NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 44
Chapter 44. Special Mission
The injuries had fully healed, and I was discharged from the hospital on the fifth day.
The medical staff were amazed at the abnormal speed of my recovery, but I had no intention of explaining why. By circulating fighting energy throughout my body over the past five days, I had enhanced my recovery rate. Normally, I’d be fully healed within hours, but the sheer power of divine energy struck me anew.
After taking a week for full recovery, I was finally ready to return to the field.
And right away, I found myself called to the headquarters conference room early in the morning.
“Good morning.”
As I opened the door and scanned the room, I noticed Kongo-san near the front.
“Ah, good morning. Hmm, you look fully healed.”
“Yes, thanks to everyone’s help. By the way, are the others joining later?”
“I’ll explain that too. For now, take a seat.”
As prompted, I sat down in a nearby chair.
Seeing Kongo-san’s somewhat tense demeanor, I figured this might be an important matter.
I mean, I’d just dealt with an S-rank monster not long ago… My luck really is terrible.
“So, can you tell me what’s going on?”
“Of course. First, let me clarify that you’re the only one I called here, Yanagi. The reason is that I want you to undertake a solo special mission this time.”
“A special mission?”
Why assign something like that to a rookie like me? And solo at that?
Ordinarily, Kongo-san or the other team members would suffice, which means there’s something specific only I can handle.
“That’s right. While you were in the hospital, information about someone’s ability leaked. This could lead to external contact or possibly even combat. I’d like you to protect this individual.”
“Is the ability that valuable?”
“Yes. The ability is called [Origin Sublime]—a power that enhances the potential of any entity, living or otherwise. Currently, the user can’t fully control it and can’t amplify things significantly yet.”
“I see… That would make them a target.”
The ability sounded somewhat like mine—enhancing or elevating something—but theirs applied to all entities, not just living ones. Its strategic value was immeasurable.
Unlike me, whose power only works on myself and has no upper limit on elevation potential, their limits seemed different.
It was curious why such a powerful ability hadn’t been widely known before.
In my case, my ability stats were unmeasurable, so I was labeled as having no abilities. But for them, limited enhancement should mean measurable stats.
Maybe they were exceptionally discreet. Or perhaps they were someone influential enough to control the flow of information.
“By the way, this individual is a member of the Takamiya family.”
“What?!”
I couldn’t help but gasp.
Even I, who barely paid attention to others, knew of the Takamiya family—an internationally renowned household. Their influence allowed this Special Ability Unit to operate so freely.
If it’s the Takamiya family, they could easily conceal such information. On the contrary, how had it leaked?
“I understand your surprise. I was shocked at first too. The ability belongs to the Takamiya family’s second daughter. Because of the leak, they plan to move her from her current residence to a villa in three days. Yanagi, I want you to protect Takamiya Runa during this relocation.”
“Blend in? So, you don’t want anyone to know I’m part of the Special Ability Unit?”
“Exactly. We’ll arrange for you to join the escort detail, so there won’t be any infiltration issues. However, the presence of the task force might deter the enemy from showing up. Ideally, we’d like to eliminate the threat entirely.”
I see. Our presence would certainly be troublesome for the enemy.
This mission likely came to me because I’m a newcomer, and my existence isn’t widely known.
“This mission is from a select, trustworthy group within the upper echelon. That said, not everyone is on board. Some argued we shouldn’t waste resources on protection and should focus on other tasks.”
“Ugh…”
Hopefully, they won’t cause problems during this mission. Protecting someone from multiple factions would be a nightmare.
“Anyway, the upper echelon’s trustworthiness is questionable right now. You’ve likely noticed odd behaviors since the last mission. To avoid leaks, I only called you here.”
So that’s why.
There’s a faint barrier in this room—it’s well-secured.
“Understood. I’ll take on this mission.”
I’m not alone, after all. If Takamiya’s private agents are involved, I might not even need to do much. I’ll take it easy.
“Thank you. I’ll provide the details in a dossier later. Come back to the conference room after noon.”
“Understood.”
◇
After leaving the conference room, I wandered around headquarters.
(What should I do to kill time?)
Maybe I’ll explore some places I haven’t seen yet. There must be plenty of facilities I haven’t discovered.
I stepped into an elevator and pressed the highest number I saw—fifteen.
“Something relaxing would be nice…”
Yeah, like a fluff room or something. That’d be perfect. All my stress would vanish instantly.
Wait, how much am I earning right now?
I’ve worked enough to afford a pet, haven’t I?
Alright, I’ll check my bank account when I get home and visit a pet shop!
Ding!
As I fantasized about which animal to get, the elevator arrived at my destination, and the doors slowly opened.
“Whoa, this is amazing!”
The space was like a park, covered entirely in greenery.
“Laughter echoed through the area.”
“Wait up!”
“Woof!”
Three figures frolicked in the grass, clearly having fun.
Two of them were Hattori-san and Kirisaka-senpai. The third figure made my eyes widen in shock.
“Sa… Sally?!”
The fluffy white creature looked around curiously, as if searching for me.
“Woof?!”
Finally spotting me, it ran over.
So cute!!
Before I moved, Sally, a Pomeranian I’d seen at a pet shop near my previous residence, had been taken in by rescue teams after a nearby monster attack destroyed the building.
I never thought I’d see her again…
“Woof!”
Sally jumped into my arms, and I gently caught her.
“…This is the best.”
Her soft fur was incredibly soothing. All my exhaustion evaporated, leaving me feeling weightless.
“Yanagi-kun! Long time no see! Do you know that pup?”
Hattori-san asked cheerfully as she approached.
Behind her, Kirisaka-senpai sat exhausted on the ground.
“Yes. She was at a pet shop near where I used to live. How did she end up here?”
“Well, Sally was at a rescue facility where Gajo-san stopped by after a mission. He brought her back here. That guy’s got a soft spot for cute things.”
Gajo-senpai, our quiet team member who hides his left eye behind his hair, seemed unapproachable but might not be so bad after all. Maybe I’ll give him a stuffed animal next time.
“Haah… That pup has endless energy. How much does she run around?!”
Kirisaka-senpai panted.
“Isn’t it just that you’re out of shape, Moe?”
Hattori-san teased.
“Please don’t hold me to combat standards! I have normal human stamina!”
“Looks like Sally had fun playing with you both.”
I said, gently stroking Sally, who nuzzled against me.
…Honestly, can I just live here? She’s too cute.
For the next few hours, I played with them and Sally.
Apparently, Sally is now housed on the eighth floor in a free room, so I can visit her anytime.
I was considering getting a new pet, but I think Sally will be all the comfort I need from now on.
Hehehe…