Just as Alex Carter had predicted, when he called Yorinobu Arasaka to follow through with the third option, the system triggered another task completion.
The surprising part?
The original mission — [Tiger's Mouth Extraction] — was still active in his system interface.
In other words...
He could complete both tasks at the same time!
Jackpot! I'm milking this system dry!
"What did you say? Trouble?" Yorinobu's voice shot up an octave.
"You called me just to tell me that?"
"Am I supposed to take this as a threat?"
At this point, Yorinobu wasn't just angry — he was furious.
Causing trouble was one thing.
But calling to brag about it?
Who does that?
Seeing Yorinobu's face twitch with rage, Alex chuckled.
"If I really wanted to provoke you, I wouldn't have waited this long."
"Then what's your point?" Yorinobu snapped.
"I'm here to discuss business."
"Business?" Yorinobu scoffed. "How about we discuss our last deal? How's your progress?"
Without hesitation, Alex replied,
"Everything's ready on my end. I can wipe out the Oracle threat whenever I want."
Yorinobu's expression shifted from anger to shock.
"You already got to the Oracle? In this short a time?"
"Piece of cake," Alex said smugly. "You'd better focus on your own problems."
Yorinobu let out a tired sigh.
"Things with the major corporations aren't as simple as you think. Even though my sister is gone, the Doves, led by Michiko, are still standing in my way."
"That's exactly why I'm calling," Alex grinned. "I want us to team up again."
Yorinobu's eyes narrowed.
"You mean... you want me to help you kill Michiko?"
"Forget it. I won't let my family members die by someone else's hand. That's the one thing I won't allow."
Alex wisely chose to leave out what had happened with Hanako Arasaka — no point pushing Yorinobu too far.
"Relax. I won't lay a hand on her," Alex promised.
"I just want to kidnap her. Goro's convinced he can use her to avenge Saburo Arasaka."
Yorinobu let out a dry laugh.
"Ha! Ridiculous. I've already taken control of most of Arasaka's power. Even if I can't secure my ultimate goal, the Doves can't stop me."
Then Yorinobu's voice turned cold.
"But tell me... what's in this for me?"
Alex's grin widened.
"Oh, come on... you know exactly what you stand to gain."
"Not only can you frame someone else for the mess, but you'll also solidify your position while Michiko's out of the picture."
"You can manipulate the situation however you want — no risks, all reward."
"So... interested?"
Yorinobu's silence lingered for a long moment before he finally muttered,
"Michiko and I are distant relatives — her people aren't under my control."
"And during the festival, I can't afford to make any moves that seem too deliberate."
"So, here's the deal: I'll stay out of your way, but I won't help you either. After the dust settles, Arasaka will conduct a routine investigation... but I'll make sure it's brief."
"That's all I need," Alex replied with a grin.
"Just act like I never called."
Now Yorinobu was genuinely confused.
"Wait... if you didn't need me to do anything, then why did you call?"
"Courtesy," Alex smirked. "Didn't want you panicking."
Yorinobu's face twisted in frustration.
"I swear, you're just provoking me!"
If he hadn't believed Alex's plan could somehow benefit him, Yorinobu would've ordered his security to triple by now.
"Alright, alright — don't get worked up," Alex chuckled. "We'll talk soon."
With that, he ended the call.
[Ding! Task Completed — [Rattle the Grass to Scare the Snake]: Reward Acquired — [Blacklight Virus Random Mutation] x1]
The system announcement was music to Alex's ears.
Two rewards claimed — and his plan to ambush the Coaster Festival was still intact.
"Hell yes... let's check out this new prize."
Rubbing his hands together, Alex eagerly opened his system inventory.
A black-and-red card marked "RANDOM" shimmered in his hand.
[Blacklight Virus Random Mutation]
Effect: Triggers a random mutation within the Blacklight Virus, selected from the known abilities in the Prototype series.
"Good... at least it's not some weird mutation that'll turn me into a monster," Alex muttered with relief.
The last thing he wanted was to become some grotesque mutant like the Hunters.
With no more hesitation, Alex activated the card.
[Ding! Using [Blacklight Virus Random Mutation]...]
The moment the system chimed, the Blacklight Virus within Alex's body surged to life.
His genetic structure rapidly broke down and reassembled itself.
Blood-red tendrils pulsed beneath his skin, stretching and weaving through his muscles like living vines.
For most, such an experience would be agony — but to Alex, it felt oddly... natural.
Moments later, the virus settled.
The strange sensation faded, leaving Alex's body feeling stronger — more complete.
[Ding! Mutation Successful — New Ability Unlocked: [Unconventional Maneuvers]]
[Unconventional Maneuvers]
Enables enhanced mobility abilities through viral control:
Wall Running
Powerful Charging Jumps
Double Jump
Mid-Air Dash
Gliding
"Hah... this is perfect."
The grin on Alex's face widened.
"Looks like things are about to get interesting."
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