Muble

"Oh, by the way, did Rudy bother you today, bro?" Wenny asked, changing the topic of conversation.

Mazel smiled faintly and shook his head. "No, he didn't bother me today. Maybe he's busy with something new." Fanden tried to act casual, but deep down, he felt vigilant. He knew that Rudy was someone who always bothered Mazel.

Rudy, a researcher with an average face, brown hair, and black eyes, was competent but had bad habits. He was known for stealing others' research results, often attempting any means to undermine someone of higher rank to advance his career. Worse yet, before joining their current company, he was known as a job hopper, frequently changing companies in a short period, taking stolen research results from one place to another.

Mazel had worked with Rudy once, even though only briefly, but it left an impact. One day, Rudy asked Mazel, an archaeologist, to assist him in a significant research project. The project involved tracing the origins of the Pyramid Tomb and unveiling the secrets behind it. Rudy claimed to have crucial information that could open new doors in Tomb research, but he needed Mazel's expertise in archaeology.

Mazel, being level-headed, agreed, but in reality, he had a detailed plan. He worked hard, ensuring that every contribution he made was acknowledged in the project. He also kept evidence showing that the information Rudy claimed to have was stolen from other researchers, including herself. Mazel didn't want Rudy to take credit for others' work, especially when it came to the Tomb, which was his interest and passion.

When the presentation day arrived, Rudy arrogantly stood in front of their superiors with outstanding research results. He claimed to have found traces of the Pyramid Tomb mentioned in the Nefas nation's folklore.

However, Mazel suddenly stood up, interrupting Rudy's ongoing presentation. He then proved that many of the research results actually came from him. He presented the evidence he had collected, showing that Rudy had stolen data from other researchers, including himself. He also showed that Rudy had violated existing protocols. Mazel also revealed that Rudy had manipulated data to support his theories, which had no scientific basis.

Their superiors were impressed with Mazel and gave him a well-deserved award. They praised his efforts and the high quality of his research. Mazel was then recognised as a competent archaeologist and earned a high position, leaving Rudy with regrets.

On the contrary, Rudy felt ashamed for his exposed ambition and dishonest behavior. He received a severe reprimand from his superiors and was nearly fired. He also lost his reputation as a researcher and became the target of mockery from his colleagues. Rudy believed that Mazel had ruined his career and life, vowing to seek revenge.

Over time, Mazel continued to show dedication and integrity in his work, while Rudy faced the consequences of his actions. Mazel's success fueled Rudy's growing resentment.

Every day, Rudy continued to plan malicious schemes against Mazel, ranging from trivial matters to serious ones. Rudy wanted to constantly disturb Mazel in any way possible. He attempted to sabotage Mazel's work, spread malicious rumors about him, and even tried to endanger Mazel's life!

That's why I feel vigilant and want to get rid of Rudy as soon as possible, just not using dirty tactics...

"Even though he might be busy with new research, you have to be careful, bro. Because earlier, I saw Rudy behaving suspiciously," Wenny said with concern.

"Suspicious?" Fanden asked, suddenly curious about his adversary's suspicious behavior.

"Earlier, I saw him discussing something with his gang. Unfortunately, I didn't hear clearly what they were saying, but I caught glimpses of your name and 'Tuer' in their conversation," Wenny explained, leaning towards Fanden and then lowering his voice. Wenny was afraid someone might overhear their conversation.

"My name and Tuer's appeared, huh? Seems like avoiding them is not an option," mumbled Fanden. Fanden continued to mumble, trying to devise a plan to face the situation. Wenny, hearing Fanden's unclear mumbling, quickly pulled him out of his thoughts by shaking his body.

"Bro? Bro!" Wenny said, looking seriously at Fanden, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Yes?" Fanden asked, confused.

Wenny sighed. "Can't you stop that mumbling habit of yours? I know you're thinking hard, but you have to stop mumbling when you're seriously thinking about something. It scares me!" Wenny said with a troubled expression.

"Eh? Was I mumbling?" Fanden asked, puzzled. He tilted his head, and his expression showed that he didn't understand the behavior he had just exhibited.

Wenny was annoyed to hear Fanden's question, as if Fanden didn't realize his own actions. "Are you pretending not to be aware, or what?!" he said in anger. Despite his anger, Wenny didn't shout when expressing his frustration to his older brother.

From Wenny's angry face, Fanden immediately realized that he was wrong. "Oh, sorry, sorry. Next time, I won't do it again," Fanden immediately apologized to Wenny without questioning whether he really mumbled or not when deep in thought.

Strange... I don't have the habit of mumbling. Has Mazel's and my behavior completely merged? Fanden wondered.