Chapter 17

Chapter 17

[Translator – Peptobismol]

Chapter 17: Classic Game Enthusiasts (4)

As a girl.

There wasn’t much of a hobby for Julia.

She didn’t know what to do in her spare time.

And whatever she tried to do was a problem.

Because of the rules of the organization Julia belonged to.

Activities within the building owned by the organization were restricted due to net security.

As she was wanted by the NCPD, Julia didn’t even have a safe house of her own.

So, it was hard for her to go out and do anything.

It was around that time that Julia discovered a ‘game’ that she, too, could play.

It wasn’t an actual operational “game,” so it didn’t have the quality to be called a “game” per se. But it had enough to resemble a game.

It didn’t take long for Julia, who had been wallowing in boredom, to fall in love with the game.

After playing the game for a long time.

When she was starting to get tired of not having anyone to hunt with like herself.

Julia encountered someone hunting in the game for the first time.

“.......”

She wanted to say something or chat, but her old mechanical keyboard was the problem.

It was hard for Julia’s small hands to type smoothly.

And even if she wanted to say something, what should she say?

She didn’t know anything.

During that time, the girl made a mistake with her controls and ended up attacking the monster the other person was hunting.

The other person’s character also looked perplexed.

‘...What should I do?’

Since the situation had come to this, she had to say something.

What should she say first?

Then, a memory flashed through Julia’s mind.

It was a story she had seen on the Net Space before.

‘...I should say it like this.’

[RabbitGangDude (Archer): Move.]

[RealWizardHere (Warrior): ?]

It was a mistake.

It was only after seeing the other person’s reaction that she realized she had made a mistake.

After her sudden rudeness, she even killed the other person’s character.

But in any case, it was a mistake.

* * *

Just before exploding, amidst the tense atmosphere, I peacefully thought.

...Coke tastes really good.

If I had played a fantasy game ten years ago, I wouldn’t be drinking coke like this now.

It led to a light escapism from reality.

But no matter how much I wanted to avoid reality.

The actual reality remained the same.

The angry expression of the man standing in front was fixed on the calm Julia.

Everyone’s attention had been diverted from the situation.

But regardless of the current situation.

Their ultimate goal was me.

Putting aside the bounty problem for later, I had to resolve this situation first.

I looked at Julia with only my eyes, subtly signaling her to look this way.

Julia looked this way in response to my signal.

I nodded slightly.

In a one-against-many situation, suppressing the initiative and hiding my current position was the most important.

“Hmm.”

– Boom!

I activated the prepared spell.

Black smoke spread from my feet and instantly covered the entire restaurant.

Even though it was smoke created by magic, it contained a kind of physical energy.

It wasn’t enough to deal sufficient damage to the enemies, but it was enough to give them some tension and shock.

When they fired bullets towards my previous location, I had already moved away and taken up a new position elsewhere.

[Shall I activate the Protective Protocol?]

I vaguely remembered hearing that phrase even in the cafe previously occupied by terrorists.

I answered very softly.

“...Yes.”

The situation was different from the past when I said, “What is that?”

At that time, I thought Eve couldn’t connect to the network, but now I know that’s not the case.

There was no reason for me to refuse Eve’s request.

[Hacking into nearby electronic devices and signals, initiating... Complete. Control has been acquired.]

With Eve’s words, confused voices of the enemies could be heard from within the smoke.

“It’s hacked! Everyone, cut off all signals!”

“Damn it, my arm...!”

The effect was good for once.

[Synchronizing data with the vision interface... Complete.]

This time, a white, mirage-like light began to appear gradually through the black smoke.

Circuits were drawn along each person’s limbs or body lines.

It seemed to represent combat cyberware worn by the enemies.

“Oh, thank you.”

[Positive statement from human ‘Lee Siwoon’ confirmed. Saving voice data.]

Cut me some slack.

What’s the principle behind that?

To create flames from empty space—

“...”

There was one thing.

Julia inserted the handle she had been holding into the mouth of the rabbit doll.

I cautiously asked her.

“...Are you a mage by any chance?”

“...Um, technically yes, but... compared to Siwoon-nim, I-I can’t be considered a mage..”

Well, at least she’s not denying being a mage.

“Wow.”

I was quite surprised.

It had been a while since I encountered a mage like myself in this rootless cyberpunk world.

But...

A mage wielding a katana with flames?

......

‘Absurd!’

My inner great mage rose up.

‘How dare a mage play tricks with their own body, calling themself a mage!’

...Shit.

I almost said that out aloud.

Since Julia herself said she’s not really a mage, I decided to let it go.

It’s not like I’m about to fight her or anything.

Anyway, the situation seemed to be resolved.

It was time to go home.

I didn’t care if the NCPD came.

But there might be someone else after the bounty on my head.

Attacking me at home would be fine.

Because Catherine lives right next door.

I’ll spare you the details.

...Who could it be?

There’s a bounty on my head?

Living in this city, who doesn’t have at least one shady aspect? But still, I’ve lived a relatively decent life, I think.

I should go home and look into this.

“Well then, I’m off.”

“...Yes.”

“Since you told me there’s a bounty on my head, I should go check it out.”

“...Understood.”

I also had the intention of getting away from Julia, the girl in front of me with a glum expression.

I got up from my seat and walked out of the restaurant.

Julia followed behind me.

“Then, see you.”

“...Yeah.”

Even though she’s a wanted criminal, she should at least have a decent home.

...But that’s not really my concern.

She’ll manage fine on her own.

But strangely enough, Julia keeps walking in the same direction as me.

What’s going on, why does she keep following me?

“...?”

“...Oh, it’s because we’re going in the same direction.”

“Is that so?”

I was scared again.

“Where’s your house?”

“Um, I’m a wanted criminal, so it’s a bit...”

“Oh, right, my bad. I made a mistake.”

I almost suspected this innocent girl.

Maybe it’s because Catherine has been following me around everywhere, I’m becoming paranoid.

Today, I struggled to sneak out of the house again.

...But there’s one more strange thing.

Julia ended up right in front of my house.

“Do you live around here?”

“...Yes, yes, that’s right.”

“What a strange coincidence.”

Anyway, I don’t know.

Once I’ve arrived home, that’s it.

“For now, your house is here, right? I’ll really go now.”

“...Yes, goodbye.”

I got on the elevator alone.

And then, at that moment, a chilling sensation ran down my spine.

...What’s this?

I couldn’t describe the ominous feeling.

Perhaps it’s because I haven’t been out for a while.

This time, I’ll definitely stay home and rest for a week.

I made a firm resolution.

* * *

“...So, you live here.”

Julia smiled.

[Translator – Peptobismol]