Chapter 74

*Clomp, clomp.*

First off, to proceed with the plan, my current identity won’t cut it.

“The scale of what I’m trying to do is too big.”

Eclipse itself has nothing to gain from this, and if things go wrong, Eclipse might even suffer.

“In other words, even if I tell Astra, there’s a high chance she’ll just reject it outright.”

Even if I explain my plan, I’d be lucky if she doesn’t call me crazy. So, what I need is a new identity.

I need a scapegoat.

“Someone who can take the fall while I reap the maximum benefits.”

I needed an identity separate from Maker, and I plan to use ‘Akaoni,’ the one I used during the last terrorist attack. It’s been about 2-3 months, but the public perception of it is still vague enough to work.

“Now, all I need is some reliable allies, and the groundwork is set.”

Of course, this terrorist act is too big for me to handle alone. All I can do is talk, shoot a gun, and stir things up.

To pull off the act of being the shadowy mastermind Akaoni while also bringing ‘that guy’ into the picture, I need allies.

“The only organization I’m part of is Eclipse, so I’ll have to recruit from there.”

Someone within Eclipse who trusts me more than Astra, who currently manages the organization. And someone who won’t snitch to Astra even if I bring it up.

Oh, and they should be competent too.

Just hearing it, the conditions sound ridiculously strict.

“You’re probably wondering where and when I’ll find such allies.”

*Creak—*

“Oh, Older Brother?”

“Narin.”

Luckily, I already have such subordinates.

“Want to join me in some fun?”

***

“What?! You want to secretly change identities and carry out a terrorist act behind the organization’s back?”

“That’s correct.”

Hmm. She sits on the chair, propping her chin on her hand.

“Let me be honest.”

“Go ahead.”

“The ‘plan’ you mentioned, Older Brother. You know it’s way too reckless, right? Assuming everything will go your way is way too optimistic.”

Narin takes a sip of the cola next to her computer and sets the can back down.

‘From an outsider’s perspective, it probably does look like I’m going way too far.’

Hmm.

I reconsidered the plan I had told her.

“…You’re right. It does assume everything will go exactly as I want.”

“Exactly.”

Narin puts one foot up on the chair, smirking as she looks at me.

“And even telling me about it, Older Brother. What if I refuse? Or what if I snitch to Astra?”

“I don’t think you’d do that.”

“Where does that confidence come from? How can you trust me? Is it that handsome guy confidence that I won’t betray you?”

From her perspective, my actions probably seem too convenient, given that I know the original story.

‘Well, from her perspective, it’s understandable.’

But there’s no need to explain that to her. She’s not asking for an explanation; she’s just making small talk.

“So, are you in or not?”

I smirk and look at Narin. She pauses, thinking for a moment.

Narin grins, fiddling with the empty can next to her.

“…Honestly, it’s a stupid idea. A really stupid idea, but…”

Then, *toss*. She throws the can into the trash and looks at me.

“Let’s do it right now.”

Her eyes sparkle amidst her serious expression. It’s a look that clearly shows she’s excited.

‘I knew it.’

I smirk and pat her head.

“I’ll be the Hacker Punch!”

Yeah, go ahead and cause chaos for me.

***

After sealing the deal with Narin, I walked down the hallway.

‘First, the most important person, Narin, is convinced.’

She’s someone who lives for excitement anyway, so I didn’t really need to convince her, but if I say it’s convincing, then it is.

‘Anyway, who’s next?’

Gayeon will obviously come if I ask. She already knows I’m Akaoni, so I can’t leave her out.

Riru… she’s too young. And we haven’t properly clashed with Z Bio yet.

If I take Riru around while Eclipse is still active and we get caught by them… things could get messy. Pass.

‘What about Ahn Yeri, 42, or the Doctor?’

Ahn Yeri is a nerd, but she’s still a training officer. A main officer of Eclipse wouldn’t help with something like this. Pass.

42 is competent, but it’s unclear if she’d help with something unrelated to Eclipse. Pass.

The Doctor is non-combat and highly loyal to the organization. Plus, while his healing ability is useful, it’s not necessary for my plan.

‘I’d rather ask the Doctor to make something for me.’

…Wait, the Doctor?

As I organize my thoughts while walking down the hallway.

“Ah, M-Maker…!!”

Suddenly, a voice calls out from ahead.

“Ahn Yeri?”

I look up to see Ahn Yeri walking toward me.

“What’s the matter, Yeri?”

“J-Just a second…!”

As I step closer, she flinches and takes a step back.

‘? What’s with her?’

Her sudden behavior is puzzling, but her next words clear it up.

“I-I’m s-sweating too much…”

Ahn Yeri smiles awkwardly. Only then do I notice her outfit.

A sports bra tightly holding her… generous upper body, and black leggings hugging her long legs.

It’s already an outfit that leaves little to the imagination, but soaked in sweat, it becomes even more… questionable.

“…Do you usually exercise in that outfit?”

“Y-Yes… why?”

Eclipse must have some intense training if they can handle excessive bleeding.

“?”

Seeing my expression, she seems to sense something’s off. She glances down at her outfit.

“…!!!”

Soon, her face turns red.

“N-No, no! I-I don’t wear this in front of the kids…!!”

She trembles, clearly embarrassed.

“I-It’s just… for when I exercise alone…”

“I see.”

I nod at her words. It seems true, but that’s not the important part.

“So, what’s the matter?”

“Ah, the Doctor… asked me to come…”

Finally remembering why she’s here, Ahn Yeri answers. It’s probably about Mystic Trace. Perfect timing.

“…But do officers usually run errands like this?”

The Doctor is respected, but in terms of rank, he’s below the officers.

Is it okay to use officers as errand runners like this?

Wait, why did she even agree to this?

“…W-Well, I-I don’t have much to do anyway…”

“……”

An officer who gets bossed around by subordinates because she has nothing to do…

…Well, it’s her life, so she can handle it.

“Got it, thanks for letting me know, Yeri.”

“Y-Yes, go ahead! M-Maker…! Hehe…”

Her giggling is a bit much, but I give her a polite thank you and head to the lab.

***

“…And that concludes the briefing on Mystic Trace.”

“We’ve made a lot of progress.”

Arriving at the research department, I immediately meet with the Doctor and receive a briefing on the progress of Mystic Trace.

*Clap.*

“Let’s clean up, everyone.”

“…T-T-T-T-T…!”

“…T-T-T…!”

At the Doctor’s words, the researchers, looking like they’re about to melt, start organizing the materials and hologram devices.

‘Why do they always act so weird?’

Somehow, the researchers seem to get weirder every time I see them.

“Doctor.”

Anyway, they’re not the important ones.

“Go ahead.”

At my words, the Doctor, who was organizing materials, looks at me. I glance around.

‘No one’s here.’

“Could you call Joy for me?”

“You must want something made.”

At my words, the Doctor hesitates for a moment before activating his ability and flipping his eyes.

And then.

“Yo! Maker! What’s up, bro!!”

Suddenly, he starts grooving to a beat, then slings an arm around my shoulder, grinning.

“Long time no see, Joy.”

“Bro, you need me after all this time, right? Right?”

“That’s correct.”

“Yeeeeah!! Got it!!”

Joy.

One of the Doctor’s alternate personalities, specialized in creation.

I’ve known this personality since shortly after becoming an officer.

Perhaps because my ability is creation, he calls me ‘bro’ and treats me warmly.

“So, what are we making today, bro?”

“Today…”

I explain that I need weapons and auxiliary costumes for my new identity.

I start describing the materials I want to use, the type of weapons I’m looking for, etc.

“Okay! It’s my first time making blunt weapons! Sounds super fun!”

I plan to use his creations as references to replicate the weapons.

“But, bro, who’s this for? This isn’t your style.”

“Ah, it’s for me.”

I smirk at Joy’s puzzled look and explain in detail.

“What?? Bro, are you serious? You’re creating a new identity?”

“Just keep it a secret and make it for me.”

“You’re not planning to betray the organization, are you, bro?”

“Do I seem like the type to betray?”

“Not really, but!”

Joy crosses his arms, looking conflicted.

‘Guess he’s having second thoughts without a bribe.’

Oh well.

Time to reveal one of the reasons the Doctor favors me.

*Tap. Tap tap.*

I pull out my phone and type a few things.

*Ding!*

Soon, the Doctor’s phone chimes.

“Is this enough?”

“…Bro, are you trying to bribe me with money?”

Joy looks at me seriously after checking his phone.

“Was it not enough?”

*Ding!*

How about this?

“Hey bro! Are you trying to buy me off with money?! I’m a scientist! Are you trying to insult me?”

*Ding!*

“……”

*Ding! Ding!*

“Still not enough?”

“…Our friendship is too strong for that, bro! H-How about I lick your shoes?”

Even as he calls me ‘bro,’ he’s already on his knees, bowing his head.

His sudden change in attitude is so ridiculous, I can’t help but laugh.

“Just keep it a secret and make it well.”

“Okay! Bro! I’ll make the best weapons and costumes for you! And of course, my lips are sealed!”

Joy, who had his head on the floor, grins up at me.

“…Haha.”

“…Pfft.”

We look at each other and burst out laughing.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!”

“PFFT! PFFHAHAHAHAHA!! PFFHAHAHAHAHA!!”

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!”

“PFFHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! PFFHIHIHIHI!!”

“HAHAHAHAHA!…Haa…”

The organization’s really something else.

For a moment, I felt a strange sense of disillusionment.

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