Decision_05 [Shirokuma Literature Club] [lpz.89]

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After finishing his secret meeting with Otsuki, Ryota's boss at Yuuhi Company, Ryota did not return to the office. His mind was dominated by the fact that Nozomi was not merely a victim of negligence, but a hero fighting against a massive, dark organization.

(The Petrov Connection, Repro, and Guido Engels... I will pursue what Nozomi is pursuing, too.)

On his way back to his apartment, Ryota looked behind him many times. He had a strong feeling that someone was watching him. The shadow of the international hacker group 'Petrov Connection' might already be closing in on him.

While staying alert to his surroundings, he hurriedly began preparing for his trip to Germany. His passport, a minimum amount of cash, and the note with the code 'lpz.89' that Nozomi had left behind.

First, Ryota applied for a one-month long-term leave from Yuuhi Company. He didn't explain why, but everyone accepted the pretext that he was physically and mentally exhausted due to Nozomi's situation. Besides, if the situation wasn't resolved, he was prepared to quit Yuuhi Company at that point.

Next, he contacted the most important person. Erika Scholz, a close friend who had come to Japan as an exchange student during their university days. She is currently a lecturer researching international politics at a university in Berlin.

Ryota met Erika when she came to Japan as an exchange student at his university, and they had been close friends ever since, keeping in touch even after graduation. Ryota had told Erika that he had fallen in love with Nozomi, who had come to work as the security officer at Yuuhi Company, that they were living together, and that they planned to marry in the future, so Erika knew Nozomi well. Ryota sent a message to Erika.

"Erika, sorry for the sudden message. I'm coming to Berlin immediately. There's something I need your help with."

Erika immediately called him via video chat. On the screen, she had eyes that conveyed sharp intelligence and her usual carefree smile.

"Ryota? What's wrong? I saw the news in Japan. But why Berlin? Did something happen?"

Ryota briefly explained the situation. Nozomi's disappearance, the company's betrayal, and the mysterious code 'lpz.89.' He also told her about 'Repro' and 'Guido Engels,' which he had learned about from Otsuki. He explained that the clues to prove Nozomi's innocence were in Germany. Erika's expression turned serious.

"I understand, Ryota. I trust your intuition. Nozomi is a dear friend to me, too. When you get to Berlin, I will support you with everything I have."
"Thank you, Erika. That really helps."

Ryota let out a sigh of relief.

"So, do you have any idea what that 'lpz.89' might be?"

Erika showed the face of an inquisitive researcher. Ryota replied.

"I think it might be some kind of system-related abbreviation."

Erika chuckled.

"I see. We'll need to investigate from a security perspective. Leave it to me. See you in Berlin."

After ending the call, Ryota looked out the window. In the darkness, the headlights of an unfamiliar parked car seemed to shine unnaturally. There was no time left. Ryota packed his minimal belongings into a suitcase and tucked the 'lpz.89' note into his pocket.

Goodbye, Japan. With his heart set on Nozomi's innocence and her rescue, Ryota boarded a flight to Berlin, as if to shake off the shadows of his pursuers.

(To be continued)

(Click here for the previous story)

I am serializing a series of connected short stories. I plan to post them around every Friday. I have included links to each episode in the table of contents, so please feel free to look back.

(Click here for [Characters and Table of Contents])

I am participating in Kosuke Komaki's project.
Thank you every week.

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