Chapter 67 - The Blonde
Jin was in an exceptionally good mood.
Not for any particular reason.
He just liked D'Andre.
It was amusing.
Along an odd android in a rundown office, working alongside unimpressive solos.
And yet, a Linker who still dreamed of reaching higher places.
The important part was that he was a Linker.
Not some third-rate thug who enjoyed being worshipped like a boss.
On top of that, his effort to get on Jin's good side was almost tangible.
Jin hung an invisible necklace around D'Andre's neck.
Accepted!!
Truthfully, Jin wasn't someone with a high emotional barrier.
If someone approached him with sincerity and a genuine wish to get along, they could easily jump over that so-called "barrier."
In fact, calling it a barrier was excessive—it was more like a hurdle.
And unintentionally, D'Andre had cleared that hurdle.
What did this mean?
It meant that even without the status window's intervention, Jin would have accepted his offer anyway.
It might not seem like much, but this was actually significant.
It wasn't something he was forced to do because the status window dictated it.
It was something he chose to do, and D'Andre just happened to hitch a free ride on that decision.
It might sound like wordplay, but Jin was serious.
Even if it seemed childish, it made things feel much less unpleasant.
So next time, take a hint.
Jin was glaring at the disappearing status window when—
"…You're really going into the tunnels?"
D'Andre asked, his face blank with disbelief.
"You're actually going to use my intel? For real?"
"Why would I lie about something like this?"
"Oh… Ohhh! Oooooh!!!"
D'Andre burst into a string of exclamations.
He looked exactly like a judge from Cooking Master Boy after taking a bite of crispy rice soup.
Absolute bliss!
As a dramatic Chinese-style BGM played in Jin's head, he smirked to himself.
By the time D'Andre had finally regained his composure, he said,
"J-Jin, seriously, thanks. I never imagined this."
Jin shrugged.
With his usual relaxed expression, he replied,
"No need to be that grateful. Besides, this isn't even a request. You just handed over some intel to me unilaterally."
"…That's true."
"So, what do you want? You called this high-grade intel, right? You must want something in return."
Jin assumed he would ask for the treasure hidden in the underground ruins.
But the answer he got was completely unexpected.
"Sign a contract with our office. I'm not asking for a long-term deal—just one request."
D'Andre held up a single finger and continued,
"If you like the work I bring you after that, you can extend the contract. If not, you can refuse and walk away. Naturally, even if you turn it down, it won't count against the request count. You won't have any obligations."
He was offering a completely submissive deal.
But D'Andre didn't mind.
Because he had no intention of actually bringing Jin any work.
He simply wanted to add a dazzling talent to his meager squad out of sheer gratitude.
Was he planning to brag about it to others?
Not at all.
After all, people would find out on their own even if he said nothing.
If someone asked—
"Is it true that Jin Evernight signed with your office?"
He would simply answer—
"I'm grateful."
That was all it would take.
The rest was up to their imagination.
Uncertainty always bred speculation.
D'Andre thought, Whisper, whisper—he's more capable than expected—murmur, murmur.
If just a few good rumors spread throughout Downtown…
Maybe more solos would start visiting his office.
Not the cheap thugs who constantly caused trouble, botched jobs, and dumped their messes onto others—
only to retaliate with violence when their contracts were terminated for moral reasons.
No, he wanted real solos.
Their levels didn't have to be high.
That was something they could improve over time.
As long as they had the passion to climb to the top together…!!
And now, before him stood the one who would be the first step of his grand plan.
"..."
Hands pressed together like in prayer, D'Andre touched them to his lips.
A calm voice reached his ears.
"…Do whatever you want."
"O-Ohhh!! Oooooooh!!!!"
D'Andre erupted into celebration once more, while Jin, watching him with ashen-gray eyes, remained unbothered.
What's with this overreaction?
Anyone would think he'd just won the lottery.
Jin, as usual, was unfazed.
No—he went a step further.
Watching D'Andre celebrate over a mere single-request contract, Jin found himself wondering—
Have I been neglecting the small joys in my own life?
He took a moment for some genuine self-reflection.
Of course, his reaction stemmed from not knowing D'Andre's true intentions.
But even if he had known, it wouldn't have changed anything in the end.
Using my name to gather decent recruits?
What, do you want me to post an announcement on the solo intranet?
If anything, he might have helped with promotion.
But he would never have used it as leverage to manipulate a Linker.
"Your boss still hasn't come to his senses, huh?"
Jin slightly tugged at the corner of his mouth and turned to look at Hooker.
"You'll have to bring the contract, won't you?"
With the contract neatly settled, D'Andre had ordered a large amount of delivery food to the office as a celebration.
It was an unexpected dinner party, but Jin didn't skip out on it.
He took a large bite of pizza, stacking it up like a hippo and chewing loudly.
His cheeks puffed up as he stuffed his face, focusing on the act of chewing.
Right in front of him, D'Andre, all excited, was boasting to Hooker about buying artificial skin for him.
As Jin looked on, he felt his pocket vibrate, pulling out his device.
An unsaved number.
But he knew whose it was by heart.
As soon as Jin pressed the call button, he cheerfully greeted the person on the other end by name.
"Hey, Khalifa."
"······?!"
"······?!"
Both D'Andre and Hooker flinched at the same time.
From the speaker, the owner of the name let out a sarcastic laugh.
[Why do you seem so cheerful? Our solo is doing well?]
A chilling voice made D'Andre and Hooker both swallow nervously, leaning in closer to the device.
Jin, observing their reaction, motioned with his lips, 'What are you two doing?' before leaning back and replying.
"I'm just happy to be talking to you."
[If only you could actually speak more often.]
"Sorry for the lack of contact. The device broke again. By the way, this latest one went out with a full explosion. There was no trace left of it."
[Is that supposed to be a brag?]
A lecture began.
Just because the device broke, was that the end?
What had he been doing for the last three weeks?
Even if he had to borrow one, he should've gotten in touch so they could assess the situation.
Fine, let's say he'd been too busy.
But then, why was contact coming from Fenrir first?
Five days ago, he called to ask if Jin's been to the Anekdote, and Jin didn't know what to say.
Words kept ringing in his ears.
But they were all true, so Jin couldn't argue.
He knew he had been careless.
So, he listened attentively to the next words, trying to sound polite as he apologized.
Then, Khalifa, who usually fired off words like gunshots, asked in a more subdued tone.
[...So, you left the bike in front of the store and went off somewhere?]
At the same time, D'Andre shook his head vigorously, his cheeks trembling, but Jin ignored him.
So what?
He hadn't done anything wrong.
"Ah, that's—"
And so, Jin started to explain, briefly outlining his meeting with D'Andre and the contract.
[...A contract?]
"Yeah. It happened by accident."
[Did that guy really grill you down? Is he nearby?]
"Yeah, uncomfortably close. Want me to pass the phone to him?"
[Please do.]
With those words, D'Andre flinched and Jin grabbed him by the shoulder, shoving the device toward his ear.
[...It's me. What?]
In a nervous voice, D'Andre took the phone and began the conversation.
"Don't make it sound like I'm going to get him Kill. I'm not going to do that."
"You think you're the only one for whom he's precious? Do you think I'm any different?"
"I know, I know. I'm not the kind of person who lacks ethics."
"The tunnel? That wasn't something I made him go to. Jin chose to go in himself…"
"Seriously though, even if it was true... I'm putting my late mother's honor on the line…"
What kind of argument had taken place?
"Hey, hey. Jin. Take the phone back."
D'Andre handed the device back with a sulking face, and Jin, still eating his chicken, stretched out his arm.
"What's wrong?"
[Jin, did you agree to go into the tunnel?]
"Yeah."
[Why all of a sudden?]
"Because I want to check something out."
[······]
Khalifa didn't ask what he wanted to check.
That was fine.
Jin didn't even know what it was himself.
After all, it showing as ??? in the status window.
A non-deferable quest.
Massive experience points and additional rewards promised.
It was a situation that couldn't be passed up.
So, Jin thought, yeah, I need to take care of this.
Just as he was thinking that, Khalifa spoke again.
[Listen carefully, Jin. This is a suspicious incident in a closed-off group. Mercenaries and solos were sent in teams, and only insiders know what's happening. It's dangerous—don't take it lightly.]
Khalifa's voice had a hint of laughter by the time she finished speaking.
It was a mix of exhaustion, but somehow, it wasn't entirely unpleasant either.
[You're still going to do it, right?]
"I'm planning to."
[Good. But you can't go alone.]
"Eh? Then?"
[A new recruit joined Anekdote. An experienced recruit. Skilled, and easygoing, so I like him. Most importantly, he knows you, right?]
"······? Who?"
[Look at you. They're going to be upset now. Just give them a chance, you'll see he's quite the pro.]
After a click of his tongue, Khalifa continued.
[Anyway, I'll assign that person to you. Of course, I'll ask if they're okay with it since it's a dangerous place, but from the attitude they've shown so far, I think they'll just agree."
"Uh... I got it for now."
[Contact me as soon as the date is set. Also, make sure to show your face before then. I'll hang up now.]
With that, the call ended, and Jin, as if waiting, shuddered.
"Ugh! Get away from me already."
At that, D'Andre, who had been pressing his ear to the device, cleared his throat and backed away.
"Well, I was just curious."
He then wiped his nose and asked.
"So, is Anekdote going to assign someone to support?"
"Looks like it. But who it is..."
Maybe it's because so many events had happened in the past few months, but Jin couldn't immediately recall any face that stood out.
It was a strange, nagging feeling, making him frown slightly when he was interrupted by D'Andre.
"If you're okay with it, I could also assign a solo to help, you interested?"
"Hmm?"
Jin, snapped out of his thoughts by D'Andre's suggestion, tilted his head.
"Aren't they just weaklings?"
"Hey! I said there's one good one, not a level 4, but he's like a level 3."
"But you said he doesn't listen to you?"
"Well, that's true, but no, wait a minute. That's not the important part! When I first heard about the tunnel, I asked that guy immediately. He straight-up said he wouldn't go because it was too dangerous, but now the story has changed, right? If you go and Khalifa assign a solo, making at least two level 3s... I think he'd change his mind about it."
"Is that so."
Jin chewed his lip thoughtfully.
Having more skilled people wouldn't hurt.
But who knew what could be inside?
"Well, then, bring him along. But I'm leaving by tomorrow at the latest, so keep that in mind."
"I'll ask right away."
D'Andre jumped up with excitement, his face lit up. It was an opportunity to join an operation with level 3 solos.
This was different from the usual street thug fights.
The kind of mission that made his heart pound.
...Maybe this makes me look like a professional?
"Hello? It's D'Andre."
At that moment, D'Andre was just thrilled.
***
Once the target was set, Jin immediately began preparing.
Before heading to the tunnel, he rechecked his equipment.
He started by heading to the gun shop to refill his Gravis magazine.
Honestly, he could just contact Wonder, but he felt it might be a bit rude to ask for more after the big favor he got last time.
Plus, wasn't it good to keep checking on the face of that perverted lover of adult content?
"Old man! Give me some magazines!"
Jin barged into the Good Neighbors shop as usual.
Sure enough, there was Brof, his eyes wide, staring at a device.
Jin flashed a mischievous smile.
"So, what genre is it today?"
Saying this, he snatched the device from Brof's hand.
Last time, they'd watched a tragic love story between a human man and a beast-woman.
What kind of video was it today?
Before he could even see the screen, the loud voice boomed.
"Ruger & Dolman's, uh, super strong bomb! Please show lots of interest!!!"
"...What?!"
Instead of the usual skin-covered, sweat-soaked screen, a missile shot through the air, followed by a massive explosion.
The overwhelming flames.
Chlorine taking lives.
And words floating amidst it all?
"Borg Series. Overwhelming Destruction Power!"
"R&D, Faust α!"
"Eh?"
Jin stared blankly at the device, and Brof slowly raised his head.
"...Idiot. What the hell have you been up to?"
"Wait, is the edited version really like this?"
Their voices overlapped.
"...Ruger and Dolman's stocks rose by more than 10% today. You should have told me about this earlier!"
"Is it like some kind of short-form video? It's a bit embarrassing, huh?"
As Brof shivered with embarrassment, Jin scratched his cheek and quickly added.
"Just give me the magazines. I'm in a hurry."
"No! Explain first! What's going on with Ruger and Dolman, huh?!"
"Oh, I'll tell you next time. Hurry."
Ignoring the old man's insistence, Jin grabbed the magazines and left the shop.
"Definitely come back later!!"
With Brof's desperate cries fading behind him, Jin headed for the meeting place at Anekdote.
He was greeted by a sharp slap on his back from Khalifa.
Taking the spicy touch with a chuckle, Jin spoke.
"Calm down."
"I saw the video. Were you really trying to throw your life away?"
"I'm an ambassador, after all."
After that awkward reply, Jin handed a tote bag containing 100 million to Po.
"Please take care of this."
"Don't worry, I'll find something decent before you come back."
"You're the best."
Jin gave a thumbs up and sank into the couch, feeling much more at ease.
As they waited silently for the others who would join them in the tunnel mission, the soft chime of a bell rang.
Someone entered the shop.
"Ah."
They smiled at the sight of Jin, a deep dimple forming as they grinned widely.
At the same time, Jin recognized the person.
"Ah?!"
A blonde woman who looked great in sunglasses.
It was a memory from a long time ago, when she had tried to hitchhike on the highway.
"Natasha?"
At the same time, the woman spoke.
"Martinis are still not your poison, right?"