Chapter 51

Banetta, skillfully driving the car.

Always looking disheveled and ominous, the strangeness of her current appearance hits me.

But right now, that strangeness isn’t the important thing.

“Miss Banetta, do you remember where that person’s house was?”

“Edu’s guess was right. Sunrise Street–in the corner of the most ostentatious rich neighborhood.”

After saying that, Banetta tapped on the floating hologram in the air and swiped it our way.

A three-dimensional map of a building we’d never seen before appeared in front of Edward and me.

Though not overly grand in scale, the building on the hologram stood excessively high on an artificial elevation–radiating vanity typical of its owners.

“They’ve built a hill?”

“Yeah, and the garage is inside that hill.”

As Banetta spoke, the interior of the building appeared. A large garage, an internal structure complex like a maze, but what mattered to us was the garage, so we focused on that part.

“…The garage is pretty big, huh?”

“Yeah, seems to be the hobby of those well-off individuals. Looks like they collect expensive cars?”

“Aha.”

Now that I think about it, even on Earth, people who earned money on a scale incomparable to ours had hobbies like that. Possessing expensive things was itself enough to flaunt.

“Alright, we’re nearly there. Shall we start? Edward, do you see that green screen?”

“Yes, I do.”

At Banetta’s instruction, Edward who had been sitting quietly until now reacted. The car we were in looked like an ordinary SUV on the outside, but the car’s true self, which we’d discovered upon boarding, was far from ordinary.

A mobile command and control center, filled with numerous computers and electronic devices–something one would only see in movies or dramas–that was this car’s hidden true nature.

“Do you see what’s on that screen?”

“Yes, shall I execute?”

“Yes, execute.”

Edward touched the screen with a click. But there was no visible change around us.

“Miss Banetta, what did you do?”

“I temporarily hacked the nearby cameras. This place is filled with surveillance cameras because it’s a neighborhood where the rich live.”

“Wow–”

“It’s like giving them back as is. Nevertheless, we can’t afford to get caught with what we’re doing, right? So I prepared in advance.”

She’s right. No matter what, this act of ours–even if it’s for revenge and involves pinning nonexistent crimes on someone–we can’t leave any evidence or circumstantial traces of our involvement.

“I see.”

As I replied to Banetta’s words, I moved toward the window. There, I saw surveillance cameras moving this way and that on poles placed in various spots.

Surveillance cameras installed everywhere–from lampposts and communication towers to building exteriors–creating a suffocating atmosphere.

“Really strict.”

Almost like a military base. No, even the surrounding walls around Fangju aren’t this strictly equipped with cameras.

At this paranoid level of surveillance cameras, what could they be trying to monitor?

“So, you know, people here don’t trust each other much. Or if not, there must be something they don’t want others to see, right?”

“…”

Sunrise Street.

The hub of luxury, a place where the privileged class resides within Fangju–the shiniest street in Fangju.

But contrary to what was mentioned in the setting collection, the real Sunrise Street, which we have now visited, was gloomy.

“Yeah, but the security is still pretty weak.”

“Are you saying the security is weak?”

“Yeah, why would those rich folks care about camera security?”

“Hmm, fair enough.”

“Even if, as planned, the security forces check the cameras, I doubt they’ll have the time. But we do need to prepare for any eventuality.”

“Yeah.”

She’s right; it’s always good to prepare for everything. Thinking about that, something suddenly came to mind, and I looked at Edward.

“Edward.”

“Yeah? What’s up?”

“Why are you helping this much?”

Even if it’s for revenge, what Banetta and I are doing qualifies as a clear criminal act. But Edward didn’t seem to care the slightest, even after knowing the entire story.

‘Hmm? Planning to pin an imaginary crime on the villain? That sounds dangerous; let’s do it right away!’

That’s how Edward had reacted.

“It’s simple, Edu. You’re someone who has helped me and will continue to do so, while that villain isn’t.”

“But isn’t the villain’s status higher within Fangju?”

A freshman at the academy versus the guild master of the Explorers’ Guild.

Even without direct comparison, there’s a clear distinction in status that even a child could notice.

“Maybe, but only now.”

“What do you mean?”

After clearing his throat, Edward replied.

“Edu. Based on your courage and skills from my time on Earth, I dare say this: you’re destined for much greater things. Much greater than that villain.”

“Isn’t that a bit too exaggerated?”

“No way, I’m being as calm as I’ve ever been.”

Edward stared at me seriously. The only problem was, his previous antics made his persuasiveness questionable.

“Alright passengers? We’ve arrived at our destination.”

Banetta stopped the car, and in the distance, we spotted the house we had seen earlier on the holographic screen.

“Anyway, our target isn’t at home, right?”

“Yes, that’s confirmed.”

Through several days of monitoring the Explorers’ Guild and subtly questioning guild members, we figured out his lifestyle pattern.

It seems that regardless of weekdays or weekends, he would always head to the Explorers’ Guild at a fixed time and return late.

“Is it because he likes to flaunt, so he makes sure to show up at the guild?”

“Power-hungry people are all like that.”

Banetta responded dismissively, waving her hand.

“Alright, shall we begin? Are you both ready?”

“Yes, we’re ready.”

“I’m ready too.”

“Good response. From now on, let’s go with these call signs: Edu as Pixie, Edward as Creep, and me as CP. Got it?”

“Yes.”

“…Creep?”

“Yeah, there’s no better word to describe you perfectly.”

A confident reply. For that, Edward looked down in embarrassment.

“Ugh, that’s cheap fact-based!”

Ah, so it wasn’t just embarrassment. I subtly distanced myself from Edward.

“Alright then. Let’s start the operation. Do you both remember how to act?”

“Yes, we’ll head as casually as possible toward the villain’s house and check the surroundings.”

“Correct, next?”

“Depending on the situation, we’ll infiltrate the garage and place the tank and armored vehicles inside before retreating.”

A simple plan, but one with no unnecessary complications.

“Good. It might make you nervous, but it’s not too difficult a task. Let’s try without making any mistakes!”

“Yes!”

With that, we stepped out of the car, attaching the wireless terminal earphones provided by Banetta and wearing the floating devices disguised as shoes on our legs.

“Phew…”

The sensation of standing, which I hadn’t felt for a long time.

Precisely speaking, since I’m slightly floating, I’m not exactly standing, but because it’s been so long since I stood on my legs, it feels different.

As I glanced around, the landscape appeared calm with few pedestrians or cars, but the numerous surveillance cameras installed in all directions made me instinctively shrink back.

At that moment, Banetta’s voice came over the earpiece.

[CP to Pixie. Is the equipment check out alright?]

No, this is no time to feel nervous.

I checked myself and the equipment while consoling myself.

“This is Pixie. Everything’s fine.”

[CP fine. Please continue the mission.]

“Pixie, everything’s good.”

The transmission cut off.

“Shall we go then, Edu?”

“Yeah, let’s go, Edward.”

I held Edward’s hand and started to take steps. To be precise, it was more like pretending to walk.

Being in a floating state, it was impossible to walk alone, but with Edward leading me, and me pretending to walk, we achieved a convincing appearance.

The perfect plan: not really walking but faking it convincingly.

“Are you okay? Any discomfort?”

“Gu, no, I’m fine. I need to focus…”

“Got it.”

Nevertheless, because my body was slightly floating, it was an odd sensation that required continued focus to avoid negligence.

We occasionally wobbled, stopped to adjust when I applied too much force, causing my legs to tremble. Thanks to Edward who paced me consistently, we eventually reached our destination.

“Huff…”

“Good job, Edu.”

“Ah-hmm, the garage was definitely on the right, right?”

“That’s what I remember, let’s go check.”

Recalling the 3D map from earlier, Edward and I moved to the right side. We came upon a protruding concrete structure and a large iron door.

This was the garage.

We rested momentarily in front of the iron garage door when we received a transmission from Banetta.

[CP to Pixie and Creep, report your status.]

“Pixie at the destination.”

“Creep, the same here.”

[CP good, stand by.]

The transmission cut off for a moment before reconnecting.

[CP to Creep, a middle-aged woman on the nearby bench is deemed as a potential obstruction. Please eliminate her promptly.]

As Banetta’s transmission came through, I indeed saw a middle-aged woman sitting on the bench nearby.

Her thick, toad-like appearance and large frame were far from pretty to call beautiful, but it was evident that she wasn’t lacking in wealth. She donned a dress with elaborate decorations, along with prominent accessories.

Behind her stood two burly men dressed in black suits wearing sunglasses, who were undoubtedly her bodyguards.

“Creep good.”

Edward responded to the transmission.

“In that case, Edu, let’s take care of this.”

“How do you plan to handle it?”

“hmm, leave it to me.”

With that, Edward left me and approached the woman with large strides.

When she recognized Edward’s fast approach, her eyebrows twitched, and the bodyguards instantly moved in front of her, bristling with an intimidating atmosphere.

“Huh? What’s this brat-”

“Lady, good day to you.”

Edward’s polite greeting interrupted the harsh tone she had begun with.

“What? Lady?”

“Indeed, Lady. Isn’t that the truth? Besides yourself, there’s no other lady here, is there?”

“Hmph.”

The woman wrinkled her nose and responded with a harsh tone.

“I’ve lived long enough but never expected to hear ‘Lady.'”

“…Mistress, what should we do?”

The bodyguards, exuding an intimidating aura, asked the woman.

“Can’t you see I’m busy!? Back off!”

“Apologies!”

With her single command, the bodyguards immediately retreated.

“Tch, so, Mister Stranger. What is it?”

“I wonder if, without disturbing you, Lady, we could spend some time at a café.”

“What? A café?”

“Yes, Lady.”

The suspicious woman narrowing her eyes and the ever-polite Edward.

“Hmph. What can’t words do? If you really think of me as a lady, come taste my fingers-”

Thump.

Even before the woman could finish her sentence, Edward quickly seized her hands in both of his.

“H-Hold on!”

Was she sensing something from his reaction? She raised her voice desperately before anything could happen.

“Yes, Lady, what is the matter?”

“R-Really going to do it?”

“My intentions have always been sincere, Lady.”

At that response, the atmosphere quickly changed.

The initially hostile and rigid current dissolved instantly, and with it, the woman’s tension eased.

“I’ve never encountered someone like you…younger one…”

“Is that so.”

“Hmph. This time only, I’ll spare some time for you. Remember, I’m not cheap.”

“Of course, Lady.”

Edward, gently escorting the rising woman, captured her hand with a knightly gesture. In that small action, a peculiar, pinkish atmosphere strangely bloomed.

“Shall we go?”

“Ah, yes.”

In that manner, the two moved off together.

The guards who had been observing the two like giant demons from mythology, finally recovered after a while and followed behind.

And Edward turned to me, raising his right hand then gave me a thumbs up.

[… … ]

“…”

A short moment of silence.

What have I just witnessed?

[Uh… seems like it’s somehow dealt with, but this wasn’t planned when he left you alone, right?]

Is Banetta feeling the same confusion as me? She forgot the agreed-upon communication format and murmured over the line.

“So, what should we do?”

[Hmm… if we wait for him and someone else comes, we lose our chance. Edu, do you think you can move alone on foot?]

“Walk…?”

The equipment was made with the assumption that Edward would guide me. Banetta clearly knew this well, yet she asked me anyway…

“Seems hard-”

Just as I was speaking, a sudden thought crossed my mind.

Wait, body clumsiness affects walking. So, if I don’t walk, it might just work, right?

At the same time, a memory from the previous day, which I’d forgotten due to the adrenaline, surfaced in my mind. It was when I met Mili and Sita, and before that, I had slipped from the garbage pile and rolled all the way to the puddle.

Why had I forgotten this until now? I actually had two incredible methods of movement.

“I believe I can manage.”

[Really? Are you sure you’ll be fine?]

“Yes!”

[I’ll hack into the garage system now and slightly open the door for you. I’ll also disable the surveillance cameras… Alright! The door will soon open. Move fast before others notice!]

Cuuung-

The heavy garage door slowly opened. At the same moment, the surveillance cameras that were moving rhythmically turned their heads away in unison.

After confirming this, I checked around one last time to ensure no one was watching, then lay prone to the ground.

Preparations complete.

Body clumsiness, you cannot stop me. Let’s roll!

“Yahoo!”

Closing my eyes tightly, I propelled myself forward.

Rolling, rolling.

The vision spun in circles as my body rolled along.

‘Perfect!’

Self-praising my ingenious method of movement, I sped up and rolled further.

Rolling, rolling.

After rolling a few times, a ‘thud’ sound echoed behind me, followed by the sound of the door closing.

Good, let’s keep rolling-

Rolling, rolling… thump.

…Such times also existed for me.

The cold metallic touch against my body. But this wasn’t the feel of a car or tool. If anything, it most likely resembled the legs of a person.

Yes, thinking about it, a mansion this big would naturally have servants or security.

‘Shit…’

Gulp.

I swallowed the dry saliva in my throat. No matter how much I closed my eyes and avoided reality, I knew my situation remained unchanged.

“…”

After mentally preparing, I slowly opened my eyes.

Gradually, the hues entered my pupils, revealing the identity of what had stopped my rolling motion.

A humanoid female robot–automaton–stood gracefully before me with her hands modestly clasped together. Dressed in a maid outfit of black and white and adorned with black stockings, she was undeniably pretty.

“…”

She regarded me with a gaze devoid of any emotion, and in response, I did my best to smile harmlessly back at the automaton.

“J-Just stopping by to deliver a message…”