I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay down My Gun

Chapter 577

"Is it my birthday today...?"

"I have no regrets left in life... hehehe..."

"Quite the commotion, huh."

It seems like I've started an epidemic that reduces intelligence every time I look at Bi-am. This was the thought I had when I saw Diez and Harmony, who had come to my room, instantly turning into Mecha-Monnani lovers.

Of course, by this point... I was pretty used to it. It wasn’t the first time those two had acted like this. If there’s one difference, it would probably be that not only me, but Logan and Loren-tina also seem to be thinking similarly about the situation.

Only Olivia, who wasn’t as caught up in the chaos, was rolling her eyes while watching it all—seemingly wondering if it was okay to just leave them to it.

Three Mecha-Biyams and two humans were gathered, forming a very lively, or rather over-the-top, atmosphere. I answered Olivia’s silent question appropriately.

"Leave them be. They like it, after all..."

"That’s true, but it looks like your mental strength is being drained in real time."

"They’re modeled after me, you know."

Face – looks like mine.

Body – like mine.

Tail – like mine, even with a glow.

They even modeled parts like the voice after me, but when it came to the Mecha-youngsters' minds, that was a different story. It was exactly because of this that watching Diez and Harmony so joyously celebrating as though they were at their own birthday party felt quite complicated.

"Heh… Archetype, I like these guys."

"Just wait for about six more months. Then you’ll really be able to touch them. And as long as they’re here, you’ll be able to meet them as part of their promotional role, so... yeah, that’s basically it. So, please don’t stare at them too intently."

"...Ah, did my true feelings slip out? Sorry about that."

"Sorry, I think the one you should apologize to is Archetype, who’s watching them with a lukewarm gaze."

"Ugh."

At the same time, our gazes met.

They were definitely two individuals who had been strongly influenced by me in so many ways. I had built up an image of being a reliable older sister to them over the years, so there was that. Thinking about it, half of it was my own fault, but I still wondered about the other half.

Anyway, the two of them seemed to firmly believe that the three Mecha-Biyams were using holograms. I had told them in advance not to touch the bodies, but these three would often use the Icarus Gear to make their bodies appear faint, so it wasn't entirely unfounded.

So, this is what they meant by "stealing with your eyes"? Although I had to consider that the opponent used all sorts of cheat codes.

On a different note, it would be impossible for a building to collapse from the weight of 1.5 tons concentrated in one spot. I had heard that the buildings here were built with the kind of sturdy structure you'd expect from a library.

And today, seeing that firsthand... I was relieved. The place where the Awakened were staying was particularly solidly constructed, just as I had heard.

As I was thinking about that, the conversation shifted in another direction.

"Six months... Six months... I’ve heard it before, but still, it feels a bit long to wait. It’s a bit disappointing, really. Why does it have to be so long..."

"Think about it the other way. If the reproduction was half-hearted, you’d be the first to be disappointed. Honestly, six months isn’t that long. If you’re really desperate, you can just see them in the Dark Zone."

"That’s true... but, ugh."

"Well, most of the reason the development is taking longer is due to the need for the tail to be implemented properly."

At that, the two of them seemed to understand, and I turned to a pamphlet. Wait, is it even fair to call this a pamphlet? It was more like the booklet handed out to the officials for the Final Championship, but I flipped through it until I reached the part about the upcoming schedule. There seemed to be quite a bit of content.

As I was focused on scanning the pages, a small note caught my eye... or rather, a sort of surprise. The text read, "A random appearance of Mecha Eugene might happen during the week? You might be lucky enough to see it!"

Considering that my parents might have been behind the production of this booklet, I couldn’t help but wonder if they had predicted that I would bring Mecha Bi-yam from the other world.

'...I guess no matter how big I get, I’m still in my parents' palm.'

Anyway, aside from that, the "Dark Zone Town" created for this Final Championship felt like a mix between Disney World’s Dark Zone Studio and Las Vegas, about half and half.

It was much more commercial than Disney World, but still didn’t stray from the basic structure. The buildings around it reflected that, though they didn’t build a replica of the destroyed Statue of Liberty, there were some pretty interesting parts.

For example, considering the surrounding forests and fields, they even recreated a part of Central Park HQ.

I was still thinking about what I would do over the next two weeks – one week for jet lag adjustment, and the other week for the AP duo and squad period, when a surprising question came up from Loren-tina.

"By the way, is that... Kato friend not coming? I’m pretty sure they said they’d see us in the U.S. last time, hehehe..."

"Isn’t it because you laughed so ominously? Maybe they’re not coming because of that."

"You really don’t know, huh, kid? That laugh barely used 10% of my power... Heh."

"That’s why it’s so intimidating."

Olivia’s strike hit Loren-tina, and her devious plan dissolved into thin air. Meanwhile, I was reflecting on the past few days.

Naturally, it wasn’t easy for my acquaintances to come to the U.S on the private plane sent by Icarus. Even Logan, who participated last year, had to drive herself around. All Icarus could provide was a hotel room for a three-week stay, which was already a pretty big perk.

But still, to come here, Kato and the others – this year it would include Limit, Kim Stone, and Hoduk – would have to pay for their own travel costs. I didn’t think the ones I listed would have trouble with that, but the problem was the rooms.

"Do you think there are any available rooms around here?"

"There shouldn’t be any problem... I think I get what you're implying."

"Well, it’s different from just asking if there are rooms available. If the accommodations are too far apart, it might get a little awkward."

"Then..."

I exhaled softly.

In fact, there was a way to fix everything immediately. The others seemed to have realized it, but since it was up to me to decide, they weren’t pushing me.

Well, the point was that the cost would have to be covered – which was nothing unusual. The issue at hand was that "even with money, they couldn't get a spot." However, under the assumption of paying, making room for them would be easy.

Then, the situation changed. With my self-justification complete, there was nothing left to worry about.

I opened my mouth.

"...I’ll have to use a bit of my influence."

"Ugh."

"Wait, you’re not really going to use the forbidden power, are you..."

"What kind of expression is that? It’s just a matter of getting a few things approved from my parents, and creating a few spaces. Of course, I won’t be doing it out of my own pocket, but the costs will be charged separately. It’s true that they’ll be cheaper though."

...What is this "forbidden power" talk?

Anyway, most people here knew what my parents did. After all, the people who ate with my parents in Hawaii last time were all here.

So while checking the time, I also made sure to check when they wrapped up their broadcast the previous day. Fortunately, it seemed they finished before 12, so the current time was 10:17 PM. The time difference was 13 hours, so it was probably around 9 AM in Korea.

I sent a quick message to my parents and then dialed a group call.

And—

"...Yikes."

"You're really a ghost, Eugene. How did you nail the timing so perfectly?"

"Maybe Bi-yam’s instincts were enhanced as much as his intuition?"

• "What the hell, hahahahahahaha!"
• "Seriously creepy, hahaha!"
• "Are they spying on us? Is Bi-yam listening in on them or something?!"
• "The timing, hahaha, it's insane!"
• ?? : "Damn it! The Bi-yam van just left! Give up all hope!"

In Korea, 9:17 AM.

“How can we make it sound like Eugene nailed his departure timing perfectly?” The group chat of Kato, Limit, Hoduk, and Kimstone, gathered in a cafe in Seoul to watch the Dark Zone Final Championship, simultaneously received a call titled 'Yujin.'

Despite being in a heated cafe with the heating on full blast, the back of their necks was drenched in cold sweat.

• "This is Guardian, currently scanning sector A-19. No threats detected. We will move to the next sector in 20 minutes."
• "Comparing weather data with real-time data from Rochester... discrepancy of 15%. It is within an acceptable range. We’ll withdraw unless anyone is needed."
• "Chief Guardian is heading to the lobby. Expected arrival in the reception room on the 26th floor in 1 minute and 30 seconds. Be aware of possible issues with the listening equipment before meeting with Code U."
• "Confirming the identities of those accompanying Code U... All personnel have been confirmed as Alpha-class operators or equivalent."

The sound of footsteps echoed through the lobby of the Icarus Residence Hotel on the first floor.

The sharp and dark eyebrows, typical of someone resembling an eagle, combined with his western features — pronounced brow ridges and a sharp, angular jawline, along with a neatly groomed beard and short, dark hair — gave off the impression of a middle-aged movie star.

His dark coat, resembling the night sky itself, was half-open, revealing a suit beneath. Although his attire might seem suspicious at first glance, it was actually a carefully planned outfit.

With a slightly tired yet deep voice, he spoke a few words.

"May I have the keycard? I’ve reserved the 26th-floor reception room under the name Michael."

"...Your reservation has been confirmed. Here is your keycard. Have a pleasant time."

"Thank you for your hard work."

As soon as he pressed the keycard against the elevator, the red light on the panel turned green. In an instant, the elevator descended to the first floor, and he stepped inside, allowing himself to drift upwards. But after only a few seconds, it stopped. The sound of static could be heard from his earpiece. He knew exactly what was happening and placed the earpiece into his jacket pocket.

The jamming was getting worse, and the warning sound from his ear grew louder. He had expected it. By now, it was likely that some electronic devices, including the GPS, were no longer working or were being severely disrupted.

However, he didn’t seem to mind as he passed the lobby on the 26th floor and walked down the hall several times. At the end of the hall, a simple door with a handle barely visible on the edge looked like a storage room for cleaning tools at first glance.

Without hesitation, he turned the knob and opened the door.

In that moment, light spilled from the gap beneath the door.

At the same time, four people came into his view.

'...'

Sizzling.

As the GPS and eavesdropping devices hidden inside his coat were completely fried, he scanned the room. As expected, there was no need to explain who these people were.

He took a deep breath and exhaled, then closed the door behind him, adding:

"Good to see all of you gathered here. It's quite the crowd."

"Well, well, Kissinger! Long time no see!"

"You’ve got dark circles under your eyes. How are you handling being the head of security in such a tight place? Isn't it annoying?"

"I guess that’s why I’m here on what feels like a half-vacation."

Michael Kissinger.

His title in another world had been the head of a big team, but here, he worked as the head of security at the Secret Service.

The reason he was here instead of Washington D.C. was simple, but instead of saying something uncool, he walked over and grabbed Eugene’s cheeks, pulling them both to stretch them out.

A cute voice filled the room.

"Ahhhhhh—!"

"Hey! Because of you, there are about 300 people sticking to this tiny place. It's driving me crazy. You should've gone to Washington D.C."

"I was planning to go there, but... Ahhh! That hurts!"

"You knew that was coming. I’m pinching you to make it hurt."

Of course, this didn’t last long.

The cheeks that were stretched out were soon restored, but Kissinger playfully massaged Eugene’s cheeks and smiled, though the smile was rather stiff.

With a soft thud, he collapsed onto the sofa, looking exhausted.

"Well, at least I’m glad I can rest for once. I never imagined I’d be getting help from old connections like this... I feel like I could just pass out on this sofa."

"Would you like us to send something over? There's a warm tradition in Korea of sending gifts to people who are tired to help them regain energy."

"Unfortunately, that would be difficult for security reasons. But I’ll accept your good intentions. This is the busiest time of the year, so it’s hard for me to relax... but it’s fine. With two people to protect, it does make things a little tricky."

"Well, that’s true, it must be a busy time."

Four years, or maybe eight years.

A couple of months in which the outgoing president and the incoming president-elect coexist, and during that period, the Secret Service’s workload surges. Kissinger was explaining that, during this period, he was busier than anyone else.

He sighed and added:

"Fortunately or unfortunately, starting next year, the prototype shield technology from the think tank will be applied more to Beast and presidential protection. We aim to have it activated within 1 microsecond when detecting an object approaching at a certain speed or above a certain temperature."

"...So you’re telling me you can rest easy because of me?"

"Exactly. Things won’t dramatically ease up, but it should make things a little better."

With that, Kissinger stood up from the sofa with a slight struggle and spoke again.

"Anyway, I’ll tell you the reason I’m here. Officially, I’m here to check your intentions about having a personal lunch with the President-elect, and to prevent any unforeseen situations. But, let’s be honest... it’s more like an unofficial vacation. Think of it like that."

"Ha ha."

"I’ll be following you around until new orders come in, so keep that in mind... I’d appreciate it if you could cooperate. I’m sure you all realize that you’re like rugby balls that can bounce anywhere."

"Can’t deny that."

While Loren-tina laughed and nodded appropriately, he pulled out his device and checked a few new messages. The content was simple: Eugene’s room had been assigned near Kissinger’s.

He sighed and added:

"...I guess I’ll go rest now. I’ve been getting only two or three hours of sleep a night for the past few weeks. It’s killing me."

"You’re really putting in the work."

"Thanks. I just hope I won’t end up pouring all my salary into the hospital bills..."

Grumbling, he checked the jamming status before standing up.

The conversation seemed to be over, and the four of them quietly stood up from their seats and followed Kissinger out the door.

Well, they tried to follow him.

As the footsteps echoed down the hallway, the sound of the door shutting was followed by a moment of eerie silence.

"There's still a signal from Archetype around here. Looks like someone’s trying to do something fun without us..."

"Why are you going out at this hour... Who’s this... unknown person?!"

"...."

"...."

The hallway was suddenly filled with tension. The three sets of eyes gleaming with a strange light tried to avoid Eugene’s glare, which was sharp enough to feel like an evil spirit.

Kissinger massaged his temples with his thumb, adding:

"...I must be seeing things, haven’t slept enough. I’ll head out first."

"Understood."

The sound of his shoes clicked away down the corridor, and Eugene opened his mouth, though his voice was far from friendly.

"See you three later."

"...Heh."

That night, the three Mecha-children learned what hiccups were.

Of course, screams would soon follow as well.