20 The job...
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The silence of the night was fractured by the sound of hurried footsteps, a lone echo reverberating through the stone wall corridors. These passageways were faintly illuminated by the dim, flickering light of torches that lined their walls.
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Amidst this nocturnal stillness, a large, unkempt man dressed in rugged attire with a mass of hair made his solitary way. He was stirring in these hours when the rest of the world seemed to be in deep slumber.
As he navigated the corridors, he approached a junction; his destination lay straight ahead. However, his purposeful stride was unexpectedly interrupted by the appearance of a skinny, dust-colored cat. It crossed his path with an air of nonchalance, meowing softly, its lamplike eyes later glowing a slight reddish as it locked onto the man with an intensity that belied its small form.
Suddenly, the stillness was further broken by a raspy voice emerging from the right. "What are you doing here this late at night?" The speaker was a thin, lanky man, his pale, almost gaunt face twisted into a scowl. Clad in a worn-out heavy coat, he clutched a lantern, its light dimly shining through the darkness.
"Here to see the headmaster," the large man responded. His response, though simple, carried the weight of urgent matters that stirred beneath the calm surface of the night.
"Keep it down. I don't want any of these runts to wake up. One of them is already out," the lanky man cautioned; he sounded irritated. With that, he moved past, lantern in hand, casting long shadows against the stone as he searched for the aforementioned wanderer.
The cat, having played its part in this brief encounter, lingered for a moment longer. Then, with a grace only a feline could muster, it departed with an instinct to aid in the search.
After the brief encounter, the man resumed his journey. The corridors seemed even more silent now, with only the sound of his footsteps to accompany him. He moved with purpose, aware that his destination was near.
Finally, he reached the end of the hallway, where the ambiance shifted subtly. The flickering torchlight cast an imposing figure into relief: a statue of a majestic and stern griffin standing guard over the passage. Its meticulously carved features, a blend of lion and eagle, symbolized strength and bravery.
The man stepped forward, his gaze locked on the statue. He then whispered something under his breath.
The effect was immediate and almost magical. The griffin statue began to shift. The statue stepped aside, revealing what had been hidden from view: a stairwell spiraling upwards.
This secret passage, now unveiled by the utterance of the hushed phrase, hinted at the layers of mystery and magic that permeated the place. Without hesitation, the man stepped towards the stairwell, prepared to ascend to the headmaster's office.
The griffin statue returned to its original position, once again a silent sentinel as the man disappeared up the stairwell.
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A series of deliberate knocks echoed softly outside the heavy oak door, breaking the silence of the night. From within, a low voice, seasoned with age and wisdom, granted permission to enter. "Come in," it called, inviting yet reserved.
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The giant of a man took this as his cue. He handled the door knob with surprising gentleness for someone of his size, turning it carefully to avoid any unnecessary noise. As he stepped into the room, the contrast between his rugged exterior and the solemnity of the moment was striking.
The office is spacious with a circular shape, featuring high ceilings and large windows that offer views of the scenery outside. Portraits, bookshelves, and many odd things completed the mystical theme of the room. A chirp sounded as a mythical bird seemed to know the visitor.
There, behind the desk, sat an older man, whose long silver hair and beard, which spoke of years spent in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. His half-moon glasses perched on the bridge of his nose as he peered up, as the robes of rich fabric draped his frame, marking his status and authority within these walls.
"Ah, Hagrid. What brings you here?" The voice, though weak, carried an unmistakable authority.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir," the man, now identified as Hagrid, began addressing him respectfully. He stepped forward, his large frame seeming to fill the room. Sensing the gravity of the moment, Dumbledore adopted a more serious expression, his gaze sharpening as he prepared to delve into the heart of the matter.
"Is there something you wish to talk about, Hagrid?" Dumbledore's question cut through the formalities, a direct invitation for Hagrid to share his concerns. The headmaster's intuition told him that this was no ordinary visit; Hagrid's presence at such a late hour suggested an urgency that demanded immediate attention.
"Explaining it won't do, professor. You have to come with me." Hagrid voiced. His demeanor clearly showed that whatever had prompted his visit was beyond ordinary explanation. He hoped that Dumbledore, with his vast reservoir of knowledge and experience, might shed light on the mystery.
The old headmaster stood from his seat, recognizing the gravity of Hagrid's words. Though slower with age, his movements were still imbued with a sense of purpose. Dumbledore's decision to accompany Hagrid was a testament to the trust and respect he held for his old friend. "Lead the way," he voiced, his tone indicating readiness to face whatever lay ahead.
Together, they exited the office, the door closing softly behind them. The night was deep, the halls bathed in shadow, save for the occasional flicker of torchlight that guided their path. As they stepped outside, the cool night air greeted them, a stark contrast to the warmth of the castle's interior.
After what seemed to be a brief walk, the two neared the edge of a forest; just out of the range of the dense forestry stood a small hut with broken garden fences and an abundance of pumpkins just outside.
"Why are we here near where you live, Hagrid?" The headmaster asked as he was just behind the giant man. They kept walking till they reached the garden.
Hagrid bent down beside the pumpkins that were haphazardly stacked outside his hut. He cleared them away, revealing a seemingly innocuous rug beneath.
Hagrid pulled back the rug with a heave, uncovering not the expected ground but something far more intriguing: a door. This wasn't just any door; it was crafted from dark oak wood, its rich, deep color blending seamlessly with the night yet standing out against the backdrop of the muddy and grassy soil in which it was incongruously set. With its sturdy build and austere aesthetic, the door's medieval design seemed to whisper tales of hidden realms, inviting those who dared to step beyond its threshold.
At the center of the door, a symbol was carved with deliberate care, a scale. The design was simple, yet the symbolism was profound. In many cultures and contexts, scales represent balance, fairness, or the sign of commerce. This emblem, etched into the wood, posed silent questions. What balance was being measured here? What decision did this doorway represent? The presence of such a symbol, especially in a location as unexpected as the ground outside Hagrid's hut, added layers of mystery and significance to their discovery.
The oddity of finding a door attached directly to the soil, seemingly leading nowhere yet hinting at hidden depths, was not lost on Dumbledore. This was no ordinary door; perhaps, it was designed to be found only by those who knew where and how to look. Its existence here, at the edge of the Forest and behind Hagrid's humble dwelling, suggested a connection between the world and the secrets it guarded.
"Saw a gleam from the inside. I had to come out, only to find this," Hagrid explained, his gaze intently fixed on the carved markings of the door. His voice carried concern, revealing the depth of his seriousness with which he approached the discovery. "I had to report it to you since you might know about it. But before I did, I had to hide it in case no one else comes across it."
Dumbledore, a figure of wisdom and calm in the face of the unknown, listened intently to Hagrid's account. His gaze remained steadfast on the door as if attempting to decipher its secrets through sight alone. The door, with its dark oak wood and the symbol of a scale, was more than a mere physical barrier; it was a mystery, a challenge that beckoned to be understood.
Hagrid furrowed his brow, a hand instinctively stroking his beard as he considered the scale symbol etched before them. "You don't reckon this could be their handiwork?" he asked, although his own doubts shadowed the question; the emblem was unfamiliar, not matching the familiar logo that they knew about.
Dumbledore regarded the carvings with a pensive gaze. "Unlikely," he mused aloud. "While it bears the image of a scale, it is not the mark of the Aurors." A quiet moment passed as the two stared at the door's appearance.
"Tell me this, Hagrid. What does one do when they face the unknown?" Dumbledore finally voiced, his question hanging in the air like a riddle. His eyes lingered on the door, the symbol of the scale suggesting a need for balance in approaching the unknown. This was not just a query for Hagrid but a philosophical musing on how to confront mysteries that lie beyond.
This moment, shared between two friends in the shadow of the night, as Dumbledore sought to piece together the puzzle presented by the mysterious door, his question to Hagrid underscored the significance of their discovery.
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The fluorescent lights of the market buzzed and flickered, a mundane soundtrack to the trio's discontent as they navigated the aisles.
"I hate this itchy feeling. Dang! Why couldn't he warn us at least!" Akemi grumbled, her frustration palpable. The intensity of their training had taken them all by surprise, pushing them far beyond their comfort zones. The physical discomfort was one thing, but the shock of their violent experiences had left a more profound mark.
"Can't agree more. I might resign if he keeps on being all secretive." Toru declared, his tone laced with irritation. Despite understanding the necessity of their rigorous training, the relentless physical toll, especially the lingering sensation of pain from their simulated defeats, tempered his hidden enthusiasm. The memory of the targeted strikes, particularly around his neck, prompted an involuntary scratch, a physical reminder of the battles waged and lost.
Asahi, ever the lighter spirit among them, managed a chuckle, using his bat as a back scratcher. "You might enjoy it more if you didn't die 27 times," he quipped, aiming to lighten the mood with a dash of humor.
The jest, however, for Toru sparked a momentary flare of annoyance. Yet, he quickly reined in his emotions, crafting a retort against Asahi's comment. "If only one of you had stood to guard my body, then I wouldn't be the first to die in every session," he countered.
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Asahi whistled as he tried to avoid his gaze with Toru while Akemi shot a laser-like glare at her twin brother for not heeding her commands during their training.
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As the trio approached the cashier counter, ready to transition from the market's environment to the outside new world. They were, however, stopped as an unexpected chime halted their departure. The entrance, equipped with sensors, heralded the arrival of a new yet familiar figure through the automatic doors.
" "Komuro?" "The twins' voices melded into one, a shared recognition sparking in their eyes as they gazed upon the figure stepping into the market. The teen, a person from their ventures into the school grounds in search of survivors, was the last person they expected to encounter here.
"You three..." Takashi's voice trailed off, and his eyes widened, a mix of surprise and disbelief coloring his tone. Seeing his acquaintances in such an unexpected place caught him off guard, his mind racing to piece together the coincidence.
"You two can go," Toru interjected with a resigned sigh, ready to shoulder the responsibility of this unexpected meetup. "I can take care of this."
"Although I do want to complete our mission, I want to find out. So, what's up, Komuro, came to buy something?" Asahi inquired. He adjusted the bat behind his neck, securing it with his arms in a casual, almost practiced manner.
Takashi was momentarily caught off guard by the directness of Asahi's question. The familiar yet unexpected faces in such an unconventional setting seemed to confuse him. "I-," he hesitated.
"I didn't come here to buy anything." Takashi finally admitted, his gaze shifting between Toru and the twins. His words hung in the air, laden with implications that piqued Asahi's curiosity further. It was clear now that Takashi's visit was no mere coincidence; it was driven by purpose.
Takashi momentarily took in the group's appearance. Curious and slightly concerned, his gaze swept over the blood-stained grocer uniforms they wore.
"By the way, is the store clerk here? And what's going on with these outfits?" Takashi's question was twofold: his immediate desire to seek Kazuhiro's assistance mingled with his curiosity about the trio's disheveled state.
Akemi, with a sigh that spoke volumes of her frustration, addressed the practical concern first. "That reminds me," she began, her voice tinged with weariness. "I gotta speak with Kazuhiro-san about how we can get spare clothes without buying new ones or finding a way to clean these ourselves. I'm pretty sure this place doesn't have a laundromat."
The mention of Kazuhiro sparked a glimmer in the Asahi's eyes, "You said you were looking for Kazuhiro-san?" ready to offer guidance to their sought-after employer's whereabouts, "He's in-."
However, before Asahi could divulge Kazuhiro's location, the conversation was abruptly interrupted by another chime from the door, signaling the arrival of another individual.
As the chime of the door resonated through the market once more, not one but two figures emerged, their outlines gradually becoming distinct in the ambient light of the establishment. The unfolding scene captured everyone's attention, but for Takashi, the moment held a significance that rooted him to the spot, his eyes widening at the unexpected arrivals.
The figures stepped in and navigated through its threshold with cautious steps. One of them was a man who held a gun at the ready, his gaze sweeping across the room with the precision of a seasoned police officer. The alien environment and the mystical doorway put him on high alert. His eyes eventually settled on the group, measuring the situation with a critical eye.
A few steps behind was a woman who allowed her gaze to wander, taking in the sights of the market with apprehension. Her expression shifted from wary observation to stark surprise upon recognizing a familiar face among the group standing near Takashi. "Adam..." she whispered.
"Ms. Komuro?" Toru's voice, tinged with slight disbelief, broke through the rising tension. He honestly did not expect this meetup to be so soon.
"What the hell is this place?" The man demanded, his posture, still defensive, underscored the gravity of their situation.
"O- Oto-san they-" Takashi addressed the man, who seemed to be his father, and tried to attempt an explanation, which was swiftly cut off by the man, a clear indication of the frayed nerves and heightened emotions brought on by their unexpected journey through the mystical door.
"Zip it, Takashi! You've done enough for today!" His father was driven by concern and the instinctual need to protect. "Now talk. Where are we?" He questioned the trio.
The woman's gentle intervention sought to diffuse the situation, "Masaru, there's no need. You can lower your weapon and speak freely." Her appeal was not just for the man's sake but for all present; her concern was directed at a particular someone in the group.
"Yuko, we-" Masaru was about to speak but was interrupted by Yuko.
"For god's sake, Masaru! There's a kid!" underscored the maternal instinct to shield not just her own child but any young person from further distress. This included Toru, whose past experiences were known to her by a friend.
Masaru, acknowledging the unnecessary tension, cautiously lowered his gun. With a heavy sigh, he attempted to dispel the lingering unease that clung to him like a shadow. He rubbed his head to ease the rising headache after securing his weapon in its holster. Yuko softly patted him on the back, her touch a reassuring presence that helped to smooth the edges of confusion and tension that had momentarily flared among them.
"You asked what this place is?" The question came from Toru. His smaller stature did nothing to diminish the gravity of his presence and drew the attention of everyone in the vicinity.
"Before I give off the brief details, I want to tell you that there is a creature who manages this place. I'm telling you in advance so you don't panic since he's not hostile," Toru continued, his voice steady. His words were a prelude, preparing them for an encounter with Kazuhiro's abnormal figure, an effort to forestall fear.
As the minutes passed, Toru provided a concise briefing on the nature of their surroundings, intermittently answering questions that bubbled up from the group's collective curiosity; he dismissed the things he didn't have an answer to.
His explanations painted a picture of where they found themselves, a narrative dotted with details and cautions that gradually eased the initial air of mystery.
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There were still more questions, but that was halted by the sound of approaching footsteps echoing through the empty aisles of the market. The rhythmic tapping against the floor, steady and unfaltering, signaled the arrival of someone, or something, that held the answers to the questions that hung in the air.
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As Kazuhiro's towering figure emerged into view, the market's hushed atmosphere was shattered by the sudden echoing steps. Despite being forewarned by Toru, the two newcomers found themselves utterly unprepared for the sight that greeted them: a 14-foot creature that defied all expectations. The father's protective instincts surged to the forefront, compelling him to draw his handgun and unleash a barrage of bullets at the supervisor in a desperate bid to safeguard his family. Meanwhile, Yuko, propelled by fear, sought refuge behind Masaru, her silence a testament to the shock that rendered her speechless.
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The gunfire against the tall attendant pierced the quietness of the place. Yet, what followed was a revelation that transcended the immediate panic. The bullets, rather than finding their mark, were nullified by an invisible shield that enveloped Kazuhiro, a spectacle that left his workers in awe. The clicking sound of the spent clips and the futile shots underscored the futility of their actions, the bullets harmlessly bouncing off the protective barrier and falling to the ground, leaving the tall figure unscathed.
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Kazuhiro stood still while the twins watched in awe as their employer remained unharmed. They read in their contract that they would be under protection inside the market, yet they didn't expect this magical barrier to be its defense. "That's so cool," sounded an audible mutter from Asahi.
Unfazed by the altercation, Kazuhiro shifted his attention from the startled newcomers to Takashi, "Welcome back, Takashi. I didn't mention this before. You still have remaining credits left in your account. To keep track of it, I suggest that you claim a card in one of the ATMs available." Takashi, caught off-guard by this piece of information, glanced towards the ATM, indicated by Toru's stoic gesture.
Kazuhiro turned and asked the two unfamiliar guests. "Is there anything you wish to purchase?"
"What?" Masaru was left breathless, his confusion compounded by the realization that this 'creature' was not only familiar with his son but was also intricately connected to the fabric of their current reality due to Kazuhiro's subsequent inquiry about their desire to make a purchase.
Takashi briefly took his gaze away from the ATM interface screen to clarify that these were his parents before returning to claim his supposed card.
Kazuhiro's gaze lingered on the gun that Masaru was holding, and later digesting what Takashi had said, seeing as how the bullets were emptied, triggered a memory from his earlier visits. 'Like father, like son.' He thought.
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The chime of the door soon announced the arrival of two new figures.
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Among the newcomers, the reaction to Kazuhiro was immediate and intense. One was struck by the sight of the towering figure before them, drawing a weapon and firing without hesitation.
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The air crackled with the sound of gunfire.
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Seeing the familiar faces, Masaru reached out, grasping the man's arm to halt the gunfire. "Pull yourself together, Shinichi!" he commanded his voice a mixture of authority and concern. The man, now identified as Shinichi, had his gaze locked on Kazuhiro as if seeing something beyond the realm of understanding. His reaction, born out of fear and confusion in this unfamiliar setting,
Takashi rushed to assist and added his efforts to Masaru's in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.
The other visitor stood apart from the immediate confrontation. Her reaction was one of silent observation; her pupils quivered at the sight of encountering Kazuhiro, rendering her momentarily immobile.
Takashi, standing close, chose to clarify the situation. "Miyamoto-san, We're not in danger here! This place is not what it seems," he attempted to explain, his words a lifeline thrown in the turbulent waters of Shinichi's panic.
Slowly, the detective's rigid posture began to soften, the quiver in his eye diminishing as Takashi's earnest expression penetrated the fog of his fear. Still in his grasp, the gun lowered incrementally as the immediate impulse to defend and attack waned, replaced by a burgeoning realization of the situation's complexity.
"Alright... you can let go of me now." Shinichi conceded, "Just, where in the world are we?" his voice carrying a residual trace of wariness but open to the possibility of dialogue.
Masaru could only offer a resigned sigh in response. "We got a clue, but it's ridiculous to what that kid said. Hate how that sounds believable." His glance was later directed towards Takashi, whose earlier interactions with Kazuhiro hinted at a deeper understanding of the place.
Taking the initiative, Takashi chose to answer his query; his explanation was drawn from Toru's insights. His words painted a picture of a world nestled within worlds; the concept remained as vast and perplexing as the space that enveloped them.
His briefing, though concise, was interrupted by a surge of urgency, a reminder of the pressing mission that had led them to this extraordinary place. "We have to get back. To bring those outside in here!" Takashi's declaration was laden with concern,
The teen's plea shifted focus to the possibility of refuge, not just within the market but beyond, in the myriad worlds it connected. "Store clerk! is it possible for some to travel to new worlds?" His question, aimed at understanding the feasibility of their ambitious plan, underscored the desperation and hope that drove them.
Kazuhiro responded with a measured tone, outlining the possibilities within the constraints of their rules. "You can; however, they must undergo security measures according to the rules of the Market." His statement opened the door to potential salvation for those they sought to protect.
Yuko, caught up in the moment, voiced the question that lingered in the air, filled with hope and skepticism. "Is that really possible?" The idea of starting anew, of escaping the chaos that had defined their recent lives, seemed almost unbelievable, to which Kazuhiro responded with a simple nod.
With that affirmation, Takashi knew what he had to do. "Then I'll have to go back and inform the rest," he declared, But before he could take another step, he felt a firm hand on his shoulder.
It was Masaru, his voice unwavering. "I'm coming with you. The rest of you stay here. Keep an eye out, Shinichi." He glanced toward Mr. Miyamoto, confirming a silent nod from him. Shinichi wasn't faring well as he seemed to rub an uneasy headache.
Masaru and Takashi's departure caused a tangible shift among the remaining group. Akemi noticed Toru's movement and asked, "Are you going somewhere, Toru?"
Toru, ever focused on his duties, responded without hesitation. "I've got a mission, remember?" His fingers navigated across his device, and with a few taps, the entrance opened, a way that would transport him to his assignment.
Yukio and the other newcomer, caught in the whirlwind of departures and information, exchanged glances, both bewildered. Toru's mention of a mission added layers to the mystery of the market and its occupants. "What mission?" they wondered, the silence following his departure heavy with unspoken questions.
"You two can go and complete your mission." Kazuhiro told the twins before turning to the three newcomers," As for you, you can stay or explore the place and perhaps buy something you fancy. I will be away for a moment." Kazuhiro then turned away, his steps carrying him towards his office.
The twins, or Asahi in particular, were ready to venture out, which left Akemi with no choice but to follow along, to make sure her brother didn't do anything stupid, or to speed up the process so that they themselves could reunite with their families.
The journey from the marketplace to the solitude of his office was one he had a few times, each step away from the public eye allowing him to gather his thoughts and plan for the myriad realities that intersected within.
Unbeknownst to Kazuhiro, his exit did not go unnoticed. As he navigated the place, a subtle but persistent gaze followed him, an unseen observer marking his progress with keen interest.
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Upon arriving, he settled behind the desk, later turning the computer on. His goal was to check the progress of his monthly tasks.
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Monthly tasks:
● World missions: -Complete
Objective(s):
Assign two world missions of varying difficulties to each member of your team. (6/6)
Complete at least two world missions. (2/2)
Reward(s):
500 SC
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● Market budget
Objective(s):
Increase the market's profit/budget by 25,000 SC. A way to help maintain expenses of water, electricity, and functionalities of facilities. (466/25,000)
Reward(s):
5000 SC
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Seeing his progress, he clicked on more details to learn more about his tasks. There, it displayed the time required to complete it. 'There are 29 days left. It's a lot of time, but I shouldn't take it easy. I need to make a profit. Unless I'd get demoted.' Kazuhiro pondered. Impassive as ever, he didn't carry any worry regarding the outcome of failing.
He navigated his cursor to the facility tab. There laid the chest with its previous items there to be chosen. Kazuhiro considered that in order to make a profit, he might have to implement one of these facilities, but which one was the best?
He revisited his previous thoughts regarding the options to make a better decision. He focused on the two most profitable choices: the dynamic bulletin board and the knowledge room.
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As Kazuhiro weighed his options, considering the strategic placement of facilities to optimize visitor engagement and spending, his contemplative silence was punctuated by a knock at the door.
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Not expecting anyone to knock, he wondered if he was being followed. He stood up and walked slowly to the door, hunching over as he turned the knob gently to reveal the figure outside.
The unexpected visitor was one of the newcomers who wore a lab coat and the one who had maintained a quiet presence among them; she stood before Kazuhiro. Her arrival at his office door was a surprise, marking the first instance someone had sought him out so directly since their arrival at the market.
"Yes?" Kazuhiro inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity. The woman's decision to seek him out, especially given her reserved demeanor thus far, piqued his interest.
The brief moment of hesitation, a silent exchange of glances, culminated in the woman's request for entry. "May I come in? I- I have a request to make," She hesitated at first. The uneasiness of Kazuhiro's prolonged staring made her uncomfortable, and he later opened the door for her to come in.
As she entered, her steps measured and almost reverent, the office door closed softly behind her, separating the noise from the outside. Kazuhiro turned to walk behind his desk and sat down. But before delving into his decision, he wanted to hear her request and perhaps test something out." You may speak." Kazuhiro stated,
The woman, however, was momentarily captivated by the surroundings. It was a tranquility reminiscent of moments of solitude that she cherished. A calm feeling that allowed for reflection and clarity. Kazuhiro's voice, breaking through her momentary trance, prompted a swift and somewhat flustered reaction from her. "Oh, um..." she began, her composure briefly slipping as she bowed deeply, an unexpected but sincere gesture of respect and desperation.
Her voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, "Please," she said, taking a brief pause, "Can you help me find my daughter?" The weight of her concern was palpable. As a mother, the thought of not knowing where her child was filled her with fear and anxiety. She was desperate for any assistance that could be offered.
The supervisor listened; his response was clicks coming from his mouse, navigating through the interface.
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Click. Click.
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The woman, still bowed in a gesture of plea and respect, remained motionless, her uncertainty mirrored in the silence that enveloped them.
'No alerts,' he realized; the task application revealed no immediate assignments related to the woman's request. The system's limitation, a rule designed to balance the workload and responsibilities of the staff, meant that new assignments would only be automatically allocated in the next cycle. 'However, looking at the assignments, I can assign a task to the three. But before that.'
He later went to the worker tab to check on his workers.
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__Workers__
Akemi -Located: W3-
Asahi -Located: W3-
Toru -Located: W6-
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'Busy, although I can still assign one more task to each.' He pondered as he later glanced at the newcomer. 'However, her request seemed urgent. Prolonging it, might have the same outcome as Toru's guardian.'
The sound of clicks continued. Having maintained her respectful bow longer than expected, the woman finally straightened, her patience waning in the absence of an immediate response. She was on the cusp of voicing her resignation to the situation, ready to retract her request under the belief that it had fallen on deaf ears when, later, an unexpected sound shattered the silence.
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A resonating beep emanated from beside her, startling her with its suddenness. The source, a machine that resembled a standing printer, hummed to life. Kazuhiro, with a measured stride, approached the machine.
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As the sound of the machine's workings faded, Kazuhiro retrieved the freshly printed document, a physical manifestation of his decision. He turned to the woman, extending the paper towards her, which she grasped. The paper felt substantial in her hands.
With a measured pace, Kazuhiro returned to his desk, allowing the silence to stretch between them, a canvas for the questions her gaze hinted at, but her voice had yet to form. "What... is this?" her voice filled with skepticism as she scrutinized the document, seeking clarity amidst the unexpected turn of events.
"Your name?" Kazuhiro's question cut through the stillness, prompting a brief pause before he was met with a response, revealing her identity as Kanae Sato.
"This here," Kazuhiro began, his tone shifting to one of explanation, "is a job document, Ms. Sato. My initial thought was to delegate the task to one of my workers. However, they are currently engaged in other assignments, and given the urgency of your request, I have come to this decision. As for my direct intervention? The matter was not assigned to me, which limited my ability to act directly in the capacity you require."
The now identified Kanae absorbed his words, a frown creasing her brow as she considered the implications. The notion of seeking help here is now marred by her understanding of the place's operational constraints.
Yet, Kazuhiro continued, his voice carrying a new layer of opportunity. "However, this document empowers you to join our workforce. Here, you'll have access to resources and training that can endow you with abilities and skills. These will be instrumental in your search for your daughter in that world of yours."
The mention of her daughter anchored Kanae's attention, drawing her tired eyes back to the paper, now trembling slightly in her grasp. The possibility of acquiring skills, of becoming more than she currently was, offered a sliver of hope in the daunting quest that lay before her. But was it really worth it? Were the skills mentioned enough to navigate her world in desperate search? The absurdity of the place made what she read might be truthful, but was it really worth it to work for him?
Having roamed the length of the document, Kanae's eyes now found themselves locked onto the inscrutable visage of Kazuhiro. His face, devoid of discernible features, somehow conveyed an intensity that belied its blankness.
"What will it be, Ms. Sato?" His calm and steady voice filled the space between them, punctuated by the deliberate sound of a pen being nudged across the table. The slender fingers of Kazuhiro, extensions of his will, guided the pen towards her, an invitation and a question all at once.
"Will you accept the job?"
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(AN: Hey yall, taking a break from writing, probably due to work lol, but it's mostly my loss for motivation in writing, I need to refresh my my mind and think how i'd progress 10 chapters down the line. but for now. WOO another 10 chapters done! cya then,
Forgot to mention I got an AI to generate Kazuhiro appearance and it's 99% accurate, the 1% is the hands and not being long aswell as the sharp nails. so far, I love it.)
