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Published at 19th of November 2017 06:34:16 PM


Chapter 50

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It’s going to be okay Anice

 

The cooperation between the top two Guardians and the sudden disappearance of Mr. Big had a huge effect on the company. Since then there were no activities and operation popping out from within. Though some tried, they would just be ultimately stooped by Sonic Youth and Slipknot.

There was just simply too much difference in strength between the two guardians and the current members of Crimson. The way they deal with incidents was far faster and efficient than before.

Until now, Sonic Youth always responded to incidents after they happen. Now, with Slipknot’s intelligence network, he was able to be at that location before any major incident that could happen.

The same goes for Slipknot. For some unknown reason, he was able to intercept and foil the plans of Crimson even before they started.

These incidents kept happening regularly that it was now a huge risk for Crimson to carry out plans.

With such situations occurring, Neito had to be discharged from the hospital earlier than scheduled. With Mr. Big’s disappearance, the whole executive staff members decided to hold a meeting. Neito was no exemption from this. The topic would be how to deal with their current situation.

Other than Mr. Big, there were thirteen other executive staff members. They had no particular ranking in regards to their importance, but they were currently incomplete. Some of the members were taken out. Out of the thirteen, the remaining ten members were gathering on the top of the main office.

 

The meeting started with concerns and complains, but they soon settled down to discuss the main topic. They were now proposing one after the other on how to deal with the current situation, of which, one idea got shot down after the other. Without Mr. Big they were merely a group that had ideas, but no action.

[Now, why did that bastard in black tights act that way?]

[Could Mr. Big already have fallen into their hands?]

Neito stared into the room with distant eyes.

An idea came forward:

[Why don’t we pullout of New York temporarily?]

But it was rejected. Neito also couldn’t agree. It was simply a notion that they’d surrender. If the general staff found out about it, there was a chance that an internal turmoil could break the company apart. It would be known that Crimson was afraid of the two guardians and they couldn’t keep their territory under control.

Also New York was an area they needed to hold on the most.

Then a proposal came up:

[We should just find a way for them to stop cooperating. Looking at their past, is there any way to break them apart?]

This was the most sensible thing to do, but is it really possible? Most off the general public already had a bad image of Slipknot. Finding out more and releasing to the public would be futile and just a waste of time. Sonic Youth on the other hand was already well known in public. There were no particular resentments towards him, and they could say that the public had huge respect for him.

Furthermore, since both of them were exchanging information, they would have a hard time finding the information that would damage them both.

[Then we should prioritize finding Mr. Big. This is a time when we need a strong leader. And if ever Mr. Big was taken out, it’s our duty as part of the family to avenge him!]

It was a probable cause, but it was very insignificant. Every subordinate was already looking for Mr. Big through their own means. Even Neito was asked to search for him in the area he was in charge with (Manhattan).

The same goes for revenge. While the family might want to do it, it lies on the factor of gain and loss. It might be different in Metallica, but there was no point in asking “What if we don’t find Mr. Big?”

Neito crossed his arms, and further observed the meeting.

Everybody already knows what needs to be done… why isn’t anybody bringing it up? Are they afraid of taking responsibility for the idea? Or do they think that they can’t do it?

Before his eyes were the top brass of Crimson engaging in a hot headed discussion. It felt funny to him that they took too much time to reach an agreement.

Although there was the option of waiting a few more hours for a conclusion, Neito did not intend on waiting.

Neito stood up.

All eyes in the room were now looking at him. The discussion stopped, and the room was filled in silence.

Having confirmed that he got everybody’s attention, he continued.

[We have to defeat them. We need to defeat the two of them by our own powers.]

Neito said it frankly. It was their best course of action. If they were to withdraw and show weakness here, Crimson would no doubt be exterminated. If the two guardians were involved in Mr. Big’s disappearance, then everything would be cleared up once they defeat them.

Neito received comments from the executive staff:

[That may be so, but do you know how?]

[It won’t be easy… After all, you may have come from Japan and defeated several guardians there, but you proved to be ineffective when you fought with Slipknot…]

[We understand… Why don’t we form a plan Nate?]

Every member had different opinions. Some urged that fighting them was not even an option.

It wasn’t a case where they just need to hit them both with Crimson’s full force. Theoretically, they could gather all the members of Crimson and fight them both, but there were other “missions” to be done other than dealing with the two guardians.

Considering their position, it would be disadvantageous for Crimson to be the one to attack first. They knew nothing of Slipknot, while Sonic Youth, more specifically Mark Gordon, was considered a national asset. There were always measures ensured to protect him.

[I have an idea… If we were to plan and create a huge incident, they surely would appear.]

Neito further explained his plan. The room was silent.

[That may be so, but how do you plan on dealing with them?]

[It’s for the best that I take command for the situation on site. I’m a modified human, and I have the most experience fighting against the Rock’s guardians.]

[Do you plan on dying? You’re already part of the Family. We can’t let a new member of the Family sacrifice himself for us.]

Everybody nodded at that notion.

I see… so this is the secret weapon Mr. Big nurtured… Neito sighed in relief.

The chances of him succeeding were very low, even if he failed, there were no consequence to the other executive members. On the other hand, if he managed to succeed, it could catapult his career forward. Even taking over the company would be possible for him then. In other words, it was a worthwhile gamble.

But the remaining members didn’t agree with him plan. It was because he was part of [The Family]. Neito was thankful for the concern, but it was a time when they needed to act.

[I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  But it’s not all total defeat. Will you let me take responsibility for this mission? Mr. Big called me [Hero Killer]… Furthermore, I come from Metallica, this is my way of repaying the trust the Crimson family has given to me. It’s my duty as part of the family.]

The room was silent. They very well couldn’t oppose to the hot blooded speech Neito had.

The executive’s expression changed. They now saw him as their hope, a person they could truly trust.

Once person spoke out:

[Even if you say that…]

He wanted to continue, but Neito stared at him directly in the eye.

[I will definitely win.]

Neito said those word in a firm voice. This should come natural… Now that Mr. Big is out, it’s time to show my initiative…

Those words also came from the bottom of his heart. He wanted them to believe in him. Believe that he could win. It was to a point where an aura of reassurance surrounded him. Neito, with his experience, assured the entire room.

With Neito’s notion, nobody further opposed him. With that the meeting ended.

※※

From that day on, Neito was preparing himself for the fateful day. The day they would execute their plans was scheduled tomorrow.

Neito had been given a pent-house, few blocks away from the office. Neito was walking back alone when he looked up and noticed something.

[Snow…huh?]

He was wondering why it had been cold lately. The slow falling snow fell on the busy streets of Manhattan.

It was cold, but Neito was perfectly fine with it. He tightened his black coat and continued walking.

A person was standing at the entrance of his building. Wearing a cotton hat and a bright red coat, it was a girl he knew for more than three years.

[… Anice?]

Noticing him, she came towards him.

[Hey there Nate… Welcome back]

[Were you waiting for me? It must’ve been cold.]

[Yeah… just a bit…]

Anice shyly laughed. Her nose and cheeks were bright red. She probably waited for more than “a bit”.

[You seem down.]

[Ahahaha… You’re right. I’m sorry Nate.]

She was a completely different person today.

It had been a few days since Mr. Big disappeared, but she was still energetic and cheerful. But now, she was all depressed. She was that person that would naturally give off a good vibe to cheer you up anymore.

She still tried to stay positive. No doubt she’s crying at home, all alone. Neito couldn’t do anything to help her.

He thought he had no right to help her, but soon realized that it was because he was weak, he can’t do anything.

[I heard about it… you’re going to fight tomorrow…]

[Yeah…]

Neito answered honestly. He didn’t want to hide it from her anymore. At least for now.

[You can’t! I don’t want you to go… Even Nate is leaving me…]

Anice’s voice was trembling. It was like a knot tightening in his chest.

[…]

After thinking about it, he hugged Anice. They weren’t in the right place to do it, but it was the only thing he could do to comfort her. His shoulders were all shaky since he wasn’t used to doing such a thing.

(TLN: Public display of affection is a big no-no in Japan, that’s why he thought it was ‘inappropriate’)

[It’s going to be okay Anice.]

He didn’t want to be taken out despite working for evil? That’s bullshit. He treaded through countless obstacles. Anice was always by his side, brightly and energetically cheering him on. Maybe she was acting that way because of the terrifying situation… but He knew she was purely concerned for his well-being as a person of the opposite sex.

No matter how thoroughbred she was, no matter how educated she is, she had a part of her that liked a villain. She was still a girl, losing someone dear to her would definitely hurt.

While the Rocks Organization is making their move, Mr. Big was missing. She didn’t know if her father was safe, this only added to her worries.

That’s why… at least I could answer her this…

[I’ll never disappear from you.]

I’ve defeated various enemies thus far… All for the purpose of changing the world. Now, there’s one more reason to win this fight.

Neito hugged Anice tightly, warming up her cold skin.

Her voice was trembling while her tears fell.

[… T-… That’s a promise? (Sniff)]

[Ah… your face is drenched…]

He thought of giving her the handkerchief in his pocket, but he remembered that it had been in his coat pocket for three days now. Instead, he grabbed a packet of pocket tissue.

[Uu~. Thanks.]

She blew her nose on the tissue.

[… Ehehe… Sorry… I don’t look good at all now…]

Looking up, her expression was a little bit brighter than before.

[Aah, no, I don’t mind at all.]

[Do you remember what I said when we went to that amusement park back in Japan Nate?]

She had a mellow expression, reminiscing the past.

[… Yeah]

[I really get excited when I look at you. How far will you go? What kind of world will you make? Those are just some of the questions I ask myself when I’m with you… That’s why, I want to stay by your side, no matter how evil you might become.]

In the spur of that moment, she held his hand. Neito was becoming nervous and agitated.

[I love my Papa… but I love you in a different way.]

Anice took a step forward, approaching Neito, and kissed him.

Under the falling white snow, Neito was unable to respond to this sudden turn of events.

[A-Anice…?]

Neito stumble on his words since he wasn’t used to dealing with this kind of situation.

[Ehehehe♪ Yay♪ I did it with Nate]

[… Ah….]

[Hmmm♪ Hey look Nate!  The snow is falling so thick, we could make snowmen out of it!]

Anice was dancing around while the snow was falling. She was very embarrassed, so she tried to covering it with words and constant movement.

Neito couldn’t move or speak. He was reminiscing the soft after taste on his lips.

Seeing him in that state Anice held out a finger and spoke in her usual heavenly-soft voice.

[I’m feeling much better now! Thanks Nate! I’m going home, so you better go in too… I forbid you from catching a cold! ‘Kay? Good luck tomorrow!]

[Ah… I’ll walk you home…]

[I’m fine. You should go home and rest!]

Without having the chance to spew out another word, Anice turned and ran away from him.

[…….Hm?]

Neito, who was now alone, started thinking to himself again.

What I’m about to do may be considered the most evil thing I may do… And I don’t like it myself. Even if that’s the case, I still need to do it.

I can no longer turn back.

Neito spent a sleepless night only thinking about what he was going to do. For him, it was the first time he experienced such a thing.

※※

 (Author’s Notes)

I forgot to mention this, but I decided to write a short spin-off chapter with each hero that came out as the main protagonist. They won’t be present here in the web novel, but it’s cool to showcase each hero’s powers in overcoming various obstacles and enemies.

{The Silver Knight: Dylan}

{The Automated Super-Human:  Harrison Beetle}

{The Spirit Manipulator: Ramone}

(TLN: I really want to go with ‘The Spirit Shaman’ since it sounds a lot cooler, but I’ll hold off my opinion… for now.)

{The Psychic Group: Maroon Five}

I really like books involving heroes.

After the main story is finish I may submit an entry in regards to what I mentioned above. I hope you readers also look forward to it.

※※

 “Daikyun here, ever had that ‘I’m going to take a ten minute break and then resume my work’ moment? Yeah, my ten minute break accidentally became a three week break… No excuses for me there. Though I was sick and all, but excuses are excuses…

Now that I’ve significantly freed up my schedule, I should be able to translate chapter frequently now (May the god of productivity smile down upon me)… Hopefully, the chapter release should be back to regular schedule now (Which is one chapter a week if I remember right).

Now this question prompted me when I was showering… Would you guys prefer the same ‘weekly release’? Or a new ‘monthly release’? It’s still four chapters a month, but would you prefer if it those four chapters get constantly uploaded in a span of a week than weekly? Let me know in the comments below. I’ll take on the majority vote.

Anyways, if you’re still reading this, you’re one devoted reader… Well, this chapter marks the halfway through the translation. It took us a year, but we’re finally halfway through. May the other fifty chapters be easy to translate and good to the translator… Anyways, it’s getting long, so I’ll end it here

Oh wait, almost forgot something…

‘End Chapter thoughts with Daikyun: Do you notice that your skin is always touching something no matter where you go and what you do?’

P.S Damnit, Anice stole his first kiss. “





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