The world was ablaze with enthusiasm over Apple's latest release, the 'Hood Surgeon Limited Edition'. The promotional video was exclusively available on Apple's product introduction page, not on YouTube. Apple strategically minimized traffic congestion on their site by releasing the video on YouTube for public viewing only one and a half hours after announcing additional reservations for the product.
For Apple, the risk of increased traffic was negligible, given the already substantial buzz surrounding their product. Dre and Geon chuckled as they monitored the skyrocketing view count on the YouTube video, unlike the static display on Apple's website.
Observing Geon comfortably seated in the adjacent studio, Dre remarked, "You owe me big time. I won't forget, Kay."
Geon, grinning with folded arms, replied, "I'm indebted indeed. Thanks for the lessons and the rap connections."
Nodding, Dre acknowledged, "Anyone can teach, but you certainly made the rap connections. There's a line of rappers asking me to introduce you, as if I haven't already noticed."
Geon playfully wagged his finger with a smirk. "Still, don't go handing out my number. Except maybe to female rappers. Haha."
Dre chuckled, "There are female rappers. Shall I start handing out your number to them right away?"
Geon shrugged. "Haha, no thanks. Just kidding. I should head back to school anyway. Summer vacation's almost over."
Dre nodded, then suddenly looked at Geon and said, "Heard from Ice that you plan to stay in school until you graduate? I get the reasons, but wouldn't it be better to debut now when the world's watching? You could still make albums while attending school."
Geon smirked and replied, "If I debut now, I'd have to do hip-hop, right? Haha, I haven't decided what kind of music I want to do yet."
Dre sighed, crossing his arms. "Fair enough. Let's make a deal, then."
"What deal?"
"Whenever you make an album, let me handle the production. I'll do it for free."
"For free? Seriously?"
"Yeah, I believe in repaying kindness and returning favors. That's how I live. Oh, and that song you gave to Ice? It's still topping the charts. Gotta pay off that debt too."
Geon jokingly raised his arms in victory. "Wow, Dr. Dre producing for me! How much does that cost? Haha."
Dre glanced at his phone suddenly ringing, signaling for Geon's understanding before checking the call. "Ah, it's me."
"Uh-huh? Go ahead and answer."
Taking the call briefly, Dre chuckled as he accessed Apple's admin page on his PC, then turned to Geon with a wide grin. "Ten thousand reservations already, sold out. Haha."
Geon raised his thumb in excitement. "Wow! That's amazing. But are you really limiting it to just ten thousand? You could sell so much more."
Dre nodded in agreement.
"Um, limited edition should remain limited to retain its meaning. They might downgrade and produce a cheaper model with a different design. Selling more units would result in profit, after all."
Geon raised both hands as he spoke.
"Well, I don't know much about business, so I'll leave it to you, haha," Dre chuckled, watching Geon intently.
"Are you heading back to school now? There's nothing more for me to teach you."
"No, I still have some vacation left, so I'm figuring out what to do. Last summer, I couldn't even properly enjoy my trip to Seattle because I suddenly gained fame. Looks like it'll be the same this summer too, haha."
"Yeah, just stepping out of the store, you can see reporters lurking around. Aren't you worried about going back to the hotel? You'll have to push through those reporters."
"I can handle interviews, it's fine. Haha."
"Well then, at least stay until you've made some plans, so it doesn't feel like you're just passing by."
"Sure, I'll do that."
With a playful look, Dre stood up and said, "Alright, now that work's done, shall we enjoy a party? I heard Snoop's throwing one tonight."
Geon collapsed onto the table, exclaiming, "Jesus! Please, no more drinks~ Ugh."
Dre poked Geon, who was lying down. "If you don't get up, I'll have to carry you out. Snoop said he won't let you off the hook if you don't come."
"No! I'm still digesting the drinks from last time."
After a struggle lasting about ten minutes, Geon, who was being carried on Dre's broad shoulders, ended up displaying himself in front of the numerous reporters waiting outside. Refusing the reporters' questions with gestures, Dre took Geon to the party, where he once again endured Snoop and the rappers' assault of drinks for two days, unable to leave the hotel.
Finally stepping out of the hotel, Geon saw Ice Cube standing with his arms crossed in front of the hotel door. Ice Cube flashed his white teeth upon seeing Geon.
"Alright, rested up? Shall we have another drink today?"
**
A few days later, at Montego Bay International Airport in Jamaica.
Covering his face with a hat and mask, Geon stretched while holding his suitcase, suffocated by the hot wind.
"Escape successful! I might have died if I stayed a little longer!"
As Geon stepped out of the airport and disabled airplane mode on his smartphone, a flood of messages arrived.
"Snoop: Where are you? Shall we have a drink again today?"
"Dre: Kay, arrived safely? Enjoy your trip in Jamaica, and contact me immediately if anything happens. Oh, and as soon as the album is ready, I'll release a new single, so be sure to listen."
"Ice Cube: Kay, I owe you one. I'll drop by to hang out."
"Eminem: Kay, Snoop didn't tell me you were gone, so I went to Ice Cube's with a gun."
"James: Hey, it's me. I'm thinking of working on the next album. Give me a call."
"Shiwa: Ora bang, sign an autograph for me, Eminem."
"Mom: Geon, how are you? If there's anything you want to eat, let me know, I'll send it."
"Son Lin: Thanks to you, several musicians have been signed. Thank you. Have a good trip in Jamaica."
Seeing the messages from Snoop and Eminem, Geon, who was sweating cold, quickly hailed a taxi, put his suitcase in the trunk, and got into the taxi with Hakuman on his lap.
"Pegasus Hotel, Jamaica."
Fortunately, Jamaica was an English-speaking country, so there were no communication problems. The black taxi driver lowered the air conditioning temperature and smiled.
"Welcome to Jamaica, mon! Oh, sir! With a mask and hat on such a hot day! Is it your first time in Jamaica?"
Geon laughed while balancing the slippery Hakuman on his lap.
"Yes, it's my first time. Do you have any recommended tourist spots?"
"Jamaica is a small but diverse country. If you're here for relaxation, I recommend trying diving at Negril Cliff."
"Diving from a cliff? Isn't that dangerous?"
"It's a popular spot visited by thousands of tourists each year, so it can't be that dangerous. There are safety officers stationed there, so you can enjoy it safely. If you go in the afternoon, you can also see the sunset sinking into the sea. Oh, but be careful not to go too late, as diving is prohibited after 3 p.m."
"I see. It sounds beautiful. I'll definitely check it out."
"Ah, I see you have a guitar; seems like you're interested in music. In that case, you must visit the Bob Marley Museum. After all, he's one of Jamaica's world-renowned musicians."
"Haha, actually, that's why I came here. Thank you."
As Geon engaged in casual conversation with the taxi driver, the taxi arrived at the hotel. Stepping out, Geon quickly approached the bellboy who came forward to open the trunk and guide him to the lobby with his suitcase. After generously tipping the driver, Geon moved towards the lobby where the bellboy had disappeared. Being a luxury hotel, the Pegasus Hotel's interior was pristine. A black female staff member at the front desk smiled kindly as she took Geon's passport and hotel reservation number.
"Welcome to the Pegasus Hotel in Jamaica."
As Geon smiled with his eyes visible through the mask, the female staff member froze as she opened the passport to find herself staring at it in shock.
"K-Kay!"
Her hand holding the passport trembled. Not noticing the staff member, Geon glanced around the lobby until he realized her startled expression. Quietly raising his index finger to his lips, Geon approached her as she nervously nodded and spoke.
"I'm sorry, but if a celebrity arrives, I must report to the manager. Then you can upgrade your room. Is that okay?"
Geon stared at her intently before speaking in a low voice.
"If I have to report anyway, might as well get a better room, right? Haha."
As the staff member made the call, a gray-haired manager in a black suit hurriedly came out. Extending his hand, the manager introduced himself.
"Thank you for choosing our hotel. Welcome, I'm the manager, Damien."
After shaking hands with Damien, Geon followed as Damien gestured in a direction.
"I'll guide you to your room. Kadia, get him a suite."
As a female staff member named Kadia nodded, Damien took Geon to the VIP-exclusive elevator. Inside the elevator adorned in gold, Damien spoke to Geon.
"This elevator is reserved for suite guests. Since we only have five suites in the hotel, it won't be inconvenient for you to use."
"Ah, I see. Thank you, Damien."
After Damien guided Geon to his room and briefly explained the amenities, he stood at the door and spoke.
"The bellboy who moved your luggage asked for an autograph instead of a tip, haha. Would that be alright with you?"
Geon happily signed a piece of paper inside the room and handed it over to Damien, who chuckled as he accepted it.
"Haha, thank you. Before you go, could you sign one for me too? Oh, and if you need a rental car for sightseeing, just let us know."
"Ah, I don't have a driver's license yet, so I'll just call a taxi if needed."
"Haha, understood. If you need anything, feel free to contact the front desk anytime. Have a pleasant stay."
As Damien left the room, Geon drew the curtains and admired the view. Outside the window, the vast swimming pool of the Pegasus Hotel sparkled in the warm sunlight. Marveling at the beautiful sight, Geon sat on the bed.
"Wow ~~"
With excitement, Geon exclaimed as he planned his visit to the Bob Marley Museum.
In a Jewish cemetery in the western region of Jamaica, despite the hot weather, a dark-haired handsome man in a black suit stood at the entrance, gazing outward. Beside him, a blond young man in the same attire looked up at the dark-haired man with a worried expression.
"Lord Gamagin, what should we do?"
Looking down at the blond boy, Gamagin covered his face with one hand and spoke.
"Sigh, why Jamaica of all places... Pavio, have you tried contacting Andras and Amdusias?"
Pavio, the blond boy, nodded in response.
"I did, but Jamaica is an area even Amdusias can't penetrate, my lord."
With a troubled expression, Gamagin extended his hand towards the boundary leading out of the cemetery. As his hand touched the hazy gray semi-circular barrier, sparks ignited.
*Sizzle!*
Gamagin looked down at his own hand, now emitting smoke, with a contemplative expression.
"Why, why does it have to be this place out of all places?"
Concerned, Pavio approached as he saw smoke rising from Gamagin's hand.
"Jamaica is known to have the highest activity of angels in the human world, my lord. We haven't been able to enter for over 55 years."
Glancing at Pavio, Gamagin mused.
"After all these years, a place where demons wreaked havoc has now become a forbidden zone for demons. There seems to be no way to enter, Pavio."
Pavio looked out beyond the cemetery entrance, noticing a golden-winged angel observing their movements. As the angel made eye contact with Gamagin, he flinched. Gamagin raised a hand and shouted.
"Hey! Come here, let's talk for a moment!"
The angel alternated gazes between Gamagin and Pavio, sending them fearful glances. Gamagin raised both hands, reassuringly.
"I swear I won't cause you any harm. I'll vouch for it with my name."
Reluctantly, the angel approached as Gamagin pledged his name. It was evident that the angel, facing high-ranking demons for the first time, was filled with fear and caution. Gamagin patiently waited until the angel relaxed a bit, observing him closely.
"Are Archangels like Caliel present here?"
Hearing Gamagin's low voice, the angel shrank back before nodding slightly. Gamagin tapped the barrier blocking their entry, causing another spark.
"As you can see, I can't enter, so don't be scared and just answer. I'm Gamagin, and this is Pavio. What's your name?"
After hesitating, the angel spoke.
"I, I'm a 9th Rank Angel, Sonia."
Gamagin casually put his hands in his pockets.
"Alright, Sonia. Is there a Cherubim-class angel here in Jamaica?"
Sonia, sweating profusely, reached out to touch Gamagin's hand but trembled so much that she slumped to the ground. Seeing her reaction, Gamagin chuckled.
"Don't worry, I won't torment you. By any chance, is Michael here?"
Struggling to raise her head, Sonia answered with trembling eyes.
"M-Michael isn't here!"
After sighing, Gamagin lowered his head in thought, then raised it again.
"What about Nanael?"
Sonia stiffened before slowly nodding. As Gamagin withdrew his hand from his pocket, Sonia's eyes widened in surprise. Gamagin slowly raised his hand, gesturing for her to leave, indicating that she should relay his message.
"Tell him I want to see him."
Despite her frightened expression, Sonia vigorously shook her head.
"Na-Nanael is busy! And he's not someone you can see just because you want to!"
Seeing Pavio's sly smile, Gamagin chuckled.
"Alright, calm down and listen. If you don't summon Nanael, things might take a turn for the worse. Then, you'll be recorded as an Archangel who failed to stop Armageddon once again."
Sonia, terrified, stumbled backward and cried out.
"W-what are you planning? Are you going to start a war!?"
Chuckling, Gamagin nodded.
"If you don't call for Nanael, that might just happen. Then, you'll once again be known as the angel who caused Armageddon."
Trembling, Sonia quickly turned around and scurried away, shouting.
"W-wait a moment!"
Geon watched Sonya vanish quickly, prompting a satisfied grin from Pyemon. As Gamagin observed Pyemon, he couldn't help but smirk. After about five minutes had passed, four angels could be seen flying towards them from afar, their golden wings flapping vigorously. Leading the group, a black-haired girl gracefully descended in front of Gamagin and nodded slightly.
"It's been a while, Lord Gamagin."
Gamagin extended his hand for a handshake, but it was blocked by a barrier, so he settled for a wry smile.
"Ah, indeed, Nanael. It has been quite a while. How have you been?"
Nanael smiled sweetly, bowing her head slightly.
"I've been well, Lord Gamagin. What brings you here? Jamaica should be a zone where demons cannot trespass anymore. Lord Michael would not be pleased."
Pyemon growled with a menacing expression.
"Stop babbling nonsense when you know everything. Even Michael is aware."
Nanael smiled at Pyemon's menacing demeanor.
"No need to threaten. It's impossible to breach that barrier. It was crafted directly by Lord Michael."
Pyemon eyed Nanael and smirked.
"Hmph, let's stop this pointless banter. Anyway, do you know? A human child has come here."
Nanael glanced at the three angels accompanying her and spoke after they exchanged glances with each other.
"I'm fine, so please attend to your duties."
The three angels exchanged meaningful glances before swiftly flying away and disappearing. Waiting until the angels were completely out of sight, Nanael spoke slowly.
"I am aware. You came to Jamaica today."
Stepping forward, Gamagin spoke.
"You must already know about the child we are protecting."
"Yes, Lord Gamagin. I am aware."
"Then can you open the way for us?"
Nanael shook her head after briefly looking at Gamagin.
"I'm sorry. It's beyond my authority. Jamaica has become a cursed place where demons have ruled for many centuries, selling slaves brought from Africa. Many angels are currently engaged in purification efforts, and if you two were to come out, the active angels would be frightened."
Gamagin sighed, looking down at the ground, prompting Nanael to continue speaking.
"Don't worry. Lord Michael foresaw this and gave me instructions."
Gamagin looked up with a surprised expression.
"Michael foresaw this? What instructions did he give?"
Nanael smiled gently.
"He gave two instructions. One was to protect the child, and the other..."
Pyemon, clinging to the barrier, interrupted.
"What's the other one?"
Without wiping her smile, Nanael replied.
"It was to allow the child to meet someone."
Pyemon pounded the barrier with his fist, causing it to tremble and spark.
"Who? Who did he ask us to meet? Will it not affect the child's mental state?"
Nanael looked up at the trembling barrier and pursed her lips.
"Ah, the power of high-ranking demons is indeed formidable. The entire barrier is vibrating."
"Stop the nonsense and speak quickly! Who is it?"
Nanael glanced between Gamagin and Pyemon, still smiling.
"It's not a person, it's an angel."
Gamagin raised an eyebrow and asked.
"An angel? Why?"
"To help the child on their path."
"What kind of help?"
Nanael looked straight at Gamagin and spoke.
"You have made the child sing with your voices full of power. The child already possesses great power. If the child harbors ill intentions, it will spread as a great calamity. We want to prevent such a problem."
Pyemon waited for Nanael's mouth to open, and when she did, he asked without a smile.
"Nanael, can you speak with your name on the line? Tell me that nothing will happen to the child."
Nanael looked Pyemon in the eye and nodded slowly.
"Yes, I swear by my name. I will watch over the child to ensure nothing happens."
Pyemon placed his hand on his waist and spoke.
"Nanael, can you say this with your name on the line? That nothing will happen to the child."
Nanael covered her mouth with her hand and nodded.
"Yes, I swear by my name. I will keep an eye on the child and make sure nothing happens."
Gamagin closed his eyes, lost in thought for a moment, then stepped back, crossed his arms, and nodded.
"Fine, I'll trust you. But I'll stay here until the child leaves."
Pyemon, watching Gamagin intently, approached him and locked arms with him. As they stood together, Pyemon closed his eyes. Observing their union, Nanael smiled and flew up into the sky, disappearing among the clouds.