In the horror game, Last Shadow, there was a concept known as the ‘Shadow Ranking.’
The criteria for determining this ranking was the ‘length of the shadow.’ Younger ghosts or pure skeletons had shorter shadows, while those with innate strength or deep grudges had longer shadows. In this world, shadows, being the source of death, were traded like currency among the skeletons, and those with long shadows could wield power.
The longest shadows in the world gathered to establish the rules of this realm. However, not all long shadows worked towards maintaining world order. There were the ‘Political Shadows,’ who actively sought to improve the world, the ‘Castle Lords,’ who built their own worlds, and the ‘Pilgrim Shadows,’ who wandered for their purposes.
The Shadow Festival was an event that welcomed the Pilgrim Shadows, who dreamt of eternal rest and traversed the land under the scorching sun until their shadows were exhausted.
“Wow, this is creepy.”
“Yeah, it’s definitely different.”
The drawbridge lowered, and shadows with countless other shadows on their backs began to enter. Known as the ‘Darkest Pilgrims,’ they were the absolute rulers of this world, having lived for at least a thousand years.
Clack! Clack! Clack!
Rattle! Rattle!
The young skeletons and ghosts inside the castle were fragile beings that would vanish if cast out from the ‘Shadow’s Shade.’ They gazed at the long shadows with envy. Jung Da-hoon and Bori watched the procession with their arms crossed.
“I understand how those weaklings feel.”
“You do, Da-hoon?”
“Yes, I understand the longing in their eyes. I, too, am passionately cheering for someone like that.”
“Their eyes? They don’t even have eyeballs…”
Bori tilted her head at Jung Da-hoon’s words.
“Want to make out since we’re bored?”
“Sure.”
Jung Da-hoon smiled and shared a kiss with Bori, his expression saying, ‘You know how it is.’
The Pilgrim Shadows arrived at the VIP lounge. Kessler, who had come to greet the shadows, sat at the head of the table and poured welcome drinks.
“Our castle skeletons worked hard to make this bone broth. Enjoy.”
“Alright.”
“As expected, the Shadow Castle is the best place for skeleton cuisine. So fresh.”
[System]: The Shadow Festival has begun.
The Shadow Festival finally commenced. Due to the arrival of the VIPs, the users’ activity area was reduced. Only those with a cleanliness level of 95 or higher could enter the castle, leaving most users stranded in the plaza.
[System]: Your cleanliness level is 64. You cannot enter.
Meow?
Clack, Clack!
However, there was an exception. As I was blocked by an invisible wall at the entrance, a cleaning skeleton picked me up and carried me inside.
‘Bribes always work.’
Just as I was about to find a secluded spot to transform into a human, the ghosts who had finished their meal emerged from the opposite side, picking their teeth with toothpicks. As they approached, a strong spiritual pressure could be felt.
To avoid blocking their path, I quickly hopped to the side. Just then, one of the ghosts turned its head towards me.
Meow?
“Peekaboo.”
The ghost picked me up and started playing with me, its tongue flicking out. Soon, other ghosts gathered around.
“What is this little thing?”
“I don’t remember seeing it last year.”
“Is it Kessler’s pet dog?”
“It looks more like a fox.”
“I can’t sense any shadow from it.”
They started playing with me, even though I was just sticking out my tongue and wagging my tail.
‘Da-hoon was right.’
I felt a mix of emotions as I realized that Da-hoon’s words about my fox form being a ‘Ghost Free Pass’ held some truth. I didn’t expect even the ancient spirits, covered in the world’s grime, to find me cute.
“Good job, good job.”
As they continued to play, clapping my paws together, a shadow loomed behind them.
“Don’t get my fox dirty with your shadow crap.”
Kessler made his way through the crowd and picked me up.
“Is this your fox?”
“Yes.”
I felt more comfortable in Kessler’s arms after the awkward handling by the others. His touch was gentle and professional, supporting my backside softly.
“What’s its name?”
“Baby Fox.”
“Baby Fox? Can’t it talk because it’s a baby?”
“It can only say ‘nyang nyang’ because it has no teeth.”
“The dog next door is getting early education, though.”
“What kind of education?”
Kessler seemed interested in what the ghosts were saying.
“Well, they give it things like natural bone treats to make it smarter from a young age.”
“I do that too, with organic pudding.”
“And they read a book to it every day.”
“What kind of books?”
“I’m not sure, maybe animal-related books? They also say the brain and feet are connected, so exercise equipment is good too.”
“Really?”
The conversation felt like wealthy parents discussing their children’s education over drinks.
“Thank you. Rest until the quest begins.”
Kessler returned to the room and placed me on a soft chair. He began browsing the bookshelf, seemingly influenced by the ghosts’ talk about early education.
“Little fox, I’ll read you something fun.”
Meow?
“How about this?”
I scanned the books Kessler had picked out: ‘Beautiful Starlight Story’, ‘Wind Goblin’, and ‘Dance with the Fox’. They were all boring fairy tales. I kicked my legs in the air and turned my head away to show my disinterest.
“Just tell me, what genre do you like?”
Kessler carried me to the bookshelf, intending to let me choose based on my interests. As I scanned the titles, my eyes were drawn to the top shelf: ‘The Witch is Bathing’, ‘Sexy Sexy Swimwear Shop’, and ‘Secret Night Howling’. I kicked my legs excitedly in front of these books, which seemed to shock Kessler.
“Can you not read yet?”
He then went into denial.
“Come here. I’ll read you ‘Happy Little Chick’.”
Ignoring my protests, Kessler picked me up from near the swimwear shop book and placed me on his lap.
“Once upon a time, there was an egg.”
I yawned just from hearing one sentence.
“Are you listening?”
[System]: Baby Fox is bored.
“…….”
Sleep overcame me.
* * *
I woke up to the sound of a quest alert.
[System]: A survival quest will begin shortly!
[The fifth survival quest, <Ghost Auction>.
The ghosts have set up a game board at the Shadow Festival! They will try to recharge their energy by leading players to their deaths.
Get auctioned off to a strong ghost to protect your life.
– Ghosts want a comfortable environment to enjoy the festival for a long time.
– Ghosts prefer strong players who can survive longer.]
– Rattle, rattle
The skeletons, who had only been auctioning off humans, looked at us with envy.
Now, the real game was about to begin. In this brutal farming game with battle royale elements, players would team up with their designated ghost partners to kill other users and take their items. The outcome depended heavily on the nature of the ghost partner.
Kessler, who had been with me until I fell asleep, was nowhere to be seen, probably preparing for the quest. I quickly made my way to the auction house, knowing that failing to participate would leave me vulnerable to being killed without any protection.
In the auction waiting line, users were making final adjustments to their appearances. Among them was Jung Da-hoon.
“Pro!”
I wagged my tail at Jung Da-hoon, who greeted me respectfully with both hands. As he lifted my tail, I pulled out the finest perfume I had made, ‘Moonlight Flower,’ and handed it to him.
[The ‘Moonlight Flower’ perfume, crafted by the talented Baby Fox, is a blend of various wildflowers with the rare scent of summerberry. It’s so enchanting that ghosts who love summer nights might just follow you around.
Rating: Highest]
As Jung Da-hoon examined the perfume, his eyes widened in amazement.
“Wow, Pro!”
I grinned at him and turned around, presenting my backside. It was a subtle hint for him to scratch my back as a thank you.
Just then, Bori, who had rushed to log in after work, approached us.
“Da-hoon! And Baby Fox too! Hi!”
“Hi, Bori.”
“But Da-hoon, what happened to your tail? It looks like a rat chewed on it…”
“Everyone else has one, so I thought I should get one too. I found a cheap one.”
Jung Da-hoon’s shabby tail unfurled and playfully wrapped around Bori’s waist, pulling her closer.
“Oh my.”
Bori blushed and wagged her tail in response.
“Oh, right. Fox, Haru misses you so much. She’s always looking at your Instagram.”
Come to think of it, I heard that Instagram is quite profitable, with pudding advertisements and everything… Maybe I should have Jung Da-hoon look into it properly later.
“Next up for auction, the ten users who received personal messages, please come up.”
“That’s me. I’ll be right back.”
“Wow, Da-hoon. Good luck! You can do it!”
“Go get ’em!”
Finally, Jung Da-hoon took the stage alongside nine other users.
“Now, a brief moment for each of you to make your pitch to the ghosts.”
“Attention! Reporting for duty! I’m here to win the hearts of our national ghosts! Music, please!”
The first contestant’s lively popping dance moves failed to impress the ghosts, who remained unenthused.
“Ghosts, your oppa is here. I’m a sure bet, so keep thinking about me.”
The second contestant also received a lukewarm response. As the turns passed, it was finally Jung Da-hoon’s moment.
Bori clasped her hands together in prayer.
“Please, please!”
I nervously wiped the sweat from my paws onto Bori’s collar, watching intently.
Jung Da-hoon confidently stepped onto the stage and sprayed my perfume over his head.
“Want to smell me?”
His short and impactful pitch was followed by a brief pause before the ghosts reacted. One by one, they began to raise their hands, captivated by his scent.
