October 20, 2036 | 3:30 PM | GREM Special Administrative Islands, France
This archipelago served as the ultimate stronghold for the European government’s primary research centers and manufacturing plants. They knew all too well that ‘GREM,’ Mook’s creation, was about to trigger a global shockwave so massive it could turn the entire world into an enemy. Situated on islands that governed themselves and protected by the European Navy, it was the safest fortress on the planet.
Inside the Director’s office...
William Wilson, an elderly British doctor with a face that radiated warmth and friendliness, sat with Mook, awaiting the results of a crucial trial.
“The results are in, sir!” A chubby young man burst through the door, handing two documents to the pair.
“Hmm...” William scanned the data with visible satisfaction.
The report stated that among patients treated via GREM—using brain stimulation to trigger various chemical releases in the body—only 2 out of 50 had died. More importantly... one of the survivors who was completely cured was his own daughter.
This success didn't just heal his heart; it promised astronomical profits in the medical industry. William looked up at Mook. “The exclusive medical rights belong to me, correct?”
“Yes,” Mook nodded, adding, “But the exclusive rights for food and supplements belong to Ms. Eleanor.”
“That’s fine. Not a problem,” William waved it off cheerfully. “And when will the system be fully open for women? My wife is dying to show it off to the neighbors.”
“Mr. Saito said it will launch alongside the full GREM device release on January 1st,” Mook explained, looking at William with a steady, understanding gaze.
While GREM was born from Saito’s vengeance, its undeniable benefits in the medical field were massive—especially in drug rehabilitation, ensuring users never relapsed. William, whose daughter had been drugged, raped, and left in a vegetative state for seven years since she was fourteen, wanted other girls to be saved quickly. Still, he didn't dare rush Saito.
“Hmm... not long now,” William murmured, patting Mook’s shoulder. “Thank you. You’re very talented.”
That soft, sincere tone made Mook beam. But the moment the door opened...
“Only gone for three months and you’re already waiting at the door? Such a devoted love,” William teased.
Mook’s three wives were sitting there, chatting with William’s wife and his now fully recovered daughter.
“Is Mook finished with his work?” Rina stood up and asked William bluntly, showing no intimidation toward Mook’s boss.
William glanced at Mook, who was sending a desperate 'help me' look. He smiled. “He still needs to summarize a small report for me. He’ll be done soon.” He told the lie for Mook before walking away with his family.
Heaven-sent! Mook thought as he collapsed into his chair, exhausted. He had survived by a hair. Rina was the definition of 'obsessively in love.' To her, Mook was everything. The moment he was free, she would claim his space. Mook had to be hers, and she had to be his.
Mook actually liked being loved this much, but there were moments where it felt 'too much.' Coupled with a man’s natural desire for a little distraction, Mook often found himself wanting to escape Rina for a breath of fresh air.
Mook took a deep breath, thinking of Natsuki and Hana. It had been a long time since Rina told him to treat those two like his own girlfriends. Whenever they asked for money, he pampered them. He bought them gifts, fed them, and took care of them. Yet... despite all the money spent and the effort made, his 'little worm' hadn't managed to get any action with them even once!
‘Why is my life so tragic!’ Mook cried out internally before taking one last breath and opening the door.
“Work finished?” Rina asked cheerfully, already waiting.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Yeah...” Mook forced a smile and nodded.
Grab! Rina jumped into a hug and pressed her lips against his in a sweet, passionate kiss—a silent declaration that from now on, his life belonged solely to her again.
***
October 25, 2036 | 8:30 AM | Bangkok, Thailand
An autonomous van glided smoothly along the road, carrying the family of one man and three women toward a massive shopping mall. Mook stared out the window, lost in thought. The streets that used to be paralyzed by gridlock were now eerily empty. Only a few cars remained, interspersed with delivery trucks boldly bearing the logos of the GREM investors.
Mook smirked with satisfaction. Under economic pressure from Europe and its allies, Thailand had been forced to allow GREM investors into the market without restrictions. Investors like Eleanor or Jack, despite their desire to destroy the 'superficial society,' weren't as heartless as the local tycoons who oppressed producers like farmers until they couldn't stand on their own feet.
With the GREM investors in play, farmers could sell their products at much higher, fairer prices. Naturally, the local tycoons were seething with rage but could do little against Europe’s current economic might. The power was shifting, and those at the bottom were finally rising—even if only a little.
Mook sat happily, enjoying the view as the van reached the mall in just minutes. The three women ran inside, where men were almost non-existent. Everywhere they looked, it was a sea of women. Many shops had closed permanently, and the remaining staff sat in somber silence.
‘Has the world really changed this much?’ Mook thought, sitting in an ice cream shop that only had two other tables occupied. He noticed the logo on the shop. ‘Mr. Peter’s logo is here too.’
Peter Scott, an Australian billionaire, held the monopoly on sweets in GREM. Having his sign meant customers could 'taste' virtual flavors via GREM before ordering them to eat in the real world. This system had sent Peter’s stock skyrocketing.
After shopping to their heart's content, they headed back to their hotel. Along the way, Mook noticed an alarming number of 'For Sale' signs on buildings and condos. Many companies chose to move their offices into the virtual world to cut exorbitant rent costs, leading to a vacant-building crisis across the city.
“Real estate couple commits suicide by jumping from a building to escape billion-baht debt...” Mook murmured, reading the headline on his tablet. He sighed softly, not truly caring, and turned to Rina, who was snuggled warmly against his shoulder.
***
7:05 PM | At a luxury hotel that was so quiet it felt haunted.
Creeeeak... Creeeeak...
The sound of their four suitcases rolling across the floor echoed through the lobby. At the counter, the staff quickly processed their data and handed over the keycard.
“You three go ahead. I’m going to withdraw some cash real quick.” Mook handed the card to Rina and slipped away to the ATM.
Ding! Mook withdrew five thousand baht. Although he was incredibly wealthy, he usually paid by card; he just wanted a little cash on hand.
However, the moment he turned around... Grab!
A figure lunged at Mook with full force, trying to press her lips against his and shove her tongue in hungrily. Mook had to push her off.
“Uh...” Mook stared in confusion at the beautiful woman in front of him, clearly wearing no bra.
“One thousand five hundred... I’ll let you do whatever you want all night, sweetie.” The woman spoke with a smile hungry for money, relentlessly kissing his neck.
Grab! Another woman hugged him from the left, her hand sliding down to grope Mook’s crotch immediately. “I’m really good with my mouth... Interested, sir?”
“Hey, that’s enough!” Mook tried to stop them, but a swarm of women began to surround him, blocking his path. These were the women who once held respectable jobs, now reduced to selling themselves for a pittance because the old world had collapsed.
WHAM!!!
A large suitcase was swung with full force, smashing into the face of the woman trying to force a kiss on Mook, sending her sprawling backward!
Rina stood there with murderous eyes. Her murderous aura forced the women to flee. Mook had to grip Rina’s wrists tightly because her right hand was now clutching a utility knife, ready for use.
“Let’s go to the room... Come on, let’s go,” Mook urged, pushing Rina toward the elevator.
Up in the luxury suite, Mook soaked in the warm outdoor tub on the balcony, looking out at the city. The world was changing violently because of GREM. Some things were better, but many were getting significantly worse.
“Sigh...” Mook let out a soft breath amidst the rising steam before pulling Rina to sit astride his lap.
‘But it’s none of our business anymore...’
Mook cast all his stray thoughts into the water, beginning a sweet and deep act of love with Rina...
Yes, everything happening out there had nothing to do with him at all. He was just an employee, working for money. As for 'GREM,' which he had built with his own hands... he hadn't forced anyone to play it. Everyone who flocked into that world had chosen to do so of their own free will.
