BCST 42

chapter 42

Mia’s Nest Bar

In a quiet alley of District 56 stood this bar, operating with a dual purpose.

On the surface, it was a stylish, ordinary bar.

But behind the scenes, it functioned as Edge Line, an employment agency connecting clients with problem solvers.

The owner of this place, which carried both these faces, was none other than Mia Dunlevy.

Currently, she was attended by Sean, an android.

Today, Mia Dunlevy had instructed that the bar be closed, operating solely as an office.

This was all because of the client Sean was currently overseeing.

“I’ll fill your cup.”

After saying this, Sean carefully poured some Pu-erh tea into the teacup at the VIP table.

John Skaugie, who had been sitting on the sofa fidgeting and shaking his legs, quickly looked up and responded.

“Th-thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

Clink.

Even the finest tea utensils make almost no sound when pouring water.

But Sean intentionally made a faint, deliberate sound while pouring.

The freshly brewed Pu-erh tea filled John Skaugie’s cup, releasing a subtle, deep, earthy scent.

The sound of water falling, accompanied by the rising steam, evoked the damp, refreshing aroma one might smell in a forest after rain.

Unconsciously, John let out a low sigh.

“Ah…”

The serene forest-like scene Sean had created relaxed him without him even realizing it.

Startled by his own sound, John blinked a few times and glanced sideways, but Sean had already moved a little distance back.

John gave a small nod of thanks to Sean and lifted the teacup.

Sip.

‘The client’s tension has eased for now. That buys us a little time. Next…’

After confirming that a brief calm had returned to John’s expression, Sean slowly shifted his gaze.

To the wall near the entrance.

Mia was leaning against it.

Her expression was subdued, as if she were either hardened or lost in deep thought.

Sean had come to understand when Mia would wear that expression during their time together in District 56.

It always appeared when she reflected on the past.

It was the same look he had often seen when the two of them first moved into District 56 and set up the office.

Whenever Mia fell into that state, Sean, who assisted her, would not speak to her unless absolutely necessary.

But there came a moment when Mia’s expression started to brighten.

That was when Eddie, a dark magician, joined Edge Line.

Sean wasn’t sure what Mia had seen or felt from Eddie, but after his arrival, her expressions brightened dramatically, and she gradually returned to her usual self.

For Sean, it was a welcome, positive change.

He had hoped she would grow to be as cheerful as before.

‘But seeing her with that expression again…’

Inevitably, thoughts of Eddie surfaced.

Whenever he came around, Mia seemed to revert to her old self for the whole day.

So Sean hoped that Eddie would visit the office often, regardless of his exceptional skills.

Yet, frustratingly, he didn’t come as often as Sean had hoped.

Sean caught himself about to sigh but restrained it.

He couldn’t spoil the carefully balanced atmosphere with a heavy sigh.

‘Eddie has only been on the mission for three hours. It’s too soon to expect him here… but I hope he arrives quickly.’

Probably, the other two—Mia and John—were also waiting for his return.

And in taking care of them, Sean realized he too was waiting for him.

Ultimately, all three in the room, for different reasons, were waiting for the same person.

Sean thought it was rather amusing.

Then it happened.

Vwoooom.

The door suddenly opened.

“Could it be… already?”

Including travel time, it seemed too soon for him to have finished the job.

Still, despite the impossibility, excitement rose in their hearts.

And as if on cue, the person they had been eagerly waiting for appeared through the door.

“Eddie!”

“…Huh? Have you all been waiting like this?”

Entering, he was slightly surprised by the focused attention.

Sean watched without expression, but Mia’s eyes blazed, and John’s gaze was drenched in relief.

Both were overflowing with emotion.

What happened?

Thinking that, Eddie noticed Mia approaching him with a wide smile.

“What’s this? Why are you here so quickly? You didn’t get lost, did you?”

“…No need to ask when you already know the answer.”

“Of course you did well! Naturally!”

Mia’s unusually cheerful demeanor was peculiar, but it wasn’t new—so Eddie remained silent.

Sean naturally interjected.

“Eddie, what’s that in your hand?”

Ah, this?

He lifted the envelope he was holding onto the table.

Plop.

Mia frowned and leaned back, while John asked curiously.

“What’s that…?”

“These are the drugs we secured while cleaning up. The Blue Plain operation… I wouldn’t have let myself bring these unless some of them had survived.”

“So you didn’t take their heads. Good choice.”

From behind, Sean muttered as if relieved.

Huh, was it really that unpleasant?

In the line of work, taking someone’s head might be necessary.

Other problem solvers could secure evidence with high-tech recording devices in artificial eyes.

I couldn’t do that.

So this was the only option—but to others, it looked barbaric.

Shhh.

As the envelope was set down, its contents spilled slightly.

Bloody syringes and ampoules.

Given their nature, the blood made them look especially ominous.

“Why is there so much blood?”

Don’t ask that.

John murmured softly as he read the labels on the ampoules with a troubled look.

“The version has changed. It seems they’ve been continually improving it.”

“I see.”

Even after John fled, Celebrix seemed to continue research independently.

Probably why they supplied these gangs for testing and gathered data through unwitting civilians.

Even without John stating it outright, the situation was clear to Eddie.

“Anyway, good work. The promised compensation…”

“I’ll settle that with my handler. Let’s move on.”

When he mentioned Mia, her expression brightened.

Clearly pleased to have her domain acknowledged.

Was the upfront payment 5 million credits?

Since the final reward was in items, Edge Line would receive a commission.

Mia had shown trust first, so he could leave the small details to her.

Worried about a double-cross?

If that happened, only those who would lose everything would worry.

With his abilities, that sum was nothing.

Any reasonable person would prefer a long-term relationship for ongoing high profits rather than greed over a small sum.

So he could fully trust Mia in that regard.

And he would focus on his own task.

John blinked briefly and then nodded before continuing.

“Yes, understood. Then, about the main mission… It may be quite difficult, but… well, yes, yes.”

He hesitated to speak.

But Eddie was patient, waiting calmly for the next mission.

The upfront payment alone already exceeded a typical mission reward.

5 million.

Durden?

Barely second-tier before placing the drugs?

The previous Yabok mission reward was 300,000.

Though later adjusted up 500% due to underestimated strength.

Even then, it was still higher than a typical third-tier mission.

Yet now, cleaning up a gang including one second-tier?

And 5 million upfront? Unbelievable.

And that’s just the advance payment.

Considering the full ‘Parametrics’ reward…

Eddie felt confident he could handle any mission.

“Then… I’ll explain.”

Clearly reassured, John began nervously.

“I… I’ve betrayed my company, Celebrix.”

“….”

Surprisingly, no one reacted.

At least, it was within the expected range for those familiar with office dealings.

Seeing their composed faces, John hesitated briefly, then continued.

“But I didn’t betray them for evil purposes. While testing a new drug, I discovered the company was conducting acts beyond legal bounds…”

His gaze lingered on the syringes and drugs.

Mia and Sean nodded, understanding the situation.

“Illegal human experiments… So you betrayed the company for justice? That’s quite bold.”

In this era, standing against a corporation purely for morality and justice was rare.

Even knowing the situation, hearing it from the person made it feel different.

Mia’s eyes reflected recognition and respect.

“Ah, no… that’s part of it, but I also received a recruitment offer from a higher-tier pharmaceutical company… so I’m taking my research and leaving.”

“….”

Mia’s expression softened.

Even betraying a company was risky, yet he made the decision quickly.

Curious, she asked.

“May I ask which group?”

“The ‘Inouzitsu’ pharmaceutical company from District 18.”

“Wow…”

Mia whispered, truly impressed.

District 18. Inouzitsu.

For those living in the 50s District, the tens-districts represented a distant, untouchable world.

A place of vague admiration and longing.

Inouzitsu…?

Eddie’s gaze briefly met John’s.

Because Inouzitsu released Parametrics in limited quantities every year.

A scout from one of Arkham City’s mega-corps, Inouzitsu, visiting the border between Districts 56 and 55… clearly, this seemingly naive man was capable.

Enjoying the reactions, John straightened and spoke.

“The meeting point with Inouzitsu is at the western border between Districts 56 and 55. The period is ten days from now.”

In a serious tone, he looked at Eddie.

“During these ten days, please protect my life. That’s the main objective of the next mission.”