Chapter 17: You just need to pay me money

The matter of Helian entrusting him to retrieve the hard drive from the Sangvis Ferri Manufacturing Plant wasn't particularly significant. Moreover, when Helian contacted him again, she wasn't at the headquarters.

How long would she remain there? This commission likely isn't documented yet. The most probable scenario is that Helian dies, rendering his commission futile. Not being able to earn money is still a minor issue, but in this case, it seems he can't establish a connection with Griffin, leverage Griffin's influence, and undertake tasks others dislike or avoid.

How can he make money if he doesn't accept this mission? Is it possible to set up a stall in the green zone and sell sesame cakes?

...Hmm, that might actually work. A repair shop seems feasible too, or perhaps they could acquire transportation and establish a logistics company? Hmm, considering this, the previous idea of taking on tasks for money seems somewhat narrow.

Upon closer examination, it appears there are numerous jobs and businesses he could pursue, promising a bright financial future!

However, there's a prerequisite for business: at least some startup capital, right?

"Hey! Mr. Renault! Are you still listening!?"

Seeing Renault, who had just raised his eyebrows and appeared on the verge of getting angry, suddenly drift away, Helian shouted loudly.

Boom!

There was another deafening roar from Helian's side. Apparently, something had exploded. The situation at the Griffin base over there didn't look optimistic.

Compared to the shabby stronghold here, Helian's current location at the Griffin base was evidently much more formal. The Griffin commander stationed there was obviously not a novice, with only two or three T-Dolls who would perish after encountering the enemy.

But even so, observing Helian's current situation, he could deduce that her superiors at headquarters had already received this kind of treatment, let alone the members of the Griffin echelon who were already stationed there.

"Ah, I'm listening. Speaking of which, I just got a helicopter from the attackers. If your side isn't too far away, I can bring someone over to help, but..."

"But what?"

Upon hearing Renault's words, Helian's eyes, which were almost despairing, instantly lit up.

"You need to pay me, understand?"

"No problem! Here's our specific location! Please hurry! We can discuss the remuneration details later!"

Without even inquiring how much Renault wanted to be compensated, Helian seized the last straw without hesitation and transmitted their coordinates directly to his communicator.

"Well, it seems we can earn some extra money, but we need to hurry so the client isn't left waiting. Otherwise, it'll be a missed opportunity."

Having said that, Renault turned and headed towards the mansion's exit. The equipment on those soldiers would be useful, so he needed to take it all with him before departing, along with some melee weapons. This medieval short axe was quite effective.

Seeing Renault about to leave the basement as if he had forgotten them, several T-dolls looked at him expectantly. It wasn't until Renault raised his hand to push the door that BM59 spoke up.

"Well, Mr. Renault! Then... what about us?"

"Huh? You guys wait here for now. I'll arrange for someone to pick you up after Helian's situation is resolved..."

"I want to go too! I don't want to stay here anymore!"

Simonov, who had been wandering in the corner, heard that Renault seemed unwilling to take them along and immediately shouted, increasing her intensity and rushing towards Renault.

Take them along?

To be honest, Renault hadn't considered bringing a few of them with him. Apart from their low combat effectiveness against the soldiers earlier, the main issue was their fragile bodies. Just look at those soldiers; wearing full body armor, Jaeger and M1 Garand were unable to do anything to them.

The teams sent to clear out such small strongholds were all well-equipped, let alone the larger enemies at Helian's location. It wouldn't work if he took them there, so it was better to leave them here honestly, lest the dolls he had painstakingly built and repaired be wasted in a futile battle in just a few minutes.

And perhaps with Simonov leading the charge, M1 Garand tightened her grip on her weapon, stepped forward, and stood in front of Renault, clearly not intending to stay here.

"I... I can do it too! Even without enhanced weapons, it's no problem!"

BM59 looked at Simonov and M1 Garand, raised her hand, and declared.

Seeing the determined looks of these individuals, Renault scratched his head.

Some of the dolls inside the bunker occasionally poked their heads into the passage, gazing toward him.

...

Meanwhile at the nearby Griffin base.

Facing the hopeful gazes of these human members, Helian shook her head heavily, she spoke as she put down the communicator.

"No, we can only contact the nearest stronghold. Maybe there'll be support, maybe not."

Even though Renault claimed he could pilot a helicopter, she wasn't sure if she and others could survive until then.

"Damn it!"