"Then, let's hear the details of this commission."
Sol Mercer asked Von Lycaon.
"This job requires entering the X-83 Hollow," Von Lycaon said gravely. "That place was once a famous opera house in Old Eridu, frequented by countless nobles and high officials. Next to it stood the armed division of the former Public Security."
"On the day Hollow Zero erupted, a severe Hollow disaster broke out there as well."
"Not a single person within the Hollow's range survived. It was a major disaster, though compared to others of the same period, it was relatively minor. Because the ones who died were mostly high-ranking officials of the old days, the authorities had little interest in exploring the site."
Rina looked to Sol and added, "The Ethereal we need your help to deal with is the most powerful one within X-83 Hollow. Unlike ordinary Ethereals, which are corrupted from single beings, this one was formed by the fusion of multiple heavy-armored mechs. Its strength is terrifying."
In truth, a single heavy-armored mech would rarely be corrupted into an Ethereal.
For, from the very conception of their design, to prevent such corruption, these heavy-armored mechs were built without logic cores, operated only by human pilots.
Thus, when corruption happened, it was always the pilot who was taken, not the machine itself. That way, the killing machines wouldn't turn into even worse killing Ethereals.
But a monster made of dozens of fused heavy-armored mechs—that was something only a Sacrifice could create.
As Rina finished, Von Lycaon studied Sol's expression, then continued, "According to our intelligence, the Ethereal stands over thirty meters tall and is armed to the teeth. Only a true Void Hunter could take it on. Even a fully regimented Defense Force unit would hardly threaten it."
"Mm, I understand." Sol nodded lightly, showing little reaction. "A thirty-meter Ethereal is still smaller than the ones the first-generation Void Hunters defeated. It won't be a problem for me."
The creature sounded frighteningly strong—perfect for testing his strength.
I wonder how many punches and kicks such a big guy could withstand.
Still, something about the fusion of dozens of mechs felt familiar.
The Sacrifice that Belobog Heavy Industries' prototype subdued?
But he didn't dwell on it. Ether and Hollows were mysteries even to those who lived in this world. Someone like him, who hadn't been here long, shouldn't make reckless assumptions.
Von Lycaon regarded Sol, momentarily at a loss for words.
He had been observing Sol's reaction to the X-83 Hollow and the fused monstrosity, hoping to make a preliminary judgment.
No suspicious reaction—he didn't seem to know the truth of what had happened there.
But the words he did say…
A thirty-meter Ethereal, smaller than what the first Void Hunters killed—wasn't considered to be a problem.
So, he's that confident?
Or had Sol actually faced Ethereals of that scale before?
Still, Von Lycaon's composure allowed him to recover quickly. "Since you are so confident, Mr. Mercer, we are reassured. Would you like to make any preparations first? We can arrange immediate transport."
"No need. Let's leave right away."
Sol merely sent Nicole a message saying he was heading out on a job. That was all the preparation he needed.
"Then, please."
Von Lycaon bowed and gestured gracefully toward a sleek extended business car.
"This car's not bad—much better than our old jalopy."
Sol offered his objective assessment.
"In truth, the Cunning Hares' vehicle has its own nostalgic charm. Compared to this one, it feels much more lived-in," Rina said with a smile as she opened the door and guided Sol to the back-seat sofa.
Sol nodded slightly. No wonder she was the head maid of a high-end housekeeping company—she truly had a way with words.
High EQ Reply: 'more lived-in.'
Low EQ Reply: 'broke as hell.'
Then Von Lycaon took the wheel, while Rina, Corin Wickes, and Ellen Joe sat facing Sol.
Rina made the introductions properly. "Mr. Mercer, my name is Alexandrina Sebastiane. I am the head maid of Victoria Housekeeping Co., but you may call me Rina."
She then gestured toward the two beside her. "This is Ellen Joe, whom you already know, and that is Corin Wickes."
Ellen gave Sol a curt nod and said flatly, "Hello, Mr. Mercer."
Corin, summoning her courage, greeted nervously, "Hello, Mr. Mercer!"
To her, this guest—someone even Von Lycaon treated with such respect—was intimidating. She was terrified of making a mistake.
"They are all excellent maids. Whatever you may need, we will do our utmost to fulfill," Rina said with a smile. "We have coffee, wine, and other beverages prepared."
"No need for drinks," Sol shook his head. Then he turned to Ellen with a faint smile. "Ellen, we're friends, aren't we?"
"Y-yes…"
Ellen hesitated for a long moment before answering.
She had a bad feeling.
Sol, what are you trying to pull? You'd better not—
Sol rubbed his temples and said with feigned distress, "Suddenly my head hurts. If only my good friend Ellen could massage it for me."
"Hm?"
Ellen's brows furrowed tightly.
As expected, exposing her maid identity in front of a friend was leading to something she dreaded.
She knew this friend of hers—who loved to tease her even in chat—wouldn't miss such an opportunity.
"Ellen isn't skilled at massage. Why don't I press your forehead for relaxation instead?"
Rina stepped in smoothly.
"No need. Though the head maid is indeed very easy on the eyes, what I need right now is the comfort of a friend." Sol waved off the offer.
It would be far too forward to tease Rina at their very first meeting.
But Ellen, already a friend, was fair game.
He truly wanted to see that aloof, lazy "Shark Lady" with her sharp tongue and shy, tsundere face.
"Fine, I'll do it. But as Rina said, I'm not good at massage." Ellen sighed helplessly and moved to Sol's side, placing her hands lightly on his temples.
It was her first time massaging someone.
Her elite clients would never dare to make such rude requests.
And even if they had, the moment she showed she could slice bullets with scissors, they would've dropped the idea.
Now, pressing Sol's temples, she had intended to do it carelessly, not worrying about strength.
But remembering his words, she tried to be as gentle as possible.
"Thank you, my dear friend. I can massage you too, next time."
Sol's smile brightened with pleasure.
"No need. Next time, massage yourself."
Ellen's voice was flat, drained of energy.
"Suit yourself."
Sol chuckled softly and fell quiet.
The cool, soft touch of her fingertips… Ellen's faintly exasperated face… it was truly a top-class indulgence.
Huh? What's that waving in front of my eyes?
Ugh, not again—my motion sickness is kicking in!