"Thank you for your cooperation."
A man with a neat, closely-shaven beard bowed his head. Despite his polite demeanor, he seemed somewhat uncomfortable.
"You don't look grateful. If you don't feel like it, you don't have to say hello. There are people among us who don't welcome you very much."
Kim Yi-hyeon glanced behind him. As expected, Jenna was looking at him with displeasure. Not at Kim Yi-hyeon, but at his conversation partner.
Distinctive blue protective clothing. Three pairs of wing symbols on the chest. A high-ranking member of the police force who was hurriedly dispatched.
"...Dustborne Corporation, I think. I heard from the council. You've already accomplished many great feats in a short period of time."
I just shrugged my shoulders in response. Trying to say yes out loud felt like putting gold on my face. But I didn't feel like shaking off my modesty.
"Can't we continue to communicate through the National Assembly? I don't have any particular regrets about the police, but it's more convenient for both sides."
"I suppose so. To be honest, we don't like you."
Of course, that would be so. It wasn't something to be taken lightly.
Dustborn has been protecting order in Cilicia at the request of the Council. At first glance, it seems like they are in a cooperative relationship with the security forces.
'No, actually, it is a cooperative relationship.'
There is a sensitive issue. All the cases that Dustborne takes on are 'cases that are difficult for the police to solve'. It is bound to be a pain in the ears for them.
Ordinary citizens are acting as vigilantes. Their solutions are also violent, so from the police's perspective, they may appear as a reserve army of criminals.
'This side is also cursing that the police force is useless.'
Structures that cannot be interlocked. It is better if they are not interrelated.
"…But I also feel a sense of gratitude. This incident was definitely something we could not have handled on our own."
Chief Allen of the security force stared inside the motel counter. A hidden passage was clearly visible beyond the blasted wall.
At that moment, the police rescued the kidnapped citizens and escaped. A few No Face survivors were arrested and dragged out.
"This is my second time coming to this building."
"At a motel? That kind of personal stuff is a bit much."
"...."
A cold gaze was shot at him. Kim Yi-hyun looked at him without avoiding eye contact. Soon, Allen pressed his forehead and explained again.
"He was investigated for involvement in another crime. We reviewed the surveillance camera footage, but no problems were found."
"It's a video, you know, they can manipulate it. The building itself seems to be theirs. What about the access log?"
Legally registered establishments are required to install scanners at their entrances. The data from the scanners is transmitted directly to the management, not the building owner.
"When I asked the management office, they said there was no problem. As a result, permission to search was not granted."
"Oh my."
The darkness seemed deeper than I had thought. At that moment, I remembered what Rosco had said on the first day I arrived in Cilicia.
Did you say that the bracelet that serves as an identification card is 'a good effort to keep the peace'? It is useless if the government officials become corrupt.
"Today's work is very significant. Just as the battle in Metro City has greatly changed the underground, the winds of blood will blow above ground as well."
"It's a good situation for you guys."
Allen answered with a faint smile.
It's not just Noface. They'll use this as an opportunity to punish companies that have been secretly supporting criminal organizations.
The evidence is piled up, so the justification is clear. The National Assembly and the police, who have been under constant check, will swing their swords without mercy.
Cilicia is currently at a turning point. New underground businesses are emerging, and public power will be strengthened by eliminating corruption.
'I feel strange.'
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Kim Lee-hyun led all these changes. He felt a sense of pride and freshness.
At the same time, there were concerns.
'It won't only change in a good direction.'
Conflict is inevitable. Next time, the police force may become corrupt. There will be tragedies that did not occur in the game, such as Mary's death.
Of course, there will be different causes for the events that will occur in the future. Among them, Kim Yi-hyun will definitely have a part to play.
'I should stop by once in a while.'
I can't turn away and say, "My job is done," because they twisted the scenario. I thought I had a responsibility. I guess you could call it aftercare.
Well, within reason.
* * *
Additionally, two Noface strongholds were discovered, a feat achieved by Bryce and his workers.
All of them were smaller than the places that Kim Yi-hyun and Ghost had cleared. The No-Faces were easily subdued when the security forces rushed in.
There was news that they had been captured alive while avoiding being killed as much as possible. However, Kim I-Hyeon thought that it would be difficult to obtain useful information from them.
'They're the kind of guys who don't even scream when they die.'
It is more of a characteristic of Makashall than a no-face.
Every time you change your appearance, you are in extreme pain. If you repeat this, your nerves become dull and you don't feel the pain as much.
Regardless of the interrogation skills of the police, it is difficult to get anyone to open their mouths. Even if they do get information, it is unclear whether it will be of any use.
"In a few days, I'll wash my identity again."
"This is the most troublesome part of No Face. It is virtually impossible to eradicate it unless it withdraws on its own."
The ghost sitting across from me chimed in.
"Even so, most of the members of the organization within Cilicia must have been dealt with. There probably weren't many people in the first place. Their main area of activity is the east, which is quite far from here."
The situation has already been swept away once. It is unlikely that additional personnel will be deployed immediately.
Those who remain in the city have no choice but to avoid being searched for and do odd jobs. Or they can just give up and leave the city.
"You played a big part, Hyun. It was effective because you caused massive damage all at once. If it weren't for you, we probably would've ended up in a mud fight. No Face's sponsors would've also gotten in the way."
"Is it because you're experienced? The weight feels different."
"I've seen a lot of dirty things. After things were sorted out, I was forced to step down from the front lines."
The ghost laughed bashfully as he brought up the old story.
"So, taking on the role of instructor wasn't so bad, but in the end, I quit that and became an agent of the lab."
If you listen to it, Ghost was a person who had a twisted life. How many rap agents have lived a peaceful life?
"Well. I'd like to hear your hardships too...."
widely.
Kim Yi-hyeon put down the disposable cup he was holding on the table. The drinks from the cafe near the office didn't suit his taste.
"You didn't call me to talk about that, did you?"
Around 2pm. It was still quite early for people to be leaving work, but the only people in the office were Kim Yi-hyun and Ghost.
Everyone was out on business trips.
It had already been five days since the No Face incident. Cilicia was a noisy city. Five days would be enough time for new trouble to break out.
'Did you say you were an arms dealer?'
It's not much different from usual. The only difference is that Kim Yi-hyun didn't get involved. It was his own choice, regardless of the ghost.
'I guess I should get them used to it in advance.'
Even after Kim Yi-Hyeon leaves, we need to be able to continue working as we are now. So that Dustborn's Cilicia branch can continue without problems.
I had thought about taking them all, but it was a waste to throw away the position I had worked so hard to build. The existence of a city where I could return and act freely at any time was precious.
Anyway.
This means that today was a precious holiday for Kim Lee-hyun. He had planned to just laze around, but he ended up making room because of a call from Ghost.
"Let's get to the point. I think five days is enough to catch your breath."
"음."
The words that Ghost was about to say at No Face's stronghold. It was when he heard the story he had been putting off.
"I don't think so, but you're not saying something like that, are you? Like, you're going to throw away rap and move on to Dustborn this time."
I asked half-jokingly, half-seriously. If that was true, I should have declined. It would be better for Ghost to continue working in the lab.
"Haha. That's really unbelievable."
Fortunately, it seemed to have been a miscalculation. The lightly negative Ghost soon continued speaking in a serious manner.
"But when it comes to transfers, it wins."
"엉?"
"Hyun, aren't you going to come with a rap?"
It was the same suggestion I had heard before.
"I'm not telling you to come out alone. You can come over with the members of Dustborn. It will be a significant boost to our power as well."
"Have you spoken to your boss?"
"It's still my own opinion."
Does that mean you didn't even consult with Leila? That's a strange thing for an agent of the lab.
Leila is no different from other agents in that she is a combatant who works on the front lines. However, her status within the lab is very high.
The same is true among non-combatants. No matter what their external position, within the organization they have a position comparable to that of the director of the research institute.
It has to do with her birth, but… it's something that's revealed later. In the beginning, she's just there to assist the player.
"I know you have many secrets. If you don't want to, you can keep them to yourself. I'll tell Kushan and the HR department. I'll probably get scolded, but it's something I can handle."
"You're being too kind."
Kim Yi-hyeon felt puzzled. He couldn't understand why he was acting so humble.
Even if they somehow managed to clear out Snowfield, there were only about 10 people. It's not like they would be able to recruit them by promising special privileges.
"Is it because of Asterike?"
"No. To be honest, I don't think that guy's operational capabilities are that great. He was wearing a spell suppressor during the match. He seemed to be having trouble controlling his spells."
It wasn't a wrong statement. It's an ability that can be used comfortably only in games. In reality, it's no exaggeration to say that it's a bomb that's difficult to handle.
'It's a little different now, though.'
There was a change not in Asterike herself, but in Kim Lee-hyun.
As a joke, I was able to take out the equipment that was called Ast's exclusive weapon. Ast will be even more active than now. Although I don't know when I'll be using it.
"Of course, I highly value your potential. You've already proven it against the Legion's executives. There are many people in the lab who are well-versed in spells, so they might be able to help you out."
However, Ghost put a period on it.
"I realized this when I clashed with the Legion in Flaoria. We have a big problem. This isn't something that can be solved by recruiting capable people."
"...Please continue speaking."
Kim Yi-hyeon adjusted his posture and began to listen. The problem with the CellbroLogics Lab. It was a development that did not occur in the game. It should not be overlooked.
The ghost asked a rather unexpected question.
"What do you think of Leila's personality?"
"Well, that's great. Gentle."
"Yes. The agents have been affected to a great extent as well. I am no different. I have never thought of it as a problem until now."
"until now."
The outline of the story was slowly taking shape.
"The Legion's methods are... vicious. They don't even hesitate to commit inhumane acts. In other words, they have a lot of means at their disposal."
But what about the Cellbrox Lab?
"Leila is too far behind. The way she carries out her operations is limited. She is at a disadvantage from the start and has to fight the Legion."
"...."
"I watched you closely while helping with this project. I noticed your calculating and cool demeanor. Your ideas for applying spells were also unique."
Kim Yi-hyeon scratched his cheek in embarrassment. He let out a question while trying to hide his trembling feelings.
"Is Leila in charge of the operation?"
"Not always. In Flaoria, the professor took command. The professor is smart, but… basically, he has a similar disposition to Leila."
"Can I ask you a slightly rude question?"
"as you please."
He asked point-blank.
"How many agents died in the operation?"
"There are two."
"Oh yeah."
It's no different from the game. The same casualties occur in the original story.
This was a serious problem, as it meant that two Ghosts, who were normally not allowed on missions, had died.
I understand the situation perfectly.
'You little shit. Get lost.'
In the work, the professor often shows a cold side. He is usually humane, but when dealing with enemies, he tends to deal with them without mercy.
Because I personally realized that I would die if I did that. Because of Ghost's sacrifice.
'But I saved you.'
Not only Leila, but the professor also seemed to have lost his mind. It was obvious what kind of influence the two, with their heads like flowers, would have if they were stuck together.
The ghost soon gathered his words.
"Of course, I don't expect you to be a professional commander. The agents won't follow suit. I just need a team that can carry out operations more efficiently than before. That's what I think."
Kim Yi-hyeon put the straw in his mouth again. The scent of Americano spread through his mouth. He thought about it for a moment and then answered.
"Come back tomorrow. Bring Leila and Pawel too."
I couldn't leave it alone.