8.5: Unconventional Advice

Once everything’s done, Jeremiah leaves the greenhouse to begin his “deception.”

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The breaking dawn meets the chirping of birds as they reverberate atop the greenhouse. I turn my head to look at Xavier.

Xavier: “What’s wrong?”

MC: “You bringing me here wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

MC: “You knew for a while that I’d be going to the N109 Zone. You already had a plan to help me sneak in, right?”

Xavier: “...”

Xavier: “Hmm.”

MC: “How did you meet a friend who knows how to make fake identities? He’s also very cooperative...”

MC: “And since he helped me, that means he could’ve helped you.”

It’s funny how the more a person talks about something, the more real it seems. An idea starts to form in the back of my mind. I stare at him, searching for clues from his expression.

Xavier: “I’m just a normal Deepspace Hunter.”

MC: ““Just” a hunter?”

I walk up to Xavier and take the small spray bottle form his hand. I hold it up to his forehead like I’m aiming a gun at point-blank range.

MC: “I know we aren’t exactly close, but can you repeat what you just said?”

Xavier: “...”

MC: “You’re not looking me in the eye.”

Xavier: “... You’re too close.”

He gently touches my forehead to push me away.

Xavier: “Also, you’re...not scary. At least, not scary enough.”

MC: “What do you mean?”

Xavier: “You’re being very polite. You won’t be able to take control of the situation.”

Xavier: “Anyone who’s made a name for themselves in the N109 Zone can’t be a pushover.”

Het gets up from his chair. I find myself stepping back and leaning against the edge of the table.

Xavier: “As the next leader of a crime syndicate, you should at least act tough. Don’t let anyone easily spot your weakness.”

Xavier: “Otherwise, you might end up as a lamp at an auction swarming with wolves. You’ll be killed in the blink of an eye.”

A sharp blade of glass pokes my chin.

Xavier: “The arrogant ones always like to look down on people.”

I can’t help but chuckle. I lift my head in response.

MC: “And?”

Xavier: “Your shoulders are stiff.”

Xavier: “Being too awkward will only make you look suspicious. Relax. But try to maintain a facade of arrogance.”

MC: “Got it. Anything else?”

Xavier: “Don’t say thank you. And don’t apologize.”

Xavier: “The last thing you want is hesitation or doubt in your voice. Remember, you’re always right.”

MC: “What if someone tries to challenge me? Or what if they doubt me?”

Xavier: “Return the favor.”

MC: “Like this?”

I push Xavier’s shoulder, but he only takes a step back.

I move closer, maintaining eye contact—with my chin.

MC: “By the way, my neck is starting to hurt because of how you’re standing. Can you adjust your position?”

Xavier: “Are you mixing personal feelings with business?”

MC: “Of course not. As you said, whatever I do is correct.”

Xavier: “...All right.”

Xavier sits back down, but he tightly grips my wrist and pulls. I’m in front of him.

Xavier: “One more thing. It’s very important.”

Xavier: “Don’t provoke people who have yet to show their hand.”

The atmosphere becomes heavy, my gut telling me that I’m in danger. Yet the only thing I can do is look into his eyes.

He’s seated, yet at this moment, the peson standing isn’t necessarily the one who has the upper hand.

Jeremiah: “I’m done. Do you think this is enough?”

Jeremiah walks in. His gaze sweeps over us, not even lingering for a second. Then he quickly turns around and leaves.

Jeremiah: “Whoops, sorry. I entered the wrong room.”

MC: “...”

Xavier: “...Come back.”