Chapter 123

Episode 123: The Otherworlders’ Picnic (1)

****

[Operation Name: Two Lures]

[Author: Dr. An]

[Hasti seems mentally stable. She appears to be happy in her own way. She has started using magic again while alone in the isolation room, so we are monitoring her.]

[Miss Ahn Yuri seems a bit prickly, but that’s just her personality, in my professional opinion as a psychiatrist. She seems happier and healthier than when she first arrived.]

[I’m not talking about anthrax.]

[If we are allowed to use somewhat extreme methods, I believe we can raise them to become normal members of society or the Foundation.]

[Even if that’s put on hold.]

[Hasti and Ahn Yuri should be able to go out soon. The other supernatural phenomena—Cosmos, Kairos, the Fake Expert, and the Angel—are not ready yet.]

[In fact, out of the four mentioned, only Cosmos wants to go out. The Fake Expert really enjoys pretending to be smart while talking to Foundation experts.]

[To summarize, with some safety measures, going out is entirely possible. However, there might be external interference, which is beyond my scope to comment on.]

****

Operation Name: “Two Lures.”

In the meeting room, Recovery Team 3’s manager, Dr. An, Dr. Chae, and a few others were seated. I was the one explaining the operation.

“Let me explain simply. The operation involves taking two high-output humanoid supernatural phenomena to Ilsan City Center, spending half a day there, and then returning.”

Hasti and Ahn Yuri.

We need to take these two out.

Originally, the plan was to take them to Seoul, but if a problem arises, Wirye City would be easier to handle than Seoul.

Most of the new cities around Seoul are designed as fortress cities, making it easier for us to conduct such operations.

“The operation has three main objectives.”

“First. Fulfill the contract with the humanoid supernatural phenomena and let them have a day outside the Foundation facility.”

“Second. Train the agents on surveillance, escort, and assassination, especially in an urban environment.”

“Third. This might be the most important. Taking high-output humanoid supernatural phenomena to the city center increases the chance of drawing out some pests.”

Dr. Chae was dozing off.

“Whether it’s Pluto Limited Company looking for new products or the Colorless Orchestra seeking combat slaves, someone might target these high-value assets.”

“We’ll eliminate anyone who takes the bait. That’s the outline and purpose of the operation. Any questions or objections?”

I clapped my hands.

“Then let me explain the method. We’ll split into two teams: the Hero Team and the Mage Team. Each team will cover six strongholds.”

“At each stronghold, Foundation agents in plain clothes will be waiting, and two surveillance teams will follow and provide escort.”

“Finally, two helicopters will be on standby, landing on nearby buildings. If anything suspicious happens, they’ll take off and follow the teams from the sky.”

That’s the entire operation plan.

****

“Who’s handling whom?”

I looked at the Support Department Head.

“I’ll handle one, and Dr. Chae will handle the other. It’s better if I take Hasti and Dr. Chae takes Ahn Yuri. If we need to subdue them…”

Dr. Chae.

He was dozing off and dropped his pen.

“Huh? Me?”

“Why do you think you were called to the meeting? Did you think you could just sit there silently and leave?”

“Yes.”

“Anyway, during the operation, Dr. Chae will handle Ahn Yuri.”

“Oh, okay.”

Dr. Chae nodded.

“Director. Do we really need to take them out? We could have used a mock village or something.”

“Well… there are several reasons. Hostile groups might take the bait today. That’s why we’re proceeding.”

Dr. An nodded.

“I agree.”

The others seemed to agree as well. Only Dr. Chae was scratching his head.

“So, sorry, but I have to babysit the Returnee for a day?”

“Is the tentacle monster you see every day more to your taste…? Just endure it for a day. We can’t leave it to the Research Department Head.”

“The tentacle monster does seem more comfortable.”

Dr. Chae’s overly serious expression. Given his salary, he should at least do this much.

****

The personnel involved in this operation include six stronghold teams and two surveillance teams. Four members per team, totaling 32 people. Including helicopter pilots, 40 Foundation staff are involved in this major operation.

It doesn’t seem like any group will take the bait, but if they do, it wouldn’t be strange. We’re proceeding with the assumption that someone might show up.

“Dr. Kim. Are you going out today?”

“Yes. Get in the car.”

Hasti quietly got into my car.

“Actually, I’ve never been outside the Foundation facility in this world. This is… kind of like what I’ve seen on TV. A moving iron box?”

I nodded.

Hasti’s isolation room does have a TV. I didn’t know she paid such close attention to it.

“That’s right.”

“It’s not that amazing anymore.”

“Well, put on your seatbelt.”

Hasti fastened her seatbelt.

I didn’t teach her how, but she must have figured it out by watching me. Or maybe she saw it on TV.

This is also part of the experiment. Multiple cameras and microphones in the car are observing Hasti’s every move.

Starting the car.

“You know you’ll die if you cause trouble today, right?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go.”

It’s been a while since I’ve driven a Foundation protocol vehicle. Actually, it’s the first time. I’ve never had to drive one before.

“Dr. Kim. What’s the schedule for today? I can’t wander around alone, right?”

“First, we’ll have a meal. Then a movie. A café. You can’t go alone, but I’ll take you to most places. This is more for Hasti than for us.”

“Okay.”

Hasti looked out the window.

“I’m still excited! It’s been so long since I’ve been outside. By the way, I heard the Hero is going out today too. I wonder where they are and what they’re doing?”

“Miss Ahn Yuri? She’s probably having a good time with Dr. Chae.”

“Ah, that’s good.”

I don’t know if she’s spent private time with Dr. Chae. She might be really frustrated inside.

“Uh, there’s some candy next to the passenger seat. I was eating it yesterday.”

“Really?”

Rustle, rustle.

I heard her eating something.

“Lately, is there anything uncomfortable in the isolation room? Anything you need?”

“I’d like more books. I want to learn more about the world.”

That might be a bit dangerous.

You might think, “What’s the big deal about books when there’s an iPad?” But we can’t ignore the symbolic nature of books.

“Uh, I’ll look into it.”

“Oh, I want to learn painting. Can you bring me some paint and brushes in the isolation room?”

“I’ll buy them later.”

Hasti was delighted. The tragedy of humanoid supernatural phenomena—Hasti’s eyes, reflected in the rearview mirror, were filled with childlike excitement.

My efforts to prepare multiple layers of isolation procedures for today’s outing seem futile.

“It might sound silly, but I want Hasti to do well. Whether it’s fixing the Dimensional Exploration Machine, adapting to the Foundation or modern life… Anyway.”

“Oh, thank you.”

She just smiled.

****

Meanwhile, around the same time, inside Dr. Chae’s car, an awkward silence filled the vehicle.

“……”

“……”

It’s not that Dr. Chae is bad at conversation or boring. He just has a minimal sense of shame.

Dr. Kim and Hasti might be eccentric enough to fight fiercely and then laugh and eat together, but…

Dr. Chae was uncomfortable with the Returnee.

What the Foundation did to the Returnee—kidnapping with sedatives, infecting them with anthrax, cutting out their heart, imprisoning them…

Dr. Chae isn’t shameless enough to act proud about giving the Returnee a day out after all that.

“……”

“……”

A sigh.

“Uh, do you want a drink?”

“What’s the strongest alcohol nearby?”

At least this time, the response was positive.

“I have to drive later, so I can’t drink, but I’ll get you some disinfectant ethanol.”

“Okay.”

“The planned schedule is a meal, café, and movie, but… if you’d prefer, we can go somewhere that sells strong liquor.”

The Returnee seemed to be in a better mood. Dr. Chae breathed a small sigh of relief.