TEORA – Maroon 5 –
You won’t regret it?
Within Metallica’s inner walls, there was an area where security levels were unusually high. Those who were allowed to enter were subjected to thorough body checks, and had to surrender all the weapons they possessed. It was where Neito was heading to.
Leaving his subordinates in a different area, he pa.s.sed through the gate that looked like something from a sci-fi movie. He went into the reception room.
[Pardon my intrusion.]
Calling out, he entered. He wondered what kind of room it would be, but from the looks of it, it was just a regular office that could be found in any company.
It was a s.p.a.cious reception room, with an antique table and black sofa as the furniture inside the room. The bookshelves were lined with black books, and in the room, there was a huge monitor with its corresponding computer.
He looked around for a bit before spotting someone inside the room.
[Oh, you’re here, huh. Come in, punk.]
(TLN: 小僧 (kozou) – it can also be interpreted as brat, but I’ll stick to punk)
The first person he saw was General Raz, and with his long hair tied in a topknot, he gave off an aggressive aura. He was the head of personnel, and he was the one who a.s.signed Neito to the Okinawa branch.
[….Hmm… So you’re Komori-kun… I see. You’re quite interesting.]
The other person was wearing white clothes and an eyepatch. Unlike General Raz, he was much taller and slimmer. Rather than having an aggressive aura, he had eyes that pierced the soul. It was like a lifeless human, which creeped Neito out.
But, Neito knew him. He remembered his face from the time he was interviewed. After joining the company, Neito frequently wondered what had become of him.
[…Professor H…]
Professor H. [H] was just a codename for him that stood for ‘Head of Field’. With the aid of his efforts, he practically made Metallica.
Staring out as a doctor, he advanced his research and attained multiple awards recognizing his talent. In other words, he was a considered as a genius scientist. From his research, he engineered [beings that surpa.s.sed human limits]. On the surface, he was a real [mad scientist].
For his research, he strayed from good, developing and researching for Metallica. Ever since he deviated from good, he has been testing and researching on modified humans as well as [over-technology] which Metallica uses. He was a person who had wide influence over the company.
He currently holds the vice president’s seat, and together with General Raz, they’re called [The Twin Dragons]
(TLN: It literally translates as [two-dragons] but Twin dragons sounds more poetic)
[Oh, you know me?]
Professor H’s eyes focused on Neito. Neito didn’t express any emotion, but it was like the professor scanning his whole body for strengths and weaknesses. It sent shivers down his spine. He tried faking a smile.
This is also a battle. Expressions can reveal a lot about an individual.
Neito strengthened his spirits and continued fighting.
[Of course Professor H. Your abilities are on par with General Raz. You’re one of Metallica’s legendary figures.]
[……I see. I guess I’m mentally tough, but grouping me together with Raz is a bit… well I desist that you continue doing that.]
Professor H clearly disliked the idea. Maybe there was something going on between him and General Raz. Neito tried to find an excuse for his mistake.
[Head of Field. Leave it at that. The reason he was called today is for an evaluation. T
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his a direct order from the president, or have you forgotten? We aren’t allowed to cause a commotion…]
[… I understand. Such an unpleasant situation we got here.]
[… Leave it at that.]
It was like they were each aiming for each other’s throat but they were prevented from doing so for some reason.
[Let’s make this quick. Hey kid, no, was it Komori?]
[Yes.]
[For capturing the special region, and subjugating the B-cla.s.s Ramone, you did a good job. For your efforts, you are awarded the Metallica Medal of 1st cla.s.s.]
From his st.u.r.dy figure, Raz procured a silver shining medal and handed it off to him.
[Yes!]
[I never thought that you would be able to conquer the special region.]
Raz was expressionless as ever.
[Yes…]
[If you ever failed, the plan was for me to directly intervene, but hmm, you sure did something unnecessary.]
Bling. Raz’s beast like eyes were piercing right through him.
[..Well, I’m sor-…]
In the heat of the moment, Neito almost apologized. In reality, Raz could’ve defeated Ramone and the Santana. No, surely he would’ve done it with ease.
This is bad. What do I do? I really don’t want to get on his bad side.
What do I do? What do I do?
Neito was in a state of panic for a moment. But,
[…Fuu~. HAHAHAHAHA!! I’m kidding!]
Raz lost his composure and let out a huge laugh.
Thinking about it, this was the first time I saw Raz out of his usual composure.
[Ha, haha…]
[Don’t be afraid! You did well. I may not understand it, but you have your own strength. Your words that day was proved with this result.]
Raz deliberately patted Neito shoulders to the point that it hurt. And it was scary, but he was relieved.
Hearing the words “General Raz”, you would immediately think of an unbeatable villain. He was an individual who stood near the top of Metallica.
Neito had made a declaration and accomplished it (EDN: refer to ch21-22 for the conversation between Raz and Neito) so he brightened up; maybe Raz was actually scouting him.
Raz was surely a straightforward person. There was no ulterior motive in the way he spoke and laughed. What he expressed in public was what he truly felt inside. This made Neito sigh in relief.
He was able to crush opponents in the battlefield like bugs, but he was also able to get along well with his subordinates.
[Th-Thank you very much. With the General’s help we were… — with your encouragement..]
[I never taught you anything. If I were to teach anybody, they would be dead before the second day of their training. HAHAHAHA!]
[Raz, could you suppress that idiotic laughter of yours? I’ll handle it from here.]
After Professor H made such remarks to General Raz, he turned to Neito with his cold stare.
[Komori Neito-kun. Aside from the 1st cla.s.s medal you were given, starting from next year, you will be promoted to core level 4. Again, you are hereby moved to internal FA as a head. This of course, includes your subordinates under you.]
(TLN: IDK the literal translation/abbreviation of this FA thing, but it’s similar to the HR department of a company)
[Eh?!]
This was clearly beyond what he had expected.
Sure, he did head the operation in the special region, but what he only did was take command and make plans.
He was currently level 3. He was a.s.signed as a squad leader. Even with his achievements, he couldn’t have easily been promoted to level 4 in the first few years he was hired. Level 4 was a position where no normal commoner could’ve achieved.
I might get promoted to level 4.
He had this in his mind, but he considered the chances of it happening to be very slim.
Level 4. This was equivalent to a section/department chief position. On top of that, he was a.s.signed for the internal FA. Internal FA had been spread throughout general corporations since the beginning of the 21st century, processing requests for employees who wished to be transferred to another department. They were the ones who approved of this transfer if all the conditions were met.
It was something Neito couldn’t even hope for.
They were kidding, right? He was being promoted despite it being the third year since he has joined the company.
[Level 4… is it?]
[Yes. Metallica’s personnel system is constantly changing. We can’t leave talented personnel in the lower ranks. They should rise slow and steadily…like you…]
Professor H tried to honey coat his words. Frankly it was disgusting. But, Neito had no choice but to accept.
[Thank you very much. I will look into the department I would like to be a.s.signed. With that, I would like to request a day or two for me to make a decision.]
[Okay, very well. You may take your leave—No, let me escort you outside. With me, you can skip the body check in the entrance of the executive area. Is its fine with you, Raz?]
[Hm, do as you wish.]
In consideration for their words, Neito went with the flow. But in reality, he really didn’t want to be accompanied.
[Well then, excuse us, General Raz.]
[Yeah. Keep doing your best, kid.]
Neito finished exchanging words with Raz and headed out of the room with Professor H. The corridor was a long and closed pa.s.sage, and they walked towards the gate.
It was during this moment that the Professor called out to him.
[Komori-kun, this is a good opportunity to give you advice and a warning.]
[Hmm…? What do you mean?]
The professor’s voice sounded prideful, as if he was looking down on him.
[Your achievement are quite incredible… but remember your place.]
[……]
[No, you yourself are probably an extraordinary person, very, but there are some who disagree with that idea.]
I see. He is concerned about me.
[You are strong, very, but you only have high battle capabilities. You have no special skills or knowledge, but now you’re promoted to level 4. I’m on par with Raz in terms of influence. Do you know how many people you’re in charge of? How many do you think agree and trust you? How would they react if they were suddenly introduced to someone unfamiliar?]
Professor H was now facing him while walking forward as he continued to kindly remind Neito.
[The GA Department and your subordinates may side with you, but you pose a significant threat to Metallica. I doubt that they would trust you so easily.]
[… Of course, I understand. But, I don’t plan on settling at this level.]
I know. I know that in reality, I’m just a coward. I know that much that it’s scary. But I decided to keep moving forward. Even though challenges may lie ahead.
[Fufufu… No no. It’s not my intention to scare you off. As I have said, those who are talented are destined to rise to the top. It’s just I’m warning you to tread carefully from now on. This is my advice.]
[… Thank you very much.]
[Also, I have a suggestion.]
Professor H, the evil scientist, laid his hand on Neito’s shoulder.
Slim yet long fingers. It was a creepy feeling.
[You don’t plan on becoming an obstacle to me right?]
[Obstacle?]
[Fufufu… you’re an indispensable individual. Won’t you join my faction? As you know, Metallica is composed of multiple factions, and it isn’t considered as one complete organization. I hold quite an influence in Metallica, so how about it? If you join me, I can offer you several conveniences in the organization.]
Those were enticing words.
He knew what Professor H wanted.
Every major organization has its factions. Metallica is no exception.
One of the main figures is Professor H, while the other is likely of be General Raz.
With the power struggle within the company, Neito, who was promoted to section chief, was not exempted from it.
Professor H’s offer was certainly very inviting. As he had said earlier, Neito’s position in the company was quite unstable. If he was under the Professor, then he would have means of protecting himself. Honestly, he rather scared of being chased because of his promotion. Enough that he might consider running away.
Again, Professor H wanted him on his side. He possibly could’ve gone through all of Neito’s data.
What now? What should I do?
Neito thought a little. If he would theoretically side with Professor H’s faction while having his own motives, he wouldn’t be let off easily. There was no way the professor could turn a blind eye to what Neito was doing within his faction.
Then, would he agree to the professor? He couldn’t decide immediately.
Neito had been in the special region, where people weren’t aware about the power struggle within the company. There was a possibility that General Raz might come after him too.
But is it possible? Is it possible for someone like me, to face against such individual?
If Raz was in my position, would he be able to do it?
That’s right, if they both are willing to offer protection, then why should I refuse?
Professor H. The man who gave birth to super-humans. I will be this person’s…
[… I- I will…]
[Yes?]
The answer is [I can].
[I will be not joining you faction… I’m sorry.]
I’m not obliged to follow this person.
Neito was afraid, but he replied clearly.
[… Is that so…]
That’s right. I don’t plan on joining any factions.
Even if it were Professor H or General Raz, I will never join any of them. I will only join the faction I created with my own hands.
It’s a straight line to the top. Metallica was a huge organization, but Neito was prepared to undertake whatever obstacles he might encounter. Although his decisions now might become a hindrance in the future, and his movements limited from now on, he doesn’t plan on backing down.
It’s scary. His unstable position inside Metallica was scary. Those who are against him were surely powerful individuals.
But, he can’t falter.
Neito had already fought someone stronger than him.
That’s right. I fought those who serve justice with their righteous silver wings and won.
I defeated them and moved forward. In order to achieve my goals. In order to move forward.
Having defeated them, there is no other way.
[Professor H, not just yours, I don’t plan on joining any other factions. I’m not an individual that you should be worried about.]
[… You won’t regret it?]
[I won’t. Never… Well then, I will be taking my leave. I will inform you of my chosen department by tomorrow.]
Bowing to Professor H, Neito exited the executive area through the gate.
He didn’t look back.