#169 Shall We Toss Out Some Bait?
I don't know why they decided to reveal such advanced tech as nano particles, but it doesn't matter. The project lead is my woman, after all.
I'll just ask her in bed.
I can probably get all the details on how this went down and what their goal was in making it public.
Nano tech, huh... Wonder if there's any way I can use it?
They mentioned it'd take time for commercialization, so they won't be flooding the market with it anytime soon. Still, they've got prototypes by now, so I should be able to snag some.
No matter how much I slack off at the company, I'm still royalty! Come on, gimme one!
That said, even if I had it, I probably wouldn't use the nano particles much. A level 10 body enhancer like me isn't getting hurt anywhere.
If I had to pick something useful, underwater breathing isn't bad...
But when would I ever fight in the water?
The only places with water are subways, mountains, or the sea. And I have no reason to fight anyone there.
Still, I should grab the underwater breathing one just in case.
Even if I might not use it, better to have a rare item from Dark City!
*****
The reporters invited to the party exploded in excitement at the reveal of Sanctuary Armor.
No sooner had Jina finished speaking than they rushed the stage, firing questions at her one after another.
But Jina was colder and more mischievous than they expected.
"When do you anticipate Sanctuary Armor will be commercialized?!"
"The info we revealed today is just the video you saw and what I demonstrated. More details on Sanctuary Armor will come in stages. So please, reporters, set aside your notebooks for now and enjoy the party."
"Just one more word, please!"
"By the way, to prevent any incidents, keep your cameras off during the party. And try not to bother the staff or family. Disobey, and you'll be escorted out."
"Director Bal Jina! Director Bal Jina!"
As Jina stepped down from the stage, the reporters trailed her like ducklings following their mother.
But they were soon blocked by approaching security.
One reporter ignored the warning and pulled out his camera to snap Jina's retreating back.
Click!
The flash popped, and security snatched the camera from his hand.
"Wh-what the?!"
"Please leave."
"This is press suppression! Give me my camera!"
"Yes, it's press suppression. So leave now."
"You bastards! Do you know who I am?!"
"No idea. What are you waiting for? Drag him out!"
"Yes, sir!"
"H-hey?! L-let go! Let go of me!"
The reporter was hauled away by security. They didn't even return his camera.
I thought for a second that attitude wasn't great, whether he was trash press or real media... but nah, it doesn't matter.
For a reporter's article to have power, others need to back it up. One guy yelling alone is nothing without support fire from the pack.
Even if that reporter writes some hit piece on Sanctuary Corp out of spite, would the others help? Turn Sanctuary Corp against them?
I didn't need to wait for the answer. I could see it right now.
The reporters didn't protest as their colleague was dragged out. They just hid their own cameras in their bags, scared they'd lose them too.
People really need power.
Whether someone's the bully or the bullied, it's all about power. Or lack of it.
Wonder where Elis is? Huh? That woman over there...?
I scanned around for Elis.
She was toasting with the team members who'd worked on the project with Jina.
Elis is super weak to alcohol... but Jina's got her covered.
Anyway, as I searched for Elis, another beauty caught my eye.
Ice Queen?
It was Ice Queen. Ah, no ice mask now, so Han Ji-min, I guess?
I figured most heroes were too busy to show, but she had time.
Her dad, Han Sun-hyeok, is one of our directors at Sanctuary Corp, so she had every right to be here.
Couldn't spot Director Han Sun-hyeok anywhere; she was alone at a table, glued to her phone.
Her face was dead serious, like she was gaming or something.
Mom and Dad already ditched for their alone time...
Those two eternal lovebirds bolted right after Jina's presentation. Probably heating things up at the hotel.
Jina and Elis are busy with the staff...
Didn't look like they'd come my way soon.
Which means...
I'm free. She's free.
Let's go!
Wine glass in hand, I headed to Han Ji-min's table.
Thinking about it, I'd been slow to make progress with her.
She was the first hero I met when I opened my eyes in this world.
Yet her affection was still low; no real moves made.
Me, a (self-proclaimed) dating sim master, failing to land one girl! Sure, she's an A-rank hero on the cusp of S-rank—that's the catch—but still a fail.
Time to turn Ice Queen into my woman and salvage my pride!
She was so focused she didn't notice me until I was right beside her, eyes still on her phone.
What game has her so hooked... Wait, not a game?
Her serious face made me think she was deep in a game, but no.
Han Ji-min was texting someone.
Association President? Valencia?
The moment I saw who she was texting, I realized she wasn't here just as Director Han's daughter.
The Association's keeping tabs?
Today's invitees were only company staff, families, and a few reporters. No Hero Association or rival corp folks.
Sanctuary Corp, usually so chummy, suddenly excluding them? They're suspicious.
...Oh yes!
A way to seduce Han Ji-min—or at least get closer—flashed in my mind.
Smiling, I tapped the table.
Tap tap!
"Hey. We meet again."
"Eek! Wh-who... Oh, you..."
Startled by the tap, she hid her phone and looked up at me. Her eyes went wide like a rabbit's.
"How'd you get in here... Right, you're royalty."
"Yeah. I didn't wanna come, but they dragged me."
"Ha, haha..."
She smiled awkwardly, not thrilled to see me.
But I'd already mapped out my approach. No way I'd leave now.
I sat across from her.
"By the way, where's Director Han Sun-hyeok? Haven't seen him."
"Dad stepped out to talk with some people."
"Oh? Guess it's just us for a bit then."
"Huh?"
"Heh, kidding. Anyway, got time?"
"Why?"
I sipped my wine, shrugged, and flashed a subtle smile.
"As you can see, I'm the black sheep at home."
"Black sheep?"
"Yeah. So here I am, wandering this huge party all alone. Poor me."
"Pfft. Really?"
She burst out laughing. Good reaction. Time to drop the bait.
"Jina really pulled out something fun this time. Sanctuary Armor... Even someone powerless like me could act like a superpowered badass. Can't wait. Wonder what it feels like?"
"Excited? Why?"
Her eyes sparkled. She'd bitten.
Valencia, Hero Association president, is the busiest guy there. As head of a paramilitary force, tons to handle.
Next busiest: A-ranks. S-ranks prep for S-rank villains, so A-ranks lead the pack on incidents.
And Ice Queen, the most active A-rank, shows up in a dress instead of costume.
Her goal: today's Sanctuary Armor reveal. She had to bite.
"Of course I'm excited. Trying stuff I've never done."
"But commercialization's far off."
"Far for the public. Doesn't mean I can't get some."
"Hmm~ True... As Jina's brother, you'll snag one easy, right?"
"One? Nah, three abilities means I need all three."
"...Wow."
She leaned in, eyes gleaming. Her low-cut dress let her pale cleavage swell invitingly.
About a C-cup? Phew.
Good thing. Worried an A-rank hero might be all A-cups too.
"So jealous. I wanna try Sanctuary Armor too..."
Pfft!
Her sultry tone nearly made me crack up. Her lips twitched—she wasn't used to seduction or info-pulling.
Duh, who'd waste Ice Queen on spying?
Anyone who did wouldn't know talent placement.
Speaking of spies, one came to mind.
Who was it? Can't recall the name, but a K.T.V—Kill The Villain—operative from the Hero Association's anti-villain squad. One of the scorpion guys I caught.
Interrogated him rough, handed him to Jungbo to deal with. Last I saw, buzzcut and skull tattoo?
If he's alive, make him shooting instructor for the baldies.
They suck at shooting without pro training. Boost their skills first, then use 'em up—more efficient.
"Hey... Wanna try Sanctuary Armor with me sometime?"
"Really? That's okay?"
"Of course. And this might sound weird, but I wanna be friends with you, Ji-min."
"Friends...?"
"Yeah. You might not know, but I got no friends. Spent my wild twenties on workouts... Zero buds. What do you say? Kinda sneaky, but be my friend, and I'll let you join when I test Sanctuary Armor."
"Hmm..."
Her eyes scanned me up and down. I was sure she'd say yes.
My value went beyond Sanctuary Armor. As Bal family heir, I might know Sanctuary Corp's secret projects. (I don't, but the possibility's enough.) Plus, clean-cut chaebol heir.
"Okay. Friends it is."
"Thanks! Whoa, I got a friend!"
I took her outstretched hand. Soft and surprisingly warm.
Just you wait.
Friend to big bro to master... Won't take long.