Chapter 107

“…What the hell?”

I had a terrible dream.

A feeling of discomfort rose within me as if the remnants of a past failure to restrain myself in a moment of distraction were laid bare. …It even seemed like a significant distortion was applied, with exaggerations far from the truth added in.

“No…!!”

Even though I wanted to actively argue that it wasn’t like that at all, I didn’t even know who to persuade… Anyway, it was incredibly strange.

This was all undoubtedly due to getting involved in some ridiculous and pointless crime while I was feeling all anxious after taking my medication.

Already stressed out by the many hiccups surrounding this crucial new start, I now had to deal with sleep disturbances.

They could at least have shared some of their future intel with me; what is this?

“…It’s all your fault.”

– …? If there is anything wrong, I will correct it immediately. –

It didn’t change much to vent my frustrations on that Zero guy.

Strictly speaking, it was a rather self-destructive move. It hadn’t been long since I had reassured myself that everyone makes mistakes, yet out of the blue, I was being blamed for original sin.

“…I’m sorry, I just got confused for a moment.”

It was a rather awkward and unremarkable apology, but he returned to standby mode without a single complaint.

Please don’t get twisted now.

Swish… swish.

I turned over on the plush bed in my room, wearing a damp aroma of body patch that I checked by running my hands over various parts.

The back and shoulders where I had hit when I fell, my fingers which were stiff from gripping a gun too hard, and most importantly, the ugly bruise that had formed on my abdomen.

On the way back, thanks to the bruising patch that I had sneakily grabbed from the medical room, there was hardly any sensation that could be described as pain left.

Still, that didn’t mean that the accumulated fatigue had vanished completely.

“Oof…!”

I whipped my lazy muscles to get up, snatching the beverage that came with the instant meal (Cartridge Meal) that had been provided to me late and bringing it to my lips.

Whether I was lying on the bed, filling my mouth with the carbonated drink, or spilling it halfway down my clothes and adding a sticky coating to the room’s furniture as an expression of sheer whim and irritation, nobody would say a word. But now, I needed to be somewhat considerate along with a snack.

The post-incident handling of the audacious robbery was done extremely quickly, accurately, and neatly.

…In the middle of those corporate troops, rescue teams, and railway maintenance workers who were closing in on me. Even if we exclude the fact that the criminals who soared into the sky for an incredible escape were melted away into unfortunate hyper-caloric explosions and turned into nutrients for the desert.

Wasn’t it said that the longer you delay your travel insurance, the higher your compensation amount becomes?

Anyway, the anger of the companies that had to genuinely compensate after several years was quite something.

While the border defense forces interviewed the passengers, the technicians who were dragged along rushed to cover the damages on the tracks and trains, and the accompanying helicopters… really rummaged through the surroundings as if they were on a hunt.

From the occasional gunfire that echoed, it seemed there were scavengers meandering about looking for scraps or wild animals gathering from the scent of blood, but just being in the wrong place at the wrong time was enough to ensure death, and I was reminded of that once more.

Anyway, the tracks were restored with the components prepared like puzzle pieces.

The train, which had sprayed some bizarre bubbly spray to cover the holes in its frame, barely set off again.

…So, what about my interview that caused more of a ruckus than the robbery?

The excuse I had prepared about ‘being resourceful as a former police officer~’ didn’t even get to see the light of day. Before I could open my mouth, the person in charge had already pointedly knocked with their head and left.

“……”

The liquid that shot through my throat made a soft pop! sound as it went down.

The unbearable marshy area had passed long ago. The outside scenery was covered in disorderly makeshift buildings.

If Harvest Planet felt like a refugee camp for the displaced within the walls of the city, this place welcomed visitors with a somber village naturally formed and parasitized from the outer wall.

The type of ads flooding in via cyberware was also vastly different.

Originally, there were many adult ads and product promotions encouraging consumption; now, business cards regarding credit loans and insurance services were coming in randomly.

If I ignored those and looked ahead, there was a black pillar that pierced through the clouds, soaring over the horizon—an orbital elevator.

The faint green light emitted from the central power plant reflected and diffused on nearby buildings, clearly indicating why this place was nicknamed Emerald City.

The only element adding to the murky atmosphere was the sun, which had abandoned us after shining brightly when we first set off.

This was the new capital and a sanctuary, the roof of the illustrious humanity.

I hadn’t faced it in ages and… ironically, this was the first time I was physically stepping foot here. Welcome to Neo Haven.

– Thank you for using Astra Express A-185. We are now arriving at your destination, Neo Haven, Neutral Sector 6. Passengers should… –

“Finally made it…!”

I hurriedly picked up the suit and military boots I had tossed aside for a good night’s sleep.

It was finally time to move.

…I didn’t mean I was about to implement any grand plans or that I had some secret weapon to unleash the moment I arrived; I just meant that I really had to get off.

Without connections, if I were to manage to deliver goods or secure employment, I’d need to register my residence under someone else’s home name immediately, so I shouldn’t create trouble carelessly.

“I apologize for the unfortunate incident on behalf of our staff! Have a nice day…!”

“…I’m not interested in filing complaint calls or anonymous tips, so you’re free to go back to work.”

Unlike the brazen announcement, it seemed they were genuinely unsure about sending out a first-class passenger who had been shooting guns, as they walked out with their heads bowed repeatedly. I waved my hand to indicate that it was okay.

Since they had mentioned that they could provide any services within their discretion, I had already accepted a bag full of snacks as a gift for Mary, so I didn’t want much more.

Clang… clang!

Only the footsteps of one person and one droid echoed on the metallic platform.

I felt a bit awkward, wondering if they had put up any discrimination during the disembarkation process, but thinking about it, there were other first-class passengers aside from me… so, perhaps it was more convenient for both of us to go our separate ways.

“…!! —!”

“Oh?”

I saw Ashif and Rosaline, who had set up a temporary common front beyond the cabin window, greeting each other.

I gave Ashif a cool nod, while Rosaline… it wouldn’t matter how much she shouted from across the window; I wouldn’t hear her anyway.

As if she understood my subtle expression, she belatedly acknowledged that there was a communication barrier and opened her mouth wide.

“…Are you all. okay?” …I didn’t have any particular memory, but does friendly competition work when you’re alone? I awkwardly smiled to signify I understood and bid farewell.

I didn’t really expect additional support from the game system, but I wished there was some way to gauge their inner thoughts or affections.

Almost all of them were so vibrant and full of personality that there was hardly anyone like me who was just a small-town citizen worrying about tomorrow, which made it incredibly difficult to keep up with the endlessly shifting rhythm!

“…Ahem!”

“Oh, I’m sorry. …Take care!”

I hurried past the security checkpoint after getting a meaningful glance from a police officer in a uniform adorned with the snazzy abbreviation NHPD (Neo-Haven Police Department).

Hmm… The riot gear I had been wearing had the letters HPPD, which didn’t have much appeal, so I had ignored it, but seeing such a stylish example made me a bit less interested in re-choosing my career.

This was a complex neighborhood where even the police were jointly operated with funds from three Mega Cop branches and where political struggles were a prerequisite, so why on earth would I want to crawl into that mess?

Thus, it would be more sensible to aim for being a freelancer mercenary who only pursued clean money without any consequences.

– If it’s alright, may I stop by the nearest repair shop before departing? It is determined that I need to replenish depleted ammunition and reinforce my armor. –

“…I know it’s concerning, but it won’t work right now. I’m already three hours late from the original scheduled time, and I just told you not to come out to meet me; I’m already in a state where it’s scary to even call.”

I didn’t bring a complete set of snack gift boxes for the little princess for nothing.

I failed to keep the promise to visit…? Anyway, I was already late on the day I was supposed to come, so if she didn’t hold a grudge, I’d consider it a blessing.

No, considering she’s just a kid who should be experiencing new things every day; does she still remember me from the week we spent together six months ago? I hadn’t called much lately either.

Vroom…!

Clank.

I skillfully called a nearby driverless cab through my cyberware.

I entered the exact address that Sylvia had given me, without changing a single word.

It’s moments like this that the gaming UI being akin to cyberware is really convenient.

If I had the leisure, I could’ve used Neo Haven’s notorious hell train, but I’ll save that for next time.

So now, it’s time to set off to meet those familiar faces….

Beep!

[ For smooth vehicle operation, please load any luggage weighing over 150kg into the trunk! Additionally, due to decreased energy efficiency ratings, additional fees will be incurred! ]

– …I’ll move to the trunk. –

“……Damn, wait a sec. You should see the capital too while you go. I’ll adjust it quickly.”

Really something trivial.

If caught, I would worry more about the judgmental glares I’d receive during the investigation than the fines for the offense, which would soon drift past us. We were loaded onto the iron carriage and moved along the central boulevard.

Looking back now… the taxi strictly stayed on the safe, wide streets, steering clear of shortcuts or alleys, so there wasn’t much to see anyway.

Of course, there were various subsidiaries, different shops, and citizens sporting chaotic styles.

Checking off famous landmarks is nice, but since that could all be done via the city network, I wished Zero would take in the true history as we came across encounters that could alter the flow. It felt somewhat disappointing to miss out on the looming back alleys of conspiracy and perilous conflict zones.

…Wait a minute, is my mindset too much of a grey idealist? However, missions with no risk yield proportional rewards, so I believe I wasn’t mistaken… I hope.

[ Arrived at the destination, General Residential Area, 47 Dover Street. Thank you for using our service! If normal payment is not made within three minutes, this vehicle will automatically start operating towards the nearest nearby police station…. ]

“Seriously?”

I quickly jumped out of the taxi after paying a little over five thousand credits including the extra charges.

What, was I hacking? I temporarily paralyzed their rude regulation to clear up space but didn’t touch the fare calculation itself.

What I’ve learned during this time is that driverless services tend to be more ruthless.

And… seeing how Exatech is diligently producing low-cost machines, perhaps it’s not that the service fees are high, but rather that the minimum wage has hit rock bottom….

…I might be fortunate to be in a tech job.

“Shall we go? The data for the three McQueen family members is well registered, right? Don’t be rude; they are all nice people.”

After confirming Zero’s acknowledgment, I walked up the short staircase and rang the doorbell at the villa, which had an impeccable exterior.

I didn’t know how much Schneider’s savings were, but it looked promising enough that there would be room for Zero to crouch in the room where I would stay.

Click!

The cheerful sound that signified the door was unlocked suggested they had anticipated a guest, without any further questions.

The current time was 9 PM. While I didn’t know when modern pubs had peak hours, they definitely wouldn’t be at home right now, so Sylvia certainly must be coming out….

“Sis—!!”

“Uggesh.”

Before I could greet Sylvia, who had welcomed me with a big smile at the door, a cruise missile launched from within slammed into my abdomen without mercy.

My back bent backward, trembled, and my invincible abs, which had deflected the bullet, screamed at me—how could they treat me like this? But I couldn’t possibly scold the little lady for it.

Mary, in her fluttering pajamas that doubled her adorableness, excitedly rubbed her face against my suit… but she sensed a gaze and lifted her head.

“…?”

With the typical intuition of a child, she quickly sought out the source, looking once at Zero, then at me.

Then back to Zero, and finally locking eyes with me again.

Her eyes sparkled, almost popping out as I could read the emotions contained within them easily.

…Oh no, that’s not a toy for you. Your father would be shocked if he ever fought.