The strange creaking of joints stopped as the unconscious Kimiko was restrained and held in place by the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak. Seeing the surprised expression on Jessica Jones and the growing fear in Popclaw's eyes, Fenris calmly introduced them to each other.
"Jessica, this is Popclaw. Popclaw, this is Jessica Jones."
Then Fenris looked toward Kimiko, who was still under control, and pointed at her head. "Her name is Kimiko. There's something wrong up here, so I had to restrain her temporarily and let her slowly adjust."
"It's getting late. Jessica, please arrange rooms for Popclaw and Kimiko. We'll talk about the rest tomorrow."
The two women clearly had a lot of questions, but seeing Fenris looking like he was ready to rest, they could only suppress their curiosity and save it for another time.
Jessica Jones picked up the restrained Kimiko effortlessly with one hand and, slightly surprised, gave a nod to Popclaw, who didn't seem shocked at all. The two of them left Fenris's bedroom together.
There were plenty of empty rooms on the second floor. While choosing one, Jessica and Popclaw began to exchange questions, testing each other's knowledge.
With more life experience, Popclaw soon noticed something strange. Jessica didn't know about Homelander, the Seven, or even Vought International. That struck her as absurd.
Vought's superheroes had a global presence. Even in the most remote and underdeveloped towns, there were low-ranking heroes stationed by Vought. How could she have never heard of them?
Even more bizarre was the fact that this was Manhattan, and Vought's headquarters was in Manhattan. How could she not know them?
There was only one explanation: this probably wasn't her original world anymore.
Popclaw had heard of the concept of parallel worlds.
That man, a man whose name she hadn't even asked yet, had actually brought her to another world?
It all felt surreal, absurd yet real.
Like a dream.
That night, some tossed and turned with sleepless thoughts. Others fell into deep sleep the moment their heads hit the pillow. Just like the masses, each had their own fate.
…
The next morning.
Using the excuse "I can't get up in the morning, blame the bed," Fenris lay in bed while catching up on everything that had happened in his absence through Friday.
Though he had only been gone a few days, the rewards were substantial.
He had acquired partial abilities from Homelander, Queen Maeve, Starlight, the Shrinking Man, and Kimiko. He had also used points to upgrade his scanning range.
Kimiko and Popclaw had returned with him, and he could take his time dealing with Starlight and Maeve.
Most importantly, he had confirmed that the super-soldier serum could be duplicated indefinitely. It had a 100 percent success rate and was fully compatible with Compound V.
His goals were mostly achieved. It was time to take the first step toward expanding his influence.
Fenris threw off the covers, escaping the "trap" of the bed. The future glory of Everywhere Logistcs Company would begin with hiring staff.
…
Over an hour later, after breakfast, Fenris was scribbling rapidly with pen and paper while Jessica Jones and Popclaw curiously leaned over his shoulders.
Jessica read aloud as she followed the writing.
"Job Posting"
"Position 1: Courier"
"Job Responsibilities:
Follow standard operating procedures for daily pickups and deliveries
Proactively develop new clients
Pack parcels and fill out shipping documents as per company guidelines"
"Job Requirements:
Familiarity with local geography
Hardworking, detail-oriented
Obedient, willing to take initiative
Physically healthy with no bad habits"
"Salary and Benefits:
Trial period of three months. During probation, 800 USD/month.
After becoming a full-time employee, 2000 USD/month.
Company provides uniforms and work equipment free of charge."
"Merit-based hiring, first come first served"
"Position 2: Office Assistant"
"Job Responsibilities:
Manage company operations
Handle customer inquiries with patience and enthusiasm
Complete tasks assigned by the company"
"Job Requirements:
Patient, detail-oriented, strong computer and learning skills
Able to follow office protocols and systems
Logical, good communication skills
Physically healthy with no bad habits
Female applicants preferred"
"Salary and Benefits:
Trial period of three months. During probation, 1000 USD/month.
After becoming a full-time employee, 2200 USD/month."
Jessica Jones smacked her lips after watching him write the company address and contact number. "This job posting sounds really official. By the way, what are we doing?"
"You'll be couriers for now. Other assignments will come later."
In the land of the free, gunfights were part of daily life. Until the super-soldier corps was fully trained, he needed people like Jessica and Popclaw to open the way and protect the business from looters.
Fenris had already made a plan: until he had enough manpower, they would only offer same-district express deliveries, starting with Manhattan and gradually expanding across New York.
"Popclaw, you and Kimiko will get the same compensation as Jessica. During the probation period, food and lodging are included. After going full-time, you'll receive 3000 USD per month."
"I've got no complaints."
Popclaw had once been popular, but her fame faded quickly. She didn't have much saved up, and she had nearly been evicted for unpaid rent.
Three thousand dollars wasn't a lot, but in this brand-new, unfamiliar world, she was more than satisfied. After all, in her old world, it wouldn't have been easy to find a job paying that much, unless...
Well, those who know, know.