I'm hunched over the control room's interface, fingers dancing across holographic screens, scanning through data streams. The air is thick with tension, but my focus remains unbroken. The ambush earlier was a stark reminder of the dangers that surround me. I need to know who orchestrated it and why.
Tomer approaches, her presence making me look up from the swirling sea of information. She's always been efficient, a fact that hasn't escaped my notice. Her eyes meet mine, and she smirks, a hint of satisfaction playing on her lips.
"Mission accomplished," she says with a hint of satisfaction in her voice.
I glance up, meeting her gaze. "Good work. I appreciate your efficiency."
Tomer hands me a folder, and as I take it, she remarks, "This kind of errand is my favorite. Much more interesting than the usual tasks."
I crack a faint smile. "Glad to know you find some excitement in it."
With a nod, she continues, "Here are the documents you asked for. The other targets of the Hassassins—Chae Nayun, Rachel, Yoo Jinhyung, and a few others." She lays the folder on the table, neatly organized.
As I browse through the contents, connecting the dots, I mutter, "This doesn't add up."
"What do you mean?" Tomer leans in, intrigued.
"These targets, their deaths only serve one group—the Hero Association." My brow furrows as the realization sets in. “I mean, this is so obvious… Is the Association so dumb? Or is it their trust in the surely formidable skills of the Hassassins?”
Tomer's eyes widen slightly. "You think they're behind this?"
"It's possible. They benefit the most from the chaos caused by eliminating these figures." I tap my fingers on the table, contemplating our next move.
I'm engrossed in analyzing the documents when Tomer approaches me, a serious look on her face.
"There's something else," she begins, her tone cautious.
I turn to her, sensing the gravity of her words. "What is it?"
"We've managed to capture the Head of the Hassassins," she reveals. "We're in the process of extracting their martial arts techniques."
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "That's a significant development. The Arts of the Hassassins are no joke."
"Yeah, they're potent," Tomer confirms, nodding. "With those arts, a Hassassin can disappear like a ghost, even outmaneuver a Master Rank."
I nod thoughtfully, well aware of their capabilities. "Their stealth is unparalleled. But what about their combat strength without it?"
Tomer grimaces slightly. "In terms of lethality, a Hassassin has a high success rate for a killing blow. However, without the stealth advantage, they become vulnerable in a direct fight."
I rub my chin, considering the implications. "So, without their cloak of invisibility, they're significantly weakened in a face-to-face confrontation."
"That's right," Tomer affirms, her expression serious. "But we'll have access to their techniques soon. It could be a game-changer for us."
I nod, acknowledging the potential but wary of the dangers such power might bring in the wrong hands. "Let's proceed cautiously. We don't want to underestimate the consequences of wielding such lethal abilities."
I take a moment to reflect on the accumulated research from the past year like my thesis on the Weight of Existence, my mind filled with the intricate complexities of the soul. The newly devised technology to sense the wavelength of the soul, a fusion of freaky science and secret techniques, is a revolutionary breakthrough. It's not a traditional piece of tech; instead, it's a comprehensive mathematical equation seamlessly integrated into the AI System.
I decide to check in with Tomer, seeking updates on how the Djinns is adapting to this new advancement.
"Tomer, how's everyone doing? Any feedback on the soul-sensing technology?" I ask, leaning back in my chair.
She sports a subtle grin on her face. "The new tech has been quite useful. Beyond detecting stealth targets, its ability to gauge power levels is proving to be more accurate than we anticipated."
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Power levels? How so?"
"The mathematical equation is finely tuned. It interacts with the AI System, providing precise calculations of an individual's strength based on their soul's wavelength. It's giving us a more detailed understanding of our team's capabilities and potential threats," Tomer explains.
I nod, satisfied with the progress. "Good. Keep me updated on any further developments."
"Will do," Tomer replies, seemingly already bored.
Tomer adds, a dismal look on her face. "The Djinns have settled in the new base. The abandoned factory you chose is proving to be a strategic location. We've got it well-secured."
I nod, pleased with the progress. "Good. Security is paramount. Keep me informed of any developments."
She gives a brisk salute before adding, "By the way, the cover story about the Djinns being from a foreign talent agency is holding up well. The locals are buying into the idea that we're here to make a mark in the entertainment industry."
I chuckle, realizing the advantage of being in a world where the entertainment industry is in its infancy. "Excellent. Let's use that to our advantage. Speaking of which, how are my investments in the entertainment industry outside Korea shaping up?"
Tomer smirks. "Quite well, actually. You've signed contracts with artists who, as you claimed, are yet to be famous in this world due to the time difference. It's a smart move, boss. You're making quite a fortune."
I lean back, a satisfied grin on my face. "Gotta make the most of the opportunities this world offers. In fact, I'm considering creating my own Hollywood here. The entertainment industry outside Korea is a gold mine waiting to be explored."
Tomer raises an eyebrow. "Hollywood here? What’s that?"
I nod. “It's time to bring a taste of that success here. Is it plagiarizing when no one has thought of it yet? Mwahahahaha~!"
Tomer shakes her head in surrender, “I don’t understand…”
As I ponder the possibilities, I can't help but revel in the opportunities this alternate 21st-century world presents, where magic, monsters, and heroes coexist in a slowly recovering post-apocalyptic landscape.
Finally, I tell Tomer, “You're free to go, Tomer. Let the Djinns enjoy some downtime, maybe even let them play around a bit."
Tomer grins, her eyes lighting up. "Sounds like a plan. You want to join?"
I shake my head. "No, I've got some things to take care of here. You all have earned a break."
She salutes playfully. "Alright then, boss. I'll make sure they have a good time. Anything else you need?"
"Just a reminder," I say, "expect more combat-oriented errands soon. I know the clerical jobs can get tedious."
Tomer nods, a glint of eagerness in her eyes. "Looking forward to it. See you later, boss."
Today, Tomer seems very spritely…
As she leaves, I turn my attention back to my work, the bitter taste of betrayal lingering in my mind. I'm determined to upgrade my Interdimensional Router. The memory of Lancaster stealing it right under my nose fuels my desire to improve and protect my technology. I feel more inclined to work than take a break, the need for something to do pushes me forward.
As I immerse myself in upgrading the Interdimensional Router, a subtle feeling of presence at my rear sends a shiver down my spine. I turn around, and to my surprise, Rachel stands there.
"Rachel?" I raise an eyebrow, not expecting her to be here.
She offers a small smile. "Hey there. I've got something important to share."
I motion for her to continue, curious about the unexpected visit.
"Lancaster appeared before me again," Rachel begins. "It was a brief contact, but he wants to meet in an isolated area by a park north of the Hero Association Tower." She projects holographic coordinates from her smartwatch.
I study the hologram, recognizing the location. "That's the same place I go to relax my mind in secret. Why does Lancaster want to meet there?"
Rachel shrugs, her expression serious. "I'm not sure. He didn't provide many details, but it seemed urgent. Maybe he has information about the Hero Association we can use."
I look at Rachel, my expression serious. "What's your plan with this invitation from Lancaster? It's clear he's not on our side."
Rachel hesitates for a moment before responding, "I can't contact Nayun, and I don't want to risk going alone. I need you to come with me as reinforcement."
I frown, weighing the risks in my mind. "Wait, Rachel. We can't rush into this. We have to wait for Nayun. Whatever Lancaster is planning, it can't be anything good."
As I start clicking away at the Control Panel, trying to locate Nayun, frustration sets in. She's nowhere to be found.
"Dammit," I mutter. "I can't find Nayun. I might need to use Perfect Neural Synchronization to locate her."
But before I can proceed, Rachel calls out urgently, "Hyon! Lancaster just sent me an ultimatum. If I don't meet him at the agreed time, he'll start killing passing civilians."
I clench my fists, my jaw tight. "That's downright disgusting. I swear, Lancaster better be prepared because he's been wearing my patience thin."
I lean back, considering the situation. "Alright, let's go. I'll accompany you to the meeting. We need to tread carefully with Lancaster, but if there's a chance to gain an advantage, we can't ignore it."
Rachel nods in agreement. "I thought you'd say that. We should head out soon."
As I gather my things, the mystery of Lancaster's intentions hangs in the air, and I can't shake the feeling that this meeting could be a turning point in our plans against the Hero Association… or maybe a turning point for something worse.
I'm hunched over the control room's interface, fingers dancing across holographic screens, scanning through data streams. The air is thick with tension, but my focus remains unbroken. The ambush earlier was a stark reminder of the dangers that surround me. I need to know who orchestrated it and why.
Tomer approaches, her presence making me look up from the swirling sea of information. She's always been efficient, a fact that hasn't escaped my notice. Her eyes meet mine, and she smirks, a hint of satisfaction playing on her lips.
"Mission accomplished," she says with a hint of satisfaction in her voice.
I glance up, meeting her gaze. "Good work. I appreciate your efficiency."
Tomer hands me a folder, and as I take it, she remarks, "This kind of errand is my favorite. Much more interesting than the usual tasks."
I crack a faint smile. "Glad to know you find some excitement in it."
With a nod, she continues, "Here are the documents you asked for. The other targets of the Hassassins—Chae Nayun, Rachel, Yoo Jinhyung, and a few others." She lays the folder on the table, neatly organized.
As I browse through the contents, connecting the dots, I mutter, "This doesn't add up."
"What do you mean?" Tomer leans in, intrigued.
"These targets, their deaths only serve one group—the Hero Association." My brow furrows as the realization sets in. “I mean, this is so obvious… Is the Association so dumb? Or is it their trust in the surely formidable skills of the Hassassins?”
Tomer's eyes widen slightly. "You think they're behind this?"
"It's possible. They benefit the most from the chaos caused by eliminating these figures." I tap my fingers on the table, contemplating our next move.
I'm engrossed in analyzing the documents when Tomer approaches me, a serious look on her face.
"There's something else," she begins, her tone cautious.
I turn to her, sensing the gravity of her words. "What is it?"
"We've managed to capture the Head of the Hassassins," she reveals. "We're in the process of extracting their martial arts techniques."
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "That's a significant development. The Arts of the Hassassins are no joke."
"Yeah, they're potent," Tomer confirms, nodding. "With those arts, a Hassassin can disappear like a ghost, even outmaneuver a Master Rank."
I nod thoughtfully, well aware of their capabilities. "Their stealth is unparalleled. But what about their combat strength without it?"
Tomer grimaces slightly. "In terms of lethality, a Hassassin has a high success rate for a killing blow. However, without the stealth advantage, they become vulnerable in a direct fight."
I rub my chin, considering the implications. "So, without their cloak of invisibility, they're significantly weakened in a face-to-face confrontation."
"That's right," Tomer affirms, her expression serious. "But we'll have access to their techniques soon. It could be a game-changer for us."
I nod, acknowledging the potential but wary of the dangers such power might bring in the wrong hands. "Let's proceed cautiously. We don't want to underestimate the consequences of wielding such lethal abilities."
I take a moment to reflect on the accumulated research from the past year like my thesis on the Weight of Existence, my mind filled with the intricate complexities of the soul. The newly devised technology to sense the wavelength of the soul, a fusion of freaky science and secret techniques, is a revolutionary breakthrough. It's not a traditional piece of tech; instead, it's a comprehensive mathematical equation seamlessly integrated into the AI System.
I decide to check in with Tomer, seeking updates on how the Djinns is adapting to this new advancement.
"Tomer, how's everyone doing? Any feedback on the soul-sensing technology?" I ask, leaning back in my chair.
She sports a subtle grin on her face. "The new tech has been quite useful. Beyond detecting stealth targets, its ability to gauge power levels is proving to be more accurate than we anticipated."
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Power levels? How so?"
"The mathematical equation is finely tuned. It interacts with the AI System, providing precise calculations of an individual's strength based on their soul's wavelength. It's giving us a more detailed understanding of our team's capabilities and potential threats," Tomer explains.
I nod, satisfied with the progress. "Good. Keep me updated on any further developments."
"Will do," Tomer replies, seemingly already bored.
Tomer adds, a dismal look on her face. "The Djinns have settled in the new base. The abandoned factory you chose is proving to be a strategic location. We've got it well-secured."
I nod, pleased with the progress. "Good. Security is paramount. Keep me informed of any developments."
She gives a brisk salute before adding, "By the way, the cover story about the Djinns being from a foreign talent agency is holding up well. The locals are buying into the idea that we're here to make a mark in the entertainment industry."
I chuckle, realizing the advantage of being in a world where the entertainment industry is in its infancy. "Excellent. Let's use that to our advantage. Speaking of which, how are my investments in the entertainment industry outside Korea shaping up?"
Tomer smirks. "Quite well, actually. You've signed contracts with artists who, as you claimed, are yet to be famous in this world due to the time difference. It's a smart move, boss. You're making quite a fortune."
I lean back, a satisfied grin on my face. "Gotta make the most of the opportunities this world offers. In fact, I'm considering creating my own Hollywood here. The entertainment industry outside Korea is a gold mine waiting to be explored."
Tomer raises an eyebrow. "Hollywood here? What’s that?"
I nod. “It's time to bring a taste of that success here. Is it plagiarizing when no one has thought of it yet? Mwahahahaha~!"
Tomer shakes her head in surrender, “I don’t understand…”
As I ponder the possibilities, I can't help but revel in the opportunities this alternate 21st-century world presents, where magic, monsters, and heroes coexist in a slowly recovering post-apocalyptic landscape.
Finally, I tell Tomer, “You're free to go, Tomer. Let the Djinns enjoy some downtime, maybe even let them play around a bit."
Tomer grins, her eyes lighting up. "Sounds like a plan. You want to join?"
I shake my head. "No, I've got some things to take care of here. You all have earned a break."
She salutes playfully. "Alright then, boss. I'll make sure they have a good time. Anything else you need?"
"Just a reminder," I say, "expect more combat-oriented errands soon. I know the clerical jobs can get tedious."
Tomer nods, a glint of eagerness in her eyes. "Looking forward to it. See you later, boss."
Today, Tomer seems very spritely…
As she leaves, I turn my attention back to my work, the bitter taste of betrayal lingering in my mind. I'm determined to upgrade my Interdimensional Router. The memory of Lancaster stealing it right under my nose fuels my desire to improve and protect my technology. I feel more inclined to work than take a break, the need for something to do pushes me forward.
As I immerse myself in upgrading the Interdimensional Router, a subtle feeling of presence at my rear sends a shiver down my spine. I turn around, and to my surprise, Rachel stands there.
"Rachel?" I raise an eyebrow, not expecting her to be here.
She offers a small smile. "Hey there. I've got something important to share."
I motion for her to continue, curious about the unexpected visit.
"Lancaster appeared before me again," Rachel begins. "It was a brief contact, but he wants to meet in an isolated area by a park north of the Hero Association Tower." She projects holographic coordinates from her smartwatch.
I study the hologram, recognizing the location. "That's the same place I go to relax my mind in secret. Why does Lancaster want to meet there?"
Rachel shrugs, her expression serious. "I'm not sure. He didn't provide many details, but it seemed urgent. Maybe he has information about the Hero Association we can use."
I look at Rachel, my expression serious. "What's your plan with this invitation from Lancaster? It's clear he's not on our side."
Rachel hesitates for a moment before responding, "I can't contact Nayun, and I don't want to risk going alone. I need you to come with me as reinforcement."
I frown, weighing the risks in my mind. "Wait, Rachel. We can't rush into this. We have to wait for Nayun. Whatever Lancaster is planning, it can't be anything good."
As I start clicking away at the Control Panel, trying to locate Nayun, frustration sets in. She's nowhere to be found.
"Dammit," I mutter. "I can't find Nayun. I might need to use Perfect Neural Synchronization to locate her."
But before I can proceed, Rachel calls out urgently, "Hyon! Lancaster just sent me an ultimatum. If I don't meet him at the agreed time, he'll start killing passing civilians."
I clench my fists, my jaw tight. "That's downright disgusting. I swear, Lancaster better be prepared because he's been wearing my patience thin."
I lean back, considering the situation. "Alright, let's go. I'll accompany you to the meeting. We need to tread carefully with Lancaster, but if there's a chance to gain an advantage, we can't ignore it."
Rachel nods in agreement. "I thought you'd say that. We should head out soon."
As I gather my things, the mystery of Lancaster's intentions hangs in the air, and I can't shake the feeling that this meeting could be a turning point in our plans against the Hero Association… or maybe a turning point for something worse.
