Chapter 42: Working as a Security Guard at Stark Industries
The drink I bought was quickly finished, the cold liquid flowing down my throat, leaving behind a brief but refreshing sensation—just enough to shake off the remnants of drowsiness.
This morning didn’t give me any chance to relax. Everything felt rushed, as if time itself was pushing me forward from behind, not allowing me to stop or even take a longer breath.
By the time I finally arrived at the bus stop, the bus I had been waiting for had just arrived and was almost about to leave again. The engine was already humming softly, its vibrations noticeable even from a few meters away.
Without thinking, I immediately quickened my pace, then broke into a run toward the bus door with whatever energy I had left. My strides lengthened, trying to catch up with the time that was almost gone.
Just before the doors fully closed, I managed to get on, stepping inside at the very last second. My body was slightly pushed forward by the momentum, but I quickly regained my balance.
Once inside, I immediately paid for the ticket using the bus card I had already prepared. My movements were quick and automatic, requiring no thought.
My gaze then swept across the inside of the bus, searching for an empty seat. But it was already nearly full, with only a single seat left at the very back.
I let out a quiet sigh. I actually preferred sitting in the front so I could get off more quickly at my destination without having to squeeze past other passengers.
But there was nothing I could do. It was my own fault for arriving a little late. The thought crossed my mind briefly, then disappeared without needing much attention.
Tomorrow, I had to leave earlier. Or maybe, once I had enough money, I could buy a motorcycle so I wouldn’t have to depend on the bus anymore.
That image lingered for a moment—faster travel, without having to run or rush like this every morning.
Without wasting time, I made my way to the back and sat in the remaining seat. My steps were slightly hindered by other passengers, but I eventually reached it and sat down.
As soon as I sat, I let out a relieved breath, allowing my body to rest after all the rushing and busyness since dawn.
The subtle vibration of the bus engine spread through my body, traveling from the seat to my back, while the sound of the wheels against the road became a constant, rhythmic background—almost calming.
I then looked at my phone screen. Exactly seven in the morning. My shift started at nine and would only end at nine at night.
There was still time. As long as the journey went smoothly without any significant delays, I would arrive at the Stark Industries building on time without any problems.
I leaned my head back for a moment, letting the muscles in my neck relax, then turned my gaze toward the window.
The streets were beginning to fill with morning activity. More vehicles appeared, engines overlapping in sound, and people walked briskly, each heading toward their own destination.
Sunlight slowly began to emerge, replacing the darkness that had dominated earlier, casting a warm glow over buildings and streets that had previously felt cold.
The reflection of that light passed through the bus window, gently touching my face, giving the sense that the day had truly begun.
After that, my long day as a security guard in charge of the building’s parking area would begin.
A routine that might feel tiring and repetitive, yet one I had to go through without much choice.
For now, this was the path I had to keep walking—one day at a time.
After nearly two hours on the bus, accompanied by the constant hum of the engine and the subtle vibrations that slowly spread from the seat through my body, my back began to ache and my legs felt slightly stiff from sitting still for too long.
At last, I arrived in Manhattan. The time was already approaching nine in the morning, and the city had begun to fill with the energy of people starting their day. Vehicles moved endlessly along the streets, while pedestrians walked briskly, each heading toward their own destination.
The vehicle slowly came to a stop at the side of the road, its brakes letting out a faint screech before it finally settled into silence, followed by a last subtle vibration that felt like a long exhale after a tiring journey.
Right in front of the towering Stark Industries building, which stood tall with a grand and modern presence, its wide glass walls reflected the morning sunlight, shimmering brightly and creating the impression that the building itself was alive under the ever-shifting light.
I took a moment to breathe before stepping out, inhaling the city air that felt different, trying to steady myself while pushing away the lingering fatigue from the long and exhausting trip.
Then I immediately walked toward the main entrance. My steps felt light, yet careful, as if every step needed to be certain, even though a faint tension still pulsed quietly in my chest.
In front of the entrance, several security guards stood on duty with firm and disciplined posture. Their uniforms were neat and clean, the creases on their clothing clearly visible, as if they had just been perfectly pressed.
Their gazes were sharp yet professional as they observed everyone who came in. Their eyes moved quickly but remained controlled, ensuring that nothing escaped their attention, not even the smallest detail.
I approached them and started a brief conversation, explaining my purpose in a polite and controlled tone, choosing my words carefully, trying to show that I had a clear intention and was not someone to be suspected.
The conversation did not last long. Only a few basic questions were asked in a formal and flat tone before one of them finally nodded slightly, his expression softening a bit, as if confirming that I was indeed the person they had been expecting.
After that, I was directed toward the building’s parking area. The path leading there felt noticeably quieter compared to the front, the atmosphere shifting into a more subdued silence, as if the noise of the city had been held back outside that area.
Only the sound of my footsteps lightly meeting the hard floor could be heard, along with the faint echoes of vehicles passing occasionally in the distance, creating a calm, repeating rhythm.
Upon arriving at the parking area, I was introduced to several other security guards stationed there. They stood in small groups, occasionally exchanging light conversation, their tone more relaxed but still measured.
However, their eyes continued to move, observing their surroundings with a vigilance that never truly faded, as if it had become a reflex ingrained through habit.
They welcomed me in a fairly relaxed manner, not as stiff as the guards at the front. Some of them even gave a slight nod as a sign of acknowledgment without saying much.
Yet they still carried a professional air, as if they were already accustomed to a work rhythm that demanded constant readiness without always appearing tense or suspicious.
The atmosphere in that area felt calmer and more stable, with rows of vehicles neatly arranged along clearly marked parking lines, creating an orderly view that was easy on the eyes.
The lighting was also sufficiently bright, coming from the lamps on the ceiling, ensuring that every corner remained visible without leaving dark shadows where something could be hidden, making the area feel safe and under control.
Without wasting time, I quickly took off the jacket I had been wearing. The air in the parking area felt slightly stuffy and warm, causing sweat to form on my temples and neck, adding to the discomfort that was beginning to settle in, so I decided to remove my jacket.
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[Note: This novel updates every Tuesday and Thursday]
[Note: This is my other novel: As a Blacksmith in the World of Jujutsu Kaisen]
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