novelburst
Chapter 648
Chapter 648
“…Eugene, are you plotting something?”
“Hmm?”
“Don’t you think Lorentina sometimes turns into a dangerous lady?”
“That’s quite a description. But you’re mistaken. You wouldn’t want to say something and end up dragged into Shark Camp, would you?”
“Ugh, I’ve heard that threat so many times, I’m still scared...”
- Hahahahaha
- “Ah… time to return to ‘Killing Machine’ Lorentina…”
- “No, but really, she does sometimes change into something like a balloon that could burst at any moment, haha.”
- “I think I saw something like that back in Disneyland too.”
- “There are people who get scarier when their lady-like tendencies increase, whoosh???"
…Anyway, I don’t like people with good instincts.
Of course, unlike what Harmonie or Dice said — and Iris, who hasn't met them often enough to understand the difference between the two sharks — there was no need to worry too much about the viewers' comments.
Having done broadcasts for quite a while, I've realized that viewers don't usually have their own firm beliefs. They just pick up what Harmonie and Dice said and repeat it like it’s their own opinion.
The unnecessary details in their examples were just to bring up past memories.
Anyway, back to the point.
The Expo had already passed the first week and was about to enter the second week. Fortunately, the number of people coming was as high as in the first week, and the costs for the event were being recovered smoothly.
This was due to a few simple tricks, such as placing merchandise shops close to the entrance — or the exit — of the venue. Additionally, some shops were open without requiring an entry ticket.
Moreover, the Starbucks store had sold out of Mecha merchandise because they couldn't restock quickly enough.
'And the labor costs are almost zero, since the internal maintenance system automatically handles most of the repairs.'
Considering these factors, the Expo’s costs weren’t that high.
For only 30 million dollars, the revenue was several times that amount, and with humanoid promotions on top… hmm, as expected, Icarus International’s stocks are always rising.
Hehehe...
“…Eugene, you’re making a sinister expression.”
“Aren’t evolved individuals supposed to act weird around this time?”
“You’re evolved individuals too.”
- Hahahaha
- “You’re EM-level, too, you crazy people!”
- “Did you forget that they’re completely different species from a month ago?”
- Biyam expressions are hilarious haha.
- "Soon they'll all be acting strange."
…Well, it’s true that I was making a sinister expression.
Anyway, I slowly turned my head towards New York-Lorentina. Today, it felt unusually quiet. But then again, it was expected. To be blunt, this side — the shark side — had lived recklessly, as the saying goes.
It wasn't as extreme here, but instead, there was something... what should I call it? A dangerous and unsettling atmosphere that anyone could feel. Given their thorny path, it couldn’t be helped.
Then, Dice carefully added,
“…Well, you know. Smiling in front of people, but secretly acting like a villainous young lady who uses carriages, wine, and terraces without a care in the world. I've been reading those kinds of novels and manga a lot lately, so maybe that's why….”
“Should I tell you to stop?”
“Ah, my bad!”
“What did you just say?”
“Kyaaah!!”
- Hahahaha
- “When did you get here?”
- “No kidding, I was seriously startled.”
- “Stop talking and get back here.”
- “???? : If I spoke, I wouldn’t be able to assassinate, right?”
Gah.
I saw quite a spectacle. What can I say, Dice’s tail shot up like a startled cat, standing straight into the air. He must have been startled when the Shark whispered in his ear.
Adding to that, I felt it was a bit late to mention this, but the tone of voice was different now. The Shark’s voice was full of unfounded, reckless confidence, whereas New York Shark’s was a bit more... calm and resonant.
Of course, there were plenty of excuses to explain the difference.
“Normally, after making a big move, one needs some time to recover their mental strength.”
“Ah, so you're rechargeable. That’s why you’ve been quieter than usual these past few days... I was getting a bit bored because you’ve been hanging out with Eugene so much.”
“Ah, Dice! How can you say you're bored!?”
“Hmph~.”
- Gah
- LOCK ON!!!!
- “You really dug your own grave, huh.”
- “You’ve been dying for some action, huh, haha.”
- “Harmony dashed in, but it’s too late, haha.”
The time dragged on, with both of them glancing nervously, as Lorentina elegantly scanned the two of them with a cold look.
Maybe due to the vibrations that came from sensing her movements to the centimeter, the two of them twitched their ears as they heard the sound of their clothing brushing against each other. Then, as she got closer to them, their ears turned red.
Then came her words.
“I’ve been holding back, but for those who desperately crave such intense moments... don’t you think they should be rewarded accordingly?”
“Eh, ah, well…”
“Don’t be fooled, in the end, I’ll make you roll... ooh!”
“Let’s catch them first.”
- Boom
- Hah, hah
- “Wow, the way she covered her eyes was so natural, haha.”
- “Why do I feel like she’s going to snap their necks? Hahaha.”
- “Why does she seem so much scarier than usual??”
...Yeah, it definitely felt different from usual.
Fortunately, it wasn't drastically different from the image the Shark normally showed, so no one seemed to mind. And the graceful appearance she showed was quite... unique to them.
They seemed to be completely losing their grip on reality.
Anyway, unrelated to that, this Shark had already returned to the UDT days ago. But I hadn't told Harmonie or Dice yet... and perhaps the Sharks had already made their moves on the UDT members.
To put it simply:
-
This Shark's return to UDT and New York Shark filling in his spot. At this point, Lorentina says she “left a hologram Shark behind in Korea.” That’s what’s happening right now.
-
On the day of the operation, New York Shark controls the hologram Shark and walks around the Expo. There was no need to tell Dice and Harmonie this fact.
‘…Seems unnecessarily complicated.’
There was a reason for this, though.
The first reason was so New York Shark could enjoy the world without worries, and the second was to prevent exposing this Shark’s identity.
Even with two Sharks existing, I could prevent rumors like, "Did Lorentina come to Korea for the mission?" from becoming widespread.
Of course, you might ask, “Then why even bring back New York Shark?”... But if Harmonie and Dice found out that New York Shark was the real body, that’d be a headache.
Making sure no one suspects there are two Sharks while maintaining their existence simultaneously is a complicated matter.
Anyway, aside from that.
There was a simple pre-check that had to be done today for tomorrow’s scenario.
“Ueebb…”
“Well, I’m not planning on doing anything now, so don’t worry. Today, the youngest has something to do at the Expo, so you all stay here for the next couple of hours and don’t go outside.”
“Lorentina, it doesn’t suit you to say that… so, what’s going on?”
“I told you to check the announcements regularly.”
Clink!
At that moment, I secretly took the large red button I had received a few days ago from my pocket and placed it on the table. Everyone’s gaze immediately turned to the table, their faces showing confusion.
But there wasn’t enough time to explain everything in detail, so luckily, New York Shark waved his hand, bringing up the announcement from the Dark Zone Expo’s official site for everyone to see.
In summary, it read:
- [2037/08/06 Counter-Terrorism Training Simulation in Expo]
- [Humanoid Roleplay: 15 units, armed with swords, crossbows, and explosives. Testing the ability to subdue them using humanoids and drones.]
- [Start time: 1300]
“Wait, this was…?”
“Let’s go.”
“Waaah!”
Boom!
At that moment, my fist slammed the button.
From the speakers outside, loud sounds began to echo.
- [As previously announced, the Counter-Terrorism Simulation is now beginning. 15 humanoids will assume the role of terrorists armed with swords, crossbows, and explosives. Observers wishing to avoid the simulation are advised to move to the designated safe zones within 5 minutes.]
- [This simulation is not real. It will be broadcast repeatedly until the event officially begins.]
“Now, do you get what this is like?”
“…This Expo really does everything, huh.”
“Watching isn’t enough for fun.”
Well, since this Expo was meant to show off everything I could do with humanoids and Icarus skills.
Behind me, the three of them wore expressions as if they had no idea what was going on, while I quietly chuckled to myself.
I’m enjoying this.
???Clink!
“Ugh, what’s that? Suddenly drones are swarming like bees…”
“We’re in the middle of training.”
“Ah, right, isn’t there supposed to be a hostage situation too? Should we go check it out?”
“…Is this for real?”
Whirring!
At 1:05 PM, hundreds of drones suddenly flew into the sky all around the Expo. They were all marked with the Icarus logo, but their shapes were completely different from regular drones.
At the same time, there were loud shouts and screams coming from all directions—yet, it wasn’t human voices, but rather the humanoid robots who had been given roles.
Some were playing the role of terrorists, and others were playing hostages. Soon, the crowd began to gather around to watch the humanoid hostage situation.
And in the midst of it, two foreign men and women were watching from a distance.
“…So, is this all the youngest’s work? Specifically, Icarus Dynamics?”
“Seems like the drones are the same. We came here to negotiate, but I’m wondering if we can even export this crazy thing outside of the US… maybe we should just kick all the non-American PMC members out now?”
“Once we do that, we’ll be hit with a lawsuit bomb.”
“Damn.”
Marcus Lampert and Susan Raypear.
They were high-ranking recruiters and executives working for the Blaze Company, a PMC responsible for military consulting and security around the world.
They walked through the dust without caring about their pristine white suits and shiny shoes, entering the Expo to check out the spectacle.
The hundreds of drones hovering in the sky were scanning the area, and after some time…
- [Identifying 15 humanoid terrorists.]
- [Initiating spatial lockdown.]
- [Activating shields.]
“...What’s going on? Hey, move back! Move back!”
“Shields? They’re shields!?”
“This is actually pushing people back!”
Whirrrr!
The sound of propellers was drowned out by something massive and strange expanding around the central drone. Words like “Warning” written in over five languages expanded, creating a circular arena.
As it pushed people back, several drones entered the locked-down hostage situation, flying around the humanoid criminals and hostages.
And after some time...
- [Detecting plastic bomb vests and 371 ceramic balls inside the humanoids.]
- [Taser drones and hardened foam drones are in motion.]
- [Completed detailed diagnostics. Commencing neutralization.]
Crackle!
With a strange noise, the waiting taser drone jabbed a humanoid terrorist in the neck, while another drone sprayed hardened foam onto a weapon.
The humanoid froze and fell backward, and the hostage robot removed the ice-cream-like weapon from the neck and fled hurriedly.
But it didn’t end there.
- [Failed to suppress bomb detonation. Signal interference persists.]
- [Maximum lockdown engaged. Compressing space.]
- [Calculating kill radius... Evacuation in process.]
- [Estimated time remaining: 1 minute. Evacuate immediately.]
Boom!
A siren blared for about a minute as the masses fled behind the reinforced polycarbonate walls constructed by the humanoids and drones. As the explosion shook the ground, the ceramic balls shot out, crashing into the walls and turning into debris on the floor.
After a while, the shields were released, and the drones deactivated their alarms.
- [Situation complete. Explosive and physical containment confirmed.]
- [Sending recovery robots to the blast site.]
- [Sorry for the inconvenience.]
Whirrr!
At the same time, drones began to fly towards the remaining battlefield, and the recovery robots pushed through the crowd. Everyone, including Marcus and Susan, who had been safely hiding, couldn’t help but chuckle.
Perhaps it was exactly as they said. The two moved toward Eugene.