People often make a mistake.The more rigid a hierarchy, the more likely one is to overlook the illusions that exist within its structure.People tend to think the director of a research institute—a higher education institution—is far above the head of an academy teaching children. In reality, from Central’s perspective, both are essentially heads of similar-ranking institutions.Likewise, a Company branch manager pushed to general residential zones holds, in principle, the same rank as a senior executive at Central headquarters.Such obvious truths are easily ignored and forgotten beneath a tattered exterior. In that sense, Goryeo City’s slums were an ideal place to move unseen by the public eye.The renowned entertainment district Sakdal. Everyone knew it had a manager, but only a few truly recognized his standing.Yet what he wielded was not mere unauthorized influence, but the ‘authority’ Central tacitly permitted.― Tell them to shove him out.― Jaegang District is saturated. We need to sift out the clueless and drop them below.Sakdal’s manager, Cheong, played an important role in La Vida Blue’s story.He had no visible backstory—no family, no connections, no past, no origin—but as an NPC he was perfectly crafted to breathe life into the game.Cheong was capable and cunning, yet perpetually bored. He was obsessed with every new amusement.Because his haunt was a gathering place for every sort of person, no ordinary issue could capture his attention.Perhaps for that reason, by the time he appeared in the story, he was starved for dopamine.― Why can an old man go into the Thorn Wolf’s lair but not a young guy? Put him in. If he survives, I’ll forgive his debt.Quite... a lot.So, like, four years...?― If he crawls out the back, I’ll cut his debt too. Tell him to give it his all.In CHAPTER 2 of the Main Quest, Jin Muhae grew famous handling major contracts and bulletins. System-wise, his exposure level rose.Cheong, sensitive to information, could not have been unaware of the rumors among mercenaries about Muhae. He spotlighted Muhae for mere amusement, noticed oddities in his actions, and—Spark. His interest ignited. From then on, Sakdal and Cheong interfered with Muhae’s path, making a ruckus.Depending on later choices, Cheong could be a bystander, an adversary, or an ally.Even if the branch diverged, it didn’t seriously affect the ending...Cheong was as annoying an NPC as he was intriguing. If he couldn’t be drawn in, silencing him at least brought peace.No matter how the story unfolded, Joo-o could cover for it. Yet if given the chance, Cheong’s aid benefited progress.It made sense: Cheong was capable, and the real Muhae had handicaps the playing Muhae didn’t.He couldn’t see shining game guides. Hints wouldn’t pop up, and a scratch would bleed.Also, Cheong was a favorability NPC. Higher favor meant easier tasks. The real Cheong would likely like the real Muhae.‘Because a living, breathing Muhae is warm and handsome.’So wasn’t that good?“Ha ha.”Just waking, Joo-o rolled on the mattress, recalling the Main Quest.He felt a flicker of excitement at meeting Cheong.Others might feel differently, but Joo-o didn’t dislike the NPC Cheong.“Jin Muhae. This on my head feels weird.”“Don’t touch it. If it unravels, I’ll leave it.”“Even if you leave it, I’ll catch up faster.”“And your tone. Speak exactly as we practiced. No weird lines.”Since meeting at the station, Muhae had tried talking to Cloud several times.Cloud always replied in a modulated voice. Even after revealing herself once, she stayed thorough.Surprisingly, in just two connections, Joo-o roughly guessed how much Muhae had learned.That hint of emotion under her mechanical voice—― Got fooled again, you con artists.Through the crackle, only Joo-o caught her mutter.He wondered if that line even existed, but he didn’t tell Muhae.― ‘Return Flight’ isn’t a group that collapsed midway. They progressed far enough, then fell at the last moment, so some felt regret.Regardless, Cloud had already joined. She laid out what Muhae hadn’t uncovered.Then, before revealing crucial data, she offered a deal.― Reports say private food suppliers have been acting shady.‘Hygiene issues?’― Hygiene’s not my concern if nothing blows up. But their ingredients are untaxed smuggled goods.‘…That’s not my area.’― Exactly. Go see for yourself and tell me what you think.It was a covert mission.He didn’t know why she wanted an opinion on a reported case.Anyway, Muhae became a contracted inspector for two days. His workplace: the warehouse district in the production zone.It was where goods screened at Goryeo City’s exit ended up.For the first time, Muhae dressed sharply and styled his hair.Wearing a Goryeo City–marked jumper, he stepped out to a similarly dressed Joo-o, who chirped—“Jin Muhae, it suits you.”“Why do I even have to bring this thing...?”He sighed. He understood Cloud didn’t know Joo-o’s condition, but did both need to go undercover?When he first received Joo-o’s clothes, his vision turned white...At least here, unlike the slums, few recognized Muhae.That alone eased the difficulty. Muhae forced a positive thought and sighed long and low in the mirror.“Checklist.”“Yes, senior.”Joo-o answered convincingly—he was a surprisingly talented actor.“When we enter the production zone, most won’t talk to you.”“Okay.”“Don’t speak unless necessary. Answer properly only when agreed.”“I’ll do my best!”Joo-o’s loquacity felt like divine luck in this situation.Since he seemed so eager, at least he wouldn’t drool through the production zone.“Come here.”Muhae shook dust off Joo-o’s shirt and jumper, straightening him.Neatly dressed, he really looked out of place in a slum corner.“I’ll keep my jacket on until we leave this area. Don’t take it off.”“Jin Muhae too?”“I’ll change later and pack my clothes. You stay as is.”“Got it.”No more time. Muhae threw on a red jacket, grabbed his bag, took Joo-o’s arm, and stepped outside.The Industrial Zone Da Beon housed food-related companies.Every licensed cooked or semi-cooked product in Goryeo City passed through here.The Tornado Fruits factory Joo-o bought from had two plants here.It was the largest private food conglomerate, churning out tasty foods citywide.“Jin Muhae. Ganna.”Joo-o whispered. Not even a minute since Muhae told him to calm down, yet his eyes brimmed with excitement.Thankfully—or not—he looked perfectly fine. Whatever his excitement, it seemed natural and harmless.“If you’re not helping, go back.”“I—I won’t, senior.”He snapped out of it quickly—amazingly so.Since Muhae changed and donned glasses, Joo-o’s attention darted everywhere but always returned to Muhae.“We’re not getting off here. We’re going straight to Da Beon District.”“Why is the warehouse so far...?”“What’s far? It’s ten minutes by car.”Joo-o made a pained face, then clamped his mouth shut, refusing to look at the Ganna factory.Whether admirable or absurd, his resolve was clear.‘We’re not here to play.’Muhae swallowed the words rising in his throat. Joo-o was trying, after all.He decided not to chastise him.Because someone nearby might overhear strange talk...‘He said he’d hit me. Is he punishing me?’‘…What are you talking about?’‘Boss Gil said you’re hogtying Joo-o.’‘…Huh?’Damn. Even thinking of it disoriented him.He recalled the subtle tension with Boss Gil on the day he sent Joo-o on that black-market deal.When Muhae went pale, Dr. Jeong even paused his questions.But by then a gaping hole had formed in his mind. After all, what he’d done to Joo-o wasn’t the only thing he regretted.

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