I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay down My Gun

Chapter 581

“Oh my, this isn't just an armored vehicle.”

“So, you’re telling me that you strapped a piece of scrap metal to your body, with no power source, springs, or anything? You’re saying you wrapped 200 kg of metal around you just for recoil control?”

“…That huge armored body is being pushed back. Even for Awakened ones, a 50-caliber minigun must be quite the challenge.”

The screen of the drone cam is almost completely covered by colorful explosions, and a massive presence that cannot even be hidden by the flames is there, with a snake’s tail lazily swishing behind it.

The sound of gunfire is partly drowned out, and dozens of shell casings fly out to the right, hitting the ground, but their sound isn’t heard. The recoil pushes the body back, and a parallel line appears under Eugene's feet. Despite all this, her body steadfastly stands in place.

An eternity-like 7 seconds pass, and the firing stops, with the thick smoke of gunpowder filling the room. The ventilation system on the ceiling quickly sucks it up and clears it away.

With the clattering sound, the weighty bulletproof plates covering her body drop one by one to the floor, and in between them, Eugene steps out. Her figure, with beautiful curves where things go in and out, would have drawn admiration from viewers or witnesses—if only they hadn’t been watching her with awe and fear. The black hair covering her forehead is swept aside, and as she exhales a sigh, her appearance seems less seductive and more like a scene from a movie—like a male protagonist finishing his day, blowing out cigarette smoke.

Or perhaps… like a Terminator.

Of course, the thought felt blasphemous, and no one dared speak it aloud.

“Ugh, my arms are all stiff. Honestly, I’m not sure about the performance… I’m just doing this because I was asked to. So, viewers, don’t mind it too much. I don’t think anyone here would be in a hurry to get ATF approval to buy something like this.”

“More importantly, the younger guys, Logan and Lorenatina, are out there waiting with their necks stretched. If you don’t say something to them, I think they’re going to spin you around like the minigun barrel.”

“…Tell them it’s fine. I’m pulling the drone cam out anyway.”

Regardless of the external reactions, many people can be seen beyond the screen, with Eugene, the most noticeable figure and the main of today’s advertisement, showing only a reaction that suggests her task is over. She slumps into a chair, and at that moment, another loud noise erupts from the shooting range.

While watching the broadcast, a high-ranking official in one of the various sectors sighs heavily and speaks to a subordinate. It was a private communication.

“…It’s almost like a powered suit. Do you think this streaming will create a significant change in the market, or at the very least, a positive influence?”

“I believe so. Of course, to find a use for it in the form we just witnessed, we’d have to imagine an extremely extreme battlefield…”

“I understand what you mean.”

An extreme battlefield, meaning urban warfare.

But not in a shattered low-rise building after bombings, but in a downtown area, lined with skyscrapers—places that can only be effectively controlled by regular troops or those equipped with even more formidable weaponry. It’s estimated that this type of deployment could be possible only under such specific conditions.

In contrast, outside of such situations, it would be nearly impossible. The cost of production, maintenance, and deployment is excessively high, and the expected results are much lower than simply deploying regular armored vehicles.

Though, it’s still too early to make definitive conclusions.

“…It depends on what energy source is used. But at this point, we can’t expect that level of survivability. In that case, Icarus Dynamics’ focus on android soldiers might be much more useful.”

“I thought so. It seems that shrinking the powered suit market was ultimately a good move... Huh, nothing’s going well these days. How are things with the consortium?”

“There’s no word beyond the predetermined responses.”

“…I see.”

As he speaks, the gaze shifts, and the screen turns toward a different direction.

The figure on-screen looks remarkably like Eugene, but fundamentally different in appearance—almost like Eugene’s species, but transformed into an android. Three such beings appear, and the executives watching the screen know exactly who they are.

The official designation is UES, but they’re more commonly known by their nicknames—Mechabyam, Mecha Snake, Sister, and more—those responsible are Jin, Rain, and the recently added Mav.

“…They said it would be about 10 months. Do you think it’s realistic for UES to be implemented in reality?”

“We consider it a bluff, and other companies think the same. But Icarus Dynamics has officially entered their name for the next year’s humanoid expo and the bid for next-generation military androids.”

“What are we doing about it?”

“Internally, we’ve decided not to try to block or compete with Icarus Dynamics, except for data collection. However, we don’t plan to stop their showy research for media purposes either.”

“Hmm…”

Naturally, gun manufacturing and sales are only a small part of their work.

No company survives solely on gun production. They’re involved in military software, firewalls, program development, and have a stake in various conventional weapons. Lately, humanoids are gaining attention, but for now, the person speaking is simply letting out a sigh.

“I thought there’d be a ton of people with just buttons on their eyes, but it’s not like that at all. I’m actually glad. It’s fortunate we won’t have to waste the entire budget for next year on some weird things.”

“…Is that so? Some are saying we might fall behind.”

“You’re being too optimistic.”

The speaker sighs, then points a finger at the screen.

As the mech-Eugene and the others casually chat on-screen, the man’s mouth opens again.

“Icarus International may be large, but their public actions, even with the long development period remaining, are a serious concern. Not to mention the recent consortium between Icarus Dynamics and the think tank… And Andreessen Horowitz is involved.”

“A venture capital firm with assets equal to the annual budget of a developing country… Other companies must be well aware of this.”

“The ones who bit the bait are all in the humanoid business, which is about two or three times the size of our company. I think they believe they can compete, but personally… I feel like a bomb’s going to explode by the end of next year’s third quarter or fourth quarter.”

“I see.”

The conversation pauses as a subordinate speaks up.

“Then, I guess I’ll have to prove my worth before you’re promoted.”

“You… Well, it’s not appropriate to say this, but sure. Look for an opportunity to create a position for yourself.”

“Haha, just a joke. I don’t trust off-the-record stuff.”

Though no reply is given, it’s understood.

The subordinate continues watching the streaming, and with the video almost reaching the planned one-hour length, he exhales deeply and leans over his desk, eyes fixed on the broadcast. The program is splitting the video into sections for advertisements, and he watches eagerly.

“I wish I could take a break like that…”

As always, the final month of the year is a hellish time for many companies.

It was just part of the routine.

“Ah, we’ve finally arrived… Whoa! What’s that!? Mechabyam!”

“We’ve finally made it, Carto! Did you think we wouldn’t catch up if you ran off to reality?”

“…Wait, has Carto become the town punching bag? Why is everyone like this?”

“Because Carto is everyone’s idol.”

It’s not entirely wrong, but no one takes it too seriously.

Anyway, Carto’s group arrives at Dark Zone Town.

“Wow, they really made this thing well…”

“This one’s pretty average though. The last time we saw it, what was it… something you’d find in Akihabara? That kind of thing. Eugene, you should check it out. There are even body pillows.”

“No need to show me something like that… But, it does look better than I expected.”

“Why are you showing that and reviewing it?!”

**- Hahahahaha

• “Carto Dakimakura” as a power word wwwwww
• I’m dizzy ?????
• Honest opinion) I’m a little turned on
• Well, they made it turn on, so I guess I am, but why is Mechabyam reviewing it ????????**

Though it wasn’t exactly something Carto would show me, I figured it would be something like that once someone else presented it to me. Knowing Carto’s personality, I would have expected him to rush over when the reaction was loud.

Though, saying it like this, it felt a bit heroic. I haven’t watched much anime, but it still felt like that.

“Ugh, I should ask Icarus not to put this out…”

“Too bad.”

“What do you mean ‘too bad’? And this person keeps trying to show me strange things.”

“Hah… Carto, with my sharp intuition, I can tell you’re perfectly capable of going this way. I, Limit, the Authority of Forced TS, guarantee it… Ah, sorry! It was just a joke, haha, haha…”

**- Limitles ??????????

• Living point) Limit exchanged a million dollars for a VR identity and became a true man
• A true man… well, something like that ??
• Carto ????????**

Thinking about it, it did make sense.

The chaos around us eventually calmed down—Hotteok took the two and left—and I, dressed in a coat, looked out at the light snowfall. Unfortunately, it wasn’t sticking.

Though I hate the cold, I don’t mind snow. I still enjoy making snowmen. It’s just that lately, I’m too busy for it.

“By the way, where are you going today, Eugene?”

“…Ah.”

“Wait, hold on. Why is the atmosphere like this? Why is everyone coming toward me—whoa!”

“Be careful, Eugene. We’ll take care of the drone cam.”

“...Alright, take care. Don’t make a fuss. Leave Carto alone.”

**- ???????

• Wait, what’s with the sudden acceleration ????????
• Why does this person always pull off scheduling things randomly? ??????
• ?? : Because… it’s a promise (nods)**

I gave a brief smile, made eye contact with the drone cam, and headed toward the front door.

From this point on, the broadcast to the viewers would be cut off. I put on my thick boots, opened the door, and stepped outside. I wiggled my toes. My condition today was about medium-level bad.

While waiting for the elevator to descend, someone approached from behind.

It was Kissinger.

“I didn’t surprise you, did I?”

“I already knew, so it’s fine. Even if you weren’t here, I’d have guessed you’d be watching from somewhere.”

“You’re right. Let’s go. I want to withdraw from here soon.”

“I’m sure you do.”

The goal was the first-floor lobby… or rather, the basement parking garage.

The faint smell of fresh concrete lingered, but when I saw the two blacked-out cars waiting across from the elevator, the feeling shifted entirely.

The agents waiting outside immediately opened the doors and entered once they confirmed my face, while Kissinger got into the passenger seat, and I quietly squeezed into the back.

As the exit gate opened automatically without any plate identification, a faint sound of optical mic filters buzzed in my ears. I was in the car now, so I was curious about what kind of exterior the vehicles outside had.

But as it happened, no one spoke to me at this moment. Even Kissinger, who was in the same car, didn’t say anything. I knew exactly why.

Even though I’d become more outgoing, I still couldn’t bring myself to chat or strike up small talk in this atmosphere, so I leaned deeply into my seat and stared out at the outside. From what I could tell, it seemed more like a self-contained display than a window.

‘…Has it already been a year since then?’

Last year around this time… actually, about a week after that, in terms of last year.

At the time, I was in New York, Manhattan, with the Medal of Honor around my neck. That night is something I can never forget, and now, a year later, it feels like time has flown by.

The only difference now is that both Henry and I have a lot more on our plates. I suspect that’s why he called me.

With such pointless thoughts drifting through my mind, around 30 minutes passed.

“You can get off now.”

“Here… Ontario Lake. I never expected to reach the Great Lakes.”

“We came quite far. We chose a quiet place because of security. We’re going into the gallery right in front. Phoenix will be waiting inside.”

“So, the new president has a codename now.”

“…Come on, Eugene. Go in.”

Sadly, it didn’t seem like there was any time for jokes. Though Phoenix… maybe Henry wouldn’t think that way.

Ontario Lake, so vast that it couldn’t truly be called a lake. The gallery, built overlooking it, felt more like a strikingly modern, almost futuristic structure.

After passing through a few expensive-looking paintings and sculptures, I walked through the quiet space. The dim, cloudy sky outside made the gallery feel almost like dawn.

“Not just Big Apple, but this place too is part of New York. How do you like it?”

“It’s quiet, but beautiful. I don’t mind this atmosphere.”

“Right. The city that never sleeps is nice, but when you’ve grabbed control of the rudder of a nation, you need to carry that quiet inside you.”

I inhaled, then exhaled.

His voice, faintly heard from the shadows, was even quieter than the last time we met.

“That’s why I chose this place to have a meal with you.”

“I see. Unlike last year, you’ve chosen a quiet place this time. You must have had quite a rough time.”

“Exactly. I’ve been troubled for a long time.”

Step by step.

“Let’s have lunch before it gets too late. There’s a lot to discuss.”

“It’s an honor.”

“I didn’t come out here for some flowery compliments. Just speak freely. I’ll show you my secret wine collection.”

Step by step.

The footsteps of the two men faded away, and the gallery was once again filled with silence.

The quiet lunch had begun.