Chapter 264

What comes to mind when you first hear the designation of a rooftop of a building?

Some Koreans might picture the distinct green paint covering the floor of an old building or a water tank that makes one wonder what it’s used for.

Meanwhile, the younger generation, disconnected from such imagery, would conjure up a panorama of modern artifacts like white and black ventilation equipment packed so tightly that there’s no room to step, antennas for various generations, and solar panels.

In fact, it’s no different in Neo Haven.

Special antennas brought by nerds who panic at even a 1ms instability in signal reception, a super-strong atmospheric particle circulation system set up because of some kind-hearted individuals who spray hallucinogenic drugs into the ventilation ducts.

What looked from afar like a tube of alloy steel and neon wouldn’t change up close; that’s the basic element of this neighborhood, after all, so isn’t the overall scenery reflected that way? Hmm.

However, such averages don’t apply to what are colloquially called “successful individuals.” They don’t extend to upscale residential areas or certain high-class facilities, as expected.

…Hmm, who just shouted from the back to bring a spear?

I wasn’t trying to brag about living in a facility that stands out from the standard deviation, but I just briefly veered off to explain why I came up to the rooftop instead of heading to the lobby.

If the residence were something that aimed to differentiate itself, a luxurious penthouse would be present.

Fortunately or unfortunately, in the case of the Engineer Plaza, where most of the -mentally speaking- slaves affiliated with companies reside, there was no garden to soothe the weary residents’ emotions… or a pool…

And in case of emergencies, there was a helipad set up to retrieve the off-duty humans via the shortest route… ahem! I meant that it was for voluntary commutes.

“…Ah! Miss Anastasia! It’s been a while! You were lovely during that last gathering, but this wild look suits you quite well too!”

“Uh….”

Coincidentally, a large pot with the letter H, encompassing the first letters of both helicopter and hovercraft, was also parked there.

With even the engine left running. As I approached the vehicle, which had landed making loud noises while waiting for me, a certain man with a serviceable smile greeted me with his hands clasped.

The problem was that I couldn’t remember exactly who he was. Just who are you?

For now, I managed to stall for time by rounding off my words, but this was a big issue.

He must have been someone I met during the Enema party, given the way he brought up such cringeworthy compliments- dark history- during our initial greeting… Ah, right.

“You were the one who strongly recommended the shoot and even handed me your business card…”

“Yes, yes! That’s right! I’m Douglas Lauren, MD of the Memorial Times Entertainment Department, who also had the business card of a friend from an ad agency. Just call me Ducky… Ah! If you have any droids accompanying you, feel free to use the dedicated storage on the side of the vehicle.”

“Uh… really? I’m just bringing these two along, so is it okay to board like this?”

He introduced himself as Ducky. The one who worked hard to turn this work into reality and bring it to me responded with an upbeat “Sure, no problem!” as if it was nothing.

He even kindly opened the car door for me to let the Zeros sit in the backseat of the hovercraft.

From his perspective, it’s understandable he’d be happy to drag a connection out of mere polite exchanges at the party.

Of course, since the director’s words about someone risking their work to land this gig acted as a weak motivation for acceptance for me, I was feeling a bit conflicted… But perhaps that’s why he was welcoming.

Rattle… clank!

There’s no way a broadcast vehicle would lack an auto-slide function.

We wouldn’t have the droid tipping over just because the car accelerated suddenly; in fact, as soon as I took my seat, Ducky deliberately struggled to close the door while flashing a thumbs-up at the driver to signal that we could be off.

“Ahem…! I know I shouldn’t complain during a lady’s private prep time, but as I need to report, could I ask you to hurry just a bit?”

By the way, I should tell the makeup artist at the studio to head home right away. It’s almost like a halo is spreading all over you… If you don’t mind me asking, which company’s perfume are you using?”

“……No!?”

Now that’s a new form of psychological attack.

It’s not like I’m late because I was putting on makeup; I barely made it out after eating alone and avoiding reality.

…Well, anyway, I had no issue with him being delusional or convinced of something.

Some are delighted to accumulate both achievements and experience, and as long as I could endure a slight embarrassment, I could satisfy my need for recognition while broadening my surveillance network.

Mutual benefit? Win-win? Even though things didn’t start off that planned, if he thinks he’s gaining something because of me, I could probably throw in a small request or two down the line.

Whether there will actually be a use for it later is a bit ambiguous.

There are many media-related quests, but the ones requiring direct influence towards the central broadcasting system… wouldn’t be suited for an MD-level, right? My access range and authority would seem lesser than those in central positions.

In that case, if I’m going to exchange something, it’d be better to build a solid line with Director Morgan, the one delivering multiple quests in the game. Hmmm.

Psst! If only it were something even more important that necessitated the news bureau chief coming out to greet me in person, that would be easier to deal with.

Perhaps I could slyly set up some malignant code while hoping to sell a trendy vaccine circulating in the public? What a pity.

“Ha…”

At my sharp response, the atmosphere in the vehicle shifted; it seemed clear that Ducky didn’t want to engage in small talk of that nature.

While taking the time to carefully observe, there wasn’t anything particularly special there.

One might say there’s nothing to expect from a simple company vehicle.

It wasn’t outfitted with suspicious locking mechanisms like a limousine used in the black market, nor did it have the flashy features of an Enema protocol sedan, which actually allowed me to relax comfortably.

– No detectable threats in the vicinity as of now. However, risks of long-range sniping still exist, so I advise you to avoid exposing any more of yourself than what’s shielded by my augmentations. –

“Hey.”

So… why now of all times? Why does it feel like the whole world is targeting me? It’s a bit frightening.

It seems my droids have been scanning the surroundings ever since I boarded the vehicle, which felt oddly silent.

Not long ago, the Elysium head hunter visited and was driven off unexpectedly. I also had a shared experience of converting a hovercraft with him into a self-destruct bomb.

Having entrusted all surveillance boundaries to Zero left me with a heavy sense of responsibility and heightened sensitivity; even my eyesight, which comfortably surpasses 2.0, can’t compete with real machines.

But one thing I can assert clearly.

“There aren’t many people with such deep-seated resentments that they’d wait for me to come out deliberately to harm me, right? And rather than simply killing outright, it’d be more beneficial to act cautiously and seek out a compromise… at least that’s what I tried.”

It would be more accurate to say that those capable of such acts have already left this world, but anyway.

I turned my gaze to the scenery outside the window.

Since the buildings in Neo Haven are fundamentally around 30 to 40 stories, we’re roughly flying about 200 meters up.

Transporting myself leisurely through the air via a hovercraft, driven by a complete stranger, given I don’t know how well it’s maintained, is a bit daunting, even if I thought Zero could catch me and jump off if things went awry.

Honestly, if the ‘hostile factions’ become apparent later, then fearing traffic accidents could seem justified.

It’s common sense that outside one’s comfort zone is dangerous, folks. So, if you’re going to grow your influence, let’s do it as discreetly as possible like me. Although such a plan would only be viable after establishing a reliable backing!

…No, wait a minute. Why am I having these dark thoughts while going to shoot a stupid ad?

– I apologize, but considering it bears the title of public media, the amount of information released under the name of Memorial Times on the city network is quite limited, so I’ve been cautious in my multifaceted approach. –

“Well, that’s…”

I trailed off, glancing over at Ducky MD, who was incessantly urging the driver to land quickly, noting the glossy nerve implants on his neck and ear.

A broadcasting station under a provisional government department largely funded by corporate shared investments? It’s merely a facade of a public broadcaster that is, in reality, an independent media company aiming for profit.

He’s probably in a situation akin to Mega Corp, where they live with a security control chip embedded in their heads.

In a way, even a small leak of information could equate to a technological breach in this market, which might warrant even stronger control.

So, I’m somewhat curious.

What would the raw, unfiltered side of the entertainment and media industry be like without any quests or commissions involved? Isn’t that a little intriguing?

I’m not saying I want to casually gawk at it, it’s from the perspective of wanting to see the raw state of a herald that sways the public’s sentiment. Or is that just me?

Of course, there are recorded videos and extracted memories circulating on the deep web, but I’d prefer to regard actual experiences with greater significance so that I don’t get too immersed in hacker play… so I’d say I’m being cautious about it. Ahem…

Seriously, it could be that one missed click away from plunging into the depths of knowledge in this crazy virtual world.

Brrrr… kaboom!

“Alright, then I’ll guide you straight to the waiting room! It’s more spacious than it looks so watch your step when you disembark, and make your way inside swiftly.”

As the hovercraft touched down at the broadcasting station landing pad after traversing several sections, I was about to move towards Ducky, who was eager to lead the way, when suddenly something that I had been casually brushing aside crossed my mind.

Didn’t Zero say there were no detected threats during the flight?

Could it be that my assigned stalker, Masanari, was parkouring along the ground or something?

…Is he hanging outside a building’s outer wall while keeping watch?

That’s scary. Cyber ninja.

Is that so? That’s why the Enema kids are strict with brainwashing and ideological education? The working conditions are harsh and unbearable.