[Beginning sequence... Retrieving mission data... Implementing memory data...]
"It doesn't look like he can talk to me, and it seems the story is finally beginning," I muttered, furrowing my brows as I continued inspecting the room while listening to the voice echoing inside my head. A translucent system window materialized before me, displaying a series of readable notifications.
The room contained only the essentials: a family photograph, several sophisticated tools neatly arranged on a workbench, and stacks of research papers scattered across the table.
While the system continued speaking, I rummaged through every document I could find in search of useful information. Just as I was about to read the second note, a sharp pain suddenly pierced my head. An instant later, another person's memories flooded into my mind.
[Phase 1 preparation complete... Accessing Phase 2... Active.]
"What was that? That hurt." I rubbed my temples with a groan. "I've always gotten headaches more often than most people. Just my luck."
Fortunately, the implanted memories required no effort to absorb. It was as though I had become this man—though not entirely.
That's far more information than I expected. Good thing it's only temporary. Otherwise, my mind might've shattered trying to process it all.
[Personnel Information: Aron Gralfery]
[Occupation: Grand Federation Federal Spy]
[Current Status: Active duty. Currently posing as Dr. Zeke Rutherdan, Senior Associate Scientist of DarkTech Inc.]
[Mission Briefing]
Due to the recent surge in illegal nanodrug distribution across the sector, the Grand Federation has identified a potential connection to a high-security research facility on Alfero Planet owned and operated by DarkTech Inc.
You have been assigned to infiltrate the laboratory under the identity of a senior associate scientist. Your objective is to uncover the truth behind their operations, gather evidence of illegal activity, and expose the secrets hidden within the facility.
Proceed with caution.
[Main Objective: Uncover the illegal nanodrug manufacturing laboratory.]
[Side Objectives]
??
??
??
This one is different.
From my previous visit to this place, I had learned that those question marks were crucial. Discovering them often led to hidden treasures or valuable rewards.
Unfortunately, I only had one inventory slot for bringing an item out of this world. Thankfully, the system's Appraisal function allowed me to evaluate any technology I encountered and determine which one was worth taking.
[Phase 2 commencing... Mission Mode Commencing in 10 minutes.]
There were two available modes.
Free Mode allowed me to explore freely for a limited time. As long as I stayed in character, I could wander the facility, search for valuable technology, and uncover hidden treasures.
After that came the inevitable endgame.
There was no escaping it. Death was unavoidable.
Mission Mode was different. It confined me to the character's predetermined story. I couldn't simply go wherever I pleased. Instead, I had to follow the system's guidance, whether it appeared as a glowing marker or a holographic projection showing the exact path my character once walked.
Even speaking wasn't entirely under my control.
If I said something out of character, my words were immediately cut off and rewritten into the mannerisms of the person I was inhabiting.
I learned that lesson the hard way during my previous dream.
With time to spare, I searched every document in the room, ignoring only the blank sheets and the rolls of toilet paper.
Whenever I picked up a piece of technology, the Appraisal function automatically identified it along with its registered owner.
[DarkTech Research Annex Blueprint]
[Classification: Internal Research Facility]
[Registered Tech Ownership: Tech Priest ??]
[Overview]
A compact, high-tech laboratory designed for advanced material analysis, robotics development, and environmental testing. Its modular construction allows individual sections to be replaced or expanded without interrupting facility operations.
"A building blueprint? Wait... someone actually made one?" I muttered, momentarily stunned. "How? This is a far more advanced world."
What I held wasn't merely a blueprint—it was the complete layout of the entire research annex.
According to Aron's memories, he had stolen it directly from the facility director's office.
The remaining documents detailed several experimental technologies.
Aron had intended to use them to sabotage the facility from within. Thanks to his expertise, hacking sophisticated systems was as effortless as breathing.
[Lava Spire]
[Classification: Thermal projection Device]
[Registered Tech Ownership: Tech Officer ??]
[Overview]
A heavy-duty thermal projection device designed for industrial excavation, emergency containment, and extreme heat applications. Rather than firing conventional ammunition, it projects a stream of superheated molten composite capable of melting dense materials and reshaping terrain. Multiple safety systems regulate its thermal output to prevent catastrophic overheating.
The remaining technologies included a Quantum Data Terminal and an Autonomous Maintenance Drone.
Unfortunately, every one of them was registered equipment. Since they were legally owned and tracked, none could be taken out of this world.
I'd have to find another opportunity later in the dream.
That was how I spent my ten minutes.
Then the system spoke again.
[Commencing Phase 2.]
A few moments later, someone knocked on my door with obvious urgency.
"Professor Zeke, are you there?" a voice called from outside.
"I am. Do you need something?" I replied calmly.
I opened the door to find a pale man standing in the hallway, dressed in a neatly pressed lab coat.
Thanks to Aron's memories, I recognized him immediately.
Skelper—Senior Researcher Arkin's assistant.
What could he possibly want from me?
"Professor..." Skelper hesitated. "May I ask you for a favor?"
"Of course." I gave a slight nod. "What is it, Skelper?"
"I have a very important appointment today, but I never expected Experiment-486 to be moved ahead of schedule." He clasped his hands together, his anxious eyes pleading with mine. "Could you please cover for me? Just for today, I promise."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Why me?" I asked. "Surely there are plenty of others you could've asked."
"That's just it." He let out a defeated sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Everyone else is already tied up with their own assignments. I asked every researcher I could find, and they all turned me down."
His shoulders slumped as he looked at me hopefully.
"You're the only person I have left to ask, sir."