14. Lies and Survival (2)

This was getting even weirder. The room was the same way as before as if nothing happened in it. I felt an uneasy feeling in my stomach as I looked around the room. The absence of the body was unsettling, to say the least. I couldn't believe that it was gone, as if had never happened in the first place.

The team exchanged glares about what I was talking about and said that nothing of that sort happened. Since no one happened to have an idea and I was the only one that knew about it I kept quiet and didn't pry any further. I didn't want any extra suspicions about me to raise.

As the team looked at me with confusion and disbelief, I began to second-guess myself. Had I imagined the whole thing? Was my mind playing a game with me? But that can't be true since I had the Mana Refined Handgun with me that the Secretary was using. I stayed quiet about the Handgun since I didn't want more unrest to be created within the team.

I decided to keep quiet and not push the issue any further. The last thing I wanted was to raise any suspicions about my involvement in the Secretary's disappearance. The mission was a success and we successfully defended the infiltrators from getting into the research center that wanted to steal the information we wanted to protect. That's what was more important.

With the mission being done, we have completed the mission, and I kept my end of the contract with the old man. I can finally rest in peace to a certain extent and now with this, the company of the old man will be able to reach higher heights even faster than before.

I felt a weight lifted off my shoulder, knowing that I had fulfilled the contract not because I had protected the valuable research that was so important to the old man and his company. And with the threat neutralized, the company would be able to move forward with even greater success and prosperity.

As I reflected on the mission, I couldn't help but think about the mystery of the body's disappearance. Even though I had been unable to find concrete answers, I knew that the truth was out there somewhere which I didn't know about at the current moment. I needed to have more information about what happened then.

But for now, I was content to bask in the success of the mission and the knowledge that I had helped protect something valuable. As I settled into my home for some much-needed rest, I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had done the right thing and I can have some inner peace. And as I drifted off to sleep, I made a promise to myself that I would continue to search for the truth about the body, no matter where it might lead me.

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and energized. I had to get going for my part-time job and started to out for work. As I walked to my job, I couldn't help but think about the mystery of the missing body.

I wondered if anyone would any clues about it, but knowing that everyone said that the secretary didn't even enter the building, there wasn't going to be anything. My mind was racing with questions, but I knew that I had to focus on my job for the day.

I arrived at the coffee shop where I worked part-time, and I greeted my coworkers with a smile. I enjoyed working at the shop and the pay was fine.

As I began my shift, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. My coworker, Haruka, noticed my unease and asked if everything was alright. I told her it was fine. I didn't want to involve other people in things I had.

The day flew by quickly, and before I knew it, my shift was over. As I left work, I decided to go back home. The butler was waiting for me at my house so I presume that the old man wanted to meet me.

The butler greeted me and took me to the old man's place via the limousine again. The butler escorted me to the study where the old man was waiting. He was sitting in his armchair, his eyes fixed on me as I walked in.

"I've been waiting for you," he said, his voice low and gravelly.

I nodded, unsure of what to expect. It's probably related to me keeping my end of the contract but I had a feeling that there was something more to come.

"Please, have a seat," he gestured to the chair opposite him. "I have something important to discuss with you."

I took a seat, feeling a sense of apprehension building in my chest. The old man leaned forward, his eyes searching mine.

"You have kept your end of the agreement so your end of the contract is now complete"

I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the weight of the contract lifted off my shoulders. The old man continued, "Would you like something as a reward?"

I thought for a moment, considering my options. This was more like a one-time opportunity to ask for something, so I needed to make my choice wisely. I didn't want to waste my reward on asking about the Secretary when I don't have enough information about the incident that happened.

The old man has way too many good things to pass up and the time limit for the Area Gate was coming close. I decided to ask for something that would benefit me in the long term.

"I would like to receive training in firearm usage for self-defense."

The old man raised his eyebrow in surprise.

" Interesting choice. I can arrange that. But do keep in mind that gun ownership and usage are heavily regulated here. You will need to go through the proper channels and obtain the necessary permits. Consider it done. I will find a way to make it possible"

I nodded, understanding the implications of what he was saying. I had to get an idea of how to use the Mana Refined Handgun that I still had and it was better to practice with a normal gun.

I didn't know whether this equipment still works in Area Gates right now. In the future, only specially enhanced weapons for combat were able to defeat monsters. The weak military equipment didn't stand a chance against the monsters in the Areas.

The old man nodded in agreement and stood up from his chair. He walked over to a cabinet and retrieved a handgun, placing it in my hand.

"This is a basic model. But, it's a good starting point for you to learn the basics of shooting."

I thanked him and examined the gun in my hand, feeling its weight and texture. It was a strange feeling, to hold a weapon that had the potential to harm others. But I knew that in the world we lived in, it was necessary to know how to protect oneself.

The old man then introduced me to a retired military officer who had experience in firearms training through a call. We arranged a schedule for my training sessions.

The old man leaned back in his armchair, with a small smile on his lips.

"That will be all for now. But do keep in touch. You never know when our paths may cross again. Good luck with your training sessions. The instructor won't take it easy on you."

The old man then stood up, signaling that our meeting was over. With that, I rose from my chair and bid him farewell. The butler escorted me back to the limousine. On the way back, I saw the secretary. He was still alive and acting the same as usual.

I couldn't help but wonder what had happened the night I saw him being attacked. Had it all been a figment of my imagination? Or hand someone or something intervened to save him?

I decided to keep my thoughts to myself for the time being and focus on my upcoming training sessions. I needed to prepare for anything that might come my way in the Areas.

As the limousine pulled up to my house, I thanked the butler and made my way inside. It was time to start preparing for my training. I checked my pockets and there was something inside it.

Curious, I reached inside my pocket and pulled out a small envelope. I tore it open and found a note inside. It read:

"𝘋 𝘰 𝘺 𝘰 𝘶 𝘳 𝘦 𝘢 𝘭 𝘭 𝘺 𝘵 𝘩 𝘪 𝘯 𝘬 𝘱 𝘦 𝘰 𝘱 𝘭 𝘦 𝘥 𝘪 𝘦 𝘸 𝘩 𝘦 𝘯 𝘵 𝘩 𝘦 𝘺 𝘢 𝘳 𝘦 𝘬 𝘪 𝘭 𝘭 𝘦 𝘥 ?"

I shuddered as I read the note, unsure of who had put it in my pocket. Was someone watching me? Or was it just a sick joke? I couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't right. I called it a day and decided to go to bed since I had to get ready for the training sessions the next day.