Chapter 32 – Unexpected Connection

[Translator – Late Dreamer]

[Proofreader – Seeker]

Chapter 32 – Unexpected Connection (3)

In the cyberpunk world, it could be because typing with an outdated input device like a keyboard was inconvenient.

The loyal warriors…

Among them, the Info Warrior suggested that instead of discussing information-related matters in text, we should communicate directly via voice.

It didn’t matter as long as we covered our faces and voices.

I readily agreed to his suggestion.

I dialed the number he provided.

Eve helped me conceal my number.

A brief dial tone followed.

It was the default connection tone, with no special settings.

After a moment, the call connected.

Instead of a hologram of a person, a simple drawing appeared on the screen at the other end.

It was a quaint drawing resembling a crawling puppy.

The voice of InfoSeller7 came through.

[Hello~, can you hear me?]

His voice was modulated to make his gender indistinguishable.

“Yes, I can hear you well.”

And my voice was also the same.

It was created using the voice modulation module; it’s one of the functions of the mask I wore.

[Oh, yes. I’m… I’m InfoSeller7. …Well, it’s just a game ID to others; call me ‘Underdog’.]

He said it briefly.

[Haha, have you ever heard of it?]

Of course, it was a name that I had never heard before.

But pretending to know something you don’t know is the true essence of social life.

First, I praised him.

“Oh, that Sacred Figure of the Information World…!”

[…I haven’t heard such praise, but anyway, I am doing pretty well these days.]

I might have overdone it.

I cleared my throat briefly and waited for his response.

[Oh, and just in case you’re wondering.]

InfoSeller7’s voice sank.

Despite the altered voice, there was a sharp atmosphere about it.

[My traceability is impossible, like my number or account; I recommend you don’t even try to attempt it in the first place.]

With a confident tone, he continued.

[After all, I’ve blocked everything that could be blocked. And if you try, I’ll notice it. It’s better not to waste each other’s time and emotions, isn’t it?]

Certainly.

His words weren’t entirely wrong.

But…

Eve had already told me.

[Nick Name: Underdog, Real Name: Dominic Martin, Species: Human, Gender: Male, Address: The Middle-Class Saint Hills.]

Naturally, Eve’s voice wasn’t conveyed to InfoSeller7.

[Working in an information organization, this is the cleanest way to do things, right? We’re all just exchanging information with each other.]

[My favorite food is pizza, especially the tofu pizza from LAD near my house, which has the highest order rate. Also, the hobby I am currently interested in…]

[This part is something I can’t compromise on, even if you’re the guild master.]

[We’re also paying enough attention to having a separate hobby group.]

‘…’

It was crazy to hear both sides talking.

‘Oh, Eve.’

‘How much information could have leaked in this short time…’

Was it because Eve got caught hacking into Smile John? It felt like her hacking skills had improved.

[So, just call me Underdog. Oh, or 7 is fine too. And by the way… feel free to speak comfortably.]

“Got it, 7.”

I wonder how much of your information leaked at that moment. Whether it’s even possible to know.

[Alright! Then let me explain how I came to know this information.]

He began.

—-

Well, Well.

As the guild master also knows,

If you’re talking about a proper black market in the lower levels.

There are only two places, you know?

One is Heijiaoi in Chinatown.

The other is Vanta Market in Little Shinjuku.

This is something that happened to me at Vanta Market─

“Wait.”

Hearing that much, I paused.

I interrupted his speech for a moment.

“Is this explanation really necessary?”

[Of course.]

“Okay, then please continue.”

[Alright! I will.]

Little Shinjuku.

It’s an area that always smells of money and oil.

Since it’s a black market located in such a place.

Sometimes we encounter items that we were not expecting. I truly mean it.

That’s why I prefer the black market in Little Shinjuku to Heijiaoi in Chinatown.

Just a quick look will tell you that.

Sometimes, military items from somewhere in the world flow in.

And there are many cases where experimental products from companies that haven’t undergone safety inspections appear.

It was the same that day.

I went sightseeing as if I were taking a stroll to Vanta Market.

Just to see if there was anything new─.

Again, after hearing that, I asked.

“This is the explanation we really need, right?”

[Oh, yeah.]

“..….”

And then it happened.

The owner of the store I often visit called me over.

“Hey, regular! Come here─ cough.”

Sorry, I’m not good at mimicry.

Let me try again.

“Hey, regular! Come here! Today we’ve got some really good stuff!”

I said,

“What’s up? Why are you looking for me like this?”

Half excitement, half tension.

With that feeling, I went to the store owner’s shop.

There was a small drone there.

Well, as small as the size of my head, at least.

And it wasn’t an ordinary drone.

Product name: “Lone Spider.”.

Model ‘K2N-7757’.

It was a fantastic product, capable of not only hacking and intrusion but also other tactical actions.

I even doubted my own eyes as I watched.

It was fate that I purchased that product.

It was a very expensive price, but also a very reasonable one.

Sleek design, overwhelming practicality!

I was mesmerized by its engineering design and aesthetics─.

“Really.”

[What’s up?]

“Is this really necessary, this last part?”

[Haha, of course! Now we’re getting to the main point.]

“…Alright.”

[Translator – Late Dreamer]

[Proofreader – Seeker]

Actually, it’s not something to boast about, but I’m quite skilled at hacking myself.

With my skills and this robot together?

There wouldn’t be a defense wall in the world that we couldn’t penetrate.

Realizing that fact made me tremble.

I wanted to test this robot and my skills right away.

And then it happened.

The moment my sharp intuition kicked in.

In Little Shinjuku, at Vanta Market, I saw people who weren’t often seen there.

People dressed in fancy suits.

I sensed something suspicious.

And what came out of it is:

It was exactly the ‘Lone Spider’ that I had purchased─.

“Stop, Stop.”

[Yes? But we still have a long way to go.]

“I can’t take it anymore.”

I said it firmly.

“Skip.”

[Excuse me?]

“Just stick to the main information!”

My frustration burst out.

In response to my outburst, 7 replied.

[…Well, still. Guild Master. The real important part starts from now….]

“Would you like to hear my story first?”

I explained calmly.

“After all, that’s not how you’re going to get rid of those creeps with a robot, right?”

I found myself getting agitated.

“The one you followed is the one you hacked. You’re going to tell me how you got the information, aren’t you?”

[Well, that’s true if you skip the process entirely.]

“…”

I really want to say something mean.

But even so, I’ve held back for so long.

I felt the limit of my patience approaching.

“…Just tell me the information.”

[Hmm, you won’t regret it, will you?]

“Never.”

I can promise that.

[If that’s what Guild Master wants, I’ll just tell you the results as you want me to.]

“Please.”

I meant it.

It felt like blood was about to come out of my ears.

The introduction is too long—way too long.

But then, even after listening once, it wasn’t really necessary.

[Hmm, I did mention that it’s information only I know, but it’s not incredibly important.]

“Can you just get to the point?”

[Around the end of this month, there’s going to be a secret party at a hotel in the upper class.]

7 continues in a cautious tone.

It’s a party where only key figures in the company, like the secretary general, or other high-ranking personnel, gather. To give you an idea of how big this is, sometimes even the chairmen of Mega Corp. attend.]

“So?”

[The information I’ve uncovered shines here. Smile John is also attending that party.]

Gasping for breath, Number 7 speaks.

[His hidden identity is none other than a senior executive of some company!]

I waited for what would follow.

But

No matter how long I waited, there was no response from him.

That was just the end of his words.

“……”

[……]

“Is that it?”

[Yes.]

Ugh, did he drag out all this time just to say that?

I was about to sigh but stopped myself.

The information was indeed valuable.

Regardless of the accuracy of the information,

It was true that we could narrow down Smile John’s true identity.

“So, do you know the guest list or the location of the party? You must know that much, right?”

[No.]

“Huh?”

[Haha, no, I don’t know that.]

Number 7 speaks in a nonchalant tone.

[Since it’s a party hosted by high-ranking officials, hacking would be difficult. Plus, they say the invitations are delivered secretly to individuals, so the attendance might vary each time.]

Casually discussing as if it’s not their concern.

For some reason, it seemed like the holographic figure of Number 7 behind the picture was smiling.

[And besides, I can’t recall how I figured out that the party venue is on an upper floor.]

“So, is that the end of this?”

[Yes! You might be a little disappointed, but I’ve already received my credits and provided all the information I know. I’ll take my leave now.]

Lastly, Number 7 bids farewell.

[Thank you for your assistance!]

– Click.

Tut, tut, tut.

A series of closing sounds.

”…..”

I thought quietly.

“Eve.”

[I’m waiting.]

“Where did you say Number 7 lives?”

I have to go out for a bit.

***

[P2034871140 (Warrior): Oh no, it looks like we can’t pursue the party we were planning. What a shame.]

[ImARealMage (Warrior): Oh? Why not?]

[P2034871140 (Warrior): The guy who said it was in the intelligence organization is having trouble.]

[ImARealMage (Warrior): Really? That’s truly unfortunate.]

[P2034871140 (Warrior): Suddenly there seems to be an electrical surge, all electronic devices we had went haywire, and the robot we cherished disappeared. They say it’s some kind of spider or drone. Quite a mess.]

[ImARealMage (Warrior): I see. Hunting will indeed be difficult.]

I stretched comfortably.

The stress was relieved.

One problem is solved; now it’s time to think about the next one.

A party only for high-ranking corporate individuals.

Moreover, the location is troublesome.

If it’s an upper floor, it’s an area where citizens of other classes can’t easily enter.

“Hmm.”

If only high-ranking corporate individuals could attend.

Even with the help of the famous singer Andrea Rose, it would be difficult.

Unless there’s a separate congratulatory performance at the party.

But since I don’t have any information about that either.

I wondered whether this method was appropriate.

“…Should I contact them?”

[Who are you referring to? I inquire.]

There is such a person.

I glanced at the list of contacts saved through the visual interface.

Among them, one short name caught my eye.

【Chairman】

“……”

I wonder if I’m just stirring up trouble for no reason.

[Translator – Late Dreamer]

[Proofreader – Seeker]