NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11
In a world filled with a surreal power called [Abnormality], the information surrounding it has been thoroughly concealed from the public.
This was the result of the relentless efforts of the [Alliance] since the mythological era when [Abnormality] was taken for granted…
Sadly, in the darker underworld, the power known as [Abnormality] has become nearly half-recognized.
Among the countless organizations in this underworld, which continue to proliferate, four major powers dominate.
The [Alliance] and [Temple] that have been in existence since the age of mythology,
The [Artist], which officially expanded during the Renaissance era,
And the [Company], which became prominent during the industrial revolution.
Most would think that the strongest powers are the [Alliance] or the [Temple], but in reality, the most formidable force in the 21st century is the newly emerged [Company].
Because of this, they were the first to notice the newly born [Abnormal Phenomenon] that had never existed before.
“[Eating the Abnormality]…”
“This seems almost certain.”
“It’s dangerous, too dangerous.”
“But it’s an enticing power.”
“Is recovery impossible?”
“Violent confrontation is not a good choice.”
In a black space, six figures were conversing.
Six [Directors] running the [Company].
A faction that rules the underworld.
“Here is the photo of the corresponding [Abnormal Entity].”
Receiving their attention, a manager from the [Company] operated a computer to display a photo.
An appearance that was neither particularly handsome nor ugly.
An average height and a physique typical of a Korean.
A look that could be seen anywhere without being unusual.
It seems the [Alliance] has not yet caught on, but the [Company] was already aware of the events happening in the abandoned school.
After all, it’s the [God’s Egg].
The incompetent [Alliance] thought they had eradicated it after missing it once and were unaware of its existence, but the [Company] had been carefully observing the [Abnormal Entity].
It was a defective item that couldn’t hatch despite having sufficient power, but still, a [God] is a [God].
If it were to hatch successfully, it could plunge the world into disaster.
Such an existence was hunted down by one individual.
Moreover, the bigger issue is…
“Is the reaction still the same?”
“Yes, it’s undoubtedly confirmed.”
The fact that the detected entity, confirmed to have been hunted down, is still being sensed.
“The corresponding [Abnormal Entity] resides in a space-form [Abnormal Entity].”
As the manager operated the computer, the screen changed, and Han Yu-seong’s photo disappeared, revealing a photo of a space.
“Divine energy has been detected in the so-called [Ordinary Apartment].”
*
“So, those with power must protect the weak… Ack!”
“Yes, yes, good boy, eat this and be quiet.”
When I shoved candy into the mouth of the noisy teddy bear, it finally quieted down.
Huh? Did I just misidentify it as a human?
Sorry, but the one making noise was indeed the teddy bear.
I bought it myself at the mart for 19,900 won, so there’s no doubt about it.
“Glug, glug… chompy chompy….”
How does it taste that thing?
I always think it’s fascinating every time I see it.
-Hey, can we put food in there?
-It might break.
I even broadcasted it.
I’m not part of the [Alliance], so I have no reason to hide it.
Thanks to that, it’s treated as the mascot of my broadcast.
Well, it seems the viewers perceive it as a robot.
“It’s not a robot, but they won’t believe me.”
To begin with, it’s not some robot; it’s a real doll.
To be more precise, it should be classified as a haunted doll, an [Abnormal Entity].
“Is it tasty?”
“…!”
The doll, which had been munching on the candy, suddenly thought of my gaze and tried to strike a serious pose, but it was already too late.
That moment had long been live-streamed.
-So cute…
-Where did you buy that? Link it.
-What a worthless thing.
By the way, it’s in a pose, not a face because the doll has no facial muscles to make expressions.
Isn’t that quite irrelevant since its arms and legs can move…?
Well, I’ve never been a doll, so there must be reasons unique to dolls.
“Actually, I’m not usually this scatterbrained; when I was a special agent, I couldn’t eat sweet things because of body management… Or rather, because I possessed power… Ack!”
“Alright, I got it, eat more.”
After it seemed to have finished the candy in its mouth, I stuffed another one in.
The moving doll is cute, but talking isn’t that great.
Anyway, I hope this hero disease clears up soon.
By now, everyone should have caught on that the identity of this doll is none other than Kim Yu-na, once an agent of the [Alliance].
To be precise, it’s her soul.
A week ago, after hunting the [God] and [Ghost] in the abandoned school, I suddenly received a [Status Window].
Thanks to that, knowing that Kim Yu-na’s soul was trapped in the Back Room, I had a [Security Guard] fetch her.
“Is she alright?”
“This is how she is. She’s been holding on for a long time.”
According to the [Security Guard], it seems there are times when humans enter the Back Room.
The humans that enter like that get killed by entities and end up in a state like hers.
The souls of humans devoid of their bodies are very sensitive and delicate, typically losing their minds within moments, and the Back Room devours those souls…
“This is the first time I’ve seen a soul hold on for such a long time.”
The [Security Guard] spoke in a somewhat excited tone.
If they devour a soul, could a new form of entity be born based on that?
“Is there no way to wake her up?”
“None.”
“Really?”
“…It’s the fact of being a soul that’s the problem; if we retrieve the body, she’ll regain her senses after a while.”
Was it just my imagination that the [Security Guard] seemed a bit glum?
But she’s a human, right?
I mean, it’s not like I spent a boring past life that left me with qualms about killing a human…
‘Isn’t it a bit strange to consume the soul of a girl who came to talk when we’re saving those who came to capture us?’
While it’s only the gods who know whether those currently being treated will recover their minds, this was an issue of feeling.
“That said, helping her body seems a bit…”
It’s not like I can kill to retrieve her.
At that moment, a movie I’d seen in the past flashed through my mind.
It was definitely about a villain possessing a doll-like entity…
“Doll body should be okay, right?”
“….”
Thus, the poor soul became a beloved cute teddy bear, cherished by everyone.
She’s happily munching on candy, so isn’t it a happy ending?
“Ah, you have to use your skill there!”
“Wasting skills like that?”
“My goodness… such a good champion.”
Defeat!
“My goodness, how could a person be bronze….”
“….”
I wish they’d just shut up for a bit.
-I knew you’d believe in me!
-Bronze doesn’t suit you.
-Congrats! Bronze returns!
These satanic kids…
“My hands aren’t cooperating today; I’m logging off for now.”
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-Wait! This isn’t right!
-You’ve only played one match…
-Don’t go, don’t go, don’t go.
Beep—
See? You should’ve played nicely.
Ignoring the viewers’ pleas, I shut off the broadcast, put on my coat, and stepped outside.
“Where are you going?”
“Convenience store.”
Holding a teddy bear in one hand.
No, that’s right. I can’t go out alone in this body, so I need some fresh air.
Does it look lame for an adult man to carry a doll?
Such discrimination is bad.
Respect preferences.
“One masé please.”
“Yes.”
“….”
I received a cigarette from the suited part-timer and sat down on a bench outside the apartment.
It’s a one-won apartment, but the facilities are pretty good, offering a nice view.
Waving to a couple of well-dressed men and women who seemed to be taking a stroll around the apartment complex, they greeted me back.
Truly, the world is still worth living in.
“Excuse me…”
“Yeah, go ahead.”
“Don’t you think there are a lot of people in suits around here lately?”
Really?
Looking at the teddy bear, which tilted its head in a pose of curiosity, I blew out some smoke and replied.
“Don’t you know?”
Isn’t it strange that someone without eyes wouldn’t know?
“Well, it might be fine to leave them be; they seem to be unaware they’re being monitored.”
Watching them walk around dressed nicely while oblivious felt a bit like the Truman Show, which is amusing.
“They don’t pose any real threat.”
In fact, they’re the ones being monitored.
*
“When do we have to keep doing this?”
“Until we’ve gathered enough information regarding that [Abnormal Entity]’s weaknesses, desires, or deficiencies.”
“But it’s not gathering, is it?”
“….”
Do they think this is something anyone would want to do?
The associate, feeling a deep frustration at the new recruit’s whining, was about to say something but stopped.
Yeah, I wouldn’t want to do it either.
We’ve been at it for a week already.
It’d be fine if we could install something like eavesdropping devices, but the target lives in an [Abnormal Space], so that’s impossible.
Surely, the new recruit didn’t join the [Company] just to engage in this kind of work.
“But, will we really not be discovered even dressed like this?”
Isn’t it odd for a part-timer at a convenience store or a construction worker to be in formal attire?
“Our suits are also [Abnormal Entities], so it’s fine.”
[Company Employee’s Suit]
It’s bulletproof, stab-proof, can regulate temperature, and thanks to the [Alliance]’s constant hassle, it’s a multifunctional uniform with disguise capabilities.
This ability, which resembles the disguise function of an [Ordinary Apartment], is designed to present a natural appearance unless there’s a battle right next door.
“No matter what we’re doing, we’ll appear appropriately dressed for the task.”
“Oh, that’s totally amazing….”
Of course, those who have grown accustomed to the higher-level abilities of the [Ordinary Apartment] would not fall for such mass-produced low-quality goods.
Ding~
“Welcome.”
As the customer entered by opening the convenience store door, I knew that to avoid suspicion, the part-timer had to work hard.
I watched through the Back Room as the suited man greeted the customer warmly.
By the way, those two don’t seem to realize yet, but about 70% of the customers in that convenience store are my entities.