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(Not) A Vanilla Levelling System 33
I passed people rolling dice, shuffling cards, a bunch of pole dancers, a tender table with a strong smell of alcohol, before finally entering Elena's room.Before entering it, from outside, I could see the shadow of someone who was turning his back.I guess it only took a second for her to realise I was watching.When her face turned around, I almost jumped out of my skin.At that moment, my hand was already holding the door knob. Making us inevitably come face to face, again. "Michael?"Michael looked at me for a moment, then back at Elena."Mr McKane," Elena said, full of her usual elegant composure. Yet, somehow, I could smell the uneasiness on her face. "You didn't say you were coming."That was actually appropriate. I scratched the back of my neck, which wasn't itchy. "Is this a bad time?""Actually--" Elena's words were quickly interrupted by Michael. "I've finished saying what I wanted to say, you can continue this alone.""Are you sure, Mr Hughes?""Do I look like someone wh
(Not) A Vanilla Levelling System 34
"So..., Mr McKane? I'm all yours now," Elena said, resting her chin on a clump of hands.She was not wearing a long researcher's robe or a professional tuxedo today, but a maroon dress with a V-shaped cut-out in the chest. Her curly hair was 'tossed' over the right side of her body, exposing most of her slender left neck.I realised then that Elena was a mature woman, and a very beautiful one at that.It left me at a loss for words."Mr McKane?" she repeated."Ah, um..." I hiccupped and it must have looked really stupid. What was I supposed to say just now? Ah, right. "Someone's after me!"Elena's gaze turned sharp and serious. "You mean... offensively?""I see." I started by sitting down on the chair provided, and then began to tell the one that had been bothering me the most lately, though it was doubtful if Elena or her team had any concrete answers. "Long before meeting you, I actually met this girl. She introduced herself as Evangeline Hudson, whether that's her real name or not.
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That's an astonishing fact. It's like discovering that Neil Armostrong didn't actually land on the moon.True, it's just a joke and conspiracy material. But then, so was the phenomenon Elena had revealed earlier. "Of course, it's still just a raw, untested theory. My team and I need more concrete data to come to a definite conclusion, so... other than that, is there any other info that could help?"I bit my lip. "I don't think so."If Elena was disappointed, then she hid it well. "This is truly groundbreaking information, Mr McKane, and we find it very helpful." He cleared his throat briefly. "Have you considered signing the contract we gave you?"I hadn't thought about it, at all. "Uh, yes... I think that would take a lot of time."Elena sighed. "That's too bad. I'd like to compensate you more, but it would be difficult if our partnership hasn't been formally established yet. Is 3000$ enough for you?"I widened my eyes once more. It was an amount even smaller than my level-up reward
(Not) A Vanilla Levelling System 36
That's the fourth one.KNOCK! KNOCK!Well, after this, he must have given up.KNOCK! KNOCK!Huh? What the hell?Tsk! It looks like I'm facing a more determined opponent now. Then I must show the same persistence.I'll keep waiting.Waiting.Waiting.Waiting.Waiting.It's like the tenth time, but why isn't she leaving. The repetitive barrage of voices was getting on my nerves.Fuck whoever it is, I've had it!I walked out of the room, stomped my feet, and grabbed the knob of the exit door. When it finally opened, my mouth was already open and ready to slap whoever was standing behind it.But, standing there was... "Carl?" "You... what are you doing here?" No, I'm not. That's not quite the right question, actually. "Where have you been all this time?"The last time I saw her was at the beginning of my encounter with Susan. It was a moment that was quite vivid in my memory, and seemed to have happened years ago.He suddenly appeared with a look that was... quite unrecognisable.Her hair
(Not) A Vanilla Levelling System 37
"Wait, flattered?"Jason shrugged. "Well in the middle of your busy schedule of studying, you can make time for me and this party.""Well, that's..." Actually, what I said in class earlier was just a momentary boast to make what he was trying to do less important than what I was going to do.But, I was the one who proved it wrong, and here I was. Jason didn't seem to care about my continued words (as usual). Instead, he turned and said, "Walk with me," he said, still the same way he had when giving orders. "What do you think?""What about what?""The party. It's certainly no more interesting than your favourite world history, but--""I never said I liked history class," she said suddenly in an angry tone.Jason never liked being interrupted. See, even though he tried to hide it, there was a twitch at the corner of his eye that indicated that he was annoyed with my attitude.However, so be it, because anyway, yes, I didn't like the way he said it as if I found writing far more enjoyab
(Not) A Vanilla Levelling System 38
"Okay, okay. But, this is because of your request, okay? Susan told me that her family's situation is difficult, and her mind is in turmoil, so--""Liar!" snapped Amanda. "You think I'm stupid? I've known her longer than you have, and know more about her than anyone here. I've been his friend since he was a kid! I'm his best friend. His family is fine--"I interrupted her again. "You failed as a friend when you said that!"Amanda gasped repeatedly. Her mouth opened, then her hand closed in a shaking motion. "You... how could you...""Damn sanctimonious man! Why are you being so cruel, anyway?" Kimberly said as she put her arms around Amanda who started crying.I couldn't understand more. "What? Cruel? Me? Isn't that you guys?"And that's when Jason was suddenly in front of them.Like an unlikely hero whose arrival was never anticipated. "Stop it, McKane. Keep your tone down. It's a girl you're dealing with."So what? "Stay out of it!" Ah! Ah... I get it. I get it. So this is all the r
(Not) A Vanilla Levelling System 39
Again my body moved on its own, and this time the cause was anger.I lunged, raising my hand, but it wasn't a slap. I threw a free fist at David's arsehole mouth, which was immediately held back by a more formidable hand."What do you think you're trying to do, hm?" said Jason in a tone that was so jarring.Huh. That's right. Both of them were the same.They called me a hypocritical hero, huh? They call me a loser?Let's prove here, who really is the loser.Believing in my enhanced physical abilities, I confidently tried to break free.I'm trying to break away.I'm trying to break away.Why couldn't I?Jason smirked at my pathetic attempt. "Your cheap tricks won't work on me, just so you know."Really? There was no way he knew!But, even Carl knew. And Elena. And maybe David. Wait, does everyone know already?Was this all just a magic trick that I was caught up in for a moment?Am I just being tricked by a false reality?Jason tugged on my arm and body like an adult tugging on a baby'
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She made us look like prey and it was so annoying. However, I'd better keep quiet now. "Another target?" When I asked that, whether it was due to the influence of momentary emotions, my brain went blank and didn't come up with a single name."Well... it's kind of pointless if I show you something if you're going to lie to me again," Eva said sarcastically. She was holding a mobile phone that from its faint cutout displayed a blurred image.Do I have to convince him now?I was actually too lazy to do this, but Eva seemed to really want me to. "I won't lie to you, again.""Really?""Yes.""You promised."I sighed and joined in with my chest. "It's getting late and we don't have much time. If you want me to help, you better give me whatever you can find right now."Eva grinned, chuckled, and flipped the screen. It showed a picture of a middle-aged man I didn't recognise.Wait.He wasn't really unrecognisable.In fact, it was the middle-aged man I knew so well.The man who fills my wildes
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- (Not) A Vanilla Levelling System
59
I chose to let it pass until it ended on its own.I gulped. I had thought that this relationship ended when they broke up with me during these weeks, so what was she trying to do now?Could it be that one of them saw me caught red-handed by Detective Werner and concluded that I was someone who couldn't be trusted with responsibility, and wanted to collect a fine?Or did they know my intention to spill the beans, and thought to get rid of me?Okay.I know my mind has been very paranoid lately, but it's certainly a plausible option.Michael told them everything about my betrayal, and they decided that I had to go.It makes even more sense that David's death was part of their plan.They made it an ultimatum of sorts.It was as if they were saying, "It's your turn next!"My phone vibrated again.[Elena is calling...]I gulped and started to feel uncomfortable.Why isn't Eva back yet, anyway? How many hours has she been in the bathroom?And why did it get so hot in here?The third call cam
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I was turning the door knob and was already anticipating another surprise attack.My eyes darted behind me to see who might be the troublemaker now. Because if there was, he'd better show up or he'd really ruin my night.The last time I looked at my watch, the short hand was already showing eleven o'clock. Normally, I'd have gone to bed an hour earlier.But, because of an oversight, and a legal regulation that was rigged as well, I had to stay up like this.Yes... the rigged laws. If the tension of this whole situation starts to drop, maybe I'll teach Detective Werner a... lesson.Not the harmful kind of revenge. I can see that he's an honest and firm law enforcer (and because of that firmness, I'm sure one or two suspects ended up confessing before even getting to the interrogation room), but I think that sometimes there's a line that shouldn't be crossed, and everyone should start respecting that line.Ah... what the hell was I thinking. It must all be because of the [Logical Reasoni
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Right from the start, it was a mess.And I'm starting to not care.What? You think, when I leaked almost everything to Detective Werner, I had a clever scheme that went one step further?Yes, and no.I might use Detective Werner to find Michael for me, but then what?His existence can't even be controlled by someone like Eva, what can an ordinary cop do?And as for Eva, I had considered it too. In the last fight, I think she was just holding back.I mean, okay, I'm nothing compared to the two of them (Michael and Eva), but at the very least, the person who defeated you in less than five seconds must be a very dangerous person..., right?My original plan was to investigate Michael's whereabouts first, cut ties with Elena's people, and cooperate fully with Eva.That sounded brilliant.I hate to admit it, but Eva is the equivalent of an army. No matter how many opponents I had, if Eva was by my side, I would most likely win.But, I ended up thinking it was stupid. Because even though Eva
- (Not) A Vanilla Levelling System
[THE DETECTIVE VI]
"What?""There are no anomalies like you said," Amy said indifferently. The woman downed her half-empty coffee cup. "I mean, anomalies?""Do you think this is all a joke?"Amy shrugged. "Life is a joke, isn't it?" She frowned when I didn't break eye contact, then sighed. "Everyone takes this job as seriously as you do, okay. And, no. These are all preliminary test results.""So what does it say?""Do I have to repeat it ten times?" snapped Amy, in a more sarcastic tone this time. "I don't think so, really. If you want to go through a more intensive examination, I can refer you to the city centre's more adequate research agency. That is, if they believe your alibi.""What does 'if they believe' mean."Amy frowned, again. "You're sure you're not drunk, right?"I growled, stomped my feet repeatedly, and prepared to leave. What a bunch of corrupt people who like to manipulate facts.Were they this pathetic to begin with? Were they already beyond help.I went to the interrogation room agai
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"I said you saw it wrong," I insisted. Although I looked calm, my mind was in turmoil.Of course, this wasn't my first time at the police station. The first time was when I had to see Shane. It wasn't an experience I remembered. I still remember how intense it was, even chatting here. Even then I was just a visitor, but now I'm being brought in as a suspect.My hands were handcuffed to the table, and Detective Werner, the man who had prejudged me at school, was sitting in front with a meaningful grin. "Look at you. Don't you realise your position? You've been cornered, and you can still make excuses?""I don't know what you mean--"That's when the detective handed me a mobile phone displaying a video.The video of my fight with the slimes earlier. It didn't show the slimes (as Eva said, the eyes of ordinary people wouldn't be able to catch it. It seemed to apply to the camera as well).But, it captured the image of me suddenly disappearing and bringing fire out of nothing like an unp
- (Not) A Vanilla Levelling System
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I bit my lower lip rather hard. Half annoyed, half regretful.Indeed, Eva had previously warned about the appearance of an extra act, and the possibility of a monster attack. But, I thought that it was only limited to zombies, not other monstersNot like the one I was facing now. Because now, just as I was about to step into the house and turn the door knob, my steps had to stop in front of the porch because two greenish slime figures were bouncing in front of me.No, no, no. Not just two, but three, four, five. Ambushing me from all directions.I've seen these, not only in games and films, but also in souvenir shops. They're often played with by small children, and even eaten by some with slightly retarded brains.But, of course, they would never think that the slime would become this big; alive; and come at them with murderous intensity.I looked around and held a vigilant stance. The last monster I fought had unexpected movements and abilities. If zombies, which are usually synonym
- (Not) A Vanilla Levelling System
54
I parked the car in front of a small local pharmacy near the street. Ever since returning from the casino, my head had been in severe pain.I didn't know if it was because I'd been awake for almost 48 hours or because of the string of tangled facts I'd just discovered.I approached the pharmacist, handing over the prescription I'd been holding onto for a while. It's something I got long before I moved here, I think.Lately, my head had been hurting, but I couldn't sleep. I guess that's why there's a sleeping potion in there that I need to take.However, after receiving a plastic bag of what I wanted, I quickly threw the sleeping pills in the bin, and took some energy-boosting vitamins.I don't need sleep right now! I just need answers!"Ah, that strange Mr Strange from earlier," said an unfamiliar voice... next to me.I turned my gaze to the side and found a face that was... can I call it familiar?I did feel like I had met her, but that's also how I feel when I meet new people.The g
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"First of all, was it really an accident?" I asked while taking out a small note.I asked us to go outside to make the atmosphere more conducive (as well as to keep him awake. Learning from past investigative experiences, it's much more effective to question people who aren't high).Instead, this Becker stole a bottle of alcohol to drink outside.His eyes were now wide open, and if he fell further (and he would), then things would be even more troublesome."No pleasantries first?""We don't have the time, do we, sir?"Becker chuckled. A chuckle that slowly faded and was replaced by a heavy-handed reply. "You've heard the rumours, and you know the answers, why ask again?""I need confirmation."Becker shrugged. "Fair enough." He took a swig, sighed, and burped. "She was murdered. I don't know by whom. Some sane people suspect those two little bastards. Although they have innocent looks, but after all, they were the only ones there. Tell me, is it possible for someone to be found decapi
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Does he know? "Oh, really?" Remember. Don't make assumptions beforehand. Next time, I'll make the same mistake as before."Why did you do that? Sara... you... why are you that heartless, anyway?"Hah, it was just that calm. "I..." From the romances, I must look sympathetic anyway. "It was a mistake, Miss Irene, really. It was a mistake. I ... if I could have stopped Silas that time, it would have been Sara now ..." Come on... tears, come out. Just a little bit."So why didn't you do it?" Irene was so frustrated.Oh my goodness. Is someone like Sara really worth missing? "I... I was late."What I heard next was a surprise: it was a snicker. She's crazy, isn't she? Or has she realised? "You're right. It's all my fault." His laugh ended with a bitter smile and eyes that were fixed in an enigmatic direction. "I shouldn't be here."She looked away without speaking again.What the hell?Do you think this is some kind of reenactment of a sad film scene? My mind is full, you know.Hopefully,
