After solving the first rescue mission, we made quite a haul.
“I got us a ship!”
The commandeered fishing vessel sliced through the tranquil waters as the deckhands, Violet, helmed the craft in delight.
It was a bit larger than the small boats we typically used, and it was certainly a decent catch.
“If we keep this up, we could build up the Violet fleet.”
The enemies we faced this time were pirates disguised as ordinary fishermen; a mixed group of Awakened ones and non-Awakened armed individuals.
They were difficult to find at first, but once located, capturing them was easy.
The boat was small, so once we took control quickly, it was over in no time.
“We could finally have a proper navy.”
One of the Violets mumbled.
Of course, calling this a navy was as absurd as calling a bunch of armed trucks an armored unit.
We lacked cannons for combating marine monsters, explosive bombs, magical tracking torpedoes, or harpoons, so a frontal confrontation would be unthinkable.
Still, we could equip machine guns or anti-tank missiles, so it wouldn’t be too shabby.
Rubber boats were cheap and plenty, but they weren’t suitable for long-distance sailing or combat on the vast ocean.
Having a spacious ship equipped with a cabin and kitchen would be a significant advantage.
In addition to that, we acquired weapons and various items the pirates had possessed.
It would be best to get rid of the useless stuff and keep any useful household items for myself.
“Alright, I’ve brought them back as promised. Take a look.”
After the hostage rescue mission wrapped up, I met with the academy representative who had contacted us after we docked.
“Hey! We had a contract to rescue three students. Where’s the third one?”
“He’s right there; you can see him.”
As soon as the academy staff inquired, I answered.
I pointed to two students wrapped in blankets, sobbing weakly, and a body bag.
No sooner had my words ended than the weeping of the students grew louder.
According to what I’d heard from the pirates, they didn’t realize the abduction target was an Awakened one and ended up fighting, during which, one got hurt by a knife.
Ultimately, it seemed they hadn’t received proper treatment and ended up like that.
It’s a shame to end a life so trivial.
I could sense that the academy contact was becoming uncomfortable; perhaps it was due to the unpleasantness over the death of a student.
While we were explaining the situation, the representative feigned interest but soon opened his mouth.
“However, the contract clearly states that all must be rescued. Under these circumstances, we can’t pay the full amount. A penalty fee will be necessary.”
Feigning interest in the skull mask, I adjusted the tone of my voice modulator.
I went for a more imposing, lower pitch.
“Personally, I express my regret. However, it’s already too late. By the time we arrived, the child was already in that state.”
Ha, look at these guys. In the end, it was all about the money.
Sure, I was doing this for fun and money too, but something about these guys felt off. If they were academy students, they must have been significant figures, yet here they were, more concerned about the cash than the welfare of a student they requested I save.
“The kid died yesterday, and I brought them back 6 hours after I was commissioned. I did everything I could. Am I supposed to resurrect him or something?”
The team members wearing skull masks subtly placed their hands on their blades. As I pressed for the conversation, the representative took a step back.
“Understood. We apologize for the inconvenience. Here, we’ll transfer the funds…”
After checking the amount that was deposited into the account, it was time to wrap up the remaining issues.
“What about those prisoners?”
Pointing to the captives, the academy representatives answered curtly, as if indifferent.
“Handle it as you see fit.”
They took the bodies away along with the students.
“Are those people really from a normal academy?”
“Right? They seem suspicious.”
If they were ordinary citizens, they’d likely request the clan first.
If they were intentionally contacting a resolver in the anonymous network, then there could only be two reasons: either they lacked funds, or they had personal matters that needed discreet handling.
They claimed it was an ordinary field trip, but there might be a more complicated backstory to it.
Well, that’s none of my business for now. After all, we confirmed through several conversations and information checks that the abducted students were indeed the right ones.
As long as there wasn’t another conspiracy involved, I didn’t need to dig deeper.
“Well, shall we go look for the next request!”
Familiarizing myself with steering and operating the vessel, I set off to the open sea and swiftly dealt with any remaining pirates.
“Did they take their computers and phones with them?”
“Yeah, let’s send them to the broker for analysis, just in case there’s any usable info.”
I handed the phones to the broker, thinking there might be information worth selling, and went in search of the next request.
Deep underground in some part of the South, the 01 Underground Armory of Restraid was cool and dim.
The faint light scattered around was insufficient for non-Awakened ordinary individuals but just fine for Awakened ones.
This space, hewn entirely from granite rock, was grand enough to accommodate a high-rise apartment complex.
The size was overly large and high for a secret air raid shelter.
As two men and women walked across a bridge spanning above, they felt overwhelmed by the vaguely visible scenery sprawling below in the darkness.
This place was built for one purpose alone.
“Martian, Luisa.”
As a deep voice echoed, they turned their heads.
A towering man in a suit turned towards them.
“Since it’s your first time here, pay close attention. As heirs to the family, engrave this vividly in your minds.”
Cordo gestured towards the deep and dark abyss beyond the faint shadows.
“This is the family’s secret headquarters.”
As lights began to flicker on from the ground, the two from Restraid momentarily gasped.
Beneath the now brightening illumination lay a giant form slowly becoming visible.
Even for those who had heard the announcement and prepared their hearts, the grandeur was overwhelming.
“Father, is that what you showed to Sebastian…?”
“Yes, that’s the colossus. You may very well be riding it.”
In the underground assembly facilities reminiscent of a shipyard’s docks, a 120-meter tall unfinished metal giant lay quietly asleep, shrouded by darkness.
The dream and hope of the old spoiled prince.
The family’s secret, conceived over generations by the last member of a fallen dynasty, Gemont Restraid, had come to fruition.
“Sebastian was weak. Even within the academy, he only learned the worst from his mother and ended up in complete disgrace. You must not follow in his footsteps.”
The blood of Awakened ones was excellent, but that was all there was to it; just a sentimental girl.
Cordo felt nothing but scorn for the third wife who had hanged herself over a decade ago.
The two young ones silently mocked their foolish brother in their hearts yet maintained a calm facade while listening to their father.
“Foolish mistakes are not tolerated. You must always lead. Never show your back.”
“Yes, we will surely do that!”
Cordo’s gaze landed on Mattian, who had answered.
“And Mattian, I caution you to use your tricks sparingly.”
“Father, if I have done something wrong…”
“I know you contacted the HR department and filled Sebastian’s security team with imbeciles.
I acknowledge it; trickery is one method. But you’ve let things escalate too far. Our family’s reputation has been tarnished. Surely you know this? You’ve always been fixated on the immediate, neglecting the bigger picture. From now on, act with a long-term perspective.”
“…I will bear that in mind.”
As Mattian, cowed under his father’s intimidating gaze, looked subdued, the woman beside him struggled to contain her laughter.
“The tour ends here; this next friend will guide you. Look closely.”
From a distance, the Secretary General was approaching.
Cordo waved his children away to another location. As the heirs followed the assigned staff deeper into the docks, he finally began talking with the Secretary General.
“What’s the issue? Another accident at the Joint Research Institute?”
He was already aware of the reports that a few had died while researching the peculiar relics left by the Apostles.
Had it not been for the federal prisoners from Magnavis, there would have been chaos in the research.
But now, was another variable arising?
“That isn’t the case. However, as you can see, this individual keeps contacting us.”
Upon checking his phone, Cordo understood why the Secretary General had urgently sought him out.
A troublesome figure causing trouble below had made contact.
But it was too sudden. Why now?
“Ugh, this pesky leech is getting on my nerves. How did he figure out my number?”
“Since three hours ago, he’s been persistently requesting to be connected with the commander.”
The Secretary General cautiously spoke up.
“The matter seems to be related to our Joint Research Institute.”
The phone rang again. Cordo suppressed his irritation, took a deep breath, and pressed the screen.
-Hello! Chairman! No, Commander! It’s been a while! How have you been? I wanted to discuss business cooperation…
A voice, bright and eager like a child expecting a gift, rang out from the receiver.
“Yes, it’s me. Chairman Laihan. Just cut to the point.”
-I propose cooperation between our companies.
“Cooperation? That’s sudden. Chairman, what exactly does Laplacian…?”
Just as he thought it might be something unlikely, the words that burst out on the other end nearly made Cordo crush his phone.
-Code Omega! Why didn’t you call us for this?
“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you’re referring to. This is overly rude…”
-I heard you captured an Apostle! In that case, wouldn’t it be prudent to consult with us? Those foolish federal folks would just be fumbling around. If the best researchers in Academy City were on board…
Cordo exchanged a look with the Secretary General, whose silent mouthing conveyed, ‘Information seems to have leaked. We’re currently investigating.’
-Our company’s technology could assist you in analyzing, comprehending, and interpreting the Apostle, getting several steps ahead! So…
Cordo growled, cutting off Laihan.
“Laihan, you shit of a Scrag! Just a worthless little slimy snail! How did you know? Was it the Policy Cooperation Office? Or the Strategic Intelligence Department? I don’t know which department, but I surely told you not to let that shapeshifter loose? All you call yourself a genius can think of is bashing monsters with your face?”
-Calm down. Your Excellency, no, Prince Arnor! The process doesn’t matter. What is important is that we create outcomes through understanding and cooperation on equal footing. If we want to play a win-win game…
“Equal?”
A derisive laugh from the commander echoed through the hangar before dying down.
“You think your company and our family are currently ‘equal’ entities? Don’t be ridiculous. Have you already forgotten the debt you owe us?
It hasn’t even been twenty years since you were caught grave robbing in Cascadia, nearly sparking a war, and we mediated for you.
Listen up, as long as you’re dinking around in your corner with commoners, puzzling puzzles with monsters, or tearing them apart for observation, that’s your own matter.
Just don’t stretch your filthy, odorous hands over here.”
-That’s that, and this is this. Think rationally. Restraid has no options! You refused collaboration with the foundation, so what will you do with the Federal Parliament? In the end, you’ll come looking for us…
“There are plenty of people other than you. Don’t contact me like this again, Chairman Laihan.”
Cordo hung up without hesitation, handing the phone to the Secretary General as he grumbled.
‘What a crazy mage, why in the world would they think of cooperating with such a lunatic?’
It was utterly ridiculous. While he would acknowledge their products or technological achievements, actively partnering with such a filthy person for technical cooperation was absurd.
Cordo found the deformed twin that split from Luminexa quite displeasing.
His sporadic political inclinations and private preferences were bizarre to him.
“Who knows what kind of accident will occur if we hand over the Apostle to that madman? Rethink the security. By the way, wasn’t it Professor Sturgis? It’s a shame he’s gone missing. He would have been useful if we brought him in front of the Apostle.”
“Don’t worry. The composition of research teams for the research will proceed as planned. We still have staff from the remaining Magnavis, and we are recruiting talent from various academies and universities. Aegis Academy refused, but… it shouldn’t hinder the research.”
Cordo gazed at the dormant steel giant shrouded in shadow. To complete this metallic monument for the war that would put an end to it all, understanding of the Apostle was essential.
“That goes without saying.”
The giant, bearing the grievances of Restraid, lay in quiet anticipation for the day of its completion.
As the mass-produced titan roamed the earth, it dreamed of the day it would shatter the boundaries of this world.
It had been about two weeks since I took up my new hobby. After breezing through midterms and visiting Ariel in the hospital, I had tried my hand at various things.
“Sometimes there are jobs, and sometimes there aren’t.”
There were actually quite a few requests for hostage rescues or to retrieve captured vessels.
It seemed that the clan name I had put up anonymously was gaining some recognition, as I started receiving requests via brokers.
This time it involved securing a pirate ship operating in a specific sea and retrieving info after looting it.
“This ship is pretty big.”
Up until now, the opponents I had dealt with were at most yachts or fishing boats, but this one was an armed merchant vessel. The ship’s weight and length were totally different.
The salty spray and waves were somewhat tiresome, but relieving stress from midterm studies through healthy combat activities was surprisingly beneficial.
“Looking at the details, it’s practically a warship.”
“What’s the ship’s position?”
According to the intel, the last known coordinates where contact was lost were in this direction.
This mission was purely a combat one; I didn’t have to worry about hostages.
The Violets dispersed back into the sea.
The dark blue waters stretched endlessly before us, but sending out dozens of Violets to cover broad areas meant we were sure to find something. We just needed to spot the freighter.
“That could be it!”
A hang glider, which had been lazily circling the sky, detected a long streak in the distance.
Since I’d piloted quite a bit, I could slowly discern shapes.
“That’s them!”
On the freighter visible over the horizon, enhanced vision brought the ship from the request materials into focus.
The vessel was cruising slowly.
“Deploying the motorboat feels awkward.”
The freighter was huge. I had no idea how many enemies were aboard. If we rushed in carelessly, we might face serious consequences. It was necessary to confirm some information before boarding.
“Let’s wait until it gets dark, then we’ll go in with an aerial infiltration!”
As the sun began to set, Violet started appearing around the hang glider, which was quietly following from a distance.
Taking advantage of gravity, we unfurled our wingsuits to elegantly approach the ship.
Dozens of black Violets flapped about.
As we neared the ship, armed crew members on deck finally looked surprised and pointed at us.
We deployed our parachutes and readied for landing on the deck.
-Clank!
At that moment, the stacks of boxes piled on the ship opened up, revealing a row of cold gun muzzles.
“Ugh! Watch out! They have anti-aircraft guns!”
-Bang! Bang! Bang!
Indeed, these weren’t your everyday pirates. Automated turrets, of all things.
A bright beam shot towards us. We maneuvered to dodge. Bullets whizzed perilously close to our ears.
“Ah! Watch out! Watch out!”
“Don’t use the bombs! We might destroy the ship!”
Dozens of Violets swirled around, narrowly evading. As firepower spread out, a few opened their parachutes and dove into the water.
“Get up there!”
Swiftly, we swam towards the hull. With an axe or dagger in hand, I injected just the right amount of magical power.
We drove them into the hull as we moved, like climbers stabbing ice axes into a wall.
-Bang! Clang!
One of the pirate scumbags poked his head over the railing and made eye contact with us.
“Watch out! These bastards are coming from below!”
Too late. While they looked away, the underwater infiltration unit had already climbed up onto the deck.
“AHHHHH!”
Thirty minutes later, another ship was ours.
“Good pirates prevail!”
That was it. I just had to relay the information onboard to the requester.
The captured vessels were steadily increasing. With the scale building up, we decided to hang up our pirate hats and do some naval work instead.
“Let’s see, will there be any good deeds to do around here?”
Like hunting monsters, perhaps.
