Bad Born Blood - Chapter 131



Only Noblemtl

131

“As of now, this is a virtual simulation program with a depth of 2 levels. Rather than a virtual simulation, it is closer to an experiential video. No separate manipulation is possible from within.”

Barbara spoke quickly, her pupils and fingers moving without pause.

On the screen, scattered letters and symbols were arranged in a certain format, intertwined here and there. When restoring, Barbara checked whether the code was executed by fitting the broken parts one by one according to the context.

Even from my perspective as someone with basic knowledge, Barbara’s skills were top-notch.

“One piece of advice: You should have brought the original to me sooner. The data was restored by someone with poor skills, causing a lot of loss. This caused a lot of unnecessary work. The person on your side restored it in a very ignorant way. You weren’t a professional programmer, were you?”

Barbara inferred the process from just the traces of the restoration data. I just watched without denying it.

“I can finish it today… … .”

“I’ve already finished it. I was taught this kind of work when I was seven.”

It was a job well done that I would praise, if the other person wasn’t Barbara.

We took out the virtual simulation device. It was a simple device in the form of a ring that wrapped around the forehead. The depth of the program was low, so this was sufficient.

Kiing.

As I put the simulation device on my head, the goggles popped out. The screen spun around as if under hypnosis, and colors spread like paint. The vibrations from the metal contacts on my temples made a buzzing sound as if they were seeping into my brain.

Entering the virtual simulation was the same for Barbara.

“I’ll keep some of my senses out there and keep an eye on her, but if Barbara starts acting suspicious, shoot her right away.”

I closed my eyes and told Giselle.

OMG.

The vibration in my ears is unpleasant. It feels like the vibration and noise transmitted to my brain are spreading throughout my body through my central nervous system.

Squeak, squeak.

The simulation launch process was not smooth. Since it was old data, it felt rough and rough, like inhaling sand dust.

My senses and perception were rejecting the crude simulation. I lowered my sensory sensitivity as if I was about to fall asleep.

My consciousness sank even lower. Like a trance, consciousness is detached from reality. It feels like I’m staring out while sinking into a swimming pool. But I don’t have to go all the way to the bottom. This level is just right.

-Noel.

“Noel.”

Let’s focus, the simulation still feels fake.

“Noel?”

Yeah, now we’re getting into it.

I closed my eyes and opened them.

The first thing I saw was Giselle. No, not Giselle. A woman who looked like Giselle. I knew right away who she was.

‘Agatha Custoria.’

Agatha is looking at me. To be exact, it’s me who is experiencing ‘Noel’.

“Wake up, you punk.”

Agatha suddenly started swearing at me.

Pee- whoosh!

A gunshot rang out.

‘A simulation that extracts and reconstructs Noel’s memories.’

I also understood the situation. The memory started on the battlefield.

* * *

The virtual simulation wasn’t very complete. If you concentrate even a little, your consciousness will easily drift away from the simulation. Because the data is incomplete, the background and the edges of objects flash with colorful fluorescent lights. Still, it’s enough to immerse you.

I let my consciousness flow with the simulation. The sensory signals it sent me seeped into me as if they were reality. I could smell the dirt and gunpowder.

‘This is a battlefield.’

I, Noel, was a soldier. I was leaning against a shelter, holding a gun that seemed antique by today’s standards.

‘Who is our enemy?’

I don’t know if they were Bellato or Cora. ​​I just knew they were people. They were shooting at us.

There were also soldiers around who were panicking. I don’t know what it was, but it seemed like we were at a disadvantage.

“Noel, what are your plans?”

Agatha, dressed in battle attire, asked me. It felt strange to see her resemblance to Giselle.

However, upon closer inspection, she was clearly different from Giselle. Her atmosphere was rough and wild. And the scars from the battlefield remained. Her arms and legs were prosthetic, but her torso was alive.

‘Agatha is a warrior and a soldier.’

Noel, no, me. Hmm, I’m starting to get confused by the virtual simulation thing.

I am Noel soon, it is easy to think that way. I think that identifying with Noel and myself will have a negative effect on my mental health… … But for now, immersion comes first. The more deeply I accept the signal data that constitutes the memory reproduction, the more clearly I can feel Noel’s thoughts and emotions.

Anyway, I looked at the situation and muttered to myself. Finally, after finishing my thoughts, I gave instructions to Agatha and the surrounding soldiers.

“Agatha and the 3rd Division ambush on the left, and the 4th Division follows me to the right. Support will arrive soon, so let’s attack then.”

I was so calm that it was hard to believe I was being pushed.

“Support is coming? Communications have been cut off. How do the higher-ups know about this situation?”

Agatha questioned my judgment.

“The commander of the rearguard right now is Katrin Mulizka. She should be fully aware of the situation.”

“Katrin Mulizka? Do you know her?”

“No, I don’t know. I only looked at the command records and history.”

Agatha made a dumbfounded expression and then screamed.

“Then we must retreat! If we continue like this, we will be surrounded! We will all die!”

During this period, unlike her later years, she seemed to be easily excited. She showed a choleric side.

“Even if the worst happens, you and I will be able to escape. Agatha, your fighting power can create a breakthrough.”

To put it another way, in the worst case scenario, everyone but me and Agatha would die.

I didn’t seem to consider any other soldier as a comrade except for Agatha. I certainly didn’t see any strong bonds at first glance. They seemed like conscripts who had been brought in forcibly.

Wheeing!

Soon, a loud noise echoed through the sky. The shadow of the transport ship covered the battlefield. The bottom of the transport ship opened and about fifty soldiers fell as if they were falling.

Finally, support has arrived.

Kwung! Boom!

Soldiers who fell from the transport ship were buried deep in the battlefield. They stood up one by one. They seemed to have been heavily armored and had not suffered any significant damage from the forced descent. Some of them seemed to be in full armor.

Whoosh!

I extended my hand forward and gave a signal. We had prepared ourselves, so we advanced, sweeping left and right, hand in hand with the support unit.

The support unit broke the enemy in the center. Then we suppressed the retreating enemy from the left and right. The enemy suffered a blow that was close to destruction, without even having time to reorganize the battle line.

‘Agatha stands out. She is indeed the founder of Custoria.’

By modern standards, Agatha is not a very skilled person.

However, by the standards of two centuries ago, Agatha was an overwhelming warrior. Looking at the fighting prowess of other soldiers, Agatha seemed even more impressive. Even with her poorly-powered body and unenhanced nervous system, she fought with acrobatic skills.

Agatha suppressed the enemy from the left front. She fired without even looking, but her accuracy was strangely high, and in close combat, she was like a fish in water. People fell one by one as her dagger passed by.

The battle was over. It was our victory.

I concentrated and accelerated the time flow of the simulation. After the post-war cleanup was over, Agatha and I received a call from our superiors.

We went to the commanding officer’s barracks. A noble officer was watching us. Her name was ‘Katrin Mulizka’.

‘I see.’

This is how Noel became entangled with the Mulizka family.

Silver-haired Catherine glared at me with a look of discontent on her face. The edges of her pupils were glowing.

“You acted like you knew I was coming. Like you had planned the operation in advance.”

“I just rolled a gamble and it worked. I was lucky.”

I answered with my hands on my stiff waist. Katrin didn’t seem to like my answer.

“Speak straight, Private Noel. You should know that I don’t have a very good temper.”

“I thought you would come here because I have seen your command records, Captain. You have always prioritized strategic locations over helping the nobles’ units. I think that is why you were promoted so late compared to your achievements.”

The man was quite arrogant. It was not something a private should say to an officer.

Catherine frowned and tilted her head crookedly. She stood before me and Agatha with her arms crossed.

“I just told you clearly that my personality is not very good.”

The one who was fidgeting was Agatha next to me. It seems that even in this era, the authority of the nobility was great.

“I don’t have a good personality either.”

I said, I, no, Noel, this guy was a crazy kid too! I was so shocked that I almost lost my identity.

Kwajik!

Catherine’s fist sank into my stomach. I arched my back and fell forward, blood gushing from my mouth.

It was a serious injury that had damaged internal organs. How did I know… …because the pain was transmitted to me indirectly through pain signals.

“No, L? You… …!”

Agatha looked embarrassed, then glared at Catherine with an angry expression. She looked like she was going to attack her at any moment.

“It’s okay, ah, Agatha.”

I stood up, holding onto Agatha’s clothes. This was really guts. At that time, there was no pain tolerance training. I just endured the pain that seemed like I would die from shock with my mental strength.

Catherine looked down at me and smiled faintly.

“Noel, Agatha. Welcome to Mulizkajaeger. You are now my unit.”

During this period, there were units exclusively for noble families in the military organization. Mulizkajäger was one such unit. In fact, the private army of noble families was treated and supported as a regular army of the state. This was because many noble families became local warlords.

I sped up the simulation. It was Noel’s memories, but not his entire life, so when I sped it up, months and years passed by in an instant.

‘Katrin Mulizka, who has been designated as the next head of the household.’

Catherine was an excellent woman. Her abilities were recognized within her family, and she led the family’s exclusive troops on the battlefield even at a young age. However, due to her stubborn personality, her personnel evaluation within the military was not good.

Time slowed down. Agatha and I had been serving in the Mulizkajaeger for about five years.

Agatha and I both achieved notable successes and accumulated merits. Agatha rose through the ranks to become a senior platoon leader, and I was promoted to Catherine’s personal adjutant as a staff officer.

As key figures of Mulizka Jäger, we naturally received full-body prosthesis treatment.

After completing full-body rehabilitation, I went to work to be with Katrin.

“So you’re saying you were able to adapt to the full body prosthesis in just one month?”

Katrin squinted at me, her eyes looking like she couldn’t believe it.

“The doctor in charge said there was no problem.”

“… … Follow me, Noel.”

Catherine took off her coat and went down to the training ground. She stretched out her fists and swung her feet as if testing me.

My reaction was not slow. Even with my stiff body, I managed to dodge here and there and counterattack.

Whirl, whirl.

And then I pressed my knee against Catherine’s back and broke her arm. It was a perfect subjugation.

“You, I thought you were weak physically, but you weren’t. Were you hiding the fact that you were stronger than Agatha?”

“I never hid it. I just realized something recently and tried it out.”

The talent of a combat theorist was blossoming.

“There’s research going on up there. They say they’ve found a new way to strengthen the nervous system. Originally, they were only going to send Agatha… … You go too, Noel.”

I didn’t feel like sending Agatha away either.

“Hmm, is this a drug experiment? I’m going to turn into a wreck, no matter what. It’s obvious.”

“Then I won’t send you. This time, something is a bit different. Other families are sending excellent subordinates. By the way, how long are you planning to keep pushing me?”

“Excuse me, excuse me.”

I woke up first and helped Katrin up.

Three months have passed. Agatha, who has completed her full-body adaptation, has returned to the scene. To celebrate her return, Agatha and I stopped by a bar. Since it was a commemorative day to celebrate our own success and advancement, we chose a more expensive place than usual.

Agatha entered the bar and tapped me on the shoulder with her elbow.

“Noel, look at that. Isn’t that the captain? If you do it right, you might be able to get something for it.”

Agatha spoke briskly. I followed her gaze.

I saw Katrin sitting alone at the bar. She was drinking and looking out the glass windows. Beyond it, I could see the cityscape. The spires were sticking out.

From the edge of the city of spires, a gray wasteland continued. It was clearly different from the landscape of Akbaran.

‘This is the planet Ark.’

I felt a sense of alienation. The landscape seemed to temporarily blur and appear multilayered as the simulation identity value decreased.

Yes, it’s starting to feel real now. This is the era before we settled the planet Novas. A thunderstorm was raging on the horizon.

“May I join you, sir?”

Agatha approached Catherine and said.

Katrin, who was drinking alone, glanced at us and snapped her fingers. The bartender came over to us.

“Do as you wish. Put the bill in front of me. This is a return gift, Agatha.”

“As expected, our captain is the coolest.”

Agatha sat down next to Catherine, flattering her.

widely.

The alcohol came out. I looked at the alcohol, which cost me a glass, with mixed feelings. Agatha next to me emptied her glass without fear. She drank so well that I wanted to hit her on the back of the head.

Catherine stared at us and then smiled. Her smile was rare.

“When are you guys getting married?”

Agatha and I both denied Catherine’s statement.

“Hey, Noel and I aren’t that kind of people. We’ve known each other since we were kids. It might be okay if we were siblings, but it’s impossible for us to be lovers.”

“Well, if I’m more into men, then Agatha might have a chance.”

“Hey, I want to die!”

Katrin shrugged after watching our farce.

“Yeah, I see.”

We spent the night at the bar, drinking so hard that we almost blacked out. I think I even cursed at Katrin and spoke to her informally.

* * *

Noel’s memory was vast. There was a reason it was stored on expensive chips.

Again, I focused on the simulation, hoping to finish the experience before Barbara.

Agatha and I received a new enhancement procedure. People in similar situations as us were lying in the ward. Some were screaming and harming themselves.

The medical staff was looking at me. The doctor in front of me said while looking at the medical chart.

“You may experience symptoms ranging from mild mania to hallucinations and confusion. Please report any adverse reactions.”

We had a spinal fluid exchange procedure. I felt the back of my neck where the tube had just been connected. The feeling of the translucent liquid slowly seeping into my body was quite eerie.

The effects of the procedure are hard to describe in a single word. It felt like the world had become clearer, and I was sucking in all the information in the world like an obsessive compulsive disorder. When I came to my senses, I was even counting the number of tiles on the floor.

I couldn’t even ignore unnecessary information, so I couldn’t sleep properly for several days. Because my senses were so sensitive, I felt extremely stressed even at the slightest noise.

The time I spent in rehabilitation was a vacation. When I had recovered somewhat, I went to see Agatha.

“Holy shit, I’m really going to die. Noel, how do you walk? I can’t even tell the ceiling from the floor. I’m going crazy, really. It feels like the hangover that won’t go away is chasing me more.”

Agatha said, pushing open the front door with her shoulder. She scratched her messy hair and went inside.

“But why are you naked? If your boyfriend is here, I’ll go and check. I think he hates me.”

I said calmly.

Agatha was not wearing even a piece of cloth. Because of this, her staggering back was clearly visible. Her entire body was sleek and smooth.

“That slimy little brat got tired of me a long time ago. I should start dating women from now on, I won. And why am I naked? Are you asking because you don’t know? My senses are so sensitive right now that it’s hard for me to even put on clothes! Anything that touches my skin feels like a bug is biting me.”

Agatha said irritably. It seemed that the side effects were more severe on the other side since she had a sharper sense of battle than me.

As I entered, I stared at her bed. I saw a torn blanket. It wasn’t just the bed. The inside of Agatha’s house was a mess, as if a beast had clawed it.

“Agatha, you need to come out of this hyper-arousal state. Take a deep breath and turn your senses and thoughts elsewhere. You’ll feel better.”

“I can’t do that, so you do it. Miss, my head hurts so bad. What kind of top elite scientist are you? They all seem like idiots.”

Agatha grumbled. Fortunately, there seemed to be no fatal problems.

“It’s okay, since you seem healthy. I’ll go.”

I said that while drinking only water. It wasn’t like I even got it. I just rummaged through the fridge and took it out myself.

“Are you leaving already? Are you really worried about me and came to see me? I’ve thought about it for a long time, but you’re actually quite kind. You act all cold and collected, even though you’re the one who does it.”

“If you die, you will lose a capable and reliable colleague. It will be a loss for me as well.”

“Don’t be so nosy. Just tell them you came because you were worried about your friend.”

Agatha narrowed her eyes and smiled faintly.

I checked on Agatha’s condition and went back home. And I stayed in bed for about a month. My condition wasn’t that good either. I also needed to check on my enhanced senses and cognitive abilities.

Whoosh!

I stretched out my fist alone in the room. Then I roundhouse kicked like I was swinging a sickle. My heel cut the air fiercely.

In my head, countless thoughts crisscrossed and intertwined like branches branching out. There were so many choices that it seemed like infinite possibilities.

‘What is the best decision?’

I imagined a virtual enemy and moved. My head felt light, as if I had escaped a cage.

Humans have surpassed their biological limits through technological advancement. As a result, traditional fighting methods are becoming obsolete. The old methods are not useless, but they are not the most effective.

The history of mankind has been one of war and struggle, but the turning point has arrived. The body has been freed from blood and flesh. The speed of consciousness is as fast as chasing light.

‘A new way.’

At first, it may be less efficient than the old way. However, if you build a new, wider foundation, you can eventually build higher. The new way will have a higher peak.

‘There’s no rush. Now is the time to lay the foundation.’

And theory without practice is just empty talk.

I, who had been exhausted, went out into the alleys every night. The planet Ark had a severe gap between the rich and the poor, and the city was in dire straits. The reason Agatha and I joined the military was to escape from this place.

A robber blocked my path. He pointed his gun at me without even threatening me.

Ta-Ang!

A gunshot rings out, but I twist my head around to avoid it.

The bullet just grazed my cheek. The robber who pulled the trigger looked at me with wide eyes.

“Blood, damage?”

It was a success.

I proved the theory in practice. It was a feat possible because I read the moment of pulling the trigger while being aware of the direction of the gun barrel.

There are reports that veteran soldiers who were administered combat stimulants on the battlefield often recognized and dodged bullets.

At first, people thought it was just a delusion or a rumor. But now, with the accumulation of records and data, it is considered possible for a very small number of soldiers.

‘Now, going forward, it will become a technology that can be reproduced through learning and training.’

Humans have been progressing. But progress may not always be right.

No one knows whether progress is good or bad. In the past, people lived more peacefully than now. It was said that some people lived and died without experiencing war, murder, or violence. It is hard to believe, but it is true.

Technology has advanced to the point where interstellar travel is possible. Humanity has left Earth and is colonizing planets. But the total amount of despair has never decreased.

The suffering of the poor is getting worse, not better.

Woohoo!

I grabbed the robber by the neck and snapped it. It was so easy to twist the flesh and bones with my iron arm. The life was snapped in vain.

‘You don’t deserve to live.’

This robber will only bring misery if he lives longer.

‘A better world.’

I, Noel, looked up from below the city with a weary gaze.

Chijik.

The cityscape shook as if it was shattered by the breaking of identity. I also knew what he was dreaming of.

* * *

Time has passed.

Agatha and I have recovered quite well from the aftereffects of the enhancement procedure. I have heard that many people have lost their appetite due to the side effects. Although scientists claim that it is safe, there is a reason why nobles do not receive the procedure first.

That day, Katrin and I went on a field trip to a factory together.

Kiing, kiing.

I was looking at something in the shape of armor. Katrin stared at the prototype with interest.

“Is it an exoskeleton that attaches to the body?”

When I asked, Katrin laughed.

“It’s called a full-armored armor. It’s a true battle armor that only has the necessary functions for battle. I plan to order one from the Mulizka family as well.”

I checked the specifications that appeared on the retinal display. The armored body was a machine with all organs necessary for human behavior removed.

The armored body can neither eat nor laugh. In order to eliminate the inefficiency of brain calculations due to unnecessary sensory information and the loss of combat power due to pain, even sensory signals were blocked. The dulled reactions due to the blocking were compensated for by the auxiliary calculation device and the armor’s defensive power.

‘In that fighting machine, the role of humans is only to make judgments in response to diversification.’

The user of the full-body suit cannot feel the warmth of others. They can only see the body temperature of a person as a number through data captured by the sensor. If the body is damaged, the damage and impact will be shown in pictures and numbers.

“It’s quite inhumane. Not many people could withstand that body.”

“It’s only used in battle anyway. It wasn’t made for constant use, so don’t worry.”

“Even taking that into account, it would require a great deal of mental strength.”

“You and Agatha will hold out.”

I looked at Catherine’s profile. She was always so confident. She acted as if no one was higher than her under the sky.

“… … If you only order one, please make it my exclusive body.”

I would adapt better than Agatha. No, even if that weren’t the case, I would have volunteered.

“Sometimes you’re so cutely kind, Noel.”

Catherine giggled, her eyes wide open like a fox.

It seemed a little funny. Yes, I did say things that sounded weak. After all, I volunteered to take risks for Agatha.

“I’ve been hearing a lot lately that I’m a nice person to women. I guess I’m pretty popular.”

I shrugged and grumbled. Katrin laughed out loud.

“Because of the popular saying that bad guys are popular?”

“Chad said the other day that if a guy looks nice, he’s finished.”

“That’s because Chad only dates bad girls. He changes girlfriends every month.”

“But it’s still popular with women, so it changes every time.”

As the demonstration of the armored body ended, the lights went out. The surroundings became dark. We walked to the exit.

“I don’t think a good man is bad. It’s comfortable and nice when he listens well.”

In the dark hallway, the guide line to the exit blinked green.

“… … That’s because as a superior, you like your subordinates.”

“That’s it for me. I hate losing to men or subordinates.”

“I don’t know about the relationship, but I hate losing to a woman.”

Catherine let out a laugh that was not true, then grabbed my wrist and pulled. I staggered and was dragged along.

As I was dragged along obediently, Catherine’s strength loosened. I took advantage of this moment.

Kick!

I pulled Katrin in reverse, applying the brakes to my body that was being dragged.

Whirl, thump!

Catherine, who had been dragged to me, was pushed against the wall. I grabbed both of her wrists as if to block them and pushed her up.

In the darkness, Catherine’s eyes glowed. Her laughter could be heard softly.

“You’re being rude to your superior, Noel.”

I tilt my head to the side and bring my face closer. His breath touches my nose.

“Well, it doesn’t matter now, you’re a woman.”

I kissed Catherine without even hearing her reply.

Catherine didn’t refuse either. Naturally, I let go of her wrist. Her hand came down and wrapped around my waist.

… … The time of the accelerated simulation evaporated. Not all of Noel’s memories remained. Only the important scenes continued here and there.

Katrin and I maintained a relationship that went as far as sleeping. It was ambiguous whether we were dating or not. We didn’t have the passionate feelings that are typical of lovers, and we didn’t exchange affectionate words in bed.

Especially me, Noel, had a calm feeling towards Catherine, even considering that we were a simulation.

A few more months passed. I slept at Katrin’s house three out of ten days.

Ssuk.

Catherine, who had woken up first, was drinking alcohol wearing only a translucent gown. It was still dark because it was dawn.

“Did you wake up because of me?”

Catherine sat on the sofa, pulling one knee up to her chin.

“No, not really.”

I got up, rubbing my neck. Actually, it was Katrin who woke me up.

“He’s a good guy. He’s a bad guy who only tries to win in bed. Well, I guess that’s better.”

“You said you like a good man who listens well?”

“It seems my tastes have changed because of you. This isn’t such a bad thing.”

Katrin looked out the window, her cheek against her knee. The dark city lay beneath her.

Even at this moment, when Katrin and I are enjoying our lofty leisure, misfortune must be growing like mold down there.

I feel anxious for no reason.

“… … Let’s have a nice meal tomorrow too. We only see each other at home.”

Catherine suddenly laughed. There was nothing to laugh about in what I said.

“Don’t be afraid, Noel. You don’t like me.”

The sharp point hit me hard.

“That’s not it.”

“At least you don’t like me as a woman. I don’t want to play around with you like this. If you want to treat the woman you’re sharing the same bed with like an idiot, then keep talking.”

I kept my mouth shut because I had nothing to say. Katrin continued with a gentle smile.

“Even if our bodies are machines, the emotions we feel are not fake. If it’s not sincere, it will eventually be revealed, Noel. And you, you’ve never had any experience with women before, right? That’s why it was even more obvious.”

“Well, I tried to fill in the gaps in my experience. I even asked Chad for some tips.”

“I lost to you all this time because I admire your model student’s efforts.”

I scratched my chin and sighed.

“So, are we finished? It seems like you’re tired of me talking like this.”

“No, that’s not what I meant when I brought it up. First, tell me why you approached me. I’ll decide how our relationship will turn out.”

I let out a raspy voice.

“… … I want to get promoted. There aren’t many ways to get higher from where I am. That’s why I approached you, Captain.”

“Yes, I expected it. Don’t worry, I’m not disappointed in you. So what do you want to do after becoming successful? You’re too complicated to say that your goal is simply to become successful.”

I walked towards the glass wall under Catherine’s gaze. The city outside the window was visible at my feet.

“I can see the city clearly from here. But I can’t see the bottom where I was born. It’s so dark down there, like it doesn’t exist. What I want is light.”

“Do you want to change the world?”

“No. I don’t intend to drag the sun down to the ground. I just want to let people know that there are people down there. I’m satisfied with a little light that gives them an outline.”

Catherine stared at me as if the machine was still. She must have been thinking deeply. After a while, her pupils, which had stopped like glass beads, blinked and her lips moved.

“You’re a really funny guy, Noel… … Mulizka.”

I turned around and nodded at Katrin.

“thank you.”

Katrin and I promised to get married.