My cyberpsychosis is a task prompt

Chapter 263: Naïve

Will it be different?

[It depends on how you interpret it. Well, I'm not sure either. I'm guessing it won't be very free. You understand, since I checked your insurance account and know you used to work for a logistics company.]

"uh-huh."

John was already standing in the bathroom.

Kong took over his body and was enjoying the sensation of warm water washing his skin.

The narrow space creates a rainforest-like atmosphere.

What's it like working at an office?

"I'm so tired I feel like I'm going to die. I eat coffee and take energy pills like food. People are not as good as equipment. I'll kick you when you're about to break down."

John raised his hand and splashed water against his face.

"Look, the driver got a second job and became a mercenary."

[...That sounds terrible.]

"Hehe, I've been very tactful. After all, you don't need to consider your colleagues. There's a chance someone might trip you up behind your back, that would be really messed up."

John ruthlessly shattered the empty illusion.

Even though he knew it was a digital soul, John couldn't help but subconsciously treat it like a little kid full of fantasies.

Kong didn't say anything more until he finished showering.

John dried himself off and went into the living room. Looking at the two rows of flashy new clothes, he suddenly realized something.

"I won't go out wearing this."

Why!

Kong remained silent for a long time, hoping to naturally move on to the "dressing up" stage.

He shouted like a teenager rebelling against his rigid parents.

John pointed to the sequined fabrics.

"Even club sex partners aren't this flamboyant. I wouldn't go out with my heart-shaped pectoral muscles showing."

[That's called individuality. Skilled players should be easily recognizable; it's common sense in gaming! Besides, your brain's practically melting away—why do you care what others think?!]

"If the plan succeeds, I'll survive, but if I go out wearing this, I'll never take a job in the West End again. The ghouls will turn the surveillance footage into holographic ads just to ruin my reputation in big bars!"

John, wrapped in a bath towel, shook his head and sat down on the sofa.

His exposed lines are fantastic, because the muscle bundles and artificial leather are so high-end, exuding an absolutely alluring texture.

"I don't want to walk down the street and have someone throw money at me and invite me to have sex with them."

[That sounds pretty good.]

"Are you serious? Fuck, kid. You'd better go search the dark web for the average number of years male puppeteers have worked, and you'll see how perverted those club-goers are!"

boom!
slam-la-

John picked up the half-finished canned drink and knocked over the row of sparkly clothes.

OK, OK, we have other options~

Kenichi Sora wasn't angry.

He seems to have a certain obsession with "character outfits".

These clothes are all haute couture pieces; you can't buy them if your membership level isn't high enough. I used a little trick to create a fake identity and bypassed the verification process. Trust me, wearing them out will absolutely...

"will die."

【what? 】

Kenichi's passionate sales pitch was ruthlessly interrupted.

John pointed to the remaining row of clothes and said.

"These clothes are only worn by office workers, they're for the rich and powerful, you know? Look at the fabric of that suit jacket, and that shirt with the subtle pattern, you'll become a sitting duck!"

John shook his head, confirming once again that Kenichi Sora lacked common sense.

Mr. Vito had warned John to remember his class, and that on the streets, kitsch and entropy were rampant, seemingly flashy, but there was actually a clear dividing line.

If you dress yourself up like a delicate porcelain doll and add some gold-plated prosthetics, you'll become an oddity.

Old friends will feel awkward around you.

Black market vendors will treat you differently depending on who you're dealing with; otherwise, you won't be able to do business with them.

Ghouls are the most enthusiastic; they like to ambush rich people like you.

"But you look really cool, bro. Honestly, that workwear jacket you're wearing is really stylish. You look like a sophisticated mercenary, paired with a sports car and a bachelor apartment—so cool!"

"This is equipment, not child's play clothes."

【Is there a difference? 】

"What's the use of fancy stuff? People who make a name for themselves all have tailor-made outfits, just like how a tough guy pulls out a weapon that's perfectly handy. It's the same principle."

Where did you buy it? I'll pay for it!

"You can't buy it with money, it's custom-made, you can spell that word, right?"

Where is the person who made the clothes?

"They're all dead. One got cyberpsychosis and was beaten to a pulp by the SAT. The other infiltrated the company and became a department head; he's not far from dying either."

John rested his hands on the sofa and began to tell the story of Edward and the Scissors. Kenichi listened quietly.

But John could sense his eagerness.

The life-and-death struggles of mercenaries are nothing more than another virtual life in the eyes of this data.

Sure enough, it screamed as soon as the story was finished.

[Cool, so cool! This is exactly the one and only thing I wanted! So, our next plan is to get some gear!]

"..."

John squinted.

"You rented my body just for these pointless things?"

【The price is settled, I'm the employer, but I allow you to make the decision. You already have the clothes: comfortable pants, well-fitting boots, and a powerful gun. Take me on a trial!】

Kenichi Sora spoke very seriously.

[Mission target update]

Looking for customized equipment. (Not achieved)

"Oh, Fuck, are you serious?"

The moment the mission prompt popped up, John felt like the whole world was a joke.

Why such a strong reaction?

Kenichi Sora was able to see the essence of the black light, but he didn't mention the [mission hint], and there was no reaction when the text popped up.

John hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn't ask.

"Alright, what are your plans?"

Nope, as you can see, my memory is too outdated, it'll make me look ridiculous. Internet surveillance is tight, and I can't just connect to the internet recklessly...

The meaning of "empty" is very simple:
John arranged everything; his only responsibility was to reside in the body and enjoy the entire process.

"Okay, I'll ask the middleman."

【YES!】

John's video feed flickered as if it had been infected with a virus.

Who do you want to call? I'll call them for you.

"I can do it myself, shut up."

Call Yura. (Optional)

Call old Chris. (Optional)

Call Orlos. (Optional)

Call Raphael. (Optional)

……

John then realized that he knew quite a few people from all walks of life, and there were many who could get this done.

If we don't limit ourselves to intermediaries, the range of options will be even wider.

Company executives, gang leaders, police lieutenant colonels... they all have connections.

But professional tasks should be left to professionals.

[Contact Person - Raphael [Voice Call]]

The call was hung up.

Kenichi Soraka uttered a disappointed interjection.

It kept asking itself about the middleman—his sphere of influence, main business, even his appearance and demeanor, and whether he had any distinctive equipment or weapons…

"Oh my god... can you be quiet for a second?"

John remained completely unfazed, showing no embarrassment whatsoever at being hung up on.

He understood:
It's normal for middlemen to be busy; if one doesn't work out, they'll just move on to the next one—there are plenty of options.

He hadn't decided who to contact when he suddenly received a reply.

Ding--

[Raphael [Unread Message]]

Let's talk privately, make sure you're alone, and then call me back.

John squinted.

An awkward silence fell over the apartment's living room until Kong's voice rang out again.

[Ahem, okay, I admit it, I can read your emails... so you're going to remove the chip, right? Fine, fine, I understand, as long as we can get things done!]

"..."

John frowned.

"Come on, you're not even human!"

John dialed the number directly.

[Contact Person - Raphael [Voice Call]]

(End of this chapter)