Chapter 7: The Assignment (Part 1)
The scorching sun bore down on the bustling streets of Neo Seoul, casting long shadows that danced between the towering trees and the gleaming shop windows. Its rays ricocheted off the pristine facade of the National Intelligence Bureau Headquarters, carving blocks of shadows where the colossal building dared to interrupt its radiance.
With an air of confidence, a man in a sleek black suit and impeccably slicked back hair sauntered towards the imposing structure. As he reached the massive glass doors, he effortlessly pushed the center plate forward, granting himself entry into a world shrouded in secrets. The threshold revealed a floor adorned with white marble—a place he had only tread upon once before, the memory of which now faded and elusive.
Approaching the receptionist, a middle-aged man sporting round, almost cartoonish glasses, the visitor was met with a curious tilt of the head. The receptionist's gaze lingered upon the enigmatic figure before speaking, "Good morning, sir. May I inquire about the purpose of your visit?"
In a fleeting instant, the man discreetly surveyed his surroundings before offering a reply in a voice devoid of emotion, "I have personal and confidential matters to discuss regarding 'flowers that bloom in July.'"
The receptionist's eyebrows arched slightly, his gaze sharpening as he studied the individual standing before him. After a brief pause, he responded, "Code, please."
"0606," the man answered succinctly, his eyes never betraying a flicker of uncertainty.
With a practiced motion, the receptionist extended a sheet of paper toward the visitor. Two blank lines adorned the bottom, beckoning for a signature. Complying with the unspoken request, the man inscribed the secondary code with a fluid motion, allowing his hand to flow freely. Returning the paper to the receptionist, he awaited the next step.
The receptionist scrutinized the document, his expression shifting imperceptibly. Rising from his chair, he gestured towards a row of imposing doors adorned with frosted glass panels. "Please wait in the first room, sir. Your appointment will commence shortly."
"Thank you," the man replied with nonchalant grace, concealing the intensity brewing beneath his calm exterior.
Making his way from the receptionist, the man approached the first door. Placing his thumb on the fingerprint scanner, he gained access to the inner sanctum.
Click!
With a barely audible click, the heavy door sealed shut behind him, imprisoning the man within the confines of the room. Panels of polished wood adorned the walls, exuding an air of elegance that mingled with the scent of success. Nestled within the space were two plush chairs, positioned side by side, their inviting presence beckoning to weary souls seeking solace. Across from them, a miniature couch flanked by antique tables stood like loyal sentinels, offering a touch of nostalgia amidst the modernity that permeated the room. Scattered upon the tables, a collection of up-to-date magazines and newspapers silently awaited eager eyes.
The man's gaze shifted towards the adjacent wall, his attention snagged by the gleaming biometric scanner. It hummed with technological prowess, a testament to the advanced security measures at play. Stepping closer, he positioned his right eye in alignment with the scanner, its cold gaze delving into the depths of his retina.
SWOOSH!
In a swift motion, like a well-practiced ballet, the metallic door parted with a soft swoosh, unveiling a room draped in a veil of secrecy. The space exuded an aura of power, primed for high-stakes encounters. In its center, a polished business meeting table commanded attention, its sleek surface reflecting the dim lighting overhead. The room breathed with purpose, as if every inch of its walls had borne witness to clandestine negotiations and covert operations.
"Welcome, Agent 82," Brigadier General Kim Dae-ho's voice reverberated through the room, carrying a subtle undertone of authority. Seated at the far end of the table, his posture rigid and commanding, Dae-ho motioned for the man to take a seat opposite him. Agent 82, his features betraying no hint of trepidation, complied with the unspoken command, settling into the seat that held the weight of countless enigmatic conversations.
The General's piercing gaze locked onto Agent 82, his eyes brimming with a mix of expectation and urgency. "I assume you've been thoroughly briefed on the gravity of our current situation?" he inquired, his tone a blend of authority and caution. Agent 82, his countenance composed and resolute, nodded in affirmation. "Two months and a defected test subject," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of gravity. "I'm aware."
"Good," General Kim Dae-ho cleared his throat, his voice gritty yet commanding. "I'll cut to the chase," he grumbled, his words punctuated by a hushed intensity. "Operation Nexus is undergoing a complete veil of silence. It won't be scrapped, but rather rendered 'invisible'."
Agent 82 absorbed the information, his mind dissecting the implications."The test subjects are being uprooted from their safe houses and shipped off to a remote locale on the Island of Silwake," Dae-ho revealed, his tone tinged with caution.
The agent's brow furrowed as he sought clarity. "And what about my assignment?" he queried, a hint of curiosity lacing his words. General Kim Dae-ho paused, a fleeting moment of contemplation coloring his features. "No," he replied, his voice measured and deliberate. "Project Cobalt has been ordered for complete dissolution."
A flicker of emotion danced across Agent 82's eyes, swiftly replaced by a veil of detachment. The General, sensing the unspoken turmoil, hastened to clarify, "There's no cause for concern, Agent. He won't be terminated."
Leaning back in his chair, Kim Dae-ho continued, his voice laden with an air of calculated vigilance. "However, he's been ordered to join the Alliance Guild upon completion of his final year. We need to maintain a watchful eye."
Agent 82 absorbed the information, his face a mask of stoicism. "Is that all, sir?" he inquired, his voice betraying no trace of emotion. The General nodded, his expression unwavering. "That's the long and short of it, Agent."
With a measured nod, Agent 82 turned to leave, his mind already churning with the implications of this revelation. But General Kim Dae-ho's voice halted him in his tracks, compelling him to face the man who held the strings of fate. "You've done an exceptional job, Agent," the General's words pierced the air, tinged with a bittersweet lament. "Project Cobalt. The experiment showed promise. It's regrettable that it had to be discarded."
Pausing for a beat, his eyes meeting the agent's with a mixture of acknowledgment and gratitude, General Kim Dae-ho concluded, "But you performed admirably."
Agent 82's response came after a lingering silence, his voice respectful and tinged with a touch of weariness. "Thank you, sir," he uttered, his head bowing slightly in deference. With that, he turned on his heels and exited the room..
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Regalia University.
After classes.
"Wooh! Yeah, baby! Winner once again!" Isaac bellowed triumphantly as he burst out of the classroom, followed closely by Beaver and Enrique, who couldn't help but roll their eyes in response. "Ah, yes, your highness. Another conquest for the history books," Beaver retorted, dripping with sarcasm. . "To be honest, mate, this routine is getting tiresome."
"What? Me winning all the time?" Issac prodded Beaver with his elbow, goading him into a playful punch. "Perhaps it's time for you to spice things up a bit, then." Beaver flashed a mischievous smile. "Nobody fancies a predictable competition, you know."
"You're suggesting I change my winning ways?" Issac shrugged nonchalantly. "It's not my fault I'm so damn good!"
"I hate to admit it, but I side with Issac on this one!" A different voice chimed in, causing Issac and his pals to turn around. It was Maria, accompanied by Edgar and a few other classmates.
"Hey, Maria," Issac greeted her with a wave, which was promptly mirrored by Enrique and Beaver.
"Your performance today was outstanding, Issac," Maria complimented him, her smile radiating warmth as she walked past the trio. "Although it was fleeting, I felt like I was almost keeping pace with you." She winked playfully before strolling away, followed by Edgar and the rest, who acknowledged Issac's friends with nods as they passed by.
"At least someone's trying to give me a challenge," Issac remarked once Maria and the others were out of earshot, his gaze now fixed on Beaver and Enrique. The two exchanged a shrug, their faces brimming with bemusement. "Hey, even she's finding it difficult to keep up with you." Enrique chimed in. "What're you looking at us two slowpokes for?"
"Enough about that, bruv," Beaver interjected, shaking his head while flinging his arms around his friends' shoulders. "Let's forget it all for now. How about we find somewhere to hang out?"
"I can't dude," Issac replied in a soft voice before he started walking. He turned around and faced his two friends as he continued walking backwards. "I have my checkup, you know?"
"Oh, damn! Is it today?" Enrique slapped his forehead in realization. Beaver waved his hands dismissively. "No worries, bruv. We'll hang out another time."
"Alright, see you guys..." Issac waved his friends goodbye before jogging away, leaving the two companions standing alone in the hallway.
"....Wanna go to a pub and pick up girls or something?"
".... Sure..."
Weekly Power Status
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