*** Past life
The street buzzed with activity, reminiscent of a typical evening in a bustling neighborhood. Stalls lined both sides, each with a humble setup but promising heartwarming, delicious fares. You could hear the sizzle of food being fried, the occasional clang of pots, and the hum of conversations.
Steam rose from vats of boiling broths, while skewers lined up on grills let out an enticing aroma. Vendors called out their offerings, their voices intermingling with the laughter and chatter of families, friends, and couples out to enjoy a simple evening meal.
At one of the stalls, Mike and Zero sat on makeshift stools, enjoying a hearty meal. In front of them was a spread of dishes – from bubbling kimchi jjigae to plates stacked with dumplings and the sizzling sounds of samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) being prepared on a griddle next to them. Mike savored a bite of bulgogi while Zero sipped on a cup of broth.
Suddenly, the background chatter was drowned by the familiar tune indicating breaking news on a TV hanging in a corner of the street food zone. An image flashed onto the screen, a stoic man with piercing eyes and a face that told tales of countless battles. His skin was rugged, with multiple scars crisscrossing in a chaotic pattern.
The news anchor began, her voice grim, "In an unexpected turn of events, a crucial political figure in South Korea has been assassinated."
"Initial investigations point to a Russian mercenary named Billius Skoval as the prime suspect. Skoval, known for his ruthless efficiency, is believed to be behind several high-profile assassinations across Europe."
"This audacious act on foreign soil has raised questions about the motive and the ramifications on the geopolitical stage."
The anchor continued, her tone growing more severe, "Billius Skoval, notorious in the international intelligence community, is not just a lone wolf. His operations have often hinted at the backing of powerful syndicates. Sources have indicated that he rarely, if ever, acts without significant cause or financial backing, making this assassination even more unsettling."
A montage of past photos of Skoval appeared on the screen, capturing moments of him across different global locations — from a discreet meeting in a Monaco casino to what seemed like a covert operation in the back alleys of Marrakech. The anchor narrated, "Previously linked to the arms black market in Eastern Europe and alleged subversive activities in the Middle East, Skoval's trademark has always been his cold precision and a method of operation that leaves behind little evidence."
An international security analyst was now on the screen, weighing in on the matter, "The ramifications of this assassination are massive. South Korea is a pivotal nation in the Asian geopolitical arena. If Skoval was indeed acting on behalf of another state or a significant organization, this could escalate tensions in the region."
The anchor resumed, "Billius Skoval, now the world's most-wanted man, has managed to evade capture for over a decade. Several nations' intelligence agencies have him on their radar, but he has always been a step ahead, a shadow in the dark. Tonight's shocking incident in South Korea will undoubtedly push the global community to rally together, prioritizing his capture."
The report finally showed visuals of heightened security across Korean government buildings and important landmarks. Military personnel and law enforcement patrolled streets, and there was palpable tension in the air. The report concluded with an appeal to the public to report any information they might have about Skoval's whereabouts, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Mike looked over at Zero, eyebrows raised, "Russian, huh? Look at the scars on that guy. Ever wonder how much being a mercenary pays?"
Zero, swirling the soju in his glass, responded, "Considering he's taken out a major political figure in another country? Must be a fortune."
Mike, a smirk playing on his lips, mused, "Think we should swap our jobs and jump into the mercenary business?"
Zero chuckled, shaking his head, taking another shot of his alcohol"Trust me, with our luck? We'd probably end up paying others instead of earning. Stick to our day job, Mike."
***
BEEP BEEP BEEP
The shrill sound of the alarm cut through Zero's mind, jolting him awake. His heart still raced from the vivid remnants of a dream, memories from a past life. Panting slightly, he sat up, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Is the system warning me about something?" he wondered aloud, trying to remember every fragment of the dream. But it was slipping away, like sand through his fingers. 'im getting flashbacks of my previous life quite frequently nowadays' Zero sighed. An unsettling feeling settled in the pit of his stomach.
"Regardless of these memories, Skoval won't stand a chance, he will surely be my guard dog" he muttered, a wicked smile playing on his lips. The alarm clock's bright digits showed '7:00 AM - Friday'. Time seemed to fly, especially with the upcoming physical test at the academy festival. Zero's thoughts were interrupted by a buzzing notification. Picking up his phone, it showed a staggering 999+ notifications from the 'Fifth Floor' group.
scrolling down a little bit it shows:
Wednesday Chat history:
Liam: (sends a screenshot of a score of one of his gameplay in terrorist attack with, Carl, Orion Hale, Isabella, and Mike)
SCOREBOARD:
_____
Wazowski (Mike) - KDA - 31/7/9
Raven (Carl) - KDA - 26/11/3
Lame (Liam) - KDA - 19/9/8
Bell (Isabella) - KDA - 12/16/4
Orion Hale (Orion Hale) -KDA - 7/21/2
______
Liam: HAHHAHHAHAH LOOK AT ORION SCORES, AND HE TALKED BIG ON BEATING ME ON THE GAME HAHHAAHHA
Orion: Shut up
Liam: "So if I join, You promise to shut up?" Quote -Hale, OF COURSE ILL SHUTUP, I'LLSHUT UP CAUSE HOW BAD YOU ARE HAHHAHAHA, YOU EVEN LOST TO ISABELLA WHO NEVER PLAYED A PC GAME HAHHAHAHHA
Isabella: Liam... I think you are going too far... Orion has never played the game also...
Liam: what do you mean he never played the game, You can check their history games Isabella, and our friend "Orion Hale" over here has more games than you and me combined!
Orion: Shut up liam...
Liam: AND WHO THE HELL USES THEIR FULL NAME AS THEIR USERNAME HAHAHHAH WHAT A NEWBIE
Orion: that's it I'm coming to your room.
Liam: wa..wait I'm just joking...
- no responses
Liam: Orion ???
Liam: shit, @mike, @carl please help me....?
isabella: you should run Liam...
and that was the last text that Liam sent on Wednesday,
Thursday's text was only talking about whether they are ready to take the physical tests.
Zero chuckled as he scrolled through the messages. Liam had posted a screenshot of their latest gaming match, and it was evident he took great joy in teasing Orion for his score. The banter escalated quickly, turning from light-hearted jabs to a potential physical confrontation. Zero shook his head, amused at their antics.
Zero's morning routine was relatively simple, though he always enjoyed it. The comforting aroma of fresh coffee wafted through his room. After a quick shower, he slipped into casual clothing and brewed his favorite blend. The steamy cup was a brief moment of solitude, allowing him to gather his thoughts for the day.
The day was uneventful, filled with lectures, class discussions, and group work. He met with his friends during breaks, discussing strategies for upcoming matches, and catching up on the latest campus gossip. They always had a lot to talk about, be it the newest game update, the latest trends, or the drama that only academy life could offer.