Chapter 40 – Party, Quantum Nexus (4)

[Translator – Late Dreamer]

[Proofreader – Seeker]

Chapter 40 – Party, Quantum Nexus (4)

Kojaka Corporation.

Famous for its octopus-like expansion into profitable ventures, it boasted numerous subsidiaries.

Also known as the second-largest conglomerate by market capitalization, a megacorp.

The chairman’s name is Mr. Pete Mack.

As mentioned before, he resembles a mouse character sensitive to copyright issues in my past life.

Effectively established as the mascot character, he was widely renowned as the most recognizable character in this cyberpunk world.

If you want a comparison,

It’s like the president of Nin○ndo being Super Ma○io.

Therefore, almost everyone thinks that Kojaka’s actual president is Vice Chairman William Kojaka.

It was natural.

and well, now that’s not important.

It was still a matter of possibility.

Just a bit higher level than other possibilities.

But what if his true hidden identity is that of a terrorist targeting me and Eve?

It would be difficult to find a worse situation than this.

The neatly groomed middle-aged man, William Kojaka, spoke to us.

“Ah, Mr. Monolith, it’s been quite a while since we’ve met.”

[The probability of ‘Smile John’ has increased to 67%.]

“Oh, I just dropped by on my way… I didn’t expect you to be here too, sir.”

[…Increased to 73%.]

“Is this a new employee here? Nice to meet you, I’m William Kojaka.”

[…79%.]

So,

Let’s stop there.

I let out a silent roar.

If his hidden identity turned out to be Smile John, many of the misfortunes that had befallen me so far would be explained.

It wasn’t about terrorist attacks or Maya’s escape from prison.

The misfortunes that happened to me weren’t just that.

“…It wasn’t because I failed in stocks.”

I muttered under my breath unintentionally.

“Uh, what did you say?”

“I said it was an honor to meet you.”

Fortunately, William Kojaka didn’t seem to hear my voice.

I smoothly accepted the handshake he offered.

[I think they may have really been targeting the human “Lee Siwoon,” but it’s also true that they couldn’t invest in stocks, in my opinion.]

Victory in spirit.

Keep it quiet.

I faced William Kojaka in front of me.

His true identity as Smile John was still in question.

It was just a possibility, not a certainty.

Once the formalities of the greeting were over, William Kojaka moved away to where other people were gathered.

It really looked like he had come to greet the Black Monolith chairman.

I finally exhaled the breath I had been holding.

Maybe I was nervous without realizing it.

I let out a deep sigh.

Slowly exhaling.

Soon, I felt a little calmer.

The chairman, noticing my state, spoke.

“Who’s that guy?”

“…Yes?”

“Smile John.”

…Even though I haven’t said anything yet,

She’s already noticed and is asking.

“Well, the probability is the highest.”

“Um… Considering that data manipulation is not impossible, think about it.”

It was a valid point.

In a world where you can easily synthesize voices with deep voices, just having data wouldn’t change the fact that he is currently the most likely person.

The chairman flicked his finger in the air a few times.

It looked like he was manipulating the sight interface.

“William Kojaka, 79. A corporate elite who rose rapidly at a young age with outstanding skills.”

“…Young age?”

“He originally didn’t have the Kojaka surname. His original surname was Robert, but he secretly married Kohaku Kojaka, the daughter of Nobukuro Kojaka, who is the founder of Kojaka Corporation, and became William Kojaka as he is now.”

She gives out the information while calling it a secret.

Well, when you’re the chairman of Megacorp, news tends to come to you automatically.

Listening to that explanation only made my head more tangled.

Is he really Smile John?

If he is, then what’s my next move?

Assassination?

Honestly, the chance of success was close to 0%.

Just being able to see his face up close right now was a miraculous situation.

It was a special circumstance where a lucky chance intertwined, allowing me to see his face.

If it weren’t for this situation, he would have been a figure nearly impossible to approach within 100 meters.

Moreover, to assassinate without being discovered, there were various conditions required.

This, too, was nearly impossible.

Even if Eve were to assist me through hacking, traces would eventually be left as time passed.

And if I were discovered?

I would have to either move to another city or hide in the slums as they progressed.

Even that would be a difficult life to sustain for a long time.

So, what could I do?

[Translator – Late Dreamer]

[Proofreader – Seeker]

“Just a moment, shall we step out for some fresh air?”

“Yes?”

I paused my thoughts and looked at the chairman.

Unlike the complexity on my face,

The chairman still had a serene expression as she looked at me.

She uncrossed her arms and took a more relaxed stance.

She glanced up at me.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind. Want to come this way?”

Without waiting for my answer,

The chairman began to move.

Though some gazes lingered behind us, no one followed us directly.

As we walked to the end of the banquet hall,

A large balcony came into view.

Fortunately, there was no one on the balcony.

The sun had already set outside.

Under the crimson sunset, the skyline of the massive neon city gleamed dazzlingly.

Being relatively high compared to other areas, even the skyscrapers in the mid-levels felt low.

“Indeed, the view from the upper level is nice, isn’t it?”

“…Yes.”

A refreshing breeze brushed past my nose.

Clean air filled my lungs.

Breathing in the cool air from the upper level felt refreshing.

The headache that had been throbbing had gone unnoticed.

“Feeling a bit better?”

The chairman’s bright purple rolled hair fluttered in the wind.

“…Yes, thank you for your concern.”

“Hehe.”

The chairman chuckled briefly at my thanks.

Each action exuded grace and composure.

I could almost imagine why she was nicknamed ‘Empress’ in places like the news.

Of course, now ‘Queen’ might suit her better than ‘Empress’.

“So, what are you planning to do if that guy really turns out to be Smile John?”

“…Well, I need to think about it a bit more.”

It wasn’t an urgent matter.

There was still nothing certain, and even if there were, my actions would be limited.

Hmm.

If Smile John’s true identity really is that of Megacorp’s vice chairman…

In fact, at that level, changing identities and hiding or fleeing seemed like the most prudent choices.

Anyway, it wasn’t a decision to be made now.

“If you need help, feel free to ask. I’ll help you like I did this time. Or should I invest in some Kojaka stocks?”

“…Haha, that won’t be necessary.”

It was a problem that my joke didn’t sound like a joke.

Still, it was likely true that she was offering help. But the problem was that I felt burdened and couldn’t readily ask for favors.

If I acted too troublesomely, the gaze of the Secretary-General would become increasingly intimidating.

Anyway.

I decided to think positively.

After all, Smile John’s true identity could be Megacorp’s vice chairman.

He wasn’t the chairman, after all.

I nodded to myself alone.

There didn’t seem to be anyone else coming to the banquet hall anymore.

“Thank you for your time because of me.”

“…Are you leaving already?”

“I’ve accomplished what I came for. Plus, it doesn’t seem like anyone else will be coming.”

My mental energy had been drained too much by going out.

Lying in bed, covered in a blanket, and browsing Netspace would help me regain my strength.

Perhaps she noticed my state.

Normally, she would have suggested having dinner together.

The chairman’s expression, showing concern, was impressive.

Her manner of speaking and acting, which changed depending on her body, was intriguing.

“Then I should go too.”

“Ah, it’s fine if you stay longer─.”

I cut myself off midway.

It was because the chairman’s penetrating gaze caught me.

Did I make a verbal slip? It was a bit scary.

Eventually, the chairman chuckled lightly.

“Well, it’d be nice to chat about life on the way back. There aren’t many people I feel comfortable talking to.”

“…Ah.”

It seemed even the chairman had her own share of troubles.

“Well then, let’s go together.”

“I’ll request an escort.”

An escort? What’s all this about?

So, we left the balcony and walked back to the banquet hall.

As we walked outside, a surprise awaited us on the screen: Mr. Pete Mack, the mascot chairman of Kojaka, appeared, surprising the crowd.

Still, I wondered why the chairman would appear on a broadcast in a place like this.

I didn’t know who was acting inside, but I thought they must be working hard.

The chairman and I emerged outside and boarded an unmanned vehicle.

I was puzzled why they didn’t call for an air vehicle, but I couldn’t bring myself to question the chairman about it. It wasn’t just because there were many armed security vehicles following us.

Anyway, that made the journey back quite long.

My suggestion to drop me off along the way was lightly brushed aside.

I waved goodbye to the chairman’s retreating figure in front of our house.

“Phew.”

I stretched lightly.

Now then.

It was time to find out if Smile John’s true identity was indeed that of the Vice-Chairman of Kojaka.

* * *

“Let’s kidnap them.”

[Human ‘Catherine’ says, and I agree].

I wonder what we’re going to do with these crackers.

I have a headache again.

[Translator – Late Dreamer]

[Proofreader – Seeker]