Be Censored)’. ‘Come to think of it… we’re still in a commercial break.’ So this was being broadcast too… ‘He really loves his show.’ He could only hope that the crew censored his personal information properly. Kim Soleum wasn’t sure whether he wanted to sigh or laugh. [Now, it’s time for the exit.] The host extended his hand for a handshake. Kim Soleum requested the ‘mercenary’ controlling his body to accept it. And then—he heard it. [You’d better be as entertaining as you promised. I’ll be watching to see if you truly are…] If he had his real body, he might have broken into a cold sweat. But since Section Chief Lee Jaheon was in control, he simply nodded to the audience before confidently striding through the broken guest entrance and running out. [Then, have a delightful departure!] He exited the talk show set. For a fleeting moment, he caught a glimpse of the audience. Unlike before, they no longer seemed like ordinary people, but rather, something… else. Viewers of a different kind… It was unsettling, but strangely, he felt lighter than ever. Behind him, the lively yet eerie voice of the talk show host—his friend—resounded. [Until now… this has been Braun’s Late-Night Talk Show!] The sky was dim with the first light of dawn. A dawn I recognized… a morning of the ordinary world. I took a deep breath and sprawled out on the ground. I was lying on a park bench, somewhere unfamiliar. ‘Did they leave me here?’ The feeling of freedom was almost overwhelming. The fact that I could move my own body. And the fact that I had made it outside, safe and sound… Everything felt right. Did Squad Leader Lee Jaheon return properly? More importantly, was I actually okay? I wasn’t sure how I could feel this clear-headed and normal after everything that had happened. ‘…Wait a second. Could it be that after throwing up that churro…’ Hmm. Just speculation for now, so let’s set that thought aside. The important thing is. ‘I escaped. After an entire month!’ I stretched out my arms and legs. I lost all my company belongings—my Dream Essence Collector, my employee ID, my mask. ‘I should probably contact the company firs—’ Did I just… miss work for an entire month without notice? ‘Did they… fire me?!’ What about my points?! The realization hit like a bucket of ice water. I needed to check right now. Screw exhaustion and relief—my blood turned cold as I scrambled to figure out a way to contact someone. Above me, something shimmered in the air. Something I hadn’t seen in a long time. [Dark Exploration Records Real Merch Box] – New merch unlocked! (!) Something dropped into my hands. I looked down at it, my hands trembling. It was a brand-new, unopened product, still with its price barcode attached. A compact, high-quality item, made small to reduce costs—but still absurdly expensive due to its precision engineering. A cylinder with metallic accents. I knew exactly what this was. Dream Essence Collector (Elite Team Edition) The cylinder was already full with gleaming golden liquid… A glowing, golden liquid shimmered within, reflecting light like a hologram. I held it up with shaking hands. With a holographic glow that I’ve never seen before—