Jay stood quietly among the crowd, keeping a low profile.
This opportunity to rise two ranks in one shot, he was determined to win it.
But he couldn't afford to look too eager, or people might start getting suspicious.
Waiting was pure agony.
Someone eventually lost patience and started stirring the pot from behind:
"Hey, Mali, haven't you always said you're a talented man stuck in the wrong place? What's the matter? Can't handle such a golden opportunity?"
"Screw you! Why don't you go then? Trying to shove me into the fire? Dream on!"
"Bane, you're one of the strongest among us. Why don't you give it a shot?"
"My strength? Please. If anyone's got the skills, it's Macalu."
"Exactly, Macalu could handle this no problem."
"You bastards! All this just because I won some money off you last time? That petty?"
"Hold up, if you ask me, among everyone here, the only one who might actually catch the killer… is Jay."
The moment Jay's name was mentioned, everyone went silent.
They didn't want to admit it, but based on how Jay had shown himself in the past, the guy was the real deal.
Whether it was a famous assassin from the West Sea, or a pirate with a 6-million-berri bounty, they'd all fallen at his hands.
Honestly, if any of them had to go up against that kind of threat, they probably wouldn't make it.
But Jay had embarrassed them more than once before, and on top of that, he never socialized with the others. So they'd collectively isolated him, ignored him, and pretended he didn't exist.
Now, though… this felt like the perfect chance.
They could butter him up, trick him into taking the job. That way, they'd dodge the risk and get rid of a strong rival, two birds, one stone!
As for whether Jay would actually succeed in capturing the killer?
Not impossible… but extremely unlikely.
After all, if Jay really thought he could pull it off, why hadn't he stepped forward already?
Turn down a double promotion? Yeah right.
The answer was obvious, Jay was scared too.
So what was there to worry about?
The group exchanged glances, and then suddenly started laying it on thick.
"You're right! I've got my money on Jay too!"
"Jay's way stronger than the rest of us. He's taken down assassins, pirates with 6 million bounties. What's one petty criminal hiding in the shadows to him?"
"I agree. With Jay's abilities, being a lowly sergeant is such a waste. After this mission, he'll shoot straight into the officer ranks."
"Man, some people fight for ten years and still can't make officer…"
"But if it's Jay, I wouldn't be jealous at all. The guy's earned it."
"I vote for Jay too!"
...
Jay looked at their fake smiles and coldly sneered inside, but kept his face perfectly calm.
He hesitated visibly, then said,
"But I'm just a lowly sergeant… There are so many senior officers here. Isn't it a bit out of line for me to step up?"
"Oh, come on! This kind of mission isn't about rank, it's about ability!"
"Exactly! Stop being so modest, Jay. If you don't take this on, who else can?"
Jay looked like he was getting a little carried away by the praise, a proud smirk creeping onto his face.
"When you put it like that… it does kind of feel like it's up to me."
Everyone perked up.
"So you're accepting the mission?"
"Nope." Jay said flatly.
"I'm not taking it."
"Huh? Why not?!"
"I'm scared of dying."
Jay scratched his head sheepishly.
"After almost getting killed going after the Iron Hammer Pirates last time, I had an epiphany, nothing's more important than staying alive."
"Risky, thankless jobs like this? Count me out. I'd rather get demoted. I'm just a sergeant anyway, drop me a rank, I'll still sleep fine."
What?
Everyone was dumbfounded.
Jay's reasoning was flawless. And frankly, they all felt the same.
But… ouch.
What a waste. He used to be such a promising kid. Now he's completely lost his drive and become way too slick for his own good.
Must be because someone else took the credit for the Iron Hammer Pirates mission, left him completely disillusioned.
Yeah… that had to be it.
Why risk your life when someone else will steal the glory?
Damn that Colonel Hammond. Really messed this kid up.
Several people shot uneasy glances in Hammond's direction.
"Colonel, aren't you going to say something?"
Colonel Hammond: "..."
"Jay, I just want you to know, I do remember the work you did against the Iron Hammer Pirates."
"Oh."
What good is remembering it? Why don't you actually write it into my record?
Seeing that Jay wasn't buying any of it, Colonel Hammond realized he'd have to cough up something real.
So he said bluntly,
"If you can handle this mission, not only will you get promoted two ranks, I'll also waive the fee for your next promotion. Not a single berri."
For Colonel Hammond, not making money was the same as losing money.
And the price to go from warrant officer to second lieutenant wasn't cheap.
So this promise meant Jay would save a lot of cash.
Of course, if Hammond kept Jay stuck at his current rank and never let him promote again, then this promise would be worthless.
But Jay wasn't worried about that, he knew how to hold people accountable. Time to wrap things up.
"Well, since you put it that way, I'll take the mission. I'll bring the killer back in five days, guaranteed."
"Excellent. No time to waste, get moving."
...
After the meeting ended, Jay blocked the others outside.
"Jay, what are you doing?"
Jay's smile had a dangerous edge. "Don't think I didn't notice what you were trying to pull, setting me up, pushing me toward a trap under the guise of flattery."
The others felt like they were being stared down by a venomous snake.
Some stayed silent, but one of them got bold.
"So what if we did? You've only got a few days left to live anyway. What, gonna beat us up now?"
Jay's grin widened.
"Oh? Then I wonder, after I'm dead, which one of you is next?"
Everyone's expression changed.
He was right. If no one solved the case, it would eventually fall to them.
"So you'd better hope I complete this mission. If I get promoted, your backs are covered too. Isn't that a win-win?"
"…Fine, you've got a point. But why are you stopping us here? Don't tell me you expect us to help you catch the guy. Forget it. Not happening."
"I'm not stupid. I'd never expect that."
Jay suddenly changed the subject.
"But since none of you are providing manpower, surely you can chip in some funding, right?"
Everyone looked at each other, stunned.
This guy… was extorting them?!