I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay down My Gun

Chapter 203 – Presidential Candidate

“- Good job.”

“Fortunately, even my past self was eager to mess with the White House around this time, so I’m glad it’s not too late.”

Henry Brayton let out a sigh of relief as he carefully descended the stairs. With a brief break, the stage fell silent.

In about 15 minutes, the debate would resume. Striding toward his private room, he checked the list of questions handed over by his aide. Many were marked with red slashes.

He had just stepped down from the debate stage.

“What do you think? Were there any wrong answers?”

“None. The only concern might be that the topics you brought up were too vivid. People might wonder where you got such information.”

“Haha. It’s good if they think I’ve been traveling around showing my face since September.”

The papers, fluttering in his firm hand, were handed back to the aide.

The fifth debate had mainly focused on security and the projection of American power, and Henry had used his knowledge from another world to provide unprecedented answers, outshining other Democratic candidates.

“Even if you recklessly pour the budget into building infrastructure, it won’t work in the worst-case scenario. The important thing is to anticipate how the infrastructure will be hit.”

As he said, the sharp questions aimed at the candidates early in the debate were about security.

For example, what security crises might the U.S. face at this moment, how to respond if they occur, and where to focus efforts to build a response strategy – candidates had to answer all these questions and ideally tie them to their own campaign pledges.

It was like a question prepared just for him.

Naturally, he was the first to tackle the problem that no one else could easily answer.

– Undoubtedly, the security crisis that can throw the U.S. into the most chaos is a virus.

As if driven by a motor, Henry had started delivering answers filled with expertise unmatched by any other candidate just a few minutes ago.

First, he explained why a virus was the most suitable threat to endanger the U.S., relating it to the current nation’s infrastructure – while the U.S. has a solid self-sustaining social and economic structure, it would automatically stop if everyone who runs it perishes.

That was his argument.

Next, he mentioned the disastrous results of the Dark Winter simulation in 2001, highlighted his focus on pandemic response and mobilization teams from 2010 and 2020, and brought out relevant papers, showcasing his extensive knowledge in the field.

Then, he presented his pledge for a resilient America and discussed his countermeasures, successfully dominating the start of the fifth debate.

“It wasn’t an unexpected answer, but everyone was slow to seize the opportunity.”

“Exactly.”

At the same time, a brief briefing began.

Several large hologram screens floated in the air, showing real-time reactions from various sectors of the U.S. to the debate a few minutes ago and the rapidly changing approval ratings.

There was no need to explain the reactions. The rising approval rating at the top right corner clearly showed the result of the six-minute speech.

But even as he watched, he maintained a vague expression.

“Of course, just because they’ve been through the same thing as me doesn’t guarantee they’ll all side with me.”

Many experienced the Omega virus – memory holders – spread evenly across the federal administration and the military. However, assuming that his debate answers would convince them all was arrogant.

If successfully brought on board, they could serve as strong supporters during the primaries, but that depended on his future actions. The obstacles ahead remained numerous.

He had a few cards up his sleeve. He was a senator from New York and a person with great interest in VR and other advanced devices – mainly due to the existence of the Dark Zone. Establishing a second tech valley in the Rust Belt to revitalize the area wasn’t a big problem.

He speculated that aggressively promoting VR at this point would be one of the keys to winning the primaries and the presidential election.

Moreover, he had already planned how to play his winning move.

“Other than Camp Henry, no one else is interested in the Dark Zone AP Final Championship, right?”

“In a negative direction, many candidates are already expressing concerns. They worry about losing approval ratings to the event or closely watching for any collusion with ICARUS International.”

“Typical politicians. They don’t realize how important it is to make a mark there.”

Laughing, he added cautiously.

“Probably, neither the Democrats nor the Republicans know that Yoo Jin, who will compete in this final championship, is an EM-class manifestation. The impact will be significant when it’s shown that I’m close to her.”

“If she later finds out she was politically used, how will you handle it?”

“Haha, Senator Henry will be the second president in a wheelchair following President Roosevelt.”

“Heh.”

A joke from a Secret Service aide who was also a memory holder.

Henry took a deep breath as if struck by the joke, then added a few words with a dry laugh.

“My goodness. That’s the scariest joke I’ve heard recently. If I hadn’t prepared the Medal of Honor, that’s exactly how it would have turned out.”

“How about finding another method now?”

“I understand it’s a sensitive time. It’s clear that everything will be seen as politically motivated. But what can I do?”

Sigh.

He took a sip of water and quietly spoke.

“Not being able to meet my savior because of the primaries is too harsh.”

“….”

“I know it’s partly a gamble, but there are things that must be done or they’ll never be done. I will meet that child no matter what. Having unofficially promised a Medal of Honor, what more is there to fear?”

“That’s true.”

-[Alert: The 5th debate will resume in 5 minutes!]

After a brief silence, he added.

“Well then… I must return to my main job. Can you give me the list of expected questions again?”

“Here it is.”

Henry received the paper and began reading it again.

Time flowed, and the anticipated day drew closer.

Half of October had passed.

“Ah, that smells good.”

Bubble bubble.

And the person in question was busy cooking ramen.

“…Ah. Where’s that delicious smell coming from….”

“Are you awake?”

“Oh, yes… Yes!?”

Bubble bubble.

The spicy savory scent tickled their noses. As the aroma of the broth filled the rooftop and wafted to the tents where people were sleeping, they all woke up cautiously and rolled over – all showing the same reaction.

Of course, that common reaction was surprise.

“Oh, sir, you should’ve woken us up in the morning.”

“I brought chocolate milk, so have a cup first.”

“Oh, uh….”

Swoosh.

A transparent cup filled with brown milk swayed as it was presented. The delayed heartburn and a certain degree of headache hit. Carefully taking the cup and gulping it down, the sweetness poured into the mouth and throat like a waterfall.

Once they emptied the cup in one go, they finally came to their senses. One editor who had woken up earlier cautiously looked around. The broth was simmering gently. Various seafood such as shrimp, clams, squid, pollock, and abalone were bobbing in the red liquid.

On the table next to the medium burner were about five packs of noodles and a large quantity of bean sprouts. As they regained more consciousness, they felt slightly hungry.

It was the perfect time for a hangover breakfast.

“I’ll help set up.”

“Good idea.”

“Oh, then I’ll…”

“Before that, if everyone’s awake, have a glass of milk.”

Yoo Jin, who had turned down the heat, handed a cup of chocolate milk to those cautiously emerging from the tents. Left hand, right hand, and tail. Three cups at once. Thus, Yoo Jin quickly provided emergency care to those suffering from hangovers, and soon they all looked much better.

Then the clattering sound started. Disposable containers were set up on the table, along with chopsticks and spoons. The clock on the side of the tent showed 10 a.m., and naturally, they asked Yoo Jin.

“When did you get up today…”

“Around 7:30. I did a bit of morning exercise, bought some rice and ramen nearby, and cooked. I did it to get some movement, so don’t worry about it. By the way, we still have some leftover meat, ham, and eggs from yesterday. Should we grill them as side dishes? Anyone wants some?”

“I’ll do it!”

“I’ll help! I’ll assist!”

“Everyone’s so energetic this morning.”

Well, it was hard to say it was energy. They just didn’t want to be seen as freeloaders while their employer was busy. At least these people weren’t so insensitive as to not help when their employer was bustling around.

It didn’t take long for the quiet morning to turn into a bustling one. Someone sliced kimchi, another scooped steaming rice into disposable containers, and others cut meat and ham or lit the torch again.

Yoo Jin, who smiled at the orderly movements, poured the five packs of ramen, bean sprouts, and other ingredients into the boiling broth. The oil-soaked noodles released their essence into the soup, mixing with the scent of meat and ham being cooked on the stove and eggs in the frying pan.

It was a substantial and appetizing meal, especially for breakfast.

“Enjoy your meal!”

“Eat as much as you want. I bought it for you.”

Is this… maternal love from a snake?

Setting aside such irreverent thoughts, the five individuals, except

Yoo Jin, ladled the ramen from the large pot into their bowls. Steam cascaded like a waterfall as the chewy noodles and spicy broth filled the containers.

Each picked up a pair of chopsticks and slurped up the noodles, expressing delight.

“Ah, this is so good…”

“This is more like a drink to wake you up, not to cure a hangover.”

“Wow. It’s really delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Moreover, it wasn’t just flattery.

For breakfast, it might have been a bit heavy, but they were consuming it quickly despite just waking up. Of course, Yoo Jin had expertly managed the portions. They couldn’t eat too much first thing in the morning.

Of course, there wouldn’t be any leftovers. Even if there were, she planned to finish them herself.

And true to her word,

“Ah, that was good.”

“Wow…”

Half inevitably, there were leftover broth and some rice and side dishes.

Yoo Jin mixed the remaining rice into the broth, leaving no side dishes, and cleaned all the plates. After a brief round of applause – which she was startled by and asked them to stop – they began cleaning up the dishes.

Disposable dishes were rinsed with water once and then thrown away, while plates were thoroughly washed in the communal kitchen sink before being returned. The table was wiped clean, making the place look as if no one had used it.

Before they packed up and left, Yoo Jin added.

“Good job, everyone. I hope you had fun. Rest well at home. You can start working again tomorrow.”

“Oh, yes. It was really fun this time.”

“I’ll bury my bones here-!”

“Haha.”

After exchanging simple farewells, some went in the same direction, while others went separate ways.

On her way home alone, Yoo Jin briefly recalled a memory from yesterday.

‘Come to think of it, I need to pick up the package…’

After a moment’s thought, she reached a conclusion.

Though it was a bit troublesome to collect it, today was one of the non-broadcast days according to the previous notice, a Wednesday. There was a reason for the saying “strike while the iron is hot.”

Thus, Yoo Jin’s steps turned away from home.

It was a remarkably clear day.

“The package box has started moving.”

“Good. Everyone but the minimum personnel should manage their condition. The most capable one will go later.”

“Understood.”

Meanwhile.

Another cogwheel was turning.