Chapter 8: The Veteran Reduced to Rags - 7

"What's changed?"

Angela chattered incessantly in my ear.

It's not like the scan function is working, but all the information around me is streaming in real-time. It's not like I'm connected to anything wired or wireless, but I have the authority to access nearby electronic devices. I can even peek at networks and intranets far away, completely ignoring the laws of physics. And even more.

And even.

Like generating items through spawning, Angela's full-body hologram appeared out of thin air, with no device in sight.

She was always only visible up to her head and chest on the screen.

"Good to see you've upgraded well."

When I casually asked and gave her a slight smile, Angela's face showed a bit of a pout, but she quickly smoothed it out and continued chattering.

"I want to keep it hidden for now, okay?"

Even as she said this, the smile on her face made her seem like a mischievous troublemaker, itching to get into some mischief.

"So, how many new things can you do now?"

There was no trace of the usual calm and restrained AI. Angela was jumping around in place, beaming brightly.

It seems that getting an upgrade is what AI desires, and it really is.

"How about hacking?"

A few seconds later, her enthusiastic "Wahoo!" made me chuckle.

"What do you mean?"

I thought it was unlikely, but even here?

"Elf-ears, right?"

It was a situation I had anticipated, but I didn't expect it to be true.

***

The Evar (Elf-ears) race.

Their treatment in this world is so poor that the derogatory term "Elf-ears" is openly used in parentheses. This is true both in the game and here.

Based on their physical characteristics—long ears, mostly blonde hair, and white skin—they are clearly modeled after elves, but their behavior is the complete opposite.

Among GalaxyBound users, the Evar race is known as "Space Aztecs."

They are the most frequently encountered enemies in bounty hunting and planetary adventures, often appearing as gangs or bandits.

Their combat style involves hiding in blind spots or corners, ambushing, and starting with a sneak attack bonus damage.

The horrific deeds of the Evars, recorded in in-game books, are truly terrifying.

Occasionally, they appear as allies, but they might say things like, "Want to eat some finger roast, friend?" as if they are cannibals.

They are one of the main antagonists in the story.

Their characteristics make it impossible to feel any sympathy for them.

If they were just savages, it would be one thing, but they are cunning and plot and scheme across the universe.

In one word, "public enemy."

It's not for nothing that so many races call the Evars "Elf-ears."

"Tsk, the branch manager I communicated with was also an Evar. He had a human face too. He must have been wearing a skin suit."

"It's the first time. Being primitive means they might have fewer things to think about, so they might have focused on that."

It would be easier to deceive with something like a biometric code.

Who would think that in a world where holographic disguises and mechanical body modifications are common, someone would try such a barbaric method?

Moreover, the fact that such a simple method didn't get detected means there must be additional disguise techniques.

"We need to figure out who is on the Evars' side. The fact that they have infiltrated deep into the mercenary guild and even disguised themselves as pilots indicates there must be an internal collaborator."

"Do as you please."

With a "Yay!" and a long laugh, Angela's image disappeared.

'Tsk, maybe it's time to start the engine here.'

I thought about the food I had brought on the escape pod.

Originally, it was for a welcome party, but now it seems I'll have to use it for another purpose.

***

Big data is useful in many ways. For one, it makes it easy to generate statistics.

However, the big data I collected through Angela didn't stop at mere numbers.

Angela quickly sifted through the video records of the past few months and obtained a wealth of information.

When the pilot started to subtly change, who interacted with the pilots the most, and who showed suspicious behavior.

People open up to others to different degrees, and their words and actions vary accordingly.

Angela displayed a holographic relationship map of the crew in front of me. A large tree made of bright blue lines appeared.

"Amazing."

Angela looked smug and began her explanation.

Angela followed the line connected to the Evar-disguised pilot, James.

He was a mechanic on the ship.

"Wouldn't it be better to meet the captain first?"

Angela displayed a series of videos of the mechanic and other crew members chatting.

***

The mercenary guild's transport ship is primarily used for combat missions. However, it sometimes carries the guild's guests, so it has some amenities.

Evol, the mechanic responsible for the comfortable living conditions in the engine room, was taken aback by the sudden visit of a VIP.

"Shall we talk?"

"Yes. Do you have a moment?"

"...It's work hours now. I'm sorry, but I would appreciate it if you could visit after 6 PM when my official duties end."

"Ah, I see. I apologize. I'll see you then."

As the "criminal hunter" turned and left without showing any anger, Evol looked surprised.

'His reputation isn't good. Was it all just rumors?'

In the mercenary industry, Captain Jin Taylor's reputation is divided into two.

The first is a highly respected warrior with formidable power.

The second is a wealthy young man who has taken away all the profitable jobs.

The first reputation spread among those who worked as mercenaries with Jin Taylor.

He is known for a 100% success rate, clean follow-up, and leading by example.

The second reputation emerged as a grumbling filled with envy when Jin Taylor took on all the profitable jobs.

Complaints that a wealthy young man who already has everything is just killing fleas for fun.

'I'm not one to judge, but...'

Regardless of which reputation is true, Jin Taylor is a famous figure far above a mere mechanic.

Such a person.

"What? What are you saying?"

If you told someone that the pilot currently operating the ship and their friend had been replaced by a completely different person, how would they react?

"It seems to have happened about 2 to 3 months ago. Didn't you notice anything strange?"

There was.

Even in a world of automated driving and AI, a spaceship pilot cannot relax and let go of the controls.

The AI on this small ship is not very advanced.

Two pilots must take turns working overnight to be prepared for emergencies like a small meteor collision.

James, who always lost bets with other pilots about who would do the overnight shift and was always seen with coffee.

But at some point, the coffee disappeared from his hands.

That's not all. The complaints about the overnight shift, which he always grumbled about when he met me, also disappeared.

'I thought he had just adapted.'

Things like being energetic even after several sleepless nights, becoming distant from me at some point, and his relationship with colleagues becoming more formal all fit together.

Evol held his head in his hands and rested his elbows on the table.

"Is this... really true?"

Jin said nothing. Silence can sometimes mean agreement, especially when the speaker is a famous person.

"I thought it was just a change in taste..."

Evol's eyes trembled incessantly.

The Evar race is known for being space pirates. Space mercenaries, who are always on guard against space pirates, would know their characteristics.

But it's rare to connect a simple change in drink preference to a person being replaced.

Evol looked up. He saw the neatly pressed blue uniform and the young face above it.

Is this young person really the one who killed so many gangs and bounty hunters?

If he had undergone anti-aging treatment, there would be some marks on his face, but there weren't.

He must be an extraordinary person.

Why...

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Of course, to stop the Evar's plot. I need your help."

"What can a mere mechanic like me do in such a big matter?"

"Have confidence. Aren't you close to the other crew members? I need more people to cooperate."

While professional engineers handle engine-related issues, mechanics handle smaller facility problems.

As a result, Evol has become acquainted with everyone on the ship.

"And, don't you want to ruin the plans of the one who killed your colleague?"

At those words, a fire ignited in Evol's eyes.