Maverick (Blank)
Chapter 32: NGNL Collaboration Event (6)
Morning had arrived, and all members were seen gathered. Blank also looked refreshed after resting well last night, and his friends were now becoming more familiar with him.
Lauren stood in front of the board. "Today's schedule is quite relaxed. We only have a photoshoot session in the city center for merchandise pictures."
Her screen behind was touched and swiped. "And also this afternoon at 4:00 PM, we will go to the airport heading to the countryside of Sweas with a travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes."
They all nodded together. After the first meeting ended, Blank and his teammates finally returned to the room to prepare.
Lirie held both her cheeks. "Yay-yay, later we're going to Sweas." Blank asked, "You seem very excited, Lirie."
Her face looked at the ceiling with two fingers holding her lips. "High mountains, countryside with meadows, waterfalls, wide lakes... Haaa! I can't wait!" Blank chuckled softly.
This morning, everyone prepared and went down to the front of the hotel to get into the car. By 10:00 AM, they had all arrived in the city center and saw many tall buildings well-arranged.
Navas looked around. "There are many tall buildings here. The place is also spacious." Robert looked at his camera. "This is a place often used by actors for films." He pressed the camera button. "Huhu, this is a historic moment."
They walked to the central point. The main media team prepared their equipment, while Blank rummaged through his bag. One lens was left in the car. "Just a moment, guys. I need to get a lens."
"Okay, Kaelan," the three of them said.
Blank passed by Boyka and Leon. "Hey Kaelan, do you hate us?" Blank was startled and shook his head vigorously. "No, I'm just a bit busy with the team now." Boyka raised his eyebrows. "Alright. When you have time, don't forget us."
Blank bowed slightly. "Yes, sir! Don't worry." Blank opened the car door and took a small bag. As he glanced to the left, Willie was leaning alone against the wall with his back turned.
"That's Willie? Why is he alone there?" Blank pursed his lips. "Oh right, I'm not too close with him yet. Should I try to get acquainted?"
Blank's steps approached Willie. At the same time, Willie seemed to be moving his phone a little, as if taking a photo. His shoulder trembled as if laughing.
Blank furrowed his brow. He grabbed Willie's shoulder, making him jump. Their faces met.
"You're Willie? What are you doing?" Willie, who was taller than Blank, scratched his neck. "I was just looking at social media here." Blank looked at the girl behind Willie who was walking away from the closet—it was Viera. Blank's eyes looked sharply. "Really?" Willie showed his phone screen. "True. I was just looking at an influencer from Parace Country. Many classic women with aristocratic clothing like this."
"Oh, is that so?" Blank looked at it. Even though Willie seemed uncomfortable, Blank suppressed his suspicion.
At the same time, Lirie ran toward Blank. "Kaelan, let's go. We're ready over there."
"Yes, I'm coming." His face glanced at Willie. "Sorry, I have to go now."
Step by step, he left the tour guide alone. Willie's phone lit up, and the gallery was opened. Willie bit his lip. "Oh dear, Viera, that white fabric is a bit visible."
Blank walked with Lirie toward the main photoshoot location. Viera and Emma were also ready. "Hey, Brother Kaelan, hurry up! Later, don't forget to take more photos!" Emma shouted.
Blank smiled even though his heart said otherwise. (Oh dear, this will definitely be tiring again.)
The photoshoot began. Everything went very well. Today was a peaceful day without any serious obstacles. Tall buildings became the main backdrop this time; blue and white colors adorned the photos and light reflections.
But at the same time, from a distance, Jarvis's eyes were watching Blank sharply. "That kid is very close to Viera. I have to get rid of him first." His eyes looked outside the garden. The tall man became his focus now. "And that damn tour guide too."
Time passed. 2 hours after the photoshoot event started, everything was now finished. The sun was so scorching, emitting stinging hot rays.
Blank and his friends walked together and approached the resting area. Blank wiped his sweat with his hand. "Phew, today went smoothly."
They now rested in a public open hall, taking a short break because the weather in the city was quite hot and made them sweat before getting into the car.
Navas and Lirie were seen exhausted, lying on the floor. Robert was also fanning himself with a piece of cardboard he got from who knows where. Meanwhile, Blank, although a bit sweaty, tried to check his recent photo results.
(Hmm, this is too bright. So later I should reduce the exposure a little.) Blank always evaluated himself after finishing work.
Even though there were some drops of sweat around his ears and neck, at the same time, Viera came and gave him a towel.
Blank turned his head. "Hmm... What's this?"
Viera sat beside him. "That's a small towel. Use it. Just look at your sweat."
Lirie lowered her lips. (Jealous, jealous, jealous!) Meanwhile, Navas gaped. (I want one too!) And Robert averted his gaze. (I don't want to see.)
Blank accepted the towel. "Oh, right. Thank you, Viera."
Viera smiled. She also gave a refreshing drink she brought—one bottle for Blank.
Lirie opened her mouth wide. (So jealous!) Meanwhile, Navas narrowed his eyes. (Waaa, I want to cry.) And Robert's fanning on his face became faster.
Suddenly, Boyka came bringing bottles of refreshing drinks for the three of them as well.
Lirie's eyes sparkled. (Good job, Mr. Boyka!) Navas licked his lips. (That looks refreshing... but it's given by a muscular man.) Robert accepted his drink and finished it quickly. Navas and Lirie glanced at him simultaneously. (Crazy, he drinks so wastefully.)
This simple moment made their fatigue worthwhile. The calm after work was a reward for professional workers.
After everything was done, the whole team returned to the hotel and prepared their belongings because they would go to the airport in 2 hours.
On the other side, Viera went to the laundry room and started checking her clothes.
"Hmm... I thought I brought 9 yesterday. Did I miscount?" Viera scratched her hair.
Time passed. Now they were all ready and headed to the airport together. Willie was still working as a tour guide before the next tour guide.
But Jarvis was watching from afar, observing them. (Willie, he's weirder than I thought.) His steps followed Viera's team crowd. His eyes focused on Willie, who was acting friendly. (But he can be useful.)
Everyone boarded the plane. No belongings were left at the hotel. Officially, this was their farewell to Chean A City.
The plane took off. Slowly, the clouds aligned, as did Blank, who was now sitting between Boyka and Leon. (I'm in the middle!)
He felt the smallest at this moment. Blank bit the flesh inside his mouth. "Oh, right, Mr. Boyka, Mr. Leon, do you have hobbies?"
Boyka tapped his chin. "I like fishing, especially when returning to my hometown." Blank tilted his head. "Mr. Boyka is from the countryside?" Boyka nodded.
Blank raised his right hand. "Shouldn't fellow villagers do a fist bump?" Boyka looked at Blank's hand. "I understand." The two of them fist-bumped.
"And Mr. Leon?" Leon moved his left foot and looked at the sky. "I think going to a quiet place alone is enough." Blank raised his right eyebrow. "So Mr. Leon is the type who likes self-healing?" Leon gave a thumbs-up.
Blank extended his hand. "Shouldn't fellow introverts do a fist bump?" Leon shook his head. "I understand." The two of them fist-bumped.
Boyka and Leon looked at Blank. "Then, what about you?" Blank stared sharply ahead. His lips were pressed by his thumb, and his brow furrowed. Words began to utter from his mouth. "Watching... anime."
Boyka and Leon were startled. "Genre?" Blank stared even more intensely. Pressure began to be felt, and his tone lowered. "Thriller... Psychological..." The two fell silent, then both hands pointed at Blank. "Shouldn't fellow men of brave taste do a fist bump?" Blank used both his hands to fist-bump together.
(...)
"Hahahahaha." They laughed together on the plane. Viera heard their voices even though she sat in front. "Haha, they become close quickly."
The atmosphere continued until they arrived at the airport near the countryside. They all used the rented transportation service again to head to a villa.
Blank blinked rapidly, seeing many stars and the perfectly shaped full moon illuminating their bodies. (This is beautiful.)
Their steps headed to one place. In the villa with natural wooden architecture, the strong scent of teak wood with a fireplace in the living room made the situation more comfortable and safe.
Lirie covered her mouth with wide eyes. "This is like entering a novel."
Erna and Lauren spoke, "Everyone, since the journey was quite long, please rest first. We'll continue tomorrow."
"Yes, Miss." This time, Blank didn't lag behind in saying this sentence along with his team members.
Quickly, each went to their rooms. The atmosphere became quiet and lonely instantly. Blank lay down on the soft and smooth bed.
He fell asleep quickly in a very comfortable state. The natural woody scent made sleepiness come faster.
---
Elsewhere in Sweas countryside, Jarvis was meeting his two associates in a small house with wooden walls, dark with only one yellow light on in the room.
The door opened. "Long time no see."
Neo and Gru were sitting on wooden chairs. Gru threw a capsule of white powder to Jarvis. "That's what you asked for."
Colorless, tasteless, dissolves in any drink and food. "Well, this will be very useful later."
Jarvis glanced at Neo. "How's the restaurant?" Neo nodded. "I've been a trainee employee for 2 weeks. That will make it easier to sprinkle the powder when they have lunch."
Jarvis looked at the capsule in his hand. "What if something happens to Viera?"
Neo shook his head. "This powder is safe if used once. Overdose can damage mental state and mind. That's why we're only allowed to bring this small amount." Jarvis put it in his wallet. "I understand."
"I previously sprinkled diarrhea capsules. Is it safe if combined with this forced sleep capsule?" Neo leaned against the wall. "It should be. The purposes are different."
Jarvis looked at Gru, who was eating an apple. "Gru, have you entered the clinic?" Gru bit his apple. "Yes, I disguised easily because one of the nurses there looks like me."
Jarvis put his hands in his pockets. "That's good. It should go according to plan."
Gru threw away the apple core. "You want to make Viera naturally sick to go to the nearest clinic. Then at that time, we can take her under the pretext of going to the hospital, right?"
Jarvis clapped his hands twice. "Correct." Joe knocked on the table behind him. "But what if there are variables?"
Jarvis stared. "That's what we need to know first—who will be the troublemaker from their team."
Gru sat on the table. "What's the worst scenario you think, and how to handle it?"
Jarvis paced around the room. "The worst possibility: one agent from Kuhaku Group will protect them, considering NGNL Company is their ally."
His steps halted. "I will call Joe to come here and handle it." Neo scratched his neck. "How could an agent come when you're playing without physical violence?"
Jarvis turned his head. "That's just a possibility. At least I've prepared if it happens." Gru raised his leg. "Isn't it risky? Sweas has its own organization. If we stand out, it could cause conflict with the main family."
Jarvis stared sharply. "That won't happen if we move to Italea." Gru held his chin. "The sea? I understand."
Neo raised his right hand. "Hey, if that scenario happens, it means at the very last moments."
Jarvis stood straight. The atmosphere became quiet with the three of them inside. "We'll play roles again." His gaze lifted and pierced. "The game starts now."
Their discussion ended. The night became quiet again, as did the villa where Blank was. Now the time showed 11:20 PM. His body moved.
Eyes opened. Blank woke up his body. "I need to go to the toilet." His feet touched the floor and began to walk. "But where is it?"
Blank stood at the window, seeing Willie walking carefully to the outside toilet. "There's a toilet out there." His eyes squinted, seeing Willie carrying fabric. (That's weird. Isn't that like women's underwear?)
Blank opened his room door, hurried out of the villa, and headed to the same toilet. His steps approached slowly, but a strange-toned sound was heard from inside the toilet.
"What sound is that?" Blank heard Willie sniffing something, but he didn't know what.
"Oh my, this smells so good."
Blank moved slowly without making a sound. His eyes focused on the closed toilet door. (What is he doing?)
"Oh my, Viera, your clothes are so amazing."
Blank's eyes widened. His body froze upon hearing Willie's voice. (Wait... what? Viera!?)
"Look at this, so fragrant. You're also so cute in the photo earlier." Willie's voice was heard. He sniffed until Blank's ears could clearly feel the horror.
Blank gritted his teeth and clenched his fist tightly until veins were visible on his hand. Hard, he punched the metal door in front of him.
BAM.
[Come out, you bastard!]