Maverick (Blank)
Chapter 39: NGNL Collaboration Event (13)
[Are you Demma?]
The tall man nodded. "You could say that, I'm Demma." Demma extended his hand to Erna. "Alright then, welcome, Demma."
Novan watched. (If that person really is Demma, it means he's from Kuhaku. This is my first time seeing him.) His gaze lowered. (Demma never deals directly with Underring, but his position as a Shadow Guardian... it's unlikely for his name to be mentioned openly.) His eyes looked at the person before him. (But what's up with this delivery guy?)
Tenma was peering at Blank, pointing at his cheek. "Hey, did he fight a bear or something?" Novan shook his head. "No, he was attacked by a monster."
Tenma covered his canine tooth. "Haha, that's funny. But seriously, what's this kid's name?" Novan moved his finger. "His name is Kaelan." Tenma chuckled softly. "And where's the monster?"
Novan said, "It was taken to the hospital." Tenma scratched his temple. "Why take a monster to the hospital? My name's Tenma... It reminds me of a story. So, where's that hospital?"
Novan fell silent. (Wait, if I tell the hospital's location and Willie's name isn't there, I'm in trouble.) Tenma looked at Willie innocently.
Then Tenma extended his hand. "I'm Tenma. Who are you?" Novan leaned back his shoulders. "Ah, I'm Novan. Nice to meet you." Novan observed Tenma. His face was indeed innocent with his sunglasses, but he couldn't see the direction of his eyes.
"Have you had breakfast?" Novan used both hands to support his body leaning back. "Not yet. Why?"
Tenma opened his bag and gave Novan a piece of bread. "Let's have breakfast together." Novan raised his eyebrows. "Oh, you're so kind."
Tenma opened the wrapper and gave him banana bread. "Do you like banana bread?" Novan's heartbeat paused for a moment. Banana bread was Novan's real favorite food. "Ah, yes. Isn't it delicious?"
Tenma nodded. "Very delicious. You like it too, right?" Novan took the bread. "True, it's good." As Novan took it, there was no answer. Tenma stayed silent, making Novan's heart beat faster. (Wait, damn, what does this mean?)
His eyes stared at Tenma. "Thank you." His ring finger moved. (This bastard, why is he silent? His glasses block the movement of his eyes.) But at the same time, Tenma took off his glasses and blinked like a child. "Haha, I forgot I was wearing glasses indoors. That's why it looked dark."
Novan chuckled softly. "You, you like joking around, huh." Tenma scratched the back of his head because of the hat. "Hehe, now the color is brighter. Everything looks clearer." Novan nodded. "True."
But Novan's heart remained racing. (This person... Why does every word feel like cornering me?)
Tenma stood up and looked at Novan. "Novan, you're a tour guide, right?" Novan glanced over. "Yes, what about it?" Tenma lifted the bag in his right hand. "I'm a delivery guy, so I'll sit in your car later, okay?" Novan froze. If that person sat with him all day, there would be no chance for any suspicious moves, but Novan couldn't refuse. "Alright." Tenma smiled and left.
Novan watched Tenma leave. His mind said, (I'm more inclined to believe he's the real Demma, at least 5%.)
Tenma walked away from Novan. His mind also moved. (I'm inclined to believe he's an impostor, at least 15%.)
Time passed. The sun rose higher, and everyone was ready. Erna and Lauren came out of the room together.
Erna stood in front of everyone. "Everyone, due to last night's incident, we will look for the nearest park to reduce risk."
"Yes, Miss," everyone said in unison. Novan looked at the floor. (As I expected. There would be a route change. Let's see which one, then I'll contact my associate.) At the same moment, Novan glanced to the right. Tenma was watching him. (Damn, is this person noticing me staring at the floor for too long after Erna spoke?)
Tenma quickly blinked like a child. His hand reached into his pocket and gave Novan a keychain shaped like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. "Do you like this keychain? I bought it in my hometown."
Novan looked at the keychain. (Leaning Tower of Pisa. Hometown.) His hand was raised. (He's from Italea.) Novan accepted Tenma's keychain. "Thank you. You went through the trouble of buying it."
"Novan, I often hear about you from kids in Italea." Novan raised his head.
"Don't you also work in Italea, Novan? Don't you have one?" Novan paused. (Wait, this person is weird. If I say no and he has seen the real Novan buy one, that would be a problem.)
"I lost it." Tenma pursed his lips. "What a shame. Just last month this keychain became a trend. You lost such a rare item so quickly."
Novan sighed. "True. No one knows what happens so quickly."
The team discussion was now over. Viera opened her room door, dressed and ready for the shoot. She saw a man in a black jacket with a red gradient and a white hat on his head. (Huh, that looks like...)
Tenma stood with flushed cheeks. A clean white handkerchief with a marker was offered. "Miss Viera! I'm Tenma, your fan..."
Viera looked at Tenma approaching. A wink with his left eye was seen. Demma, sitting behind, said, "Stop that, Tenma. Do your job properly." Tenma turned away and bowed. "Ah, sorry-sorry. I'm just so excited to see Viera here."
Demma stared sharply. "Sit down." Tenma immediately returned to his original position. Novan watched, confused. (Wait, what is this?) His eyes looked at Demma. (He's showing charisma. This is unclear.)
Viera stood with her mind racing. (What does that mean? Who is Tenma? Why did that person wink his left eye at me?) Viera looked at Erna. "Miss Erna, where are we going now?"
"We're going to Parca Ciani, near Lake Logano from before." Viera looked at Blank, who was still unconscious. "What about Kaelan?"
"Let me take care of him." Boyka came from the villa door. He had just finished exercising to recover. "I'll take responsibility. I'll watch over Kaelan here."
Erna held her chin. "Hmm... But Boyka—"
"It's fine, Miss Erna," Demma interrupted. "I'll replace Boyka's position." Erna fell silent. "Alright then. Oh, can you act? Kaelan can't join right now." Demma tilted his head. "I can do that."
Novan gritted his teeth. (Unbelievable. Both of them could be Demma.) He raised his head. (This will be difficult.)
Everyone began to prepare. Boyka accompanied Blank in the living room. Everyone got ready and headed to the cars. Viera looked at Boyka. "Mr. Boyka, take care of Kaelan, okay." Boyka smiled. "Everything will be fine." Viera lowered her head and walked away, leaving the villa.
On the other hand, Tenma and Novan sat in the same car. Both chose the second long seat; no one wanted to sit next to the driver. Novan looked forward. (If I sit in front, all my movements could be seen by him from behind.)
"Novan, why are you sitting in the back?" Novan glanced over. "I'm used to sitting in the second seat. Why don't you, Tenma?" Tenma showed the large bag placed on his lap. "Demma told me to guard this. He said not to let go."
Novan placed his cheek on his left palm. "What's inside?" Tenma held his chin. "Usually it's a first-aid kit, clothes, some other medical equipment." Novan scratched his forehead. "That's a lot. Is Demma a nurse or something?"
Tenma brought his face closer. "He said it's so we don't have to go to the clinic." Novan's heart raced again. He controlled his expression not to show surprise. "Haha, is that so? He's very efficient."
Both faced forward, sitting relaxed even though the seat felt uncomfortable—not because of the material, but because every move was being watched.
Time continued to pass. After 45 minutes, they finally arrived at Parca Ciani Park. A large gate fence closed off the vast Lake Logano. Many bonsai and blooming flowers attracted butterflies. A bright morning to start activities.
Erna looked at Viera. "Viera, are you really okay with shooting today?" Viera clenched her fist with bent elbows. "Relax, everything's safe." Her eyes looked at her fidgeting feet. (I hope today is safe. I'm forcing myself.)
Erna and Lauren stood at the central point. Everyone had gathered, including Emma and Demma as Blank's replacement roles. "Okay, everyone. We'll start in 30 minutes. Please prepare for the media team and talent for the recording later." Everyone agreed. Quickly, they dispersed and began working.
Novan walked toward a quieter place. (I need to contact my associate, and also Joe.) Novan sat on a small hill slope under a tree. The wind brushed his hair.
Since a phone call wasn't possible, Novan used the chat feature to contact Joe.
[Joe, it's me. There's an unexpected variable, and also a kid named Davea is here. And not only that, a Kuhaku Group agent has entered as Viera's guard. When I'm free, I'll call.]
Novan raised his face. His eyes widened. Tenma was in front of him. Tenma raised a plastic bag containing drinking water. "Are you thirsty?" Novan chuckled softly. "Hey, you're so nice to me?"
Tenma sat beside him. "It's hard for me to make friends." Novan raised his eyebrows. "Why?" Tenma looked at the tall man in a shirt standing upright while holding papers. "Him, Demma, makes it hard for me to communicate with anyone."
Novan leaned his hands back. "What's that? I don't understand." Tenma turned, his face drawing closer. "Do you know the Kuhaku Group?"
Novan fell silent. His heartbeat quickened. His toes inside his shoes fidgeted. "No, I've never heard of it. What is it?" Tenma shook his head. "I don't know, but Demma follows them."
Novan turned away, leaving no further answer. He opened the bottle cap and began sipping slowly, the fresh water passing through his throat. "Thanks for the water, Tenma." Tenma moved his hand up and down. "No problem."
Erna from below waved her hand. "Hey, Novan, let's start!" Novan raised his hand. "Alright!" Tenma and Novan descended together.
Their steps approached the makeup area. Lauren was there, having prepared some makeup for Novan.
Novan sat and looked in the mirror. Lauren lifted the shirt Novan was wearing. "Open your shirt a bit." Novan unbuttoned the front. Lauren's eyes sparkled. Novan's abdomen had hard, rippling six-pack abs. Lauren enthusiastically picked up some makeup tools.
Tenma watched from afar. The mirror's reflection could give a view of Novan's body. (Does a tour guide really have such a good body?)
Lauren drew wound lines on Novan's chest, then added some red sprinkles as scars. When finished, Novan got up, and a black shirt was given to him. "Wear this for the shoot," said Lauren.
Novan put on the black shirt with two buttons open. His steps approached Viera, Emma, and also Demma.
"Okay, everyone, let's start!" shouted Erna from the steps. With that, the acting began. Everyone prepared to play their roles.
[Recording: Viera - Emma - Novan - Demma]
Emma hugged her brother, who had blood coming from his mouth. In front of the large gate to the giant lake, tears crossed her cheeks. "Brother, wake up..." Viera was unconscious. Her stomach showed a red stain, her jaw slack, and blood flowed from her forehead.
Footsteps were heard. Novan arrived with red liquid on his hands. Emma screamed, "GO AWAY! DON'T BOTHER MY BROTHER!" Novan smiled and approached. One button was undone, showing scars on his body. "Look at this. Look at your brother's wounds."
Emma's body trembled. Tears began to fall. "HELP!" Novan approached. One elbow bent, a clenched fist visible until veins showed. Emma's eyes widened.
Novan punched toward Emma, but Viera blocked with her back. The girl weakened and smiled at her sister. Emma's eyes welled up. "Sister..." Viera hugged her sister until they fell, protecting Emma with her body.
Novan stared sharply. His right leg bent, about to stomp from above. But a sound was heard.
"Stop!" Novan looked over. Demma came from behind him. "Huh? You dare show yourself?"
Demma wore a black hoodie with the hood up. "I will protect them." The corner of Novan's lips moved. His laughter was heard loudly. "Hahahaha."
Steps approached each other. Faces passed each other. Hands clenched, and Demma punched Novan's stomach. Quickly, both of Novan's hands blocked but were still thrown back. (Ugh, this person is really strong.)
Novan stood and ran. His left foot forward, then a left punch hit his ribs. Demma quickly protected his right side, but it was just a feint. Novan used his right hand to punch his stomach. Demma was slightly thrown back. (His stomach... is hard...)
Demma stood and spat. His eyes were sharp, and he ran toward him. Novan quickly punched straight with his right hand, but Demma managed to duck. His right hand supported his body, his left hand grabbed Novan's arm. Both legs straightened, clamping his chest and neck, making Novan fall.
A trick often used in MMA. Novan couldn't move. If he moved, his right arm could break. Then the left foot pressed Novan's Adam's apple hard, as did the right foot pressing his chest, making it tight. Novan looked at the sky. (This... is too much...)
Novan fainted. Although pretending, he could feel Demma's fast technique and the strength he possessed. Demma stood and looked at Viera. His steps approached, and he patted her back. "Are you okay? Vera?"
Viera, hugging her sister, turned her body. Seeing Novan who had fallen and was helpless, her eyes looked at Demma. "You... You defeated him?"
Demma smiled and extended a hand. "Didn't I promise back then? I would become strong?" Viera smiled and quickly hugged Demma.
Demma placed both hands on Viera's back. Viera could feel it—this wasn't as good as when Blank hugged her properly and comfortably, but this was just acting. Then they both looked at Emma, who was standing with trembling shoulders.
Viera and Demma bent their knees, hugging the frightened sister. Birds flew around them. The bright blue lake water reflected the sunlight, making the large fence more shiny and beautiful. The world became calm.
"CUT!!!"
Erna clapped her hands. "GREAT JOB, EVERYONE! THAT WAS AMAZING!" All the team applauded. They successfully continued recording safely without obstacles.
The blue sky with moving white clouds sometimes blocked the light. The wind blew, making the body feel fresh in the heat of the sun.
At the villa, Blank's body began to move. His eyes opened. Boyka approached. "Kaelan, are you awake?"
Blank held his throbbing head. He sat up and looked around. "Where... are the others?" Boyka sat beside him. "They've gone for the shoot." Blank looked at the clock. The numbers weren't clear with his slightly blurry vision, then slowly became visible. "Time... 11:26..."
Blank was startled. His gaze quickly turned to Boyka. "How's Viera?!" Boyka smiled. Both his hands held his shoulders. "Viera is safe. Thanks to you, she recovered faster without deep trauma."
Blank tilted his head. "What did I do?" Boyka chuckled softly. "Haha, don't you remember? This morning Viera told me a lot about you. When you sacrificed yourself and other things. Everyone is proud of you."
Blank raised his head. "Really?" Boyka nodded with a smile. Blank lowered his head, looking at the floor. His hands clenched tightly. His heart beat faster, then he looked at Boyka with a serious face. "Mr. Boyka."
"What is it?" Boyka looked puzzled. Blank's eyes were sharp. They faced each other. A voice full of confidence reached Boyka's ears. Blank said, "Can you teach me to be stronger?"
At the same time, at Parca Ciani Park, all the teams were resting. Novan leaned relaxedly against a pine tree. Then Tenma approached. (Oh dear, that person again.)
Tenma clapped his hands. "That was amazing, Novan! I didn't expect you to be so good at acting." His face was so happy and respectful of Novan.
"Haha, thank you, Tenma. I'm a bit used to it." Tenma sat beside Novan. Both leaned back and rested. Tenma scratched his right leg with his left foot. "Hey, how can you act that well?"
Novan chuckled softly. "It's just a little practice." Tenma tilted his gaze. "Really?" One sentence followed, but that sentence made Novan freeze. His heart beat fast even though he tried to control any movement. Tenma's sentence was:
[You really resemble a real villain]