“Hmm…”
“…”
I recalibrate the filter’s recognition rate to include the dark figure standing behind me in the overlayed video range.
It’s not really a difficult task. By clearly visualizing the idea in my mind and pouring ample energy and power into it, the result outputs gradually, similar to assembling toy blocks that fit together perfectly.
So if I feel uncomfortable right now, it’s not due to using my abilities; it’s likely because the tracker has taken Zero’s usual place.
Well, you might ask why I feel this way after having been followed around since earlier. I would say that the sensation of being alone with only one companion is completely different from the feeling of being in a group. It feels really uncomfortable.
“Um…”
As soon as I stepped out of the room, despite not providing any explanation, he continued to maintain his vigilant stance without a hint of curiosity or questions.
He exceeds the level of mere concern; he harbors no personal thoughts at all.
An ideal human weapon and a living blade. In the plan, he was specifically labeled as a “next-generation tracker.”
Having such high-ranking personnel providing close protection feels somewhat flattering; but, well, who knows?
If he were a colleague or friend, it would be natural to share responsibilities and have each other’s backs, so it wouldn’t feel awkward. However, with a subordinate… it makes me tilt my head in confusion. This is also just an extension of their work, after all.
He is not just an ordinary salaryman.
“Let’s go. For now, the CCTV shared through the mainframe, based on the mansion’s layout, has rendered us invisible. We just need to be cautious of employees under President Kasane and a few attendees who might support her.”
“That’s quite a convenient secret, isn’t it? I will keep that in mind.”
Those who are in such a low position that they have no speaking rights should not be able to disrupt the flow we create.
There’s nothing to fear. After preparing this far, I moved my legs with the confidence that it would be harder to fail.
Relatively conscious individuals had all left to attend the opening ceremony, and only those thoroughly intoxicated remained in the private area.
“By the way, even if I choose paths that are sparsely populated… I will inevitably have to…”
Suddenly, the busy feet that had been pacing came to a halt.
Not even able to take a few steps. Just as I was about to ask him how he would break through the last defensive line, I realized another important detail.
Despite having fought him twice in a tedious manner and knowing him so well, I didn’t even know the name of this tracker… that is, someone who is also quite trusted under Show.
“Uh…”
Should I ask him now? Would that seem more oblivious? I should have just approached him casually like Marina, calling him “hyung.”
Knowing I didn’t even recognize his face combined with the fact that he’s just one of many trackers diminished my perception of this peculiar individual who insisted on speaking in the style of a historical drama.
There was a rational thought that questioned what it would accomplish to obsess over the enemy’s personal information… but at least for now, he is an undeniably reliable ally.
Even if I’m not familiar with him, it wouldn’t hurt to offer a gesture of goodwill, right?
“Hey, I think I’m quite late, but could you tell me your name…? It seems ridiculous not to know who is responsible for my safety…”
Suddenly, a loud voice shouted, “Hey there, I was sent by the lady! I got tired waiting and started without you…? …Cough!” …But I didn’t.”
Quietly.
As the forced words halted, I shot daggers at the man who abruptly interrupted the atmosphere.
“Excuse me, what the hell?”
I was pushing through a moment of shame, trying to improve our relationship, and here’s this random person insulting me with their nonsense.
It’s not unusual for someone to come barging in here, considering we’re still inside this sticky backroom. But to treat someone who clearly stands out as an escort like a common street prostitute?
Filled with irritation, I looked at him, wondering how high and mighty he thought he was to be this rude.
…Oh, on closer inspection, it seems he is completely out of it on Kasane’s drugs.
At this point, it feels more convincing to believe he just randomly grabbed me because someone passed by rather than because he could actually see.
It’s not like a drunken drug addict’s incoherent mumblings warrant offense.
I should just ignore him. I regret taking the time to ponder even a moment. Besides, I was already pressed for time with a critical time attack mission that had been set while Kasane had left the bedroom.
“Sigh… I don’t know who you are, but you’re quite drunk. If that’s the case, it would be better to contact the intermediary, madam.”
Even when faced with ridiculous provocation, I did my best to remain courteous.
I waved my hand quietly in response, but this disoriented addict seemed to have barely recognized the fluttering hem of my yukata and continued to ramble.
“Ugh…! Huh? Did I request a traditional costume cosplay of Enema…? What’s the big deal…?”
Snap!
…Thud!
“…”
Not only did he point out something I was concerned about.
As the man reached out with an intent to grab me without warning, a lightning-fast hand strike knocked him unconscious.
It seemed too mercilessly fallen for me to laugh at his misfortune; he looked as if he had crossed a river of no return, not from losing consciousness but from something else.
“Wait, did I just kill him…?”
Is the first casualty occurring like this? And it’s even a hapless fool who just stumbled into trouble?
Filled with disbelief, I turned to the perpetrator, who confidently stated the severity of the punishment.
“I ensured there was no damage to the spinal cord, so don’t worry. Unauthorized physical contact with an individual ranked above the deputy director of Enema can be classified as self-defense, and as I have the authority for immediate disposition, I acted accordingly. There’s no issue here.”
“…Though my senior research fellow is indeed at the deputy director level, I still think that contact has yet to be established, right?”
When we established this scheme, it seemed like we considered the presumption of innocence.
I wondered if the severity of the punishment varied according to the individual’s significance… and a bitter sigh slipped through.
“Since the director registered Anastasia as a personal consultant… considering that, this can be regarded as a merciful act. Furthermore, given the risk of effective poisonous substances, there’s no room for excuses from the moment the attempt was made.”
“Ah… is that so…?”
‘Show sure has a way of manipulating things.’
I internally murmured my subtle dissatisfaction and sighs.
The fact that the logical reasoning was prepared was what made it so malicious, but what could I do? The essence of protection is to respond with more than just what is visible. It’s just something I have to accept.
With a frown, I moved past the feeling of having wasted time; suddenly, the tracker threw me a casual answer in response to my previously pending questions.
“I am Masanari Gamma, a member of the first phase of the Next Generation Tracker Project, developed based on the genomic map of the Hattori family. If you wish to use an independent title, you may call me Masanari.”
“Masanari….”
I rolled the four syllables in my mouth. It seems disrespectful to form reflections based on someone else’s name, but why are Japanese names always so complicated?
First of all, it’s a name not found in my Neo Haven encyclopedia. Given the huge roster of characters, it’s possible I forgot, yet I can’t recall anyone associated with special agents or corporations.
I focused on tracing back the background settings related to the trackers to interpret his words.
The title “first phase” likely refers to a major classification and numbering assigned to the collective of trackers that started growing in test tubes. Hattori might refer to the foundational genes involved.
I’m not sure what the unfamiliar term “Seirei” means, but the concept of sections rings a bell.
It seems it’s a subdivision system aimed at enhancing the strengths of the grown trackers for the specific duties they are primarily responsible for.
If that’s the case, it means that Masanari isn’t an individual name but something closer to a shared surname of the entire unit. Rather, the symbol Gamma assigned in order is likely the actual name, right? Or perhaps… is that title disliked?
The contemplation didn’t last long.
It could have shown as a hint of our predicament having caught someone’s attention, or maybe Masanari himself was accustomed to being asked similar questions multiple times.
There was no need to probe further.
He resolved my curiosity himself.
“Rest assured. I am the only being that was developed and successfully appointed from my group, so there’s no chance for confusion.”
“….”
His tone was plain. Though I couldn’t precisely read his expression behind the completely covered helmet and equipment, I couldn’t feel any emotional fluctuation either.
…And that made it all the more unnerving.
Even if his childhood may have been significantly shorter than a typical person’s without using growth accelerants. Is he truly so detached as to speak of being the last one remaining from those born together in such a manner?
I recalled my first encounter with the tracker.
Judgment, combat abilities, and the anger I had stirred that left openings.
Whether I should fear the fact that they seem far more developed than those I encountered at the research facility just a year ago or rejoice that we might soon arrive at the original period, I couldn’t tell.
“…Hah.”
It’s bittersweet, but that’s the conclusion.
No matter how unique his speech is or whatever preferences he holds. The fundamental heart capable of causing confusion in commands cannot possibly establish private relationships with a weapon.
For these beings… their commands and Enema are everything.
…Fine. Then I will showcase my role as a field engineer perfectly, and let’s see your skills as well.
