Even while Jonas was slacking off, the Alt Branch continued developing steadily along its intended course.
As the only company Jonas had complete control over, the Alt Branch actually had very little influence. Most of its profitable projects relied on borrowing someone else's prestige. Collaborating under the Wetting Conglomerate's name was not a lasting solution. Jonas wanted to develop both companies in parallel, but from the looks of things, it was still a little too early to achieve that goal.
Before the basic framework became fully operational, all Jonas could do was... poach a few more people in the meantime.
At the Wetting Conglomerate, Jonas sat at his desk, sorting through the documents in his hands.
With a soft chime, the elevator doors slowly opened.
A black-haired girl stepped out of the elevator, and Jonas turned his attention to her.
He smiled and said:
"You're here, Miss Esnie."
Esnie was visibly uncomfortable in front of Jonas. She murmured an acknowledgment, her gaze wandering as she asked:
"Did you need something, Mr. Jonas?"
"Nothing in particular, really. It's just been so long since we last saw each other that I wanted an excuse to meet."
Jonas spoke as though he were discussing something perfectly ordinary. Esnie's cheeks flushed slightly, and a trace of embarrassed irritation flickered in her eyes.
Paying no mind to her reaction, Jonas continued:
"Besides, I'd like to discuss the Alt Branch's Security Force with you, Miss Esnie."
At that, Esnie put her stray thoughts aside and listened as Jonas continued:
"You should be well aware, Miss Esnie, that the attack before last exposed some major weaknesses in the Alt Branch's security..."
"Of course, those aren't problems we can completely resolve just yet..."
As Jonas spoke, he tapped his fingers lightly against the desk. After a pause, he