Delight Research Institute office.
Director Ho.
Black roulette.
Something dangerous.
“Soleum….”
I reflexively covered Director Ho’s face with smoke.
The man with the Delight Research Institute employee ID hanging from his neck was buried in black smoke, and his silhouette vanished. I tried to read through his origins and settings. And so, to erase him….
“Did you know? Killing me would be a violation of company work regulations.”
……
“It might be possible if there were proof that I was harming the company… but do you have anything like that?”
……
I withdrew the smoke.
Director Ho, revealed from within it, was still smiling.
Leaving smoke around his neck just in case, I asked:
Request: explain the situation
“Ah, I came on an inspection to check on the security team… and I just happened to see the button for B29. So I pressed it.”
……
Lie
“Pardon?”
I raised my hand and lightly tapped the employee ID hanging from his neck.
Prepared in advance.
“Ah.”
Director Ho glanced down at the employee ID, then smiled as though twisting up the corner of his mouth.
“You’re still quick on the uptake. Even looking like that?”
Mockingly sweeping his gaze once over my appearance, which was wearing the same prototype security team uniform he had once handed me, Director Ho continued.
“That’s right. I also have darkness I’m looking for, so I come out for a stroll now and then. With this employee ID, you can get around this hell comparatively safely.”
…Hell?
That was a strange word choice.
And more importantly than that….
Source of the employee ID
“I’m sorry, but I don’t see…