Chapter 359: A Single Word.
While waiting for news from his resident AI, Dante finished his food. Some drinks were served next, mostly wine along with a varied selection of high-grade cheese.
Knowing they’re likely being watched, Dante encouraged the other to engage in small talk to avoid looking suspicious. Just as it was about time to serve desserts, Volcan returned with some bad news.
[I am unable to find a passage.]
As it turned out, the guards spread around the fifth floor, the one where the room Jaguar was using was located, were positioned in a way that left no blind spots, making it impossible for the Scorpio-bots to advance unnoticed. What’s worse-
[Their NIMs and OAMs seem to be turned off.]
’Seriously...’
Dante took it as confirmation of his suspicions. The Daggers have undoubtedly implemented countermeasures against Divers, minimizing the chances of their implants being compromised. The Scorpio-bots couldn’t get close, and they couldn’t use the guards as access points either. That left them with only one option, but Dante wasn’t too keen on relying on it.
[It seems the servers are checked before they are allowed entry to the room.] Volcan said.
’They have guards at the servant entrances as well?’
It was to be expected.
[I will be diving into the servers now.]
Everyone was finished with their desserts, and the dinner was over. Now it was only a matter of deciding when to leave, but they couldn’t just take off right away. Nobara ordered some tea and carried the conversation, telling a story about the good old days.
After a few minutes, Suzuka excused herself, making it sound like she was visiting the restroom. Kizuna followed after her, unaware that it was a signal for them to prepare to get out. Boris stood up next, saying he would go prepare the car.
[There has been an accident.] Volcan said. [One of the servers dropped some plates. They are redoing everything.]
’You got to be kidding me...’
By now, Dante was already giving up on hearing what was being said in that room. They have infiltrated the restaurant’s surveillance systems, thus achieving their original goal. That would allow them to do the diving remotely, so they had no reason to loiter around anymore.
Dante went through the security feed once more, checking if any gangsters were on the way outside. Some were still scattered around, acting as security, but they didn’t seem like they were going to be a problem.
When Suzuka and Kizuna returned, having taken their sweet time, Dante decided it was the right opportunity to make their exit.
"Alright," He pushed himself up. "It’s time we call it a night."
"What!!?" Kizuna exclaimed. "But I wanted to order more of that cake!!!"
"Kizuna." Suzuka sighed.
"Leave it to next time." Dante glanced at the boy beside him. "Finn doesn’t seem to be doing well."
"That’s because you didn’t let him use the toilet!"
Dante almost facepalmed himself, but he somehow resisted the urge.
"I... I want to go home as well." Finn smiled wryly. "It’s already getting late."
Dante grabbed the leather folder that was brought along with the coffee he ordered to conclude the meal. Inside was the bill and a QR code. Dante scanned the latter and paid without bothering to check how much this dinner had cost them. The amount was definitely going to give him a heart attack so it was for the best if he delayed it until late. For now, leaving the beast’s lair was his top priority.
The servers who escorted them in returned with the girl’s coats and Nobara’s haori, then escorted them to the entrance. A small bag was handed to each of them as a parting gift, and when it was mentioned that it contained chocolate, the green-haired android beamed with joy.
The entire time, Dante kept his eyes peeled for any oddities, looking through security cams, of course. Some of the rough-looking security guards glanced in their direction but didn’t linger. At the same time, Volcan informed him that the server he targeted was heading to Jaguar’s room.
Boris was on his way so they waited for him at the entrance. Dante couldn’t help but feel annoyed when another car pulled up, not impressed by it despite how expensive it looked.
That annoyance turned into tension when he saw the bunch that came out of it. Their appearance and the air surrounding them hinted at their profession, and through it had lost its color, Dante felt that he could still see the blood on their hands. One of them in particular demanded attention. He was a hulk of a man, more than 2.5 meters tall and built like a tank. The thick coat he wore only added to the bulk, and the long hair and beard made it difficult to get a good look at his face. From afar, he looked like the kind of monster that would walk out of some woods.
Dante’s worries spiked when a few of the guards rushed over to greet him. He didn’t need them to confirm that the man or his subordinates worked for the Daggers, but now he got it, and he didn’t like what his mind predicted was about to happen.
The gangsters were going to pass right beside them, and since they were waiting for their car, Dante and his group couldn’t afford to go anywhere else. Moving would make them look more suspicious, so they had no choice but to stand there and wait.
"It’s here!" Kizuna announced when Boris pulled up with the limo.
Dante almost ordered Volcan to shut her down, but he held back and just sighed before taking a step forward. Their ride was here, so they had no reason to linger. Keeping his gaze forward, he did his best to avoid looking at the rough bunch that was about to pass beside them, which was more difficult than it seemed with a giant among them.
Fortunately, nothing happened. Dante felt the giant linger on him for a moment, but that was. Just a little bit of attention was drawn by his bright red hair. That’s what he thought as he told himself as he continued to walk, and that’s how it seemed when he noticed a shadow come to a halt in the corner of his eye. Then he heard it. A single word.
"Finn?"