NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19
…Halt.
…That was quite an odd thing to say. In this vast metropolis, there must be countless places offering accommodation services, and while it might sting to lose customers to competitors, mentioning “cheaper lodging than here” feels rather odd.
I closed the navigation window I had opened and turned around. So, what is this about…? A threat? Or just a sales pitch? While my carefully crafted appearance might not be oppressive enough to intimidate anyone, I’ve keenly felt through a series of events that it appeals quite well to people of this era.
I thought this establishment was respectable, even if it couldn’t rival the luxury hotels from the game. If they were probing me out of malice, I have my own set of thorns to raise.
…Hmph.
I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. Alright, I’m ready to hear what you have to say. If it turns out to be nonsense… well, I haven’t used their services before, but I could slash their store ratings anyway! Though, technically, I’d need an actual record of use to do that…
The departing customer’s interest seemed to please the staff member, whose eyes softened into a gentle curve. But that expression looked less like genuine amusement and more like an actor wearing a smiling mask.
“…I sincerely apologize if my unsolicited advice was unpleasant. However, if I let such a lovely lady leave as is, I’m afraid you might end up harassed by reckless individuals without morals. So… would you mind listening to my profiling?”
“…Go ahead, then.”
Upon receiving my permission, he leaned forward, resting his elbows comfortably on the reception desk, and propped his chin on both hands. Then he stared directly into my eyes.
“Well then… according to our diligent security personnel, you seemed rather offended at the unauthorized scanning. Moreover, your calm demeanor towards our staff and the high-quality suit you wear — one not even officially cataloged in the market — paired with a rifle and pistol clearly favoring firepower suggest something deeper. And then…”
His outstretched index finger pointed upward, toward the ceiling or perhaps the sky beyond the hotel.
“…Are you not of a considerably ‘higher place’? For example… of noble bloodline from the Heylong Corporation…?”
“…Are you a stalker working at the hotel reception? …Sorry, but you’re wrong.”
…I was shocked. I believed I was using cybernetic implants naturally; yet the local citizens’ mastery of them was incredibly organic. Gathering all that data and analysis while I merely walked in from the entrance was impressive.
But no matter how sharp someone’s information analysis might be, they wouldn’t be able to guess I’m a lab-made experiment — a modified human leaving no trace. After all, I don’t even know exactly which project’s product I am, so how could some hotel receptionist figure it out? That would bring its own set of problems.
“Hmm… incorrect? Too bad… Hmm… You don’t show signs of anti-aging surgery, which rules out retirement. Yet, you’re also trying to cut down on spending… Perhaps you’re an agent or engineer on a private mission, having lost corporate expense support?”
“Feel free to think whatever you want.”
…Calling me poor, huh?
And they seem entirely set on sticking to the idea of me being related to a corporation. Why am I stuck playing Twenty Questions with this weirdo when I have my own concerns and issues to carefully resolve?
He tilted his head in apparent surprise at being wrong twice. Laughing, frowning, laughing again… Watching him was just giving me a headache.
…Let’s just walk away. No more involvement with him. That’s what I decided, and I was about to leave for real this time…
“Do you know about the types and frequency of crimes happening in motels or capsule hotels?”
“…Oh, like having 10,000 credits stolen while you’re asleep? That’s something I can guard against.”
It’s a random early-game event designed to irritate players. If you sleep anywhere outside of designated areas like ‘My Home’ or a hotel, there’s an encounter where credits and consumables get stolen. But losing only a fraction of my total savings felt tolerable for petty larceny.
However… he chuckled in response to my answer.
“Haha… excuse me! It’s just… the way you look at Harvest Planet is so beautiful that… I feel shivers running down my spine…”
“…What?”
The next finger gesture pointed directly at me.
“When precious gold, a delicate flower, or a winning lottery ticket is abandoned on the street, wouldn’t anyone risk everything to take a bite?”
“…Eh?”
You can’t be targeting me directly, can you? System-wise, that’s impossible, right?
…Hold on.
…Damn it, the system! The system here isn’t the ordered control created by corporations, but the raw, unfiltered reality where sleeping people could indeed be attacked. How naive of me to think otherwise just because I’ve gotten through several crises using unconventional moves and tactics.
Prisons not only restrict rights but also protect from external threats. In my case, I entered this metropolis without the safety nets that had existed before, with no knowledge of how dangerous it might be.
When he noticed my frozen, pale expression, his posture straightened again, and he seemed to return to his professional demeanor.
“Would a standard room suffice? Lovely lady?”
“…”
The price is steep, but thinking of it as tuition instead of losing my life, it was practically free.
“One… no, two nights’ payment will do. …You must lead a worry-free life, huh.”
Beep!
“Thank you for the compliment, but I don’t provide this service to every guest. Here’s the key to room 701, with a great view.”
Taking the wrist-proffered credits, he handed me the room card and muttered something incomprehensible. Why was it just me he treated this way?
“…If you fall to calamity on the streets, the investigation team from your affiliated Mega Cop and the aftercare insurance emergency rescue will flip upside down every place you’ve visited. And I certainly don’t want to get involved, not at all.”
“…Impressive.”
“Please!”
Ultimately, it was about self-preservation stemming from a misunderstanding.
This person clearly demonstrated they could discern situations and handle them with precision, proving their worth as a top-notch hotel receptionist. While I thought I came prepared, watching him made me lose some of my confidence. How can anyone prepare for every possible scenario? You simply have to stay vigilant.
Instead of resting my chin sensuously, I took the card offered respectfully with both hands and walked toward the elevator.
“Hey! Beloved customer?”
…Is this guy just unable to stand watching people walk away from him? I get it that you’re skilled, but can’t you stop calling me?!
Ding!
…I can’t take this anymore. If it’s an important message, he’ll surely deliver it himself.
I stepped into the arrived elevator, pressed the 7th floor button, and repeatedly tapped the close door button.
“Which gender of staff would you prefer for in-room services?”
“Huh?!”
He really is insane till the end!
“…Absolutely NOT calling anyone!”
“Then, I’ll just go with my gut instinct and note down female preferences…!”
His piercing voice reached me as the elevator door slowly closed.
If his neutral appearance was to study my reactions, then I’ve completely lost. Everyone has their specialty. …I’ll see how this plays out.
The cheerful chime rang, and I arrived at floor 7 instantly.
Room 701 was… at the end of the hallway. It was close to the emergency staircase but far from the elevator. I liked it.
Bip…! Click…!
The door unlocked as the secure keypad recognized the card. Once I stepped inside, the lights turned on without needing to insert the card, and the room’s layout was revealed immediately.
“…Ah?! Aaa…?!”
Surprised by the panoramic view of Harvest Planet from the open glass window? Not at all.
I was amazed by the plush mattress bed once, and the visible shower in the bathroom twice. Of course, I wasn’t just surprised!
I carefully unloaded not only my guns but also swiftly stripped off the suit, combat boots, and even my underwear within ten seconds and stepped into the shower.
Squeak… Shhhhhh…
“Ah…!”
I twisted the faucet I hadn’t checked for a long while, and the ideal warm water rushed out, enveloping my head to my toes. It felt like the essence of life running through my skin, and even my skin that normally complained about the detergent seemed satisfied and quiet.
Swish…
“…Huh?”
Luxuriating in the stream was too decadent to last. Just before I could fully enjoy, the water cut off abruptly.
On the panel inside the stall, a frugal message appeared.
[ You’ve used up your complimentary water supply for today. Each subsequent liter will be billed at 10,000 credits. Be mindful! ]
“…Achoo!”
My motivation dampened with the warm water’s abrupt end, and my body cooled down rapidly.
What can I do against such profit-driven policies?
I hastily dried myself off with the large towel provided, wrapped myself up tightly, and jumped onto the bed. The sensation was… not just plush but literally “puff.”
“Ugh!”
I expected to bounce off with a nice recoil, but the mattress of 2195 absorbed me like a cloud. I felt like it was going to swallow me whole.
Rustle… Rustle…
I turned over, staring blankly at the ceiling, pulling at the blankets.
The sunlight seeping through the slightly pulled curtains was warm, and my stomach was gently rumbling due to the trait I demonstrated earlier. But even this fleeting happiness and comfort came at the cost of valuable credits.
So, just for a little while, a very short moment, I should rest and then get up…
Ding-ding-ding!
“Wha…? What? Damn it!”
Though the sun was still high in the sky, the hologram clock showed about 8 hours had passed. Moreover, the alarm I had set didn’t ring.
Finally, what awoke my lethargic body and mind was none other than a call, and the caller was…
– Sissssiiiiiiiiii—!! Why didn’t you comeeee—!! –
“Ouch, Mary, did you arrive safely at Neo Haven…?”
A notification popped up indicating my cybernetic implants had automatically lowered the volume to protect my hearing… but my ears still rang.
In a very dramatic way, Mary complained about everyone betraying her, about going hungry to show her disobedience… trying to pull off rebellious antics cutely. I diligently pacified her, promising—though somewhat vaguely—that I’d visit someday soon for the sake of family peace and authority.
Beep! The connection cut off. A half promise with no set deadline, and yet she seemed too happy for her own good. If this keeps up, she might call again tomorrow asking when I’ll come. But it’s not all bad; I’ve received her overflowing energy.
“Alright, recharged!”
I didn’t spend money carelessly without a plan.
I meticulously sprayed detergent on my scattered suit and let the cyborg-enhanced system clean it in the bathroom.
I scoured the web for hidden links, typing in familiar keywords in the search bar, trying to find a working connection.
What I’m searching for is a request brokerage site popular among mercenaries and hackers—a feature available in the game as a repeatable side quest. Such platforms exist here too, especially since even companies try to bypass their rules to undermine each other; surely, something like this must exist on Harvest Planet.
[ This will kill me if I keep this up. ]
[ There was no confirmed virus attack, so why are you freaking out, morons? Go outside and see for yourselves! ]
[ Ahh~ it’s not gonna happen~ confirmed through cameras~ humans can live indoors forever~ doesn’t the research say so? You don’t know because you’re too inept to find it, don’t get angry! ]
[ 7KeE7KCV7ZWeIOuSt+ ]
[ …Ironhide Ave, 23rd St., B2 Floor Office. You, dummy. ]
[ The post has been deleted. ]
“…!! Found it!”
Though Neo Haven’s keywords didn’t work, I discovered an encrypted connection link on a hacker community board. It was updating so fast that I almost missed it.
Dozens, possibly infinite, amounts of various requests appeared.
Finally…! I’ve found an appropriate battleground to utilize my strengths.
First, I’ll filter the listings.
Requests for experienced high-level hackers, preferably those with lucrative rewards. And ones requiring direct combat personnel are already provided.
I hummed in thought…
The sooner the mission is set, the better, and the nearer the rendezvous point, the better. Since I can’t guess potential issues like dirty deals before knowing the details, I’d simply step away if anything seems off.
Beep!
“…Huh?”
Among the requests posted, one saw its hacker’s rewards increase in real-time.
Despite having less than an hour left until the deadline, and with no suitable candidates available, it looks like the mission broker is throwing money at it in desperation.
I quickly registered for the vacancy before someone else could, grabbed my shoes, and got ready. Sure enough, the confirmation came swiftly.
[ The hacker’s code phrase is ‘Ivory.’ Please arrive at the Hora Dora Hotel, Room 804, by Monday, August 3, 2015, 15:30. ]
“…Shit?”
Is this a trap? It’s too conspicuous…
With suspicions brewing in my mind, I left the room, pushing the squeaky emergency exit and heading down the stairs.
Still, caution never hurts. I kept my palm lightly on the pistol grip as I ascended the staircase calmly.
Creak…
“…”
Peeking my head out, I checked the corridor of the 8th floor but found nothing obviously suspicious. Right, they’d have attacked while I was asleep if they were aiming for me…
I took a deep breath and knocked on the door of room 804.
This was also a sort of interview. I must project an image of professionalism and composure.
“…Who is it?”
“…Ivory. If you keep stalling, my rate might increase, and I’ll reapply later.”
“Hmph!”
The door opened smoothly. It seemed my initial intimidating tactic worked. They likely wouldn’t imagine I rushed here out of anxiety.
Now all’s well if the other potential team members waiting inside turn out to be normal humans…
“Whoa?! Lady!! Could it be you’ve been following me all this time? Or is this fate’s green string?? This is great, truly!”
“Argh, damn—!”
An explosion of cabbages greeted me inside the room.