[AT MANIFOLD MAIN BASE/HQ]
Status report:
Assassination Mission: Failed
Target: Limitless User, Nine Eizoku
Participants: D-5 Stella Athanasiou and D-6 Jake Miracle
Injuries or Deaths: D-6 sustained heavy injuries, currently in the process of healing.
Win rate if Nine Eizoku was alone: 10.6% in theory
Win rate when Nine Eizoku is with Shiki L. Rain:
0.0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000...
(End of status report)
"Well, as expected." Shinsō Kengen remarked as he reviewed the report. As the current head of C.O.R.E, he held significant influence over Japan's inner workings and government. Standing at 5'9 with plain black hair, his cold attitude and distant demeanor matched his intellectual prowess, which no one dared to dispute.
"They are simply too strong for the two of you, and we didn't really expect you to win. It was merely a test to gauge the power gap between them and us. I apologize for sending both of you on this 'test' mission..." he added, his voice tinged with a hint of regret.
Stella: "We're just glad we survived. Those two were monsters in disguise, hiding behind their nonchalant facade. Jake and I won't agree to be pitted against them again unless all the cadres are present."
Jake: "Agree with Stel."
Shinsō: "I understand. You are dismissed."
Stella and Jake left the room, walking at a normal pace.
Jake: "Should we grab something to eat? I'm starving!"
His stomach grumbled loudly, and he hurried off to the cafeteria, causing Stella to worry.
Stella: "H-Hey, Jake! Stop running while you're still recovering!"
[At London City Airport]
Shiki: "Finally, the day has come when I can annoy my sister again."
Nine: "Maybe that's why she left you in the first place..."
Shiki: nervous laughter "I'm just joking, but I really miss her. It's been a long time."
Nine: "Yeah... I'm just going to buy some shawarma over there..."
Nine walked away, leaving Shiki alone to observe the bustling stalls outside the airport. After a few minutes, Nine returned with food in hand.
Nine: "Hey Shiki, I got you a shawarma. They only had beef available."
Shiki: "Oh, thanks."
Nine: "So, when is she arriving? We've been waiting for two hours now. Teleportation or dimension hopping would come in handy, but of course, it's not allowed in vast distances."
As he spoke, Nine's voice was muffled due to the mouthful of food he was enjoying.
Nine: "Especially with the new laws implemented five years ago after the 'Uncrowned Event.' People capable of teleportation or dimension hopping can only traverse less than 5km at a time. They claim it's for the greater good. Many countries have also erected Z-Class border barriers along their land borders, enforcing their own jurisdiction on the law. At this point, the world still hangs in the balance, relying on you. Without you, the world would be in shambles and pure chaos..."
Nine paused, locking eyes with Shiki, creating an air of anticipation for his next words.
Nine: "If you were to go rogue or deviate from the path of righteousness, it would be GL for the planet and beyond..."
(GL/Good life)
Shiki: "The confines of the world have the potential to break a person's will, but that won't happen to me..."
Shiki: "The only thing I dislike about that law is that it still applies to me... I could have easily teleported to her and back. Oh well."
Nine: "That's precisely why it's advantageous..."
A familiar voice interrupts their conversation, soft yet enigmatic.
Nashimi: "Brother..."