NOVEL NEXT Chapter 148
I checked my outfit in the massive dressing room designed in an inefficient structure.
As I manipulated the signal line linked to the visual interface, the walls around the dressing room transformed into holographic mirrors.
I turned my body this way and that, confirming my condition multiple times.
Eve’s voice echoed in my ears.
[Are you uncomfortable?]
“No, not at all.”
So comfy!
My reflection showed me in a sleek all-black classic suit. I thought it would be hard to move in, but there wasn’t a single tight spot. Plus, no tie to choke me!
When I heard that this was the security department’s uniform, I wondered what bizarre product came from desk jobs.
At this level, I could definitely move around without any issues.
[Are the measurements accurate?]
“I wonder if my data leaked somewhere; they fit so perfectly. It’s like they measured me just recently.”
[Heh heh.]
Why are you laughing ominously?
Anyway, I was very satisfied with the quality of what I was wearing, even though I’m typically picky about my outfits.
(I wear a coat every day because it’s the best clothing I have.)
Normally, a ballistic-spec uniform doesn’t feel this good to wear.
Clothes made from carbon tubes or Kevlar tend to be pretty stiff.
“Seriously, it feels like casual clothes. Is this really ballistic?”
[According to the Monolith internal database, it’s rated as V+ level.]
…Oh.
“What does that roughly mean?”
[Experimental data indicates it can partially defend against armor-piercing rounds from rifles.]
…….
You don’t just call clothes that can stop armor-piercing rounds “clothes.” That’s something you’d call an artifact made by torturing aliens.
I have no idea how much the ballistic certification system considers user safety, but the fact that it can actually provide protection is impressive.
However, I still need to verify the ballistic performance of Body Enhancement Magic. The only way is to get shot, which is a bit of a problem.
I hope an opportunity comes later.
I met my gaze in the mirror.
Unenthusiastic eyes.
I forced a smile on my lips.
Looking really drained. To say it nicely, I look decadent; to put it badly, like a young man living in a room.
[Saving video data.]
“…Why?”
My hair was messy, my eyes looked like a dead fish, and the dark circles invaded my cheeks.
Although my features were quite distinct.
But there’s nothing else to see.
[If the opportunity arises later, I recommend asking another individual.]
“…Eh, how can I even ask something like that?”
Well, anyways, I changed into my clothes and prepared to leave the dressing room.
….
To think such outfits could be provided to all security department employees…
It was a moment to once again acknowledge the strength of the Monolith Megacorp.
34. Me? (3)
The woman secretary guiding me coolly dismissed my thoughts.
“That’s not true.”
“Excuse me?”
So, what is it?
I tilted my head at her response.
The secretary continued with my puzzled reply.
“I believe that outfit is only given to team leaders in the security department.”
“Oh.”
“I understand that the employee was confused. Although they look the same, I heard the performances are different.”
Nodding at her kind explanation made sense.
Honestly, thinking about it coldly, it didn’t make sense to have all security department employees wear this type of uniform.
There must be a few hundred in the security department…
If that was the case, Monolith would have already dominated the world.
….
Have they already dominated it?
As I thought, the secretary with a snobbish expression spoke again.
“But still, you heard an explanation when you first joined, right? Or maybe you didn’t come through formal recruitment?”
“…Ah, yeah. Something like that.”
The female secretary was quite attractive.
If she’s a secretary working at the Monolith headquarters, she’s basically elite; in a city where multiple implant surgeries are standard, beautiful appearances are natural.
“If you didn’t come through recruitment… then did you perhaps come as a mercenary from outside?”
“…That’s somewhat accurate.”
“Wow, impressive! And yet you received team leader treatment right away.”
The secretary spoke as if she was genuinely amazed.
This person…
Guides well.
Very kind.
Everything’s good, but she just talks too much.
I came down after receiving a message from Executive Secretary Justin Borg saying the outfits were ready.
But Justin Borg wasn’t even visible.
My guide was this chatty secretary.
In a barely audible voice, the secretary began to speak.
“…A mercenary, how wild.”
I tried to ignore the unnecessary comments, but the secretary continued.
“By the way, I just came in through recruitment. To the secretary’s office. Since a command was issued from the director, I was wondering who I was guiding, and indeed, it was someone remarkable.”
From Justin Borg’s perspective, having me get lost in a 153-floor building would be a headache, but it was far more bothersome that the woman he appointed as my guide couldn’t stop talking.
Usually, they directly come out to guide.
That’s strange today.
“And this is a secret, but the executive secretary went up to get emergency services because there’s a hole in his stomach. I happened to be there, so my luck turned out good.”
“Oh.”
So that’s how it is.
I could be partly responsible for the reason there was a hole in Justin Borg’s stomach.
I offered a brief silent prayer for Justin Borg’s well-being.
“It seems you’re quite tired. Your dark circles are really pronounced.”
“…That’s just my constitution.”
What can I do if I live with a body that can’t shake off fatigue even after 12 hours of sleep?
“…You really need some good rest.”
At that moment, I heard Eve’s voice, which had been quiet all this time.
[When I checked the Monolith office messenger records, this individual has had relations with ‘4 male entities’ while hiding the truth.]
…..
No wonder it feels clingy.
“Still, since you work in the security department, you must have an impressively fit figure. Oh, right. If you were a mercenary outside, it makes sense.”
[Generally, this kind of case is understood as ‘whore.’]
“…….”
When will this elevator arrive?
Please save me from this atmosphere!
And thankfully, I spotted the elevator at the end of the corridor.
The secretary’s tone turned a bit frantic as she stepped a little faster behind me.
“By the way, where are you heading? The executive secretary mentioned I just need to escort you to the elevator… but I could guide you a bit more privately…”
[Generally, this kind of case is—]
“Oh, it’s fine. You probably have work to do.”
It’s better to part ways with our AI before it learns any more profanity.
The secretary finished with a cute tone.
“…Such a pity. But here, this is my company messenger ID. Please contact me later!”
“……Sure.”
I accepted the incoming data through the visual interface.
Of course, I won’t contact her, but it seems I had no choice but to escape from the secretary’s clingy grasp.
The secretary walked toward the end of the corridor.
Just in time, the elevator arrived.
Finally, I succeeded in having some genuine alone time.
[Will you contact her?]
…Not quite alone time, huh?
I casually replied.
“Will I? I said that to make her drop it on purpose.”
[Confirmed.]
“Oh, and just in case… you’re not planning to do anything to her, right?”
[…….]
Scary, why so silent?
A moment later, Eve continued.
[I already sent a message to the ‘4 male entities’ entangled in her web through this individual’s company messenger. Was that a mistake?]
“Hey, that’s….”
…..
Well, it was true that the person was at fault, so it’s not like it matters.
“Good job.”
I lightly nodded, pressed the highest floor button, and leaned against the elevator.
*
At the top of Monolith Tower on the 153rd floor, the chairman’s office.
In the vast space, a figure sat at the desk, engaged in work.
Hearing the sound of the elevator, the chairman looked at me with the same drowsy gaze as usual.
“……Hmm.”
The chairman set down the electronic documents he was holding.
Then he slowly got up and walked toward me.
You didn’t have to stand up for me.
I stepped out of the elevator and stopped before the chairman. He halted in front of me as well.
“I changed my clothes.”
“…Hmm.”
The chairman rested his hand on his chin.
Looks like he’s thinking.
He checked out the security department uniform I was wearing, assessing my appearance.
After a moment, the chairman muttered quietly.
“Definitely….”
I focused silently on his words.
“I thought I didn’t care much about appearances, but seeing this, I guess that’s not true.”
“…Excuse me?”
But I couldn’t maintain silence and composure even with that remark.
The chairman’s gaze, which was examining my uniform, eventually focused on my face.
“Your personality is intriguing and amusing; it would be nice to keep you around. But honestly, you look great in a suit.”
He chuckled to himself.
The pressure just increased for a different reason.
After finishing his soliloquy, the chairman casually crossed his arms and said.
“Why don’t you come over here for a moment?”
“Um, sure.”
I followed behind the chairman.
As he manipulated the visual interface, enormous furniture began to rise from the empty floor.
There were large holographic mirrors, salon-like chairs, and wooden shelves that seemed to display cosmetics.
Honestly, I couldn’t understand why such things were in the chairman’s office.
But since I’d seen the wine cellar rise from the floor last time, I wasn’t that shocked.
“Alright, take a seat.”
“Chairman… what exactly are you doing…?”
“…….”
“I’ll sit.”
Since ancient times, those in power have had the skill to communicate through their gaze.
I couldn’t withstand the gaze of the powerholder ruling the cyberpunk world.
Sitting in the chair and looking straight ahead, I was met with a giant holographic mirror.
“I’m not going to cut it or anything, just tidy it up a bit. Looks too messy.”
In his small hand was something sticky, either hair gel or wax.
And then.
After a very short moment.
“Hmm, just as I thought. This looks much better.”
[Agreed.]
The neatly styled hair swept back caught my eye. The chairman’s reflection showed a quite satisfied expression in the mirror.
I found the unfamiliar hairstyle quite burdensome.
Doesn’t it look weirder?
The dark circles seemed to stand out even more.
But what could I do?
The person who arranged my hairstyle was the chairman of Monolith.
“……Thank you.”
I held back tears over my unkempt hair and expressed my gratitude.
“Well, you’ve changed your clothes and tidied your hair, so you can leave now.”
“…Where to?”
It’s quite rude to ask “where” after such a question from the chairman. But I couldn’t help but ask, being in a position where I felt pushed around.
…Where on earth am I supposed to go?
The chairman smiled lightly and answered my question with a grin.
“Just a regular external schedule.”
*
The sudden announcement of the Monolith chairman’s engagement has engulfed Neon City in chaos and shock! Rumors say the other party is an ordinary mercenary; is that true? Many companies are already hurrying to release statements since they heard nothing! Ah! Now, the chairman of Monolith is entering!!
I just wanted to go home.