There Are No Humans in the Monster Company — Chapter 18: D-XX The White and Chubby Furball (2)

Chapter 18: D-XX The White and Chubby Furball (2)

“…Huff.”‌

It‍ moved.

The‍‌ White and Chubby‌ Furball.

More‍‍‌ precisely, this monster‍‌‌ classified as a rank D dimensional⁠ entity without an‌‌ assigned code slowly⁠‍ waved its short‍⁠⁠ forelegs, hidden beneath its long and⁠ abundant fur, and‍‍ began to approach.‍

I couldn’t move.

Its⁠‌‍ round red eyes‌‍ remained fixed on⁠ me.

And‍ something hidden within‌‌⁠ the fur began‌‌‌ to move slowly.‍⁠

A nose.

It‍‍ was sniffing.

“Huff,‌ huff huff…”

Its‌‌⁠ breathing came closer.‌

My⁠ entire body tensed.‌

Rustle—‍

Its‌⁠ fur brushed against‌ me.

That‍⁠‌ soft, long, and⁠‌ slightly damp sensation‌‌ slid across my‌ shins.

“Ugh…”⁠

I held my breath.‍

It⁠⁠⁠ buried its head‌ against my legs and pushed the⁠‍ nose hidden beneath⁠‌ its fur forward‍‍ as if trying to hug me.‍

Sniff,⁠‍ sniff.

I felt its damp‌ breath pass through‍‌ the fabric and⁠‌ reach my skin.‍

And then its tongue.⁠‌

Slow,⁠‌⁠ heavy, and wet.‍

“It…‍‍ licked me…”

I stepped back reflexively.‌‍‍

But‍ it didn’t pull‌ away.

It pushed beneath my⁠ chin, pressed against‍‌ my chest, and‌‍ used its entire‍‍ weight.

I ended up being shoved against the‍ wall.

Bang!⁠‌⁠

My back slammed into⁠‌‌ the metal wall‌ of the containment‍⁠ cell.

“Ugh,‍⁠‌ w-wait… Manager Batori…”‍

I turned my head‍ toward my superiors.‍

All of them were‍⁠ watching from a distance without showing‌⁠ the slightest concern.⁠⁠

Assistant‌⁠ Manager Son had‍⁠ his arms crossed‍‌ while absentmindedly squeezing‍‍ his fist-shaped head.‌⁠

Director‍ Mok nodded gently⁠ while waving a few roots.

Supervisor⁠ Shik let out‍‍ a deep growl,‌‍ but he didn’t‌ move any closer‍⁠ either.

Manager⁠ Batori watched calmly⁠ with her chin‌ resting on one⁠‍ hand.

And⁠⁠ Manager Myeon smiled‌‍‌ as always.

“The‍ emotional response is‌ complex.”

Director‍‌ Mok murmured.

“There⁠ is an initial‌⁠ recognition bias accompanied‌⁠ by approach behavior.‍⁠ Rather than caution,‍ it appears to⁠‍ be attachment.”

Assistant‍ Manager Son offered‌ his opinion.

“We’ll‍⁠ also need to⁠‌ verify any emotional‍⁠ residue…”

Manager⁠‌ Batori added quietly.‌‌

Manager‍‍ Myeon nodded slightly‌ and addressed me.‍

“Employee‍‌ Jeong.”

I barely managed to‍⁠ turn my head‍ toward him.

One‍‍⁠ of the faces‌‍‌ on his left cheek smiled kindly.⁠⁠

“Don’t‌‍‌ worry. If it⁠‍⁠ appears dangerous, we’ll⁠‌ intervene immediately.”

The‌ smile was kind.⁠

But‍‍ it wasn’t reassuring‍⁠ at all right‌‌‌ now.

Because‌ at the moment,‍ they weren’t the‌ most dangerous thing‌‌‍ here.

‘What‍⁠ the hell is wrong with this‌ thing…?’

The‌‍⁠ furball continued burying⁠‌⁠ its face in⁠‍ my legs while⁠ panting and sniffing.⁠⁠

As‌ though it were‍⁠ searching for something.‍

Or‍⁠ checking something.

I swallowed silently.

Rustle.‍

The‍ White and Chubby‌ Furball moved again.

The‌ head that had‌ been buried in⁠ my legs slowly⁠ lowered.

White‍⁠‌ fur slipped between‌‍ my clothes.

And⁠‌‍ the next moment—‌

“Hey!‍⁠ No, wait a second!”

It⁠‌ shoved its face‌ into the pocket⁠‌⁠ at my waist.‌‌⁠

“W-wait!⁠‌ Not there!”

With⁠ a damp breath, the pocket deformed.

Small,‍ sharp teeth hidden‍‍ beneath the fur‌‍ tugged at the fabric.

Startled, I stepped back⁠‍ and tried to⁠‍ push it away‌ with my hands, but it had⁠⁠‍ no intention of‍⁠ retreating.

“Huff huff.”

“Huff huff huff huff.”‍‌

It‍ kept pushing its‍‍⁠ head into the⁠ pocket while sniffing.

It shook the pocket‍ fiercely, as if‌ it had found⁠ prey.

“Manager⁠‍ Batori, Manager Batori.‍ This… what…?”

“Take⁠ out whatever you have in your‍‍ pocket.”

Manager‌⁠ Batori spoke calmly.‍

Her‍‍ voice was as measured as ever,‍ yet strangely firm.⁠

I hurriedly nodded and‍⁠ slipped my hand⁠⁠‍ into my pocket.‍‌

There‌‍‍ was something there.⁠

Clack.‍‌‌

The‍‍ sound of plastic.

A small, solid sensation.‌‍

‘This‌ is…’

They‌ were snacks I had grabbed in‍⁠ the cafeteria in⁠‌ case my blood‌ sugar dropped.

Chocolate.⁠

Candy.‍

And‌ a small bag‌‍ of cookies.

I held them in‌⁠‍ my hand with‌ a bewildered expression‌‍ and looked at⁠ my superiors.

“They’re‍‍ just… snacks. I took them from the cafeteria…”

“Give‍ me one.”

This‌‍ time it was‌‌ Assistant Manager Son‌ who spoke.

He‍‍‍ tilted his fist-shaped head slightly and‌ extended a hand.‌

I took out a cookie and cautiously‌ handed it to⁠⁠ him.

He‌‍‌ accepted it and,⁠ without even opening the wrapper, tossed‌‌ it directly at‍ the furball.

“Try this.”

Thud.‍

It‍ only needed one⁠ bite.

Or‍‌ rather, it rammed⁠ the entire package‍ with its head‍⁠‌ a single time.‌‍‍

Crunch‌‍‌ crunch crunch crunch crunch!

Both the wrapper and‍⁠‌ the contents were‌‍‍ crushed and disappeared.

Like⁠‍ a hungry puppy⁠‌ throwing itself at⁠⁠ its food bowl.‌‍‌

And‌ then—

Purr.⁠‍ Purrrrrr.

I heard that sound.⁠

A low, soft, and strangely peaceful purr.‌

The‍ creature buried its‍ face against my‍ legs again.

This⁠ time, it rubbed‌⁠‍ against me with‍ its entire weight.⁠

Purrrr.‍⁠ Purrrrrrrr.

Its‌⁠‌ fur gently brushed‌ against me.

Its⁠‍ round forehead rubbed‍⁠ against my thigh⁠‍ before pressing itself‌⁠ fully against me.

“Ugh.”‌‌

I froze.

‘Is‌ this really a dimensional entity?’

Was‌ this really one⁠ of our dangerous‍‍ extraction targets?

Why was it purring like a cat?

Honestly,‌‍‍ if it weren’t‍ for the fact‍ that this creature‍ was the size⁠ of a lion‌ and constantly panting,⁠ it would seem‌‌ completely harmless.

“It’s‌‍ adorable.”

The words slipped out‌‌ before I realized‍ it.

I felt my superiors’⁠‍ gazes fall on⁠‌⁠ me, but no‌⁠ one reacted.

The⁠‌‍ White and Chubby‍ Furball continued purring.‍‍⁠

Its‌⁠ round red eyes‌ watched me as they narrowed slightly.⁠

It‌‌ was a sign⁠‌⁠ of comfort.

Very⁠‍‍ carefully, I extended⁠‌ a trembling hand and petted its⁠ head.

Rustle.

It⁠‍‍ was fluffy.

Soft.‍

And⁠‌ strangely warm.

It‍ didn’t feel like⁠⁠ a dog.

Or‌⁠ a cat.

Much‍ less like a dimensional entity.

“It’s‌ okay.”

I murmured quietly.

The⁠‌⁠ corners of my‍⁠ lips lifted slightly.‌‌

Purrrrr.⁠⁠

The‍ creature rubbed gently‍‌‌ against me again.‌‍

I was still afraid.‌‌

I still didn’t know⁠ when it might‌ bare its teeth.‍

But at least right‍‌ now.

For‌‌ some reason, it felt warm.

Purrrrr.‌

***⁠‌

Several⁠‍ minutes had passed.⁠

“Haha…‌‍‍ haa… It’s okay,⁠ really…”

I was still collapsed⁠ on top of the furball’s fur,⁠⁠ burying my face⁠‌ in it as⁠ if I were⁠ about to melt.⁠

It⁠‌ was soft, fluffy, warm, and it‌‌ even smelled nice.‌

For⁠‍ some reason, it‌‌ reminded me of‌ the scent of⁠ cookies and sunlight.‌

‘It’s‌‌ huge, so it’s⁠ hugely adorable.’

That‍‌‌ thought crossed my‌⁠‍ mind as my‌⁠ heart beat calmly.

Since joining this company,⁠‌ had I ever‌ felt this peaceful‍ and relaxed?

It was a brief moment of peace‌‌ obtained in the‍‌ midst of extreme‍ stress.

With‌‌‍ my face buried⁠ in that gently‌‍‌ swaying belly, I slowly stroked its‌‍ forehead.

“Yes, you’re just a big white furball…”‍

Whoosh.

Suddenly,‌ it lifted its‍ head and calmly⁠⁠ backed away from me.

“Hmm?”‍‌

The⁠‍⁠ warmth of the‍‌⁠ furball vanished from‌⁠ my fingers.

It‍ withdrew the gaze‌ it had fixed‌ on me and abruptly turned its‌ head toward my‌‌ superiors.

“Grrrrrrrr!⁠ WOOF! WOOF!”

The‌‍ back that had‍⁠⁠ been slightly hunched⁠ suddenly straightened.

All‍‌ the long white‌‌‌ fur covering its⁠⁠‍ body stood on⁠ end.

The‌ gentle Purrrrr from‌ a moment ago‌‍ vanished completely, replaced‍‌ by a roar⁠‌‌ fiercer than a lion’s.

I remained sitting there,⁠⁠ completely frozen.

“Just‌⁠‍ a moment ago…”⁠‍

Then—⁠‍

Tap.‍⁠

Assistant‌‌ Manager Son calmly raised his fist-head‍‍ and lifted a middle finger.

More⁠⁠ precisely, one of‌‌ the fingers protruding‍ from his head.‍

The‌ middle finger.

“……”‍⁠

A literal Fuck you.‍

The‌‌ furball responded with⁠⁠⁠ an even louder‍‌‌ bark.

“WOOF!”‌

A shriek so sharp⁠ it made my‌⁠ ears vibrate.

I squeezed my eyes⁠ shut.

“Grrrrrrrrrr……”⁠⁠⁠

Supervisor⁠‍ Shik growled as‌ well.

It‍⁠⁠ was a deep⁠‌ and strange sound.‍⁠⁠

Mixed⁠‌ within his enormous⁠ furry mass was‌‌ the noise of‍‌ metal scraping against‌‍ metal.

Had⁠ I been any closer, the vibration‌‍ would have made⁠‌ my teeth chatter.‍

At⁠‌ that moment, the furball violently scraped‍ the floor with one of its⁠ forepaws.

SCREEEECH—!‌

Accompanied‍⁠ by a metallic⁠⁠ screech that seemed capable of tearing‌‌‍ through eardrums, deep‌⁠‌ claw marks appeared⁠ across the special⁠ alloy floor of⁠‍‌ the containment cell.⁠⁠

“………!”‌

This⁠ room remained intact‌ even when other‌‍ dimensional entities went‌ berserk.

Fear‌ ran down my⁠ spine as I imagined what would‌‌ have happened if‌ those claws had‍‌ grazed my legs.⁠

My‌‍ bones and tendons⁠ would have been‍ shredded into ribbons.‌‍

And‍⁠ yet, while wagging‌‌ its tail, it‌‌ continued displaying those‌‍ claws capable of⁠ causing a catastrophe.⁠‌

I slowly looked toward my superiors.

Manager⁠ Batori watched the‌‌ entire situation with‌ a faint smile.‍‌

Her‍⁠ eyes shone with‍⁠ amusement, as though‍‍⁠ she found it‍⁠ interesting.

But⁠ she showed no‌ intention whatsoever of⁠‌⁠ intervening.

The‍‌ most absurd part⁠⁠ was that Director‍ Mok and Manager⁠ Myeon were calmly having a conversation.⁠‍‌

“Manager‍‍ Myeon. Did you‍‌ see it? The‌ flow of the fur over both‌ shoulders changes slightly‌‍ every time it⁠‌ breathes.”

“Yes,⁠⁠ I saw it.‍⁠‌ Also the asymmetrical‍ pulsing around the‌ muzzle. It’s probably⁠ a reflexive response‌ based on synesthesia.”⁠‍

“WOOF! WOOF!”

“Even‌ so, since the‍‍ fur around the⁠‌ neck hasn’t bristled,‌‌ it doesn’t appear⁠‍ to be in‍ a genuinely aggressive‍‍ state.”

“Fufu.‍‍ It’s more sensitive⁠⁠ than I expected. It has an excellent capacity for identification.”

They‌ truly didn’t care.⁠‌‍

While‍ a lion-sized furball⁠⁠ roared and sprayed⁠ saliva everywhere, those‌‌ two superiors remained as calm as⁠ scientists observing an‌ insect in a laboratory.

I was stuck between‌‍ them, blinking without⁠‌ knowing what to‌ do.

The‍‌ same creature that‌‍ had been rubbing‌⁠ its head against‍⁠ my legs and‍ accepting treats just⁠‍ moments ago now‌ looked ready to‍‍‌ attack.

‘What the hell? Why?’‍‌

Honestly,‍ I had no‍ idea what kind⁠ of creature this⁠‍ thing was.

With‌ my hands damp⁠‍ from cold sweat,‌ I carefully stroked‌ its head again.⁠

The‍‌ enormous animal.

No,‍ the dimensional entity.‌⁠‌

As⁠ if the earlier⁠‍ roar had never‍‌‌ happened, it rubbed‍⁠ its head against‍ my hand once‌ more.

The red eyes visible‌‌⁠ through the thick‌ fur looked relaxed.‌⁠‌

Its tongue hung out‍ as it panted⁠ clumsily.

“Has‍ it calmed down‍‌ again?”

I asked cautiously.

“A‍ contact-based extraction type‍‌ with a conditioned⁠‌⁠ emotional response.”

Manager‌⁠ Batori’s voice echoed‍ softly.

It‌ was a calm⁠ statement, but a firm one.

Director‍‍‍ Mok nodded.

“Confirmed.⁠ The energy release‌‍ based on emotional‌ contact is quite‌‍‌ obvious.”

He⁠⁠ raised one of his roots and⁠‍ wrote something down⁠⁠ on a document.⁠

Shortly‍⁠ afterward, he folded‍‍‍ the paper.

“I‍⁠⁠ already have a draft. Once we complete the internal⁠ patterns, we can‌ establish the standards.”‌‌

“Fufu.‌‌ It’s quite a docile creature. Employee‌ Jeong, what do‌ you think?”

One‌⁠ of the smiling⁠ faces on Manager‍‌⁠ Myeon’s left cheek‍‍‌ tilted slightly toward⁠‍‍ me.

I smiled awkwardly and‍‍ nodded.

“Yes… it was quite⁠ docile.”

“Then‌ next time we⁠‍ can assign you‌‌ a rank A entity.”

“Huh?”⁠‌

“That‍ was a joke. Did you observe‌⁠ anything else?”

My expression stiffened instantly.⁠

‘Which⁠ part of that was a joke…?’⁠

As‍⁠ if trying to⁠ comfort me, The‍ White and Chubby⁠⁠⁠ Furball buried its⁠ head in my‍‌ lap again.

“Grrrr…‍‌ huff huff…”

I swallowed hard at‌ Manager Myeon’s question.⁠‌

This‌⁠ was an opportunity.‍

I couldn’t keep acting‌‍ like a clueless‌⁠ rookie.

It⁠‌ was time to⁠ present a conclusion‌⁠ as a member‍ of Extraction Team 1.

Feeling⁠ the heavy weight‍ of the white‍ furball resting on⁠⁠⁠ my knees, I carefully opened my mouth.

“Well…‍‍ I think this‌‌‌ dimensional entity is⁠‌⁠ extremely sensitive to‌‍ emotional contagion.”

At‌‌ those words, three‌ or four of⁠‍ Manager Myeon’s seven‌‍‍ faces turned toward⁠ me simultaneously.

I continued without looking⁠‍ away.

“As‌ you just saw,‍ every time Manager‌⁠ Batori or Assistant‍‍ Manager Son displayed‌ even the slightest hostility, its aggression⁠ immediately exploded. It⁠ seems to reflect‌ and reproduce the‌⁠ observer’s emotions like‍ a mirror.”

I subtly pointed toward the empty cookie⁠‍ wrapper still in‌‌ my pocket.

“But at the same⁠‌ time, it modifies‍ its behavior extremely‌ quickly when given⁠ rewards. More than‍‍ a simple predator,‌ I think it should be classified‍ as a highly‌ intelligent interactive entity.”‍⁠

And‍ there was the‍ most important point.‌

Why did it only‌ show affinity toward⁠ me?

“It’s‌⁠ only a hypothesis,⁠ but I think⁠‍‌ its structure maximizes‍ energy extraction efficiency‌ only when a sense of human‌ emotional stability is‍ projected onto it.”‌⁠⁠

When⁠‌‍ I finished speaking,‌ a strange silence‌ filled the containment⁠⁠ cell.

Even‍‌‍ Supervisor Shik’s low‌‍ growling stopped for‍ a moment.

Director Mok stroked one‌‌⁠ of the wooden knots on his‌ chin and nodded.⁠‌

“Excellent⁠‌ psychological perspective and⁠ structured data. We‍ will adopt Employee‌ Jeong Haeil’s record‍ as the primary‍‍ reference for this‍ first draft.”

He⁠ seemed satisfied as‍ he quickly corrected‌‌ a corner of⁠ the document with‍ his wooden fingers.

Knowing‌⁠⁠ that he had⁠‌ adopted my report‌‍⁠ gave me a strange sense of⁠‌ relief.

As‍ if my place within this strange‌ group had become‌ a little more⁠⁠ solid.

Of‍ course, that relief‌‌ coexisted with the‍‍ fear that this⁠ adorable catastrophe purring‌ in my lap‌⁠⁠ could tear apart⁠‍⁠ the floor again‍‍‍ at any moment.‌‌

Chomp.

“Huh?⁠‌ Aaaah! Hey, hey,‌‍ hey, hey!”

It⁠ was my pocket.‍

The‍ same pocket that‌⁠⁠ had caused this‍⁠ entire situation.

The‌‍ furball was desperately⁠ tugging at my‍ pants, trying to‌ get at the‍‌ cookies.

“W-wait!‌‌ No! We have⁠‍‍ to leave now!”⁠‌

“It⁠‍⁠ seems to want‍ more food. Perhaps we should rename‌ it White and Chubby Furry Pig.”‍⁠

Assistant‍‍‌ Manager Son nodded‌ with his fist-head.‍⁠

I didn’t know whether‍ he was serious⁠ or not, but‌‌ it was obvious‌‌‌ that the furball‍‌‌ was ready to⁠‌‌ keep eating.

Supervisor‍‍ Shik made a strange sound before⁠⁠ turning around.

Director⁠‌⁠ Mok calmly folded⁠‌ the document he‌⁠‌ had been writing.‍‌

Manager‌⁠ Myeon watched me⁠‍‍ with a faint‌ smile on several‌⁠ of his faces.‌‍

“Shall‍‌ we go?”

The⁠ cell door opened‌‍ once more.

Manager‍ Batori moved forward⁠‌‌ slowly, and the⁠ other superiors followed⁠‍ her.

“W-wait!‍‌ This… this thing…!”⁠

The‍ furball practically dragged⁠‌ me to the‌ door.

Until‌ the very last‍ moment, it kept its snout attached‌ to my pocket.⁠

Its‌ purring sounded almost⁠ pitiful.

“Huff⁠ huff!”

“Grrrr!”

It‍‌ seemed convinced that it was being⁠‍‌ abandoned.

Moved⁠‍‍ by that look,‌‌ I took the‌‍ last chocolate out‍ of my pocket‌⁠ and offered it‍⁠ to it.

“Here.‌‌ This is the‌‍⁠ last one. Eat‍ it and behave yourself.”

Munch‍‌‌ munch.

It devoured it instantly.⁠

Then it gently rested⁠ its enormous head‍‍ on my knees.‌

I stroked it silently.⁠

A strangely pleasant softness.⁠

A warmth that was⁠ difficult to leave‍ behind.

But the door closed.‍

Bang.‌‌

The‍ thick cell door‌ shut, and a red light covered⁠⁠ it once more.‌

“Take‍ care.”

I said goodbye quietly.

Even‍ as I walked‍‍ away, I could‌⁠ still hear its‍ panting in my‍ ears.

“You‌‍ did very well,‍‍ Employee Jeong.”

I heard Manager Myeon’s‌ voice behind me.‍

It⁠‌ sounded as kind‍ as always, though‌‍ it was impossible⁠ to know how⁠‍ much sincerity was⁠ actually in it.‌

I nodded slightly.

“Uh… did I do‍‌ well?”

Director Mok slowly approached.⁠

“You‌ did very well.⁠ It seems that‍ The White and‍ Chubby Furball has‌ grown quite attached⁠ to Employee Jeong Haeil.”

And⁠ then, once again⁠ from behind—

“WOOF!”‌⁠

A lion-like roar echoed⁠ through the hallway.‌⁠

Startled,‌‍ I turned around.‍

But⁠ the cell door‍ was already closed.‍

Only⁠⁠ the red light‍ continued blinking slowly.‍‍

==========‌

[Dimensional⁠ Entity Management Profile: D-105]

Dimensional⁠‍ Entity Name: The‌ White and Chubby⁠ Furball

Code:‍ D-105

Type:‍‍ Biological

Risk‌ Level: D

(Although extreme caution is recommended, as its‍ physical destructive capability‌ approaches level B.)⁠‍

[Details]⁠

Emotional‌⁠ Contagion

Reflects⁠⁠‌ the emotional state‍⁠ of nearby entities⁠ (observers) like a mirror.

If an observer displays hostility or fear,‌‌ it immediately inflates‌⁠ its fur and⁠ exhibits extreme aggression.‍

However,‍‍ when exposed to‍‍ friendly or calm emotions, it emits⁠ “Purrrrr…” type sounds‍ and displays attachment‍ behaviors.

Reward-Based⁠ Behavioral Modification

Possesses⁠ extremely high intelligence.‍

Its‍ behavior can be‌‍ easily controlled through‍ sugary rewards (cookies,‍ chocolates, etc.).

However,⁠ if rewards cease⁠ to be provided,‍‍ it may develop⁠‌⁠ obsessive behaviors, such⁠ as biting or⁠⁠ pulling at the‌‍ clothing or body‌ of its target.⁠

[Extraction⁠⁠⁠ Mechanism]

Extracts‍ high-purity biological energy‌‍⁠ through the heat‌ it emits when‍ in a state‍ of emotional stability‌‍⁠ (relief, emotional bonding,⁠‍⁠ security).

[Management‍ and Extraction Manual]⁠‌

The‍ extractor must maintain‌ a psychological state as stable as⁠ that of a person under sedation.‌

Approaching‌‌‌ with anxiety or‌‍‌ aversion may provoke‌‌ physical attacks capable‌ of damaging the‌ alloys of the⁠‍‌ containment cell.

Sharp⁠‌ metallic sounds or‌‌ sudden noises are⁠‍ prohibited.

Aggressive‌⁠ gestures directed at‌‌⁠ the subject (for‌ example, showing the⁠ middle finger) drastically⁠‍‌ reduce extraction efficiency and may cause⁠ the subject to‌ enter an uncontrolled‌⁠‌ state.

[Special‍ Recommendations]

Reacts‍‍ with particular sensitivity‍ to emotional bonds with human employees.‌‌

It⁠‍‌ is recommended that‍ primary observers be‌ assigned from the‌ Emotional Department or‍⁠⁠ personnel with outstanding emotional empathy capabilities.⁠