◈ Episode 170

Like many countries on the continent, Cilicia had changed in many ways in the past two years. The outer walls protecting the city had been thickened, and officials were conducting regular quarantine work.

"Does it even work?"

"Even if you cut off the beginning and end, I still can't understand."

"Everything we do."

These were the words of Kabak, who had been in charge of Dustborne since its establishment. He leaned on the rooftop railing of the Dustborne headquarters building and looked out into the distance.

At the end of my gaze was an outer wall.

The material itself is hard and cannot be crossed unless it is a flying monster. Even if a flying monster appears, it will be intercepted immediately. As it is a narrow city, it is easy to defend.

But I was not reassured.

"What do you think, Mr. Hyun?"

"Does my opinion matter?"

"Haha. Who else would you listen to if not Mr. Hyun? At least since the Great Calamity, you've traveled more than anyone else in Cilicia, no, maybe even the continent."

"I don't know about the continent, but I think it's like that in Cilicia."

If the summit had been aborted, exchanges between countries might have been completely cut off. It was a time when such a shock was sweeping the world and each was struggling to survive.

'No wonder rap has to be the focus.'

Like Dustborne, Labs also dispatches agents to each country. They not only share research data, but also gladly take on rescue operations.

As if they had been waiting just for this moment.

'Conspiracy theories are starting to circulate, though.'

Among them, there were some hypotheses that were quite close to the truth. The argument was that Cellbrox Labs had caused the catastrophe. However, there were more voices asking for help than criticism.

Everywhere a helping hand was desperately needed.

Rap couldn't afford to turn down the good deeds he spread. He didn't ask for much in return, and each agent took it seriously as if it were his own work, so his reputation grew without end.

'It's a bit mean.'

The incident 40 years ago also started with the purpose of eliminating disaster, so the belief of CellbroLogics Lab has always been in the 'good'. Nevertheless, they appear to be deceiving the whole world.

It feels different from the Legion that appeared as an overt villain to users. It is a time when good deeds seem like hypocrisy, and the foundation of the organization becomes increasingly questionable despite its rising fame.

'I used to wonder if the developers who make these nerd games had some kind of artistic bent…'

Maybe the inside story was different.

"The effect is, yes, of course. Whether it's an exterior wall or quarantine."

"Is that so?"

"Of course. Even if parasites outside were to bang their heads against it for a week, it wouldn't collapse. And unless a disaster suddenly strikes, the contamination index won't skyrocket."

Disinfectants used for quarantine are also transmitted from labs. Even if the contamination index does not decrease, the status quo can be maintained. Assuming that no disaster occurs, as mentioned above.

"That doesn't mean it's completely safe though."

"What's dangerous about it?"

"There are many. Like the previous Outlaws, this time the parasites might come from Metro City, the quarantine might miss the infected, and there are also situations where we can't defend ourselves at all."

"Can't defend? For example?"

"For example, patients who are infected even though the contamination level is far below the standard because their tolerance is low."

Kabak's complexion turned an earthy shade.

"...Are there cases like that?"

"You know, in this world, you never know what might happen."

The two sighed without saying who would go first.

"I think the world is going to end."

"You can ask any five-year-old child that."

"Haha, that's embarrassing. That's not right. Even if we all die together tomorrow, it's my job to keep the citizens from finding out until then."

Kim Yi-hyeon exclaimed, "Oh," at the plausible theory. Kabak coughed in embarrassment, but soon his expression became serious again.

"That doesn't mean that people can disappear without anyone knowing, you know that."

"Suddenly?"

"Something like last time… means it's difficult."

"Ah. That."

I asked Kabak for various favors in connection with Yoo Da-hee's case. For example, to share information that a common citizen would not know. For example, to access the data from the camera that Yoo Da-hee was filmed in.

He even came to the company while the background investigation was in full swing.

… … I went back and thought about it, and I think it can't go on like this.

I think I have some perseverance. I'll do anything you tell me to do.

I look forward to working with you in the future.

It must have been a difficult decision. To entrust oneself to someone who threatened one's life. It meant that Yoo Da-hee's life was so difficult and her mind was so focused.

'That makes sense.'

I understand how you feel.

Although she liked Polaris, she only enjoyed it as a game. What kind of meaning would Kim Yi-hyun, a fellow drifter, have to Yu Da-hee, who was unable to adapt properly?

Hyundai and Polaris. They are the only ones who can sympathize with each other on this issue. Although the level of urgency is different, Kim Yi-hyun also perceives Yoo Da-hee in a similar way.

As a result, I was accepted into Dustborn.

Yudahee becomes a trainee of Leone's. I will keep watching her, but once my suspicions are cleared up, I plan to treat her well. I feel sorry for her and she is a pitiful friend in many ways.

'The ability is also useful.'

After an interview with threats, I was able to figure out Yudahee's spell.

― Is this called a back view? The view changes to a third-person perspective, and time doesn't pass during that time.

― Even when you play a game, you pause and plan out your strategy. That's the feeling.

― Instead of being able to move your own body, you can observe and think.

I was dumbfounded for a long time after hearing that.

'It's like a crazy cheat key.'

The time limit is 1 minute. If you use it consecutively, you will get a double nosebleed, but even considering all of that, it was a fraudulent ability. That was the reason why Yoo Da-hee was able to figure out the situation as if she had been possessed by a god.

Compared to Kim Yi-Hyeon's [Special Weapon Production], it was a bit lacking, but it still had many uses. If the professor could obtain it, it would be like having wings on his back.

However, it must have been a hindrance to Yoo Da-hee up until now. Just because you are given one minute to think doesn't mean you will become much better at fighting. It's also ambiguous when it comes to making money.

'How should I write this?'

Wouldn't it be better to be a battlefield commander than a combatant? However, I don't have the courage to entrust such an important mission. It would be better to just let Asterike do it.

The roles that Yoo Da-hee could take on right away were limited.

'There might be more castaways.'

You can't always search in this way. You have to consider the possibility of finding her when she's not there. Didn't Yoo Da-hee get caught by Bryce first?

That's why I left the response up to Yoo Da-hee. I didn't want Polaris to suddenly barge in while I was away and start talking nonsense.

'I hope it doesn't happen.'

I don't want to add to the burden, even if it helps. If you're overconfident and want to further twist an already twisted episode, it's going to be very annoying.

At that time, you really have no choice but to get blood on your hands.

'Yoo Da-hee doesn't seem like that type of person.'

It was a stroke of luck for both of us.

"You don't have to worry about anything strange. That guy is perfectly fine."

"If that's the case, then that's really fortunate."

"How are you, Congressman Metsocalu? I should come and see you sometime."

"I heard you were curious about Mr. Hyun's current situation anyway."

"It looks like you'll be free for a while. I should treat you to dinner."

Like Cellbrox Labs, Dustborne was growing smoothly.

* * *

Dustborne has been quite busy lately. As the company has grown, it has been adding various personnel. It is a world away from the days of the hole-in-the-wall shop when there was no one in the office.

Among the newcomers were trainees, or parachutes in other words.

"What's your name? Dai?"

"No, it's not Dai. It's Dahee…."

"Dahui. Ai shi. It's hard to pronounce."

"…Just call me whatever you want."

As for the name, Yudahee had long since been liberated. It was probably not intended to be a mockery, so it was fine. Besides, in the current situation, the name wasn't that important.

"Hmm. He looks a bit like our boss. Even the hair and eye color are the same."

Chelsea's pink eyes filled with her own image. Her heart was pounding. It was amazing to be talking to a game character face to face.

"Are you by any chance from the same region?"

"Maybe so…?"

"You didn't know each other from the beginning, did you?"

"Yes. I met you for the first time a while ago."

We have somewhat agreed on the place of origin. In fact, there was a country in Polaris that used an oriental name. It collapsed long ago, and the refugees were scattered all over the continent.

"What a shame. I thought we'd have some fun watching it."

"Isn't that an interesting sight?"

"A story of childhood friends who broke up when they were young. It's the king's way."

"Excuse me, what are you talking about…."

"I'm not asking you to understand."

All sorts of developments were coming to Chelsea's mind. The childhood friend setting, a common theme in romantic comedy manga, didn't seem to be there, but there were still other possibilities.

'That's a bit much. They talk about things that only they know, and Mr. Asterike watches them... .'

Recently, the relationship between Kim Yi-hyun and Asterike has been very good. Asterike is the type to express her feelings easily and never tries to hide them. The people at the company also know about it and support it.

Among them, the one I have supported the longest was Chelsea.

But sometimes people's taste buds crave spicy food...

'Company life must be so much fun.'

Chelsea was giggling while biting the straw.

A slender blonde woman appeared around the corner of the hallway.

"Oh my, you're catching your junior again? I told you to do it in moderation."

"What are you catching? I was just saying hello when you said the trainee had arrived."

"Do I really have to greet you separately?"

Chelsea burst into laughter after being nitpicked for no reason.

"Ha! That kind of individualism is what makes society cold. Do you know your next-door neighbor's face?"

"You know the face and the name, right? Macmillan Hunt, 41, former fund manager, no criminal record…."

"Crazy. How long has it been since you moved in that you've done all the background checks?"

"I did it before I moved in. It's scary to have a criminal living next door."

"I'm more scared of you…?"

It turns out that the two had incompatible personalities.

"Anyway, if you're going to do it, do it outside, outside."

The blonde woman walking away with an elegant gait was also someone Yudahee knew. Echidna of Nuova Era. She was a character who couldn't possibly guess why she was in Dustborn.

"Eww…! This is so gross…!"

Chelsea clenched her fists, biting the straw. Echidna's arrogant attitude was driving her crazy. It had gotten worse since she had been given the title of director.

The problem was that her abilities were outstanding. Chelsea judged that Echidna was a talent who could fill in for Dustborn's shortcomings. There were so many guys who had nothing but muscles and a brain.

On the other hand, Echidna also acknowledged Chelsea.

She had a sort of inferiority complex towards Chelsea since Ishrad. The person she thought could be beaten in battle was an unconventional marksman.

So, although the fields were different, it was a healthy competitive relationship.

"I'm sorry for being hysterical. It's because I lost my bet yesterday."

"Oh, no. I'm fine."

"That guy just now was a 2nd or 3rd place guy, so be careful."

There is no normality in this company. Yudahee watched Chelsea's back as she muttered and passed by. It was much more lively than in the game.

'… … Not bad.'

My first impression of Dustborne was very positive.

After all, Yudahee was also a user who loved Polaris.

* * *

Even if he returned to the company, there were no agenda items that Kim Lee-hyun had to handle directly. It had to be that way. In the first place, the structure was such that most problems could be resolved by the branch manager.

Echidna looked busy, but that was because she was a workaholic. It seemed like she wanted to take care of her own rice bowl wherever she was. Kim Yi-hyun didn't bother to touch her.

It was a long-awaited vacation for him.

'I prepared for the episode as much as possible.'

When something happens, those who are on fire will come to me on their own. I know this in advance, but I have no intention of stopping it. If I try to stop it by force, I can clearly see the future getting more complicated.

Of course, I didn't just play and eat.

He reaffirmed his good relationship with the National Assembly and actively participated in training to keep his skills from getting rusty. He even looked after trainees at times.

"You've grown so much in the meantime. You're talented."

"Right? I told you, it's his stuff. He eats it all up as soon as I teach him."

The compliment, spoken lightly, was doubled through Jenna's mouth. Leone, who had put down his earplugs for shooting practice, smiled broadly.

"Thank you. I will continue to work hard!"

"It seems like you've adapted well. How are you getting along with your seniors?"

"Everyone is really kind to me, without any empty words. I'm learning a lot."

It seems that he learned shooting from Chelsea and actual hand-to-hand combat from Edwin. I heard that he often took Asterique out on the streets because he had a hard time teaching her.

'Because you follow along well and are quick-witted. You deserve to be liked.'

There were normal people. If you can call a 19-year-old who becomes a combat weapon day by day normal, then that's it. This is all because the world is going crazy.

Yeah, the world has gone crazy.

"So, um, just a minute."

Around 3pm.

Kim Yi-hyeon was assigned to greet a guest who had come unexpectedly. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was the real power in Cilicia, and he had to greet him in person.

Neither a member of the National Assembly nor the CEO of a large corporation.

Because I visited as a mother of one person.

"You're Chelsea's mother."

"Yes, yes. I, I said so…."

Eyes that can't stay still, hands that anxiously touch their own arms.

'How on earth have they not been caught until now?'

It was a typical characteristic of a drug addict.