A few more days passed, at the construction site of Belobog Heavy Industries.
Grace, one of the lead engineers, was conducting tests on a new batch of mechanical units, as she always did. But for some reason, her expression today was a little off—not the usual focused enthusiasm you'd expect from a tech-obsessed gearhead.
Meanwhile, the company accountant was busy tallying the month's bills. Ever since they replaced Vision Corporation as the lead contractor on the subway demolition project, Belobog's finances had seen a significant uptick.
But that upward trend had clearly slumped last month.
As for President Koleda, she was currently discussing the children's variety show from a few days ago with Anton.
"Those bastards! Of all things to bring up, they had to choose that! Are they trying to make things even worse for Belobog?!" Koleda's face flushed red with anger as she scrolled through the torrent of spiteful comments flooding the forums.
In layman's terms, she was about to go full red alert.
The scandal from the Old Eridu era was something Koleda never wanted to talk about, yet those jerks had brought it up on live television without a hint of restraint.
That kind of public slap in the face, broadcast to countless viewers, was hard for Koleda to swallow. But there was nothing she could do—just vent her frustrations pointlessly.
Anton didn't look any better. He had originally agreed to the show thinking a little exposure would bring more projects to the company—he hadn't expected it to turn into such a disaster.
And it wasn't just the two of them. The entire staff at Belobog Heavy Industries had been thrown into a slump because of it.
To make matters worse, three of their mechanical units were still lost inside a Hollow. If they didn't recover them soon, the consequences could be catastrophic.
"The Hollow Investigative Association still hasn't sent anyone to help?" Koleda asked furiously, turning to Anton.
Anton sighed, clearly exasperated, and shook his head. "No. They said the Ether activity in Hollow Zero has been too intense lately. Most of their investigators have been dispatched there, so they don't have the manpower to spare."
Koleda was silent for a few seconds. Then she punched a nearby piece of construction equipment so hard it bent and twisted under the sheer force of the blow.
"No manpower to spare… always the same disgusting excuse. They just don't want to help us and pulled some lame reason out of thin air. One of these days, I swear I'm going to bury them all in concrete."
As she said this, Koleda clasped her fists together, clearly serious.
Anton could only shake his head helplessly at the sight of his fuming president. Belobog was in a rough spot. They had inherited the mess Vision Corporation left behind, only to become the latest public punching bag thanks to that aired scandal.
And truthfully, the incident had nothing to do with Koleda—or even Belobog as it stood now. The one who had caused it all was Koleda's father, and it was a wound that had never healed.
Maybe it was her father's betrayal that had driven her. That desire to uncover the truth behind his actions, to rebuild what had crumbled. That's why she had taken over a company on the brink of bankruptcy and led it to where it was now.
She was incredibly capable—but even the strongest person was no match for the wrath of the internet mob.
That's just how the world worked. It wasn't about being right or wrong, just how loud you were.
"Post a request on the Proxy Network," Koleda ordered. "Raise the reward. There are plenty of skilled Proxies out there—better than those stuck-up investigators. Hmph! Once we get those machines back, I'll make sure those cowards regret ever turning us down."
Koleda crossed her arms over her barely-developed chest with a huff, and Anton quickly sprang into action.
Just then, Koleda's phone buzzed in her pocket. She took it out and saw an unfamiliar number on the screen.
"Who the hell is this now?" She scowled at the unknown caller ID, suspecting it might be another nuisance call aimed at harassing Belobog.
At first, she wasn't planning to answer. But then again, maybe this would be the perfect outlet for her simmering frustration. Why waste it?
So, she picked up, preparing herself for a little polite exchange.
The line was quiet for a moment, then came a deep, resonant voice: "Long time no see, President Koleda."
Koleda blinked. Then it hit her—this was the same guy who had called her last time, urging her to report Vision Corporation.
The number he'd used before had long since gone inactive. She had even tried to reach out to him again but had no luck.
And now, over two months later, he was calling her again?
Koleda couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. Maybe she could ask for his help this time.
She didn't know who he really was, but from the fact that he had been willing to help her take down Vision, she figured he couldn't be a bad guy. Belobog had undeniably benefited from his assistance.
So even if he made a request, as long as it was within reason, Koleda was ready to agree without hesitation.
"You really love playing the mysterious card, huh? Last time you had us report Vision Corporation—so what's it this time?" she asked, masking her anticipation with her usual firm tone.
"Heh, I heard your company lost three machines in the Hollows. I was wondering if you'd like to work with me—I can help you retrieve them."
"Wha... how do you even know about that?!"
Koleda was startled. There was no way he should know such internal details about Belobog.
Still, if he was offering help, it was a stroke of good fortune.
"You... just tell me what kind of payment you're looking for. As long as Belobog can afford it, I, Koleda, will not bat an eye," she declared, thumping her chest with conviction.
She would never shortchange someone who had helped Belobog not once, but twice.
"Payment, huh? All I ask is that your company be willing to collaborate with me again in the future. I can't go into details. Whether you accept or not, that's up to you."
"I trust your character. So, tell me—when do we begin?"
"Two days from now. I'll visit in person."