I don’t remember clearly whether it was a religious teaching or a proverb, but anyway, it was said that patience brings blessings.
From halfway through there was something about forged proxy signatures… nominee trading… perjury on official documents… utility bill prepayments… and even the final transfer through an escrow account without the party involved, thanks to some intense persuasion from Aaron just before he left. In short, a contract that hovered precariously between illegality and leniency was somehow concluded without a hitch.
The reason Marina had squealed to Paradise because she was either worried about me being dragged to Enema, or just couldn’t handle her restless mouth, made for an unexpected twist with the appearance of Aaron.
There was this guy who acted as if he understood all my inner thoughts, arrogantly scratching me, pushing me around like some mighty Demon King offering half the world, until he inevitably got chased away…
But even after overcoming all those obstacles, am I not victorious? I tentatively ponder.
And most importantly… the fact that the deal concluded smoothly means that this pitiful lamb’s long-term itinerant lifestyle, roaming aimlessly through the streets, has finally come to an end.
I’ll no longer have to face the icy dew of early morning – though I’ve luckily never experienced it – comforting hunger with tear-soaked rice balls – possibly thanks to the otherworldly value-for-money of this area’s rice prices – or anxiously clutching my luggage, fearing loss of any worldly goods… most of which were carried by Zero anyway.
Not that my light-hearted banter might make it seem trivial. This is truly an extraordinary achievement!
Exploring the neon jungles typical of cyberpunk through backpacking adventures doesn’t come often, does it? No matter how innovative and convenient 23rd-century consumer services may be, the stress of having only portable belongings that fit inside a bag is something modern individuals, used to abundance, should earnestly consider.
Need to clean your clothes? Head into a private restroom, apply the detergent, and scrub with all your might. Found something appealing? Before considering the price, you’re already calculating its volume, weight, and expiration date, often ending up with a lethargic “buy it next time.”
And when exhausted, you need to carefully select where to rest if you want to avoid unnecessary conflicts. After all, the streets are rife with madmen who’ll create any sort of trouble.
All this while my plan to become a flawless Superman through implants and modifications had already failed. Though I had vowed determination not long ago, somehow, getting involved with overly kind people drained my energy.
Agh! Anyway, had I not planned to leave Harvest Planet then, I would have received the carebot’s chassis fee from Aaron, not the confiscated assets from Helena’s house.
I respected the face-saving routine among knowledgeable people, only to find myself homeless for almost an entire year. Really, what kind of a situation is this?
…What’s wrong? Aren’t I, the world’s first conqueror, supposedly reliable, full of prospects?!
Upon reflection, I realize every misstep on my part limits the protagonist’s options and opens up possibilities elsewhere.
If the opportunities or money are of negligible consequence, it might pass, but as I’ve quickly formed various relationships in a short time, I worry endlessly about what receipts might come back to haunt me in the future. Hmm…!
I believe, within my limits, I’ve managed to discern situations and exercise restraint. To a reasonable extent…
Damn it, anyway! I’ve been reborn.
They say place makes the person. Indeed, after buying my home in Plaza, my life… well, let’s stop there. Repeating such baseless wordplay is the mark of an amateur.
Moreover, despite the 12 billion credits we had, which with various fees and initial moving costs roughly amounted to 12.5 billion, evaporating in one go…!
Yet, for us who struggled to maintain balance with each passing second, like being swept away by flowing river currents, we finally have a worthy refuge.
A haven within a haven… Though it might sound like a trivial pun, I sincerely hope you believe this emotional impact is not exaggerated in the slightest.
And after finally breaking free from minor worries and concerns, the first action after getting some rest… well, it’s not as grand as it seems. Let’s say it’s somewhat raw.
[Hey, you bastards! Stop treating me like a clueless kid.]
: Though it’s been a while since I ventured outside, isn’t it nonsense to say there’s nothing for net hackers to do in this insane neighborhood where a day with less than 3,000 major crimes reported is considered peaceful? If you just run a simple search, why not share the findings instead of selfishly hogging it?
> Even the Neo Haven locals are overshadowed by famous teams like “Cipher Psycho” and “Gemini Node” who have swept all the high-paying jobs in months. What do you think you can accomplish?
> > …That sounds like something I can handle though?
> For heaven’s sake, even named strong infiltrators should honestly do business instead of overcharging. Teenage hackers really lack integrity these days!
> > Gotta! Let me order you an extravagant lunch, worth ten thousand credits, with on-site payment, to your address!
With practiced and restrained expertise akin to typing brainwave inputs, I leave comments in rapid succession. Additionally, for the unruly members of hacker communities flaunting their ill-mannered speech habits, I not only offer advice on protecting oneself but also choose a hearty lunch on their behalf.
“Hummmh~”
Bang! Clatter!!
Unlike actual fingers, but with the added pleasant touch of keystrokes, a satisfying feedback of pressure responds to my fingers, teasing my ears with a crisp sound.
How should I describe this moment?
It’s fun? It gives joy?? In fact, it feels more like comfort than anything else.
[In truth, these fellas are unusually tame compared to usual.]
: Thought they’d be all hipsters and internet pests, digging into every recent scandal including traffic cameras, but their silence is surprising; although they know better than to mess with things that will get them into trouble. Very commendable?
> Sh–! If I’d only had a bit more time and budget! AA!!!
> This damn troublemaker, pretending ignorance while skillfully pressing buttons. Did you know the guys trying to analyze that combat footage or internal building data had heart attacks years ago.
“…Phew!”
This time, I left only a subtle, somewhat provoking comment.
It was partly for information gathering about real skill-levels of possible challengers, seeing how my work fares in my absence against technical warfare. But it’s a bit of an excuse.
Had I truly wished for efficient intel gathering, I should have, like before, used my powers to filter out frivolous posts while maintaining a serious attitude. Not sitting in the room, laughing to myself through each comment.
Thus, if I must legitimize my behavior…
– Sir, perhaps you should rest and do some photosynthesizing. It’s been two full days since you’ve gone outside.
“AAARGH!? Zero, stop pulling the curtains! And it’s not ‘two days’, it’s ‘only two days!’ There’s nowhere to go anyway…!”
Whoosh! Suddenly, like purifying a vampire, he swept away the blackout curtains of the computer room, letting the gloomy sunlight flood in. I pummeled his back without mercy, but the callous Zero didn’t stop.
Isn’t international standard to have just the dim glow from monitors in such environments? This insensitive android!
Does every resident of Engineer Plaza have a mandate to start their day with an elegant cup of coffee, toast, or breakfast, just because they wake up? I say no.
Maybe I am the only non-career individual here. From the very start, I have been different.
Even though I may have abandoned part-time jobs to immerse myself in gaming exploits, relying on instant noodles and ready meals, that doesn’t change who I am.
Until now, I’ve ignored precious leisure due to circumstances and environments, but isn’t enjoying this rare period of rest I’ve finally earned… acceptable?
True, I didn’t completely dedicate my life to community activities.
By nature, the most successful game exploits hinge on a steady flow of veteran information exchanges. Industry-level understanding through such processes brings a distinct “extra spice,” reminiscent of Korea’s hot internet flavor, making it hard to disengage.
Additionally, while I complained verbally, I grudgingly accepted a lunch tray provided by Zero who used the newly acquired cartridge cooker to bring me food – even the requested perfectly cooked noodles!
“…Don’t worry, I’ll go out after working just three more hours!”
– At this point where the measure ‘hours’ automatically pairs with ‘just,’ my concern cannot be contained.
…Hmm. Nevertheless, since I’m not a real estate owner where money farms itself, and there are other matters to prepare for, I’ll play around until I find other work.
Tonight, though, I have an essential, obligatory outing cum official business that cannot be missed.
A top-notch outing, courtesy of an exclusive casino reservation from Aaron, complete with generous funds for a full day of carefree enjoyment.
Huh? This person, how can gambling be considered work? But… what if I win?!
