Uprising Of The Cannon Fodders

Chapter Seven

Akira spent some time speaking with Damon and realized why he and the original became friends. They both disliked spending time with people who had ulterior motives. They both like simple food and lastly, they were both loners before they met each other. Both Ryden and Damon were of introverted natures and this had made them bond closely. 

But it seems from the plot that Damon was much more attached to the original owner, going as far as to risk his own life to get revenge for his friend.

Unfortunately for them both, they went up against the protagonists of the world and naturally lost terribly.

''Host, the meeting on the project starts in two minutes.”

"Two minutes! Why didn't you say anything before?"Ryden stood up, alarmed.

"There was no need for it, Host, the meeting room is two doors down from your office, making it unnecessary for me to inform you at an earlier time."

Akira understood the logic of Daisuke's actions, but he still wished he had more time to prepare himself. He started collecting the files and data he needed for the meeting and stood up, his actions stopping Damon from recounting his discomfort of flying here.

"Do you need to be somewhere?" he asked. 

"Sorry, Damon. I have a meeting to attend. There’s a new project being presented today. I'll be heading there shortly. I need to go. Let's catch up some other time," he hurriedly spoke.

"Alright. I understand. I need to get going and visit Aunt Michiko," Damon smiled and stood up as well, putting his one hand on his pocket.

Akira, followed by Damon. The two walked out of the office and passed by a group of female workers who were gossiping about how a handsome man came to the office earlier today.

Ryden turned towards Damon and said, "I don't see which part of you is handsome."

Damon snorted. "Of course, it's because you don't have any eyes."

Laughing, Ryden wished Damon a good day and headed towards the meeting room.

Ryden entered the meeting room and noticed it had a big round table with office chairs around it, a big board, and nothing else. Ryden took a seat next to the head of the art and design department. She was a woman who had strong professionalism. She had her black hair pulled back into a tight bun and was dressed in a dark black suit. Overall, she gave off the feeling of elegance and class.

Impressed, Ryden respected the woman. The employees continued to enter the meeting room with some giving him looks of disgust, while some simply looked at him in curiosity. Ryden completely ignored all the judging stares given to him and looked over the events that took place within the project process that led to the former being framed. But before Ryden could even do so, Manuel entered the meeting room and called for the meeting to begin.

The head of the art and design department stood up to present. "The project mainly focuses on a playground for kids from the age of six to fourteen. The project would take about six weeks from initial concept to construction. Since then, we've improved how we do things and are now building playgrounds in as little as five to ten days. The costs should be about a thousand dollars per child. The average cost of playground equipment is between eight thousand and fifty thousand dollars. For larger, higher-end structures, the cost can soar to as high as hundred fifty thousand dollars."

She paused and surveyed the members for any objections before continuing, "The materials needed to build it are solid rubber surfacing. Artificial grass, Wood chips, rubber mulch, and engineered wood fiber. Typically, a standard playground area should see a new installation or update within eight to ten years after its original installation date.”

“However, more recently, we have seen commercial playground areas last as long as fifteen to twenty years with no updates, which our warranty supports. A great play space should incorporate the natural world around it. A lot of green space is key for activity and elements such as sand and water give kids a dynamic environment that allows them to use their skills. Using all these points, we have designed a wonderful playground for this year's charity event for Mr. Hisashi," she further added.

Listening to the entire presentation, Ryden was impressed with the art department's head.

Manuel stood up and declared, "Give all necessary information to Mr. Ryden. He is leading the project. Meeting adjourned." And with that, he picked up his files and exited the meeting room without another word.

Ryden stood as well and turned to the woman. He took the files being handed to him, but not without locking eyes with the woman, which were filled with disdain towards him. Ryden simply smiled as if he didn't notice and inclined his head towards her and walked out of the meeting room.

Ryden headed straight towards his office, but as he turned a corner, he walked into someone who was none other than the protagonist shou of the world; Katsuro Kiyoshi. Looking down at the man who single-handedly caused the destruction that was the original's life, he couldn't help noticing the strong hatred present in his eyes.

“Daisuke, why is the protagonist's hatred this strong? I thought you said he was seemingly jealous. How come it became such strong hate?” Ryden whispered to avoid being heard.

"I'm curious about these matters myself. First, the final boss shows up, and now we know the protagonist is not playing his role as he should be. I think there may be a bug in this world,” Daisuke answered him.

"A bug, what kind, and can you find out what its purpose is?" Ryden asked again.

"I'm afraid I cannot do that. Doing a world scan requires an authorized document."

"I'm guessing we don't have the authorized papers, which means we simply have to push through and hope we at least accomplish all of my tasks."

"Yes, but I don't think you should get to the task that requires you to mend things with the male lead since abnormal things happen around them and the protagonist."

"What would result from failing to do a task?"

"Failing to do fewer than two of the tasks assigned in each would mean an increase in your negative energy. And if it goes over the balance, you, who was qualified and chosen for this assignment will be taken away. And that means you would head to the judging section of the underworld."

"Does that mean that if I do more than two, there is no punishment?"

"Essentially, yes."

After finishing speaking with Daisuke, Ryden focused back on Katsuro. Ryden smiled and held out a hand to help him up off the floor as Katsuro had fallen on his buttocks after the impact.

"Mr. Kiyoshi, forgive me. I was not aware of my surroundings," said Ryden while still holding out his hand.

Katsuro stared at the hand that was holding out for him and immediately stood up on his own. Akira closed his hand and pulled it back, remained smiling then nodded at the protagonist who declined the offered hand. Katsuro then promptly walked off, forgetting the files he was carrying with him. Ryden turned around and shouted after him, "Mr. Kiyoshi, you forgot your files and documents!"