"Hmm, this should be done now. More than twenty chapters just to set up the ending. That shouldn't be considered rushed… right?"
After Wise uploaded the final chapter, he couldn't help but think, 'Anyway, not many people are reading it now, so no one will object if I end it like this, right?'
Just then, Fairy suddenly appeared and issued a warning.
[|Master, I detected a private message in your account. It contains threatening language and is directed at you.|]
"Huh? No way. I literally just finished talking, and someone's already sending me a private message to scold me?"
As Wise spoke, he clicked on the message to check its contents. Just as Fairy had said, it was filled with threatening words, sent from an account named "Golden Silk Princess Elegy".
However, unlike the usual messages shouting about "resurrection" or similar demands, this one was mainly complaining about his long absence and how abruptly the story had ended.
He checked the reward leaderboard and discovered that the sender was his number one supporter. Realizing that, Wise knew he had to respond seriously.
'I apologize. Due to certain events over the past few years, I wasn't able to continue creating this work. Ending it now is also so I can focus on making better works in the future. Thank you very much for your support.'
After Wise sent his reply, he also forwarded the same message to the other readers who had reached out to him in private.
At the same time, "Golden Silk Princess Elegy", or more accurately, Lucy, read Wise's reply carefully.
"Oh? So that's what happened? Fine. I'll let it slide this time."
Judging from his words, Lucy assumed the author had gone through some hardships. In a good mood, she sent another generous reward and followed it up with a new private message.
"Since you've returned, make sure you update properly whenever you have time. If you keep me satisfied, you won't have to worry about rewards."
Almost the moment the message was sent, Lucy noticed a new novel appear under the author's works. Just like the one that had recently ended, it was also a peaceful-era schoolgirl romance.
And this time, tens of thousands of words had been uploaded in one go.
As for Wise, after uploading parts of this new novel, he naturally noticed the private message sent by the other party.
He replied politely, then promptly stopped caring about it.
[Master, an abnormal data segment has been detected. I suspect a hacker intrusion and request permission to intercept the signal.]
"Oh, no need to intercept it. I was the one who did that."
The truth was, the system performed the action. Wise was too lazy to type it all out, opting instead to have the system directly transfer the novel into the computer.
[|But Master, you did not use any technological devices. The source of this data does not align with scientific principles.|]
"Hmm? Then do Hollows conform to scientific principles?"
[|Affirmative. Based on my search, I have found dozens of online research papers that can prove the rational existence of Hollows. Would you like me to read them to you?|]
"Forget it. It's better not to believe in such things. Also, regarding this data, just consider it my superpower. Help me keep it a secret, understand?"
[|Understood. The data segment has been designated Level 1 confidential content and sealed.|]
After tricking Fairy, Wise left the room downstairs.
Since Nicole's group was busy handling a legal lawsuit for the residents of Canvas Street, Anby and Nekomata didn't have the time to stop by the video store.
That night, it was just him and Belle sharing the bed. After making her take on a little extra burden, the night finally passed.
The following morning, Wise, having donned the disguise of a runner, made his way to the meeting spot.
Though Belle was still slightly groggy from staying up late, she bravely stayed at the store with Fairy. While her presence might not be immediately useful, she was ready to support Wise at any moment.
As Wise arrived, he cast a quick look around the nearby street corner.
He saw a well-built man with subtly crimson, spiky hair. The coat he wore only amplified his strikingly handsome and confident presence.
"Hey, hey, Brother, can you hear me? What's the situation on your side? Have you found the client?"
He had just arrived when Belle's communication came through. Listening to her whispering tone, Wise found it a little amusing.
"Belle, nobody can hear this call but us. You can talk normally."
"Ugh, was I not trying to be cautious? Never mind that, tell me what you see," Belle replied, sounding slightly embarrassed.
"Hmm, I noticed a rather suspicious person standing over there, talking to himself like he's waiting for someone. I suspect he's our client."
"Oh, you already have a target? What does he look like? Is he one of those burly, fierce-looking guys?" Belle asked.
Hearing her question, Wise paused and took another look at the man. He seemed to fit her description perfectly.
"He does look pretty strong, but I still haven't seen his face yet. Uh, wait, it looks like he's noticed me."
Wise watched the man stride straight toward him without the slightest hint of nervousness.
Seeing this, the man's expression brightened with joy.
"Ah, I finally found you. I am Anton from Belobog Heavy Industries. You must be Phaethon, the Proxy I specifically commissioned."
- Anton Ivanov[1] -
"Since you managed to find our obscure account on the Inter-Knot, someone we know likely introduced you. My name is Wise. Get straight to the point."
"Hey, straightforward. I like that. I apologize, meeting you directly might not follow the rules, but as I mentioned, our company is currently facing a life-and-death situation."
Anton apologized earnestly, his tone serious.
"Because this matter requires strict confidentiality, we chose to request a face-to-face meeting to place additional restrictions. We hope you can understand."
This was not difficult to understand. If such a critical situation really occurred, Wise would probably make the exact same decision.
"Alright, since Nicole is willing to introduce us to Belobog Heavy Industries, then whether out of professional ethics or any other reason, we naturally need to take responsibility."
"Haha, hearing that really puts me at ease, Wise. Just like the Cunning Hares guys said... Wait, hold on. How did you know about that?" Anton let out a small laugh before realizing Wise had actually guessed who had revealed his contact.
"Don't panic, Mr. Anton. Only a handful of people know about our small operation, and the most likely one to let it slip would be Nicole. Let's just talk business now. What exactly is the content of your commission?"
Wise wanted to know his intentions.
"Oh, right. Right."
His smile turned apologetic as he continued, "I'll take you to the construction site now. Our president will personally explain the commission."
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