The Transmigrated Author-Chapter 181: Invasion (3)
[Paris, The Museum Louvre - First Floor]
Ignoring the urge to pause and admire the countless masterpieces, I moved with purpose through the Louvre's labyrinthine halls.
My destination was a hidden alcove near the museum's side exit, where I had stashed a black duffel bag earlier that day.
As I rounded a corner, a familiar voice caught my attention.
Jan and Valencia, deep in conversation, were heading in my direction.
I ducked behind a marble statue, my heart pounding in my chest, praying I didn't get caught.
"I could've sworn someone that looked like Rel just passed by," I heard Jan mutter.
Valencia's voice, laced with scepticism, replied,
"Camila said they were at the Musée de Cluny. They left half an hour ago. She hasn't texted me back, though..."
A sigh escaped her lips, and Jan's voice chimed in again,
"Never mind that, Val. Let's check out those other rooms down the hall."
"Fine," Valencia agreed, her voice fading as they moved away.
haah...
I waited until they were out of sight, then emerged from my hiding spot.
That was close... I could feel the cold sweat beading on my forehead.
I couldn't afford any distractions now.
I reached the alcove and quickly retrieved the duffel bag.
I then made my way to the men's restroom, where I locked myself in a stall and quickly changed into the contents of the bag: a sleek black suit, a long black cloak, gloves, and a mask.
The disguise was complete.
I was no longer Rel, the unassuming student.
I was Axel, the mercenary, ready to do what needed to be done.
With a final check in the mirror, I slipped the mercenary ID card into my pocket.
This would be my key to bypassing security, as I could simply claim that I was on a mission to guard the museum against potential attacks, and if they disagreed, I could threaten to involve Jaxon Cain.
Here in France, this country is supported only by the top guilds in the world, The Visionary Syndicate and The Miracles Guild.
The Mercenaries Cooperation is always involved in activities with these guilds, so I wouldn't be surprised if they let me through at the mention of Jaxon Cain.
Finally, I grabbed Axel out of the duffle bag and placed the sword on my hip. Now, I was ready.
...
...
...
Exiting the restroom, I blended into the crowd, my black attire blending seamlessly with the corridor.
"System... show quest description."
[Sure!]
FWANG!
[Description: Locate, find, and defeat Jasper. Figure out his intentions and what his objective is at Louvre Museum.]
Hmm... I should be able to locate him if I just keep roaming these hallways.
But what is he after?
The only thing I could think of right now is that he's also here to send a message.
But that can't be possible?
If I knew better, the system would've told me that there were 2 attackers incoming for this plot.
Or... that he's the experiment sent here to cause all the trouble.
Since there's no chance the story couldn't have strayed off course.
— Sweety look away, that man seems dangerous.
— Who's this guy roaming through the hallways with a sword?
— Someone call security.
The museum's usual tranquillity had been replaced by a nervous tension and I could already tell why.
'Oh, why is a guy dressed suspiciously in black?' Is the assumption anyone would get if they enter a building with a weapon of course.
I kept my head up avoiding the eyes of the civilians, scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble.
As I passed by a group of startled tourists, a hand gripped my shoulder, stopping my progress.
"Excuse me, sir," a voice said.
"I'm a security officer for the Louvre. Who are you, and what are you doing here?"
I turned, my face hidden beneath the mask.
"I'm a mercenary," I replied, my voice a calm, even tone.
"I'm an associate of Jaxon Cain, leader of the Mercenary Cooperation. I'm here on official business."
I presented my ID card, the emblem of the Cooperation shining under the lights.
The guard, a burly man with a stern expression, carefully examined the card, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"Jaxon's associate, you say?" he questioned, his voice gruff. "That's a pretty big claim."
"I understand your scepticism," I replied calmly.
"But this is a time-sensitive matter. I need to assess a potential security risk." freewebnσvel.cѳm
The guard hesitated for a moment, then made a decision.
"Alright," he said, his tone still wary.
"Let me get my advisor quickly to verify this."
He gestured for me to follow him. "Please come with me to the second floor."
This is not how I planned this... holy shit how'd they not fall for the Jaxon Cain thing?!
If it was anyone else but that old bastard then I probably would've been allowed to roam freely here.
haah...
I followed the guard up a winding staircase. But if this gets me closer to Jasper, then so be it.
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...
...
The second floor was a massive area of its own, a network of smaller galleries and dimly lit corridors branching off from a central atrium.
Unlike the ground floor, this level was eerily quiet, the silence punctuated only by the rhythmic clicking of my heels on the polished marble floor.
Security personnel, clad in crisp uniforms, stood at attention by each gallery entrance, their vigilant eyes scanning the surroundings.
The guard led me towards a door marked "Security Department," his footsteps echoing in the hushed atmosphere.
As he knocked, a sense of unease washed over me.
I had not anticipated this level of scrutiny, but I had to maintain my composure and my confidence.
The door opened, revealing a spacious office bathed in the cool glow of multiple monitors.
A stern-faced woman, her hair pulled back into a tight bun, sat behind a large mahogany desk.
She gestured for me to enter, her eyes appraising me from behind a pair of rimless glasses.
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