Hi3rd: Achievement Hunter

"What a long night."

"You chose it."

After Aleph's rescue on the apartment building, he didn't choose to continue fighting. The appearance of a Templar-class beast was a warning to him. He's not some kind of person who would deliberately place himself in extremely dangerous situations.

Unfortunately, he was carried away. If that honkai beast didn't appear, he might've chosen to fight to unlock more achievements.

Due to his choice of returning, they didn't take more than thirty minutes to come back. They avoided all that they could, and only when there were some persistent Chariot-class beasts did Aleph take action.

In the end, they managed to send all sixteen survivors into the shelter, including Carole.

"As per the rules, I have greatly endangered your life. How will you manage the aftermath?"

Sakura asked him a reasonable question—one that he prepared an answer from the moment he asked her to come with him.

"I will explain everything to director Einstein. I will also ask for help from Mei. I assume you are familiar with her. If that isn't enough, I will talk with some people… such as Miss Elysia."

Aleph was more than prepared to handle the aftermath. He was strangely familiar with how politics worked. He attributed it to his forgotten past.

"I never thought I'd be able to hide my strength. If the higher-ups cause trouble because of it, they are free to do so. But, I believe they won't choose that option."

Be it Aleph's potential or his current strength, he is extremely beneficial to the person he would side with. In the first place, his position in Fire MOTH is neutral. Nobody would choose to pick a fight with him. They would rather extend their olive branches to him.

Elysia was already a good example of it. She remained neutral throughout Fire MOTH's internal struggles, which led to them letting her do what she wanted.

"You thought a lot about it."

"Of course. We have to get our brains going sometimes."

"...So this is what you're aiming for."

At this moment, Sakura realized the meaning behind his actions. She thought that his demonstration of 'strength' will result in a series of events. It will then eventually push his status within Fire MOTH to the top in one go.

What she didn't know was Aleph's original intention.

'I only wanted to unlock more achievements. I might as well use the aftermath to my advantage.'

Aleph only wanted to test his strength and unlock more achievements, so as to become stronger. However, doing so made things more complicated for someone in his position. Just the aftermath he will bring after this night is huge.

That was why he made up a plan on the spot. He was no longer the free man he once was. He was already tied to the Fire MOTH the moment he joined them. There is strict surveillance of everything he does.

"If you can, you can use tonight's events to make them think you are suitable to guard me. Our familiarity is another good reason to convince your leader. It's more objective."

Hearing his words, Sakura took another glance at him.

"We didn't have close bonds. How did you know?"

"Your organization is not within the official Fire MOTH database. It's easy to tell that it deals with shady things, and the least important thing in such a place are feelings. I would be surprised if you have such an emotional tie with others."

Aleph gave her the impression of being able to see through anything. Even a little bit of her movement could give away something related to her.

Upon realizing this, Sakura decided to be aboveboard.

"The favor… You said I could ask for anything."

"Well, anything within my capabilities."

She fell silent for a moment.

"I want you to save my family."

Aleph's smile immediately turned into a frown. He could immediately see through Sakura's problem.

"They really dare to take someone hostage." He muttered with a heavy tone. "Do you know which councilor spearheaded your organization?"

"No, but I've heard that there are multiple councilors who supported it."

"Did they kidnap your family?"

"They placed them under surveillance. The moment I go against them, they will…"

This time, it was Aleph's turn to remain silent.

"The higher ups… I thought they're too complacent and ignorant from what I've seen earlier. But if it's up to that extent…"

He recalled one of his conversations with Mei.

…

"You want to reach a higher status?"

"Contributing to studies is no longer enough. I've seen a lot during my stay here. Even the hidden struggles. Didn't you hear it from Kevin?"

"There are always deaths during every expedition. Fire MOTH is completely devoted to dumping human resources to fight the honkai."

Kevin's situation was far worse than what Aleph and Mei experienced. He got to see his comrades fall one by one, either due to honkai eruptions or other similar circumstances.

"It's not just that. The higher ups are intentionally delaying some institutes. The fifth, for example. They were cutting their fundings to prevent their MANTIS Project from reaching completion."

MANTIS, also known as the Massively Augmented Neo-Tech Integrated Soldiers, was the fifth institute's main project headed by Doctor Mobius. It seeks to integrate a honkai beast's power within humans, thus breaking the shackles of the weak. It would serve to produce individuals with strong combat capabilities who are enough, in theory, to fight honkai beasts by themselves.

"It's an open secret that every councilor steals their research data while conducting their own studies. They are fighting to be the first one to harness such technology."

"You are saying that the higher ups are screwing over Fire MOTH, and in turn, humanity?"

"That's about it."

…

Looking at the taciturn pink-haired woman, Aleph gave his answer.

"I will help you with that regard."

Hearing his answer, Sakura felt more relieved.

"If you fulfill that, you will have my life." She declared solemnly. "Even if you ask for me to die, I will do it."

Aleph saw the determination behind her eyes. If Hua's will is just about to become stronger, Sakura's will is already strong enough. It was the difference between a rookie and a veteran.

"I will remember that."