Chapter 57 - Please Show Lots of Interest
Wonder remained silent.
"..."
The quietness of the device made the surrounding gazes feel even more intense.
Jin realized his mistake.
Was he being too shameless?
Yeah, asking for everything was a bit much.
Alright then, two items, no, maybe three—
[Do you have a reason for your request?]
The voice that broke the silence made Jin flinch.
"Ah, hold on a second."
He gestured for understanding from those around him, then stood up and walked toward the nearest door.
Luckily, the room was empty.
Jin pushed the door closed with his back and perched on the edge of the bed before speaking.
"Ah, can you hear me?"
[Yes, go ahead.]
"I'm in Mute Town right now."
He explained the situation.
Without any unnecessary details, keeping it as concise as possible.
To summarize in one sentence—
"I'm fighting TB alongside the resistance, but we're severely outmatched. We need help. Can you do something?"
Wonder responded after a brief pause.
[Interesting. A final operation led by the remnants of the resistance. The narrative itself is certainly appealing.]
Jin smirked soundlessly.
Typical corporate talk.
They're discussing life-and-death struggles as if it's just a story.
Still, this was a hundred times better than outright rejection.
...And just as he thought that, the next words carried a note of concern.
[However, I can't ignore the incredibly low chance of success.]
"Yeah. Uh, well..."
Jin had nothing to say to that.
In fact, wasn't that putting it nicely?
At least they didn't phrase it as: "Are you planning to commit suicide?"
Meanwhile, from the other end of the device, there was a faint tapping sound—
Even without seeing it, Jin could picture Wonder idly drumming his fingers on a table.
Then, at last, the voice returned.
[Very well. We will provide support.]
"...Huh?"
Jin, who had half given up during the long silence, straightened up.
"Seriously?"
[Isn't that what you wanted?]
"Yeah. Uh, yeah, it is."
[Send us a list of the personnel involved in the operation. We will provide equipment accordingly.]
A bold promise of support.
For someone in sales, Wonder must have considerable influence in the company.
Not that Jin cared about company politics.
So, he simply nodded and said—
"Got it. I'll contact you as soon as we finalize the details."
[Then I will be waiting.]
With that, the call ended.
Jin stared blankly at his device before murmuring,
"...That actually worked."
The holographic waveform in the air dissipated.
The connection was cut.
***
Wonder quietly crossed his arms.
"...The resistance, huh. I knew he wasn't ordinary, but I didn't expect this."
Not even a day into their sponsorship agreement, and already a warzone.
Normally, he didn't express much emotion, but this time, he couldn't help but chuckle.
Maybe that's why his growth rate was so absurd—he kept taking on missions like this.
Just like those who had already become legends of the city.
Wonder placed great value on Jin.
If he had to compare, he'd say Jin was at least a Level 5 Solo—perhaps even higher.
This was precisely why he had acted before receiving approval from the higher-ups.
And that kind of decisiveness was what had propelled him, a man from the bottom ranks, to the position of team leader at a powerful arms manufacturer.
Now, it was time to make another decision.
It was a risky bet—
Failure would shake his position.
But success would grant him wings to soar even higher.
R&D was a company that encouraged experimental thinking, but that didn't mean they tolerated failure.
So, this was a gamble for Wonder as well.
A faint smile formed on his lips.
"Interesting."
***
With Ruger & Dolman's support now secured, Jin readily accepted the city government's request.
Colonel and Q didn't pry into his phone conversation.
They simply informed him—
"The operation will begin tomorrow at 9 PM."
And so, back to the basement.
As Jin flopped onto the couch, Fenrir pressed him.
"R&D? You have a sponsor?"
"Yeah."
"Since when?"
"Yesterday. Signed the contract at Anekdote. The ink probably hasn't even dried yet."
"...What?"
Fenrir looked dumbfounded.
Meanwhile, Jin began calling everyone over.
Not that there were many to summon.
"Ocia! Den! Grace! Uh, old man!"
At his shout, the resistance members slowly gathered.
Their faces was still clouded with lingering gloom.
Word had it that three more comrades receiving treatment had died.
Even so, Jin didn't offer empty condolences—he got straight to the point.
"A strike team will be formed around Fenrir and me.
You're all part of it.
Additionally, Luger & Dolman will be supporting us."
"Why would a corporation support us? Who do you think I am? The R&D Ambassador."
A mix of reactions burst forth.
"We're taking on Taha? Even Oren failed..."
"But we can't let this opportunity slip away."
"What's with this sudden development?"
But the confusion was short-lived.
As they gradually gathered their resolve, the resistance members came to a consensus.
"We have to do it. We can't let it end like this."
"Yeah, let's get it together."
Perhaps they saw this as their last chance to burn brightly.
The once-dull eyes slowly regained their spark.
Jin, sneaking a sidelong glance at the now-determined faces of the resistance members, picked up his terminal.
One werewolf—about 210 cm when transformed.
A man with cybernetic lower limbs.
A woman with a mechanical right eye…
Tap, tap, tap.
As his thumb moved to type a message to Wonder—
"Add one more."
A voice, hoarse and cracked, made the group turn in unison.
At the end of their gaze stood Albus, gripping an IV stand.
"Are you sure?"
"One more just died. The living need to pull their weight."
His sunken eyes cast deep shadows over his cheekbones.
His frail body looked ready to collapse at the slightest touch.
But no one could bring themselves to stop him.
They didn't have the luxury to refuse, even out of courtesy.
"No turning back."
"Of course not, man."
With that, Jin sent the updated squad information to Wonder, now including Albus.
How much time had passed?
A vibration in his palm signaled the reply.
The message detailed the equipment each person would receive and its usage, along with precise coordinates and timing for supply drops.
***
Dawn passed into morning.
Then morning into afternoon.
In just half a day, the group took what little rest they could before gathering again.
This time, even the Colonel was present.
At least for the briefing, he wasn't clutching a bottle of alcohol.
"The target is a building called 'Flatiron.' It was an unfinished, abandoned structure near the docks,
but TB recently refurbished it into a stronghold."
The resistance members nodded knowingly at the Colonel's words.
Up until four days ago, they had been at war with TB—this information was nothing new.
"I can't provide direct assistance, but I'll at least secure you a ride.
There's a tactical vehicle parked outside. Use that."
A welcome piece of news.
Especially since they had a stop to make before the operation began.
"Then, good luck."
The Colonel, finishing the briefing without a single hiccup, turned away.
Without hesitation, the group climbed the stairs and left the building.
"That must be it."
A medium-sized military vehicle, resembling a covered pickup truck, greeted them.
"I'll drive."
At Ocia's words—her boots laced up tight—everyone climbed aboard.
Den took the passenger seat, while the rest settled in the back.
"First, let's pick up our gear."
And so, the vehicle sped through the streets.
Their first objective: securing the supplies sent by Ruger & Dolman.
Upon reaching the designated coordinates, they held their breath and scanned the surroundings.
"There!"
Den abruptly pointed skyward.
At his fingertip—a sleek aircraft cut swiftly through the air.
At the same time, a metallic box, reminiscent of a cargo hold, was released.
Jin flinched.
They were just going to drop it like that?
Weren't airdrops supposed to descend with a massive parachute, trailing bright red smoke?
Then, it happened.
Just when it seemed like freefall was inevitable—Blue flames ignited at the bottom of the box.
With a smooth, controlled descent, it landed gently in the open space where the group had gathered.
"Oh."
Jin, amazed by the unexpected display of advanced technology, let out a small exclamation.
The box, adorned with the bold [R&D] logo, split open from the sides on its own.
Inside, the equipment was revealed.
"…This is insane."
"It's top-of-the-line."
Murmurs of awe escaped them.
They had heard about it beforehand, but seeing it in person left a different impression.
Still, there was no time to stand around in admiration.
"Hurry up and grab your gear."
At someone's prompt, they quickly equipped themselves.
Exactly as described in the message the day before.
The first piece was a mechanized suit—an exoskeleton.
Even in Jin's homeland, extensive research was underway on this technology.
But in terms of completion, there was no comparison.
The lightweight titanium-alloy frame drastically enhanced the wearer's physical abilities without side effects.
Moreover, an integrated combat stimulant, made from neural amplification compounds, could temporarily boost reflexes to near-enhanced-human levels.
And that wasn't all.
Alongside ample ammunition, each of them received a compact, armor-piercing SMG—better known as the 'Beast Killer.'
"…"
For some reason, Fenrir wore a displeased expression as he took his weapon.
There was more.
A bulletproof faceplate equipped with thermal detection.
And a titanium helmet fitted with that bulletproof faceplate.
A fully automatic handgun with a fixed bayonet, allowing him to throw a punch in an emergency without issue.
On top of that, a high-performance plate carrier (lightweight body armor) with a built-in body camera.
Jin was moved by the luxurious setup.
They're really going this far for me?
His chest warmed up on its own.
Was this loyalty?
It was an emotion he had never felt in his homeland, and it made him clench his fist unconsciously.
"...Glad I signed the contract."
"Hey, instead of talking to yourself, grab your weapon."
Fenrir nudged Jin's shoulder, prompting him to turn toward the box.
Inside was a massive anti-tank rocket.
A weapon intended for Jin—who wasn't exactly a cyborg but had no other way to be described as such—and for Fenrir, a beastkin.
With a length of 1,400mm and a warhead that alone weighed close to 30kg, it was practically just a detached cannon barrel.
Of course, Jin lifted it without so much as a grunt.
And Fenrir was no different.
Albus, watching them, simply shook his head.
With their preparations complete, the group boarded the vehicle once more.
"Heading to Flatiron."
VROOOOM!
As the vehicle sped down the road without hesitation, Den spoke up.
"If we succeed in this mission, the resistance fighters scattered throughout the city will have a chance to survive. With their leader dead, they won't keep carrying out purges."
Grace, adjusting her chin strap, nodded at that.
"TB is heavily influenced by Taha. Without him, they'll undoubtedly collapse on their own."
A positive conversation to ease their nerves.
Jin, silently listening, suddenly lifted his head.
His eyes met Albus's across from him.
A brief moment of silence.
Then, as if on cue, both let out dry chuckles.
"How the hell did we end up here?"
"You called me."
"Didn't think you'd actually come."
"What do you mean? You literally told me you'd send me a bill for your meal."
Jin said this while elbowing Fenrir, who was sitting beside him.
"And I didn't come alone, by the way. He's here too."
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Fenrir."
Fenrir responded with a mix of irritation and embarrassment.
"TB running wild was just too damn annoying."
"You traitorous bastard."
"I told you, I never betrayed anyone."
As Fenrir glared daggers at Jin, who casually picked his nose, Albus spoke up.
"Let's grab a drink once this is all over."
"Oh, hell no. Stop with the clichés."
Jin held up a palm and shook his head.
"Go into battle as if you're already dead. That's the mindset you need."
"...What kind of bullshit is that?"
Fenrir frowned, while Jin simply shrugged.
"Words of wisdom from a great man."
At that moment, a sharp ping! sound scraped the vehicle.
Ocia, gripping the steering wheel, shouted.
"That was a warning shot! They want us to stop!"
"What a joke."
Jin grinned fiercely and stood up.
He threw open the top hatch and stretched his upper body outside, shouldering the anti-tank rocket in one smooth motion.
Up ahead stood a massive multi-story building.
TB soldiers aimed their guns from the turret-like modified exterior.
At that moment, Jin felt a sense of duty.
It was—advertising.
With all the gear he had received, wasn't it only fair to give them a proper shout-out?
Oh, whatever.
Screw it.
Let's just do it.
And so, he aimed.
TB's soldiers, sensing something was off, watched as the enormous barrel locked onto them.
Target acquired.
The perfect timing to shout something cool.
The problem?
He couldn't remember the exact specs.
Something about thermobaric warheads?
Tandem charge?
Whatever?
As the building loomed closer, Jin emptied his mind.
Then, without hesitation, he shouted:
"Ruger & Dolman's, uh, super strong bomb! Please show lots of interest!!!"
The next moment, with a deafening roar, the massive warhead soared through the air.