Vocational Turbulence

Iroko was back on a plane, working as a flight attendant. He still hadn't quit his job, surprisingly. He was too afraid of not having enough money until the following month, so he didn't want to risk everything.

And it's easier to spot players in a small place like this...

He observed the passengers as he walked with his food cart down the aisle of the plane, offering them stuff with a spiky smile as usual. He was getting better at not scaring them, as he was still getting used to showing joy.

Also, I need to know if Blazy is going to attack this plane. Kuroki is not here this time, so I msut be cautious. If she's targeting me, at least I'll know... if I don't die.

He stopped next to a boy with light blue hair. The boy was playing a simulator on his cell phone, completely absorbed.

A player? Well, he might just be a kid with colored hair...

"Hey, uncle, are you a player too?" the kid said without takis his eyes off his phone, swinging his legs innocently.

"A player? Well, yes, I play some games," he replied, trying to feign ignorance.

"You know what game I'm talking about, unc."

"This plane simulator you're playing? Well, I tried playing one on my console, but it's too difficult for me," Iroko insisted on playing dumb.

"Pivot's Game. Does that name ring a bell?"

Iroko didn't know how to respond. That kid seemed to know too much about him, so trying to run away would only complicate things.

"Seems like so," the kid confirmed. "Don't worry, I don't mean any harm."

"Then why are you here? Are you just traveling to another country?" Iroko asked as he looked at the kid's mother, who was sitting near the window, smiling as she watched the interaction between the two. Suddenly, a transmission from inside the plane began:

"The plane's route has been temporarily changed. Please don't panic, as we are working on a solution."

Huh? This can't be a coincidence.

"What?" some passengers complained. "We're not going to get to the wedding on time..." "My son is sick, I need to get there as quickly as possible..."

Iroko looked at the boy, who was still immersed in his game. "You're doing this, aren't you?"

"Do you see another player here?" the boy replied with sarcasm.

"I asked you a question!" Iroko startled the boy's mother. He smiled to reassure her, apologizing.

"I'm just taking this plane, not the people inside." the boy tried to negotiate. "As soon as we land, everyone will be safe."

"This is unfortunate," an old man commented. "I need to take more medication to keep flying longer..."

"Are you listening?" Iroko asked, conflicted. "You're putting everyone in danger by doing this."

"And what do you suggest? That I steal a plane when there's nobody on board? Security is too great."

"Stealing anything is wrong! Didn't your mother teach you anything?"

She looked at them, confused. "Are you talking about a game?"

"Ah, yes, miss!" Iroko said as he scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Don't worry about it, we just play the same game." She smiled gently in return.

"But that's how the game works, isn't it?" asked the boy, still smiling. "We take what's useful to us, players."

"Look, I can't miss my destination, nor does anyone on this plane. If you don't stop, I will have to punish you."

"Go ahead, kill me in front of everyone. I'm not doubting you or anything. I'm just telling you what your best option is."

"You're just a kid... Oh, wait, how about you join my team?" Iroko then remembered Kuroki's warning: "Don't recruit anyone. That's my job. Understood?"

"Looks like your team is full. But I wouldn't join anyway, I have mine. Thanks for the offer, champ."

"This is a warning, not an offer..."

"Then do your job and reach your destination with no regrets. I won't curse you, I promise."

Iroko was conflicted. He looked at the boy's phone, from where he controlled the plane.

If I steal it from him, people will see... If I summon my rifle here, people will see...

"Please be patient, passengers," the voice from the transmission returned. "Our flight is expected to arrive at its destination one hour late."

"I'm going to miss my son's funeral..." said one of the passengers.

I have no choice...

"Okay, you win," said Iroko, seemingly giving up.

He walked calmly to the back of the plane so as not to attract attention and laid down on his stomach. He summoned his rifle and aimed at the top of the kid's head.

The bullet will hit the ceiling instead of other passengers... the depressurization won't be as bad as when Blazy blew up the other one, so I guess it's safe... I'll regret this later, but...

Before they temporarily parted ways, Kuroki warned him to kill any players he encountered, unless it put him in danger.

The kid's harmless, but what if he tells his guild to follow me? Kuroki was right about showing no mercy... I have no choice.

He held his breath to avoid accidentally missing his target and pulled the trigger more easily than he had initially expected. The kid died instantly. The plane's ceiling was pierced, but the damage wasn't enough to be dangerous.

My job is to ensure the safety of the passengers and make sure they arrive at their destination on time. I did the right thing... didn't I?

The sound of the gunshot echoed in the small chamber, deafening everyone for a few seconds, including Iroko. There was no way to know where it had come from, as the echo was instantaneous. When his hearing returned to normal, Iroko ran to the boy.

"What was that?!" he exclaimed, trying to feign his innocence. "Did anyone see what happened?"

He looked around, trying to find someone who suspected him or had seen what he had done. Everyone was confused and didn't even know the boy was dead.

"He's bleeding! Is there a nurse here?"

People panicked, some moving closer to see the scene.

"It was a gunshot," suggested a passenger after seeing the wound on the boy's head.

"A gunshot?!" exclaimed Iroko, surprised. "How on earth did someone board with a gun? Did any of you see?"

He scanned the plane again, everyone was panicking, but no one seemed to suspect him in any way. The boy's mother was still trying to process what just happened.

"Don't worry, madam, I'll try my best to save him," said Iroko confidently.

She nodded, but was still in shock. Iroko ran to get a first-aid kit. He used the nursing techniques he had learned while studying to be a flight attendant, but the boy was already dead.

"I'm sorry, miss." Iroko was acting, but part of that acting was real. He didn't want to kill a child, even though it was the safest option.

"It's okay, boy, you did your best," she replied with a pained smile.

Did Kuroki have to go through this? Will I end up like him? Still, I don't regret joining this game... I'll cut the problem off at the root. Or better yet, I'll use my power to help people.

"I'm going to report this incident to the authorities, miss. And we'll find the culprit."

The plane landed a few minutes late, but it was intact except for the small hole in the ceiling. Iroko informed the aircraft maintenance personnel that it was slightly damaged.

I could keep working to help people inside the planes, but I'm just one person, so I can't save everyone. I should focus on gaining more experience first.

He went to the administrative chief's office and warned him about the incident.

They can't prove I have a gun, so it's all good.

After that, he resigned.

"I'm sorry, but you should write a resignation letter first," the chief confronted.

"And risk myself by working for this company? I don't want to get shot and not be able to get to a hospital in time."

"Sir, we will ensure your safety and the safety of everyone else after this incident."

"I'm sorry, but companies like yours only take action when their image is at risk," Iroko retorted, standing up and walking toward the exit.

"It was a pleasure working for you," Iroko said, bowing to his boss. "Excuse me."

He left with a sour face, unhappy with how much he had to lie to get out of the situation.

I feel bad for doing all that... I hate lying, but it was for a better cause.