Chapter 253

– Since the timing is just right for it. If you give permission, I will erase the owner registration data from the DB, disguise myself as a runaway droid, kill them, and then flee far away. How would you like me to bring them in? –

“…… Haa. Sorry, my explanation was lacking. I’m not saying you should do it, I’m just inviting you. If possible, please don’t hurt them and respectfully bring them along, I would appreciate that.”

Even though I first took on the form of a command instead of the usual request or plea, thanks to Zero, who seemed to have taken the role of a loyal and extremely principled servant, verifying only the detailed instructions before moving eagerly without any resistance or hesitation.

In fact, my blood pressure, which had risen to a dangerous level, immediately dropped when they casually asked whether or not to kill them.

…Ah, damn. I’m dizzy, huh.

My expression might have been a bit extreme…! I definitely spoke a little harshly thinking I was deceived on my own. Killing them! What reason do I have to do such a thing!

“Phew…”

Truth be told, given how solemnly stated that was, there could have been possibilities where both sides might find themselves in a similar situation… No, it’s too early to consider that. It’s quite a gruesome imagination.

For now, it’s more important to create a proper space for conversation.

Somewhere quiet, where we can share private talks. Where would be good around here?

Due to the territorial battles and the strong characteristics of the zoned city, Neo Haven, this area seems to contain shops favored by locals working nearby.

There’s certainly a restaurant with a nice private room, but that’s a place Martina uses for meetings, so if I happen to run into her, it would clearly be a pain.

It’s not fair to involve someone who’s just trying to help, and considering that, I have to secretly set up a meeting before Masanari returns, who must be enjoying some games of tag or pleasant one-on-one talks?

…Should I just coax them to follow me home? Luring them with something like an incredibly delicious homemade burger might actually work, right? A taxi is waiting right over there to leave immediately.

Bang… Bang!

“Ugh!? What’s going on! Why are they acting like this?”

“Ugh… damn. They’re saying they’re worth more than a human-related cost? Sometimes I really can’t tell who’s the master when it comes to those high-priced robots…”

Pedestrians moved aside instinctively. The first model, marching forward boldly, drew attention while forcefully pushing through the crowd.

Since it was a droid smuggled out of the Exatech research complex, the company logo had been hastily covered up and the registration number had been camouflaged through the black market; the paint job had been redone from head to toe.

However, the combat equipment and parts sold publicly were still in their original heavily armed state when first acquired, causing those who sensed that something undesirable could happen to hurriedly retreat.

Even though technically no unlawful activities were being performed, the effect of crowd control was almost akin to pulling out a gun on them. …If I hadn’t foolishly thought to reduce my target area, I could have carried a similar charisma as Helena just by adjusting my height accordingly!

– There, the customer who just received a high-priced PDA from the circuit refinery. Please stop for a moment. My master, who paid the fare, wishes to have a private conversation. There’s no ill intent, so we would appreciate your time. –

“…”

With a volume significant enough not to be swallowed by city noise, after specific descriptions and pointing with a raised finger, most people came to realize it wasn’t a matter concerning them and hurried on their way.

The person named directly immediately understood it was their story and flinched.

I thought it was a reasonable request.

I wasn’t forceful like usual Zero, nor did I think it was particularly exaggerated.

Who would say, “We invite you with completely filthy evil intent! Please come!” when they had shady motives? But honestly, there’s no better way than to clearly state that at the beginning.

…Well, if I wanted to fetter them from the start, I could ask questions that 21st-century Koreans might share.

For example, “Hey, did you get called for a body inspection too?” or “Hey! You’re not a soul-crushing person, are you?” might pique their interest.

But I only had suspicions and circumstantial evidence; I wanted to be assured instead of assuming.

“If only I could check under that gas mask, I would just rush in and grab them…”

Despite deep inside being frustrated, the blend of momentary excitement and the calmness of a cat allowed me to endure a bit of waiting.

Just for a moment… Yeah, if it was just for a moment.

“…Alright, I can do it. I can do it. …Huff!!”

– Stop it, or I will use force…! –

“Eh…?”

Thud!

After taking a deep breath, the man lowered his stance and bolted from the pavement.

Calculating that possibility as soon as his legs started to bend, Zero 1 started to accelerate immediately to follow, but began to slow down due to ordinary citizens obstructing the path.

Is it typical to ask why they were called to stop?

Grateful for the help but too busy to chat at the moment, they leave contact info? That’s understandable.

If they turn around and get angry about the money they spent, that too could be expected within a broad range of reactions.

But fleeing? Why the sudden need to run? For real??

They might not want to deal with an armed droid, but it’s not like I’m a police officer or some corporation imposing authority, so why?

– Anastasia…!! –

While the unanswered fundamental question about why began to drift away, Zero called my name, urging me for a decision.

Startled by the sudden situation, I unwittingly jumped outside, standing in the middle of a busy street.

With many eyes on me and the need to take full responsibility for my judgment and potential consequences, it was a blessing that they didn’t rush out recklessly, claiming they received orders to disperse the crowd. I was both grateful and impressed.

However, I can’t just stand back with cold indifference regarding this matter…!?

“Within the limit of avoiding human casualties! Destroy and mix things up a bit!! No, just bring out everything we have, our power and equipment. Code Red! Chase them down with full power. Absolutely DO NOT lose them——!!”

– Acknowledged. Initiating Annihilation operation; I will urgently contact call sign Opera for the smooth deployment of extra units. –

My vision ignites.

The flames that begin to burn change the scenery in an instant, and the sensation of feet firmly planted on the ground and the dampness of the air on my skin fades into a distant, colorless, weightless dimension.

Unlike my assistant cyberware, which only provides similar information or notes when I merely observe objects, a world of infinite data stretches out through the machine’s eyes that serve as scanners.

Ultimately, the front-line pilot operating the droid is Zero. However, the one overseeing that from the control tower is me, Anastasia Valentine, who can become the strongest in this space.

Of course, my physical body in reality is snugly held by Zero Model 0 to avoid any avoidable scratches or injuries… But the sense of infinite openness and expansion felt upon entering this virtual space makes those trivial flaws something I can easily brush off.

[ …Allô. It’s still working hours, so I can’t speak too long. Oh, it’s the AI line. Anastasia? Are you listening? Or is this too urgent for you to speak? ]

“It is quite urgent…! But I don’t think it’s urgent in that way!?”

– Ahsa is very busy, so I will keep this brief. If you’re curious about the progress, I will relay the information separately. –

Thud!! Screeech!

As the first model soared vertically and clutched onto a streetlight, shattering the paving stones beneath, the thin supports unable to withstand the weight bent like candy.

In the midst of the chaos as everything from the open rear was exposed to the wide-scale abduction signals emitted from the antenna of Model 0, I was frantically attempting to cut through the alternative access pathways for all types of cameras.

Just as Leonar picked up the call and asked what all this commotion was, I just rambled on as it came to me.

I’m busy! Tremendously busy!!

The damage can be addressed later, and I’ll pay a bit of the fines, it’s fine. But it’s all meaningless unless I find the culprit that instigated this chaos.

“What’s the detailed address here!? Anyway, pull out all the robots in the nearest logistics warehouse!”

[ Since they are all your property and I’m only providing storage, it’s not an issue. However, please keep in mind that most of the regular humanoid units haven’t finished replacement and repainting yet. ]

“I plan to pull out everything except the troublemakers, so it’s okay! Thank you!”

Throwing a quick thank you to him for dealing with everything with dedication like a diligent and principled employee, I focused my gaze straight ahead while leaving the rest of the explanation to Zero.

The main monitor was fixed on the view of Model 1 quickly surveying the surroundings from above.

Dispersing the stolen social surveillance network and the haphazardly assorted low-resolution camera feeds, I recalled the appearance of the man who made the despicable choice to run away.

He might have tossed his gas mask aside, so that’s an option to search for.

His tattered coat too. It’s the easiest to track since it has a large area, but he might have discarded it as well.

The most reliable are his height and build observed when standing beside me. Also, shoes are hard to change on the spot unless there’s an extra ready.

The last one… the PDA received for free.

While it will likely have its external signals blocked, opportunities for eavesdropping are always available. If he threw that away too, I would accept it without complaint.

…Even if you’re hesitant, there’s definitely something worth being concerned about!

Crackle—!

“Color detection protocol uploading immediately… Are you ready?”

– It may be a bit of an over-investment… but I’m glad you seem to enjoy it. I’ll also ensure the escape route after subduing the target. –

“Can’t you just chill out a bit?”

While the Little Prince might have been satisfied with just looking at the box, as a materialistic person, I need to open the lid and peek inside to feel fulfilled; after smiling and providing that response, I discharged the charged abilities.

The four corners of the world. A dome-shaped spread of the spider-web-like signals of Zero starts to color with my hue.

Data manipulation, infiltration, contamination, circuit takeover.

No matter what I name it, it’s useless. I’m filled with the thought of finishing this before anyone notices the anomaly.

The time limit for them to vanish is about 5 minutes before my drone squad arrives.

On the other hand, I had no intention of giving up even overnight but knew that lingering too long would lead to the return of watchful figures. So I had to keep it slightly advantageous. Probably.

Where exactly did I hesitate to hide, or how far did they manage to escape? That was irrelevant.

They made a move that raised the expectations; it’s just about finding them. That’s all there is to it.

So… don’t think you can just disappear that easily, alright?