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Chapter 061:

The Curious Case of Joana Cruz (1)

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There wasn't much he could do right now inside so Siva chose to log out and rest.

After consolidating everything he'd gained this time, he separated his material gains into three as the first category being "to be repaired"; with the second being "salvaged items"; and with the third being named "updated stock" as now, he already combined both inventories and updated his list.

He now had:

()

Items: 61,4XX slots

NanoCube (x18 Billion)

NM-Converter

Dead Man's Chest

Plasma Smoke Screen Grenade (x500M+)

Stun E-Grenade (x300M+)

Anti-Glare Masks (x82)

Nano-Cryo Preserver

Battleship Rewloola "Retrofit Parts" (x23)

BM-Puppet "Maxima" (x1)

Dáinsleif (x5)

Dáinsleif Ammunition (x61)

Lightning Flash Bomb (x19)

SS-Generator (x706)

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Resource Items: 471,XXX slots

Assorted Monster Resource***

***S-Ranked Monster Resource (3 boxes)

***A-Ranked Monster Resource (6 boxes)

***B-Ranked Monster Resource (10 boxes)

***C-Ranked Monster Resource (18 boxes)

***D-Ranked Monster Resource (26 boxes)

Fire Dragon Carcass (x8 + ¼ of an entire body)

Assorted Extraterrestrial Fire-Elemental Resource (95 boxes)

Captured 'Mobile Suit' Units (4,582 Units)

Assrtd Alien Metal Resource (x13 Mega-crates)

Baal Chamber Metal Resource (x1 Mega-crate)

Glandanium Alloy (x2 Mega-crates)

No Black Ironwood Alloy in stock; allocated to the Asgard for the Dragon Revitalization Project and the 6th Dáinsleif and SS-Generator.

No Tesla Coils in stock; allocated for the central power source for the Asgard, also for the Dragon Revitalization Project and the Master Armament (NEO) and the SS-Generator.

No Cryo-modules in stock; everything was given for the Dragon Revitalization Project.

Siva expected that The Union is antagonistic to him and so he took it upon himself to take his pay from his protector services from the city.

Out of all the resources available in the city that he discovered, Siva took only 8% of all of them and combined it with all his existing resources.

But then, he took 10% of all the Plasma Smoke Screen stocks he found and kept it.

Since he can teleport almost anywhere in the city, not one of those monitoring his movements can ever know that he could sneak and out unnoticed from their noses.

()

Current Processes:

1) SS-Generator 1000pcs: (70.12%)

2) 6th Dáinsleif: (9%)

3) Dáinsleif Ammunition: 61 (next: 55%)

4) Cortana [Nano Body] modifications: 99.07%

5) Fire Lord Helmet (x4): 16.39%

6) Fire Lord Armor (x4): 16.39%

7) Fire Lord Gauntlets (x4): 16.39%

8) Fire Lord Vambraces (x4): 16.39%

9) Fire Lord Tasset (x4): 16.39%

10) Fire Lord Shin Guards (x4): 16.39%

11) Fire Lord Battle Boots (x4): 16.39%

12) Fire Lord Spandex (x4): 16.39%

13) Dragonator (x4): 15.89%

14) Master Armament (NEO): 15.11%

15) Lightning Flash Bomb: 19 (next: 23.49%)

16) ------

17) ------

18) ------

19) ------

20) ------

21) PNF (LV6) Synchronization: 42.52%

22) PNF (LV6) Synchronization: 42.52%

23) PNF (LV6) Synchronization: 42.52%

24) PNF (LV6) Synchronization: 42.52%

25) PNF (LV6) Synchronization: 42.52%

Rex glanced one last time at his updated info and when he was informed of the remaining period of time until all of his 'tasks' were completed...

SS-Generator 1000pcs: (70.12%)

>>> 044hrs / 56min

6th Dáinsleif: (9%)

>>> 011hrs / 12min

Dáinsleif Ammunition: 61 (next: 55%)

>>> 9min

Cortana [Nano Body] modifications: 99.07%

>>> 49min

Fire Lord Set (x4): (x1 = 16.39%

>>> 018hrs / 33min

Dragonator (x4): 15.89%

>>> 018hrs / 59min

Master Armament (NEO): 15.11%

>>> 019hrs / 11min

Lightning Flash Bomb: 19 (next: 23.49%)

>>> 12min

...he felt satisfied and finally heaved a sigh.

He didn't even glance at the time of the day and just went directly to sleep after removing the rest of his worries on his mind. With an adjutant like Cortana, 'emptying' his mind for a good sleep had become as easy as a single command.

Tomorrow, for sure —he thought— I will finish up here and follow her at the gathering...

And then he fell asleep.

*****

It was 7am in the office and should be the time that employees are still on their way to work but for a game that operates 24/7, to 30% of the full employees in the Panorama Building, it was just after their 'lunch time' and they were already at full attention as they waited for the arrival of their VIP guests.

They were the President of the entire Panorama Corporation's [Operations Department] and their newly demoted 'from' Chief Operations Clerk and RPG: Terroa Technical Specialist to Chief Errand Officer, Carl Hanes.

President Ethan and Carl arrived at the lobby and the nervous people of the building, the 'Boss' of the entire Operations of the Philip Country Branch of Panorama Corporation and his cohorts, were already there waiting for the inspectors.

Yes. This was a surprise inspection that was only told to them 30 minutes ago.

Supposedly, it should be lower-level officers that are conducting this inspection but because; one, they didn't bring any retinue with them on this trip to this country and; two, their visit here in Philip Country to see Amanda was supposed to be a top-secret maneuver from Panorama Corp to get a hold on how to contact Siva, as well as hide the actions of the executives from the prying eyes of The Union's spies within the company, there was no one else to do it but the two of them to show her the sincerity and kind intentions of the BOD of Panorama Corporation.

Why would the two of them, top executives of a world-level company, personally visit a plebeian of a random surname from a third-world country?

It's because first, it was a Bloodline Princess from a World Noble they are visiting and second, it's because she was connected to [Siva], the cause of the company's massive headaches and rows of sleepless nights from stress.

Ethan and Carl arrived at Philip Country yesterday but they didn't tell anybody about their arrival and so nobody welcomed them in the airport and only told the branch of their existence today... no, it's actually 30 minutes earlier.

"Welcome to Phil-Country President Ethan!" the man at the front greeted the plump President and his Chief Errands Officer, Carl.

"""Welcome to Phil-Country President Ethan!"""

The rest of the Phil-Country Branch followed the lively greeting and despite it being peak hours of the entire operations, they still made their way in here just to join the retinue of the Branch Chief.

After all, this is a rare chance to show their faces to the President of the entire company they were working for.

Carl was all smiles while Ethan... was scowling.

"What's so good in the fucking morning?" his low voice grumbled and the Branch Chief and the rest of his retinue immediately felt that this plump man —President Ethan— was already at the worst of moods possible early in the morning.

"Ehem." The Branch Chief opened, "President, you must still be tired. Should we first grab some breakfast or should we proceed immediately with your inspection?"

"I don't want to waste my time so let's just carry on to our business. Show me all your data and you," he pointed at the Branch Chief. "I want the latest news about anything happening around our branch lately. No matter how small the news is, as long as it's somehow connected to us, one way or another, include it on the report. I want it all in the next hour on my table."

"Yes sir!" The Branch Chief immediately set into action while President Ethan leaned to his side.

"Carl, begin your inspection."

The man in question (grumbled inwardly) smiles and nods but he still showed the courtesy to the people of this local branch of Panorama Corp.

His questions and his prompts were accurate and sharp, direct, and simple, aside from his tone and manner of speech being polite. The rest of the branch became relaxed in front of Carl and they all gave it their all to provide all the information he needed and demanded.

What should have taken them a few long hours is now taking them only minutes to accomplish.

However, while Carl worked his magic in the main office area of the branch, President Ethan went on to sit on the conference room and took one of his figurines and began rubbing it with a cloth.

Ethan was immediately on cloud-9 and satisfied.

*****

Some time later...

At the conference room at the 61st floor, Carl was seated at the side while President Ethan was on the main seat, reading the reports piled up by the people in front of them.

Carl was reading the branch reports while Ethan was reading the 'local news' that has some sort of connection to their company... or branch.

Closer to the end of the report, Ethan's face then began to frown as he read the article.

"This news, how big was the impact of it on your country?"

When Ethan asked this question, he flicked his finger and 'displayed' the article for everyone to see it. Even Carl took a moment to look and also felt surprised as he swiped the air and read the full articles on his own panel windows.

The Branch Chief answered, "Actually, aside for the local police having some trouble controlling a few activists from crowding over the news, that news itself wasn't that much of an impact to the country and the entire operation of the branch."

(AN: Hah! Activists... Phil is really known for its culture of activists and while it is a republic, the people of Phil are slowly being converted to have a communist mindset by these activists who had infiltrated the schools and government during the past decades...)

Although he answered it with all honesty, still, the fact that it was 'included' in the report about news that has a connection to the company is no small matter. It should be connected to them one way or another, especially with the secrets involved in the development of the game that only a very few are aware of that including himself.

The news was about a commotion that happened in the UNICORN branch in the country.

The news article said that a UNICORN supply car was spotted on a Panorama Phil-Branch HQ. This was a military supply car and should have never been close to a private company like Panorama —most especially Panorama— and this is why this news actually garnered the attention of a few media channels and opportunistic activists.

What more, the same UNICORN Supply Car was spotted parked in a residential location and this is more reason for those UNICORN bashers to pull the world's attention to the World Government.

Ethan looked at the Branch Chief, "Did the supply car make contact with you or any employee in the building?"

The Branch Chief blinked and thought for a brief instant before he nodded, "Yes. There was a girl who made contact with the driver of that car but she had already resigned immediately after." He then looked at his secretary and whispered some words before getting a reply, nodding, and then telling Ethan, "She was called Joana Cruz."

Ethan's expression sunk, "Where is she now?"

"We have no idea. We didn't pry deeper into her reason for quitting her job but her friends should know of her current status. Would you like me to call all of her friends in here?"

"Yes. Call them. Asap. If they are at home, make them come and tell them that we're doubling their pay for a short interview."

"I will contact them immediately." The Branch Chief nodded and whispered to his secretary who immediately made the announcements to her panel window.

Carl by then had finished reading and looked at the man behind the Branch Chief, "Are you the Head of Security to the building?"

"Yes sir." the man stood in military attention when he was called.

Carl nodded, "Give me access to your security logs and bring me the data on past log reports in Joana's access entry to the company's accounts as well as the facilities in the building."

The head of Security was surprised but because this building was privately owned by Panorama, it wasn't an issue if an executive wants to view their security logs and details. This was also part of the inspection so he obliged.

Carl immediately began to study the girl's logs and it was an hour later that he began to frown.

At the same time, the Branch Chief called out to President Ethan, "Sir, three of Joana's friends are already here..."

Ethan prompted, "Bring them in."

The door opened and three women came in with all of them still looking as if they were just in the middle of working. But being called by an exec in this manner made them scared and they looked like lambs on a chopping board.

"One of them is on the way here from home." He added and studied Ethan's expression.

The three girls were trembling microscopically as they saw Ethan's scowl. Thankfully, there was the dependable Carl who already made impression to the employees in the building who kept smiling and assuring them it's alright.

"Please, relax, we won't fire you and in fact, we are going to reward you in this session. We just want to ask a few questions and hope that you're going to answer them honestly."

The three girls nodded and then Ethan slumped back to his chair, going silent. He knew about his temper and so let Carl do the questioning.

"Firstly, are you all close friends of Joana Cruz?"

The three girls were surprised and all of them bid a nod in agreement. Carl was elated and gave a warm smile.

"Okay, actually, this is a very simple question and we just want to know why Joana suddenly quit her job when she's actually on a good streak for the last two months before she resigned."

One of the girls (thus namely the First), made a pondering expression, "We're actually confused as well because nothing seems to be wrong 'bout her and yet, a few days before she resigned, she began to change... as if she had done something wrong to somebody."

Second added, "She actually began to get fidgety at that time. In fact, there was a time when we're in the cafeteria, somebody dropped their spoon and Joana suddenly jumped out like a frightened cat and ran out of the place with her food still halfway eaten... going home without logging off from work."

Just these words alone was enough to give the impression that indeed, Joana might've offended someone and it affected her mentality and work ethics... or there was something else so Ethan and Carl didn't say a word and looked at the third person with them.

Third said, "A few days before she quit her job, she told me to never tru—" the girl stopped here when she realized that what she was about to say to them were actually something serious now that she had thought about it and this sudden bout of questioning out of the blue.

It made her shake uncontrollably as her look was ladened with palpable fear on them.

Alas, it was too late. Since she had already begun to say something, everyone's attention is already locked on to her.

She began to tremble in regret and chew her lips.

"Don't be afraid." Carl assured, "No matter what it is, we won't put it against you. We just wanted to know a few thing about Joana, that is all."

"Is that a promise?"

Ethan's expression twitched and Carl replied with a nod and a smile, "Yes. It's a promise."

The girl bit her lower lip and looked at her two friends, asking for help, then said, "...she once told me to never trust... never trust the World Government. She said they were conducting an experiment with people and that there was a man who told her to run and hide as fast as she can. I thought she was just joking and that she was just trying to scare me because she's always been a naughty girl who loved surprises. And then, after that, she suddenly quit her job and never tried to contact us ever again."

President Ethan frowned and Carl was shocked.

The rest of the people in the room were also the same, with the more shocked of all being those other two friends of hers.

"Yna, is that true?!" "Yna! That's serious!"

Because of the reaction of Ethan and Carl, these two women immediately understood the gravity of their situation. It was because their friend, Joana Cruz, might be connected to some sort of hidden conspiracy involving the World Government. This was serious matter.

Her two friends were aghast and at that moment, the Branch Chief seated with them spoke, "Sir, the last person had arrived."

"Enter."

The door opened again and a fourth woman then entered and when she saw the three others in the room looking like they've seen a ghost, she immediately felt frightened.

"Yna, Fe, Vicky... what are you guys doing here?"

"Trina..." "Trina...!!" "Trina, it's..."

The three girls were trembling and they began to shake on their knees and teary eyed cried for the new comer, Trina, to help them mentally.

Trina, who seemed to have a backbone, glared at the men in the room before her gaze landing at the man in the main seat of the conference room.

"Mister President." She greeted.

"I'm sorry that this might be odd and very... weird, even suspicious, for you. But I can assure you, I am only asking a few questions about your friend who had resigned recently."

"Joana?" Trina frowned and prompted.

Just at the mention of the name and the face she wore after made Carl see something in it. There was already a picture starting to form in his mind right now.

"Yes." Ethan firmly spoke, "I won't dilly dally with the unnecessary so I will ask you directly. Do you know anything about the reason why Joana Cruz resigned recently?"

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