As I waited in the confined space, the uncertainty of our situation weighed heavily on my mind. What would become of me? Although my laughter had been a facade, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding about our impending encounter with the Special Crime Unit.
Hours passed in the dimly lit cell, and I had no way of knowing what was happening to them. I had instructed Sarin and Judy to focus on their site, but my own fate remained uncertain.
The heavy cell door groaned ominously as it swung open, allowing two stern-faced officers to lead me out into the stark hallway. They wasted no time, swiftly shackling my wrists and blindfolding me before escorting me down a bewildering labyrinth of dimly lit corridors. The harsh, unforgiving glow of fluorescent lights overhead cast long, unsettling shadows that seemed to dance with a malevolent intent. The very air seemed to grow colder as we ventured deeper into this maze of confinement and uncertainty.
At last, we arrived at our destination: the interrogation room. The air within was frigid, seeping through my clothes and leaving an unsettling chill in its wake. I was deposited in a creaky, metal chair, my wrists bound tightly to the table. The cuffs that held me emitted a soft, constant clinking, a stark reminder of my captivity. The two of those officers leave the room as soon they put me there.
Across from me, a formidable figure lurked in the shadows. The only discernible detail was a small name tag affixed to their immaculate, dark suit, bearing the enigmatic title, "Agent Warp." An overwhelming aura of authority and intimidation emanated from this individual, a living embodiment of the Special Crime Unit's unwavering resolve. Agent Warp's features remained shrouded in darkness and obscured by the room's dim lighting, rendering his expression inscrutable.
"Hi. My name is Warp. You can call me Agent Warp or anything you like. The name is WhoLife correct?" I shook my head.
"It's Hulaif not Wholife." I said.
"Ah, but it's spell same! Okay. Hulaif, you are in a precarious position," Agent Warp began, his tone measured and unyielding. "You have been charge with a case of trespassing from Undercity and trying to make a havoc on Uppercity. As a results of that your actions have drawn the attention of powerful forces, and your involvement with the spy unit has not gone unnoticed."
I nodded, maintaining my composure. "I see. It seems there's been a misunderstanding. I have no intention of causing harm to Uppercity. My actions were guided by a different purpose."
Agent Warp raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And what, precisely, is this 'different purpose' you speak of?"
I leaned forward slightly, lowering my voice as if sharing a confidential secret. "Agent Warp, you know as well as I do that this city is shrouded in secrets and conspiracies. I've been on a quest to uncover the truth behind some of these mysteries, and it led me to the spy unit. But I assure you, my intentions were never to create chaos."
Agent Warp regarded me with a skeptical expression. "Uncover the truth, you say? That's a bold claim. What kind of truth are you searching for, and why would it lead you to a group like the spy unit?"
I knew I had to tread carefully, revealing just enough to pique his interest without incriminating myself further. "I believe there's more to this city than meets the eye. Hidden agendas, clandestine organizations, and secrets that could shake the very foundations of Uppercity. The spy unit seemed to hold a piece of this puzzle, but I need your assurance that I won't be treated as an enemy while I pursue these truths."
Agent Warp leaned back, his expression contemplative. "You expect me to believe that you're merely a truth-seeker caught up in a web of conspiracy?"
"It's the truth, Agent Warp. I'm willing to cooperate, to share what I've uncovered so far, if it means shedding light on the mysteries that shroud this city."
He seemed to be weighing his options, torn between skepticism and the possibility of gaining valuable information. "Very well, Hulaif. We'll continue this discussion, but for now, you're in our custody until we can verify your claims. Your fate will depend on the information you provide and your willingness to cooperate."
"Sure. You can ask me what you want to know. I am an open encyclopedia. What you want to know I will answer. Whether for you to answer or not. Also, I know how many people are here."
"Hah! You sure know how to bluff."
"Very well, if you seek the truth," I began, leaning forward slightly, "then allow me to paint a clearer picture for you. In this labyrinthine structure, there exist thirty prisons, each housing a unique set of inmates. A workforce of seventy individuals is tasked with maintaining the facility, along with ten dedicated cleaners who ensure its hygiene."
I continued, "In addition to them, there are eight clerks who manage the administrative affairs, coordinating a complex network of information. On each of the four floors, five vigilant wardens uphold order and security. Beyond that, twelve members of the Special Crime Unit operate covertly, while twenty regular police personnel, including those in higher-ranking positions, oversee the operation."
Agent Warp regarded me with a hint of surprise, perhaps realizing the extent of my knowledge. It was a precarious gambit, revealing such information, but it was a gamble that I hoped would strengthen my position in this high-stakes game of information and influence. But, thanks to Mia's intel that make me know about that.
"Impressive. I did not know that you would said it correct." Agent Warp impressed. "But, for you to know about that, might be you have make a research about that before coming here. Maybe, I have to try asking you about this." Agent Warp try to stretch his body for a while. "What do you think about justice?" He asked me about that question.
"I am not quite sure about that. For me justice is to help the people in need and to save everyone from any danger intent. Is it correct?" I said.
Agent Warp's penetrating gaze remained fixed on me as he contemplated my response. "Your definition of justice is certainly idealistic," he remarked, his tone unreadable. "But in this world, the concept of justice is often clouded by the complexities of reality. What may seem just to one person can be perceived as a threat by another. The lines blur, and we, as enforcers of the law, must navigate those gray areas."
I nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words. "I understand that achieving true justice can be a challenging endeavor. It requires balancing the needs of individuals and society as a whole."
Agent Warp leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Hulaif, we're well aware of your unique abilities and your involvement with the spy unit. You defeated The Resistance Group and eliminated their leader, The Hawk. Your actions have not gone unnoticed. If you want to find your way through the intricate web of justice in this world, you must be prepared to cooperate and provide us with vital information." His words carried a hint of contradiction.
I leaned back, considering his proposal. "May I inquire about the rewards I'd receive for assisting you?"
"You'll gain protection and safety within our jurisdiction. Isn't that what a follower of justice would seek?" Agent Warp responded.
I maintained my composure, keenly aware of the delicate negotiation at hand. "I never claimed to be a follower of justice. My stay here is temporary. I value my freedom and independence. It appears you're missing crucial truths about both Uppercity and Undercity. Your notion of justice remains incomplete without understanding what the government inflicts on the residents of both worlds. I can't change that. Also, I did not want protection because I can protect myself."
Agent Warp's expression shifted, as if he had unraveled something about me. Suddenly, a communication reached him through his glasses. "What? They escaped? But how?" He demanded answers through the call.
"It seems you've realized something," I remarked calmly.
Agent Warp's frustration boiled over, and he slammed his hand on the table. "How did your companions escape? Tell me now!"
"It's a little trick, and I'll be joining them soon. Goodbye, Agent Warp. Till we meet again." With that, I swiftly released the cuffs and leaped into the momentarily opened domain, leaving the perplexed agent behind.
In the domain, I found myself reunited with Sarin and Judy. They wore expressions of both relief and curiosity as they regarded me.
"Hulaif, you made it out," Sarin exclaimed.
Judy added, "That was quite the escape. How did you manage it?"
I chuckled. "Just a little sleight of hand and a well-timed jump into the domain. It seems Agent Warp was too focused on me to notice the obvious."
Sarin looked concerned. "But what about your situation now? They must know you're not in that room anymore."
"Don't worry," I reassured them. "I've planted the seeds of doubt in Agent Warp's mind. He won't be certain of what he saw, and that'll buy us some time."
Judy nodded. "Smart thinking, Hulaif."
"Now, let's focus on our next move," I said, my gaze shifting to the Hawk in its normal form.
"What? Why me?" Hawk asked, curiosity tinged with reluctance.
"Because," I began, "you were once the leader of The Resistance Group. You might have insights or connections that could be invaluable to us."
Hawk let out a sigh. "Hmm... If I'm not mistaken, there's something that could potentially help you unravel the mysteries of this world." With a measured tone, Hawk explained a daring plan. "To discover the truth, I suggest infiltrating the main government building, particularly the technology and army departments. There, you might find the answers you seek."
Sarin and Judy exchanged glances, and then we all nodded in agreement. It was a risky plan, but we were determined to uncover the secrets that had eluded us for so long.
As we discussed the details of our daring mission, Hawk provided us with invaluable insights. He revealed the government building's layout, security protocols, and potential weaknesses that we could exploit. It was clear that he still possessed an intricate knowledge of the inner workings of the city, despite his time away from The Resistance Group.
Judy, Sarin, and I listened intently, forming a rough plan of action. We knew the risks were substantial, but the desire for answers burned within us, propelling us forward. With the government building as our target, we would venture into the heart of the unknown, hoping to uncover the hidden truths that lay concealed within its walls.
"We'll need disguises, forged identification, and a way to bypass security," I contemplated aloud. Sarin's sharp eyes were fixed on me, waiting for more details.
"Don't worry about that; I can handle it. I'll have your new IDs ready by tomorrow, but what about your faces? The police could easily recognize you if you're seen in the district," Sarin pointed out, her concern evident.
I leaned in closer, speaking in a hushed tone, "I plan to take on someone else's identity. Someone who isn't even in this country. Besides, I don't think Sigma will target Alpha during this period."
Sarin hesitated for a moment before reluctantly agreeing. "If you're sure about it."
"Great. Since we have two places to infiltrate, Sarin will head to the Technology Department, and I'll go to the Army Department. Judy, you'll remain in the shadows, ready to assist if needed. Are you both on board with this plan?"
"I'm in," Sarin and Judy replied in unison.
"Excellent. Let's rest for now. Tomorrow is a big day. Remember, we'll regroup after one month."
The night in the domain passed quickly, a whirlwind of preparations and planning. Sarin's fingers danced over holographic screens as she crafted impeccable counterfeit identifications, complete with biometrics that would pass even the most stringent security checks. She was a genius at her craft, and it showed in the flawless documents that materialized before us.
Judy immersed himself in Hawk's teachings, absorbing every scrap of information that the enigmatic figure had to offer. It was clear that Hawk possessed a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of the city, and Judy was eager to tap into that resource.
As for me, I devised intricate strategies for infiltrating the Technology and Army Departments. I considered various scenarios, planned escape routes, and weighed the risks. There was a palpable tension in the air, a silent acknowledgment that our actions tomorrow could alter the course of our lives.
When dawn broke, we gathered around the dine table in domain, each of us now equipped with our new identities and equipped with the knowledge and skills we'd need for our respective missions.
"Sarin, Judy, remember, our primary objective is to gather information about this world, especially the hidden truths. We'll reconvene after one month, same place," I emphasized, the gravity of the situation weighing on my words.
"Be careful out there, Hulaif," Sarin urged, her eyes reflecting her concern.
"I will. Take care, both of you," I replied, my voice carrying a mix of determination and concern. I reached out, shook hands of my companions, the bond between us stronger than ever. With a final shared nod, it was time to exit the domain and embrace the unknown real world where our destiny awaited, a world fraught with secrets and challenges that would test our every skill and conviction.
As we emerged from the domain, reality greeted us in separate locations. I found myself on a remote sky island, strategically situated not far from the army department location sky island. The city sprawled beneath me, a sprawling metropolis of intrigue and danger. My thoughts immediately turned to Sarin and Judy, hoping they were safe. The solace I had was knowing I had left them with clones of Skid and Hawk, capable allies in their own right.
With that unwavering conviction, I set off towards the army department, the weight of the mission heavy on my shoulders. It was a dawn and the city held its secrets close, but I was ready to unlock them, one by one, and expose the truth that lurked in the shadows.