Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: First Resolution #4
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I walked down the hallway with Jaaldi.
She's tall for a woman. Maybe about 5 cm shorter than me, so around 175 cm? Her height makes the black suit look great on her.
Anyone would think she's a Fake Management Bureau agent.
Just add sunglasses, and it's perfect.
"You hear 'agent' and think Men in Black, right?"
"Wearing suits and sunglasses, erasing memories."
"Yeah."
"Close enough. We have to wipe a lot of civilians' memories."
"Memories, huh."
As expected, they handle memory wipes too.
"They wouldn't go as far as silencing civilians by killing them, right? I couldn't stomach that."
"Of course not. We're trying to save people—why would we kill anyone?"
"That's a relief."
"You'll learn in time. First things first: code names. From now on, you can't use your real name."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You'll get a code name issued. Use only that from here on."
"Wait a second."
So I can't use my real name at all?
"Then what about my mom, dad, and friends? How do they call me? What about signing up for websites?"
"Your perception will be altered so they won't use your name. Use your fake ID for sites."
"What...? Perception alteration?"
Fake IDs make sense, but perception alteration?
"Yeah. They'll call you 'son' or something. Friends will go with their usual 'hey, you idiot' vibe. For civilians, you'll give your cover name from the fake ID."
Jaaldi's explanation was utterly shocking. The Management Bureau can do this? Wipe memories and alter perceptions like it's nothing?
"Amazing... to that extent. But code names feel kinda weird. Hard to pin to any country."
"Think of it as Management Bureau style."
We chatted as we took the elevator.
"So, which team am I going to? Senior Quras was pushing for Suppression Team."
"Have to show them who's boss. Already trying to poach a rookie."
There's competition like that?
"Not the place for rookies. They rush to scenes and fight immediately. Send a newbie, and they'll just die."
"Hmm... yeah, makes sense. Gorgodio was transforming like Iron Man or Kamen Rider, and Quras just throws flames around."
"Gorgodio's an Adept, Quras a talented superpowered agent."
Come to think of it, Adept.
"What's an Adept, exactly?"
"Someone who can wield that armor. No need to know now. You'll learn. We're here. Time for rookie tests."
Felt like we went underground.
"Oh."
The elevator doors opened to what looked like a huge shooting range. Looking around, there were obstacle course facilities too.
"Shooting and fitness tests?"
"Yeah. Physical first."
"Got it. Time to show my skills."
Let's put some real effort in.
The tests were over.
Then a physical exam, and I changed into the issued agent suit.
"Fuckin' slick."
Fits like it was tailored. Comfortable for movement too. Add sunglasses, and I could pass as a Fake Management Bureau agent.
I straightened my clothes and stepped out. Jaaldi was waiting.
"Suits you."
"I must be the type that wears suits well."
"Looks that way."
Jaaldi, expressionless, handed over a pad.
"Impressive marksmanship. Special shooter in the military?"
"I'm decent with guns."
Years of grinding made shooting second nature. Better shots survive longer.
"Physicals average."
That's disappointing.
"Average is failing? Not some special forces standard, right?"
"You'll build stamina over time. No issue."
Special forces would make great agents, thinking about it.
"No disqualifiers."
"I'm an official agent now?"
"Yeah."
I'm a Management Bureau agent now.
Exciting and nerve-wracking. But in this bizarre world, agent beats civilian a hundred times over.
Especially with my unique abilities.
—Ding.
"Code name's here."
"Ooh, what is it? Hope it's cool."
"Hmm... what vibe do you like?"
"Dragon Emperor or Death Knight."
Those sound badass.
"Beyond imagination."
Jaaldi turned to a kiosk-like machine, punched buttons, and pulled a receipt. Not a receipt?
"Here."
"This... like an ID card."
"Flip it."
Flipped it—agent badge. [Code Name: Grong] "Grong?"
"I don't pick code names. Bureau does."
Jaaldi avoided my eyes.
"For real? My code name's Grong?"
"Yes."
"What the— not Pororo's Crong or some shit! Grong! Ah!"
Ah! What the hell!
"Not Pororo's friend?!"
"No idea what you're on about. Hurry up. Your assignment's done."
"Team Leader Jaaldi!"
"Call me Team Leader now."
"Huh?"
"You're on Comprehensive Response Team. My team. Org chart later."
Comprehensive Response Team!
"Team that handles everything comprehensively?"
"Something like that. Sharp."
"Obvious from the name."
"Follow me."
"But my code name!"
Jaaldi said nothing. We took the elevator up to the Comprehensive Response Team office. As a newbie, I couldn't open the door, so I waited. Jaaldi opened it and went in.
"Rookie's here. Welcome him."
She went to her desk casually, propped her feet up.
"Hm, just Spandal."
I followed. A woman stared at me. Wavy purple bob—striking. Agents all have unique looks, especially hair. Quras had light green. Spandal approached as I stood there.
"Uh?"
Something about her... Eyes... lifeless? Sinister vibe. She pressed close, face in mine, staring.
"Why are you...?"
"..."
Why so quiet. Feels like she's dissecting me. Unsettling. Then she whispered in my ear.
"Hey. When do you think you'll die?"
"Huh?!"
What?!
"When do you think you'll die?"
"What the hell! Why say creepy shit!"
"Just asking. Tomorrow? Day after? How'll it feel? Bleeding out? Coughing blood?"
Lifeless eyes spouting this—terror rising. This psycho—Fake Management Bureau agent?!
"Team Leader!"
"Spandal... enough hazing the rookie."
Door opened—Jamtree entered. Familiar face in this mess—huge relief.
"Oh?"
"Ah!"
"Hehe, straight to our team? Welcome. Suit looks good."
"Hi, Senior! Officially joined, but Senior Spandal...!"
Somehow, Spandal had her chin on my shoulder.
"Spandal. I said no hazing. He's scared."
"Always say: gotta tell them reality."
"Off. Shoo."
Gratefully, Jamtree grabbed Spandal's waist, pulled her off. Spandal still eyed me creepily.
"Anyway, rookie. No intro? No need since you'll die soon? Hehe, that it?"
"Spandal's mouth."
Jamtree smacked Spandal's lips: smack smack smack. Oh, right—no intro yet.
"Sorry. Doing it now. New agent as of today, uh. Can't use real name. Grong."
Showed the badge. "Oh, Grong? Cute code name."
"Really? Feels like Pororo's Crong."
"Pororo? Hehehe, even cuter now."
She's laughing, delighted. I'm just embarrassed.
"Spandal. Grong has a superpower too. Senses danger."
"Yeah. Gets a strong feeling if something's off."
"Hmm, one slip and dead? 'Feels safe' then sudden—" "Spandal's mouth." —Smack smack smack. Jamtree smacked her lips again, then touched her own.
"I introduced myself earlier. Spandal? No weird talk—introduce to Grong."
"..."
"Grong. FYI, Spandal's a thorn ability user. Maybe why her words sting."
"Thorn ability?"
Like a pufferfish puffing up with spikes?
"Not thinking weird stuff about senior, right?"
"No, not that."
"I'm Spandal. Your senior. Most curious: when you'll die. Exciting, right?"
How do you say that smiling? Feels like a private fresh out of training, seeing squad leaders' faces and knowing I'm fucked.
"She talks rough, but worries for rookies. Understand, Grong. Team Leader. No tasks for newbie yet—what to teach first?"
"Too much to learn; forget half anyway. Memorize nearby agents first. Take as assistant on low-risk jobs."
"Got it."
"Jamtree. Spandal. You two alternate teaching."
Can't learn from Jamtree?
"Busy today—no time to teach. Grong, go home. Real work tomorrow morning."
"Understood. Where to?"
"Sending address. Stay there."
"Heading out then."
"Grong. Careful going home."
"Yes."
Seems I'll get along with Jamtree. Spandal still eyes me lifelessly.
"Run away, and big trouble. Be good?"
"Won't happen. Goodbye."
Out of the office.
"Damn."
Spandal's scary as hell. Gonna crash inside first. Finally, time to check the status window.