Images flickered across the TV screen—grisly black-and-white news clips.
[War, poverty, climate crisis, terrorism, plagues… and all the other small, horrific tragedies. Hell can visit anyone, and you are no exception.]
[In any reality, we cannot choose which tragedy will strike. Unless it’s on a show, of course!]
But that’s…
[Oh, you already know, deep down. The place you call ‘home’ and this place aren’t really all that different.]
[Does it matter whether the monsters from stories come to life or whether real monsters roam the streets? What matters is your suffering.]
Braun spread his fingers, folding them one by one as he listed various disasters.
[Death that strikes without warning? Tell me, is there such a place where death announces its arrival beforehand? It’s equally terrifying everywhere.]
[Your peace in that world is just as fragile and meaningless. It can be shattered by the push of a button by some maniacal dictator…]
I stared blankly at the TV.
[And subjective experiences are not truth. They’re distorted perceptions unique to you.]
[Set aside your biases, Friend.]
That… that can’t be true…
……
……
Right?
It felt like something didn’t quite fit, but I couldn’t find the words to argue back.
It sounded convincing.
But surely, this isn’t just about my perception.
[That’s okay. Acceptance always takes time. This Braun is always here to talk things through with you… Just like always!]
[For now, let’s develop this conversation further, shall we? Let’s dig a little deeper.]
Braun’s voice softened as he asked,
[What is it that you truly want, Mr. Soleum?]
[Let’s think beyond ‘going home’ for a moment.]
……
What do I truly…No, wait.
How does he know so much about my situation?
He’s reading my thoughts completely.
How much does he know? How deeply has he understood me?
And if he already knows what I’m thinking, does arguing have any meaning? Is there even a way to escape?
Wait. Can he hear this thought too? How much of my mind is the host able to read? Does he know about the things I’ve learned from the Dark Exploration Records… 𝐑αℕÒＢÊs
[Mr. Soleum.]
I felt like I was going insane.
The fear was suffocating me. I just wanted to escape this situation…
[Exactly! That’s it!]
Huh?
[You’ve finally realized it, Mr. Soleum. What your heart truly desires!]
The host snapped its fingers with a loud SNAP—
[To escape fear.]
“…!!”
The TV screen moved closer.
[And look here, we have a quick and guaranteed method…]
How to
Escape Fear :
Join Braun
and Create a Talk Show
Together
[You will be comfortable and enjoy yourself in my studio.]
[With the passionate spirit of a show creator, your creativity and brilliance will shine even more brightly when fear is absent. This Braun fully guarantees it.]
[A workplace where you don’t need to overthink—just focus on making great shows. Free from any other dangers, welcome to the studio of this legendary host.]
The words sound the same, but they feel different.
I don’t find them absurd anymore.
That’s terrifying.
[Hush now, shh. No need to be afraid. Let’s listen to this Braun’s words…]
[Now, Friend, can you take a moment to look at your hand? Yes, just like that… What do you see?]
…The silver ring on my index finger.
[Correct! And what does wearing that signify?]
……
‘That I—haven’t been corrupted.’
It means my judgment hasn’t been consumed by the anomaly, and I’m in a state where I can think clearly, resist mentally, and make rational decisions like any human being.
[That’s right! If this were a quiz show, you’d have won a prize—how unfortunate.]
[In any case, this means your current decision isn’t wrong. Take a deep breath and relax.]
[How do you feel right now?]
I—
[Let me guess… ‘Braun’s words make sense, and maybe it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try, just this once?’ Right?]
……
……
But…!
[Exactly!]
[Now, let’s seize this opportunity together, Friend.]
Braun stands up, adjusting his suit with the poise of a business partner ready to close a deal.
[All it takes is a handshake.]
[No complicated contracts are needed between us. Just a handshake and we’ll start working together.]
……
[Don’t you want to spend peaceful days free from fear and pain? All you need is a stronger friend by your side and a more enjoyable job ahead.]
[And if, by chance, you don’t find it enjoyable at all… you can return to your original workplace.]
……
“Really?”
[Really.]
……
[Seize this chance, Friend.]
[This is your moment.]
I raised my trembling hand.
And extended it.
Toward him.
[That’s it.]
Firmly.
The host’s large hand completely engulfed mine in a handshake.
[You won’t regret this, Friend.]
The surroundings brightened.
Lights poured from every direction, and the cramped studio expanded, revealing itself as it emerged from the shadows…
[Now, introducing your new workplace, Mr. Soleum! Your new colleagues! Your new life!]
A pristine set, a stage adorned with sparkling bulbs, and above it, a classic golden sign glowing with elegance…
[The thrill of witnessing, the joy of connection, the excitement of unpredictable developments, anticipation—all of it in this humble space that desires nothing but the audience’s applause.]
Braun’s Late-Night Talk Show
I…
[Congratulations on becoming a part of it, Mr. Soleum.]
…had successfully shifted careers.
T/N: my fave kkp comment here:
Excuse me but I kinda need to use the restroom.. Please come out now, you two.