Chapter 153

When people want to describe an irreconcilable enmity, there is a commonly used term: “incompatible under the same heaven,” meaning enemies who cannot coexist under the same sky and must annihilate one another.

Well, I’m not sure how often it’s used…

I may have exaggerated it a bit since I have a fondness for dated expressions and classic descriptions, but… regardless.

The term in its literal translation implies “an enemy with whom it’s impossible to share the same sky, someone who must be eliminated no matter what.”

“…Now that I’ve said it aloud, the tone is extraordinarily strong, hmm.”

I shook my head to clear away any irrelevant thoughts.

Anyway, what I wanted to say is this: despite having witnessed every possible scenario unfold in this world—a world where the rise and fall of humanity intertwines with countless corporate schemes—I surprisingly held no substantial grudge against Enema.

Don’t give me that look of disbelief, like I might have suddenly switched sides mid-scene just for the drama.

First, there is an important premise you need to understand.

Even now, as reality plays out, it’s still true—perhaps even more evident—that in the grand narrative of Neo Haven, no entity could be labeled as absolute evil.

The protagonist isn’t a beacon of absolute good either. Every character fluctuates between good and evil depending on the whims of the player, the passage of time, and specific events. In truth, these classifications of “good” and “evil” are merely subjective interpretations from the observer’s perspective. To be more precise, characters act according to their beliefs and personalities.

Furthermore, I personally believed that regardless of the antagonism toward large conglomerates like Enema, if they hadn’t shouldered the responsibility of propping up this broken society in some way, the world—a cyberpunk realm filled with strange mystique—wouldn’t have come to life as it has.

Still, the reason I harbored a simmering resentment against Enema whenever I came across them was primarily due to the fact that they were creatures born from experimentation.

At the very least, what once seemed like an innocuous trait now reveals itself as a chain of cause and effect—an inevitability tied to fate. And the invisible red strings connecting them to me would forever linger in the air.

So, I was constantly suspicious, cautious, and vigilant.

But what if I’d severed those ties? What if it turned out that Enema’s notorious antagonist I’ve been wary of all along was actually based on a misunderstanding? Even more, what if I now know that the force that attacked the laboratory wasn’t from Enema at all but instead consisted of disguised Heylong infiltration forces?

Here’s my chance. An opportunity so perfect I could make my quiet exit not only unscathed, but also strategically prepare for the future. I could leave a stamp as a mysterious, capable hacker named An, slipping away while everyone is distracted.

“… That rude statement just now, does it mean you’ve either caused or intend to cause Enema a significant amount of damage?”

“You don’t need to play dumb. This isn’t even a formal interrogation anyway, right? Besides… didn’t the light from the camera on the ceiling go out already?”

“!! That….”

Annoyed by my continued accusations, I decided to respond with a biting retort. Having struck a nerve, Kajun clamped his mouth shut and his bloodshot eyes opened wide.

Sitting across the table from me, Kajun was now silently doubting if I was truly the easygoing researcher he had expected.

Ah, even if after all of this, I retreat into hiding and maintain a distant relationship with Enema, this guy and I need to sever ties permanently after this one-off transaction.

I don’t want to keep getting dragged into his mess. And I especially don’t want to affiliate myself with someone who invites too much trouble, lest I end up implicated alongside them.

…For example, the protagonist, or Helena.

No matter how much the initial power balance tipped in Kajun’s favor, my goals are far greater.

There’s no way I’m boarding that demon’s sinking ship, even as a guest crewmember. Absolutely not!

“If you’re so shamelessly eager to check my information, why don’t you stop threatening me and just spit out any personal requests you have instead?”

“Heh…?”

Maintaining utmost elegance, my demeanor expressed irritation with Enema’s spokesperson’s rude behavior. I tilted my chin slightly, pulled my hands from the desk and crossed my arms, symbolizing my clear dissatisfaction.

Having been caught off guard, Kajun let out a voice filled with disbelief.

“Truly… this is preposterous, Researcher Anastasia. It seems I need to confirm whether you fully grasp the gravity of this situation. At my word alone, you would not only lose the chance for re-employment but could struggle to even leave this place alive. Should I remind you of this?”

“Yes, that’s quite true!”

Kajun’s psychological advantage has waned under my even sharper tactics, and now he’s trying to reassert their authority with what he views as a proper hierarchical relationship.

As a strategist, it’s easy to get trapped in one’s own strategies.

Despite being an expert at reading people and thus hard to deceive, this isn’t some random alternate world visitor who came in to probe my inner thoughts. That’s not likely at all.

“If you knew your place, you wouldn’t dare attempt any negotiations with someone above you…!”

“Negotiation? Quite the opposite, it’s far from that. Having thoroughly investigated and spent precious time concluding the matter, I expected to be presented with rewards so spectacular they’d leave one dazzled with loyalty. Instead, what I’m hearing are the usual, cheap underhanded tactics?”

“What…? What do you mean…!?”

Interrupting Kajun, who was about to lecture me, I seized the moment.

Watching him stumble over his words was satisfying, but it’s not the time yet to sit back relaxed. Let’s push further. Bring out that nature that’s weak to the strong yet strong to the weak.

Shh…

Tch, I wanted to add a dramatic sound effect here, but despite rising with great force from my seat, the soft floor and chair didn’t produce the frictional sound I’d hoped for.

No help for it. Standing in place and looking down at the opponent might resemble imitating that guy earlier. Considering my height, I’m not sure if it would create enough pressure… Let’s change the scene a bit, maybe.

Slowly. Crossing the meeting room-battlefield, I seize the atmosphere, capturing the attention of my solitary audience.

Feeling how Kajun’s mental state was entirely focused on me, and sensing his confusion was palpable…

While his façade is slipping, mine is only becoming more refined.

And… my heart is racing with strange joy, more than the pounding would indicate.

“Let’s continue, shall we? So, Mr. Kajun, whose position is far above mine, do you merely seek the truth of this simple incident, or a spark that would ignite flames? I would like to hear your answer.”

“…”

Kajun’s lips moved dryly. Though I could have taken the liberty to slide the remaining beverage towards him, I refrained because I wasn’t quite sure yet about the distance between us.

Finally, having reluctantly acknowledged that I harbored a certain unshakable confidence—though the reason was unclear—he spoke.

“Let me reiterate, hinting at statements meant to accuse me or imply actions harmful to Enema could result in severe repercussions down the line.”

“He’s stubborn…”

Once again adjusting the mask.

Hmm… Even scratching the surface of the internal workings here seems risky without revealing your true colors?

Certainly, his cautious nature in analyzing the mysterious figure behind the closed door—whether it’s an angel’s halo or the shadow of death—is admirable.

But I wish he’d hold back on it during this negotiation.

Not because it poses any particular problem. It’s more of a courtesy to spare unnecessary energy since the destination—the final stop—of our story’s train is, after all, determined by me, the conductor.

“I wouldn’t care if you chose to run, retreat, or withdraw. Didn’t you originally rush here on some urgent business? If you intended to merely repeat basic notions, I’d have preferred meeting somewhere else.”

“I…! I am here to imprint and notify Enema’s position. I have no ulterior motives for personal gain whatsoever.”

“Wrong…!!”

Kajun, attempting to retreat to the wall.

Desperately defending himself while being pushed into a corner by an incomprehensible adversary, growling and tensing with unease.

It looked like an attempt to gain time by parroting meaningless words, but, naturally, I wouldn’t let him get away with it. There was no reason.

Slightly lowering my head to meet his eyes, my reflection appeared in his pupils. My holographic irises sparkled vividly against the darkness, almost eerily so.

Fortunately, the momentum has been gained. Let’s keep the pressure steady and unrelenting from here on out.

Still… why does this guy keep retreating with such shock when all I’m doing is trying to engage in a sincere conversation? It’s quite unlike him.

…