FLASHBACK - FIVE YEARS EARLIER
In a dimly lit military barracks in Russia, a young Anya, her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, meticulously cleaned her rifle. The rhythmic clicking of metal against metal echoed in the otherwise silent room. Her focus was intense, her movements precise. She was a soldier, trained to be a weapon, but her heart yearned for something more.Suddenly, the door creaked open, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man in a freshly pressed uniform. Nikolai. He stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the surroundings before landing on Anya. A gentle smile spread across his face.A wave of nervousness washed over Anya, but she quickly snapped to attention, her rifle held firmly at her side. "Yes, sir," she replied, her voice crisp and clear.Nikolai chuckled. "At ease, Private. I'm Lieutenant Nikolai Volkov. I've heard great things about your marksmanship."Anya relaxed slightly, surprised by his friendly demeanor. "Thank you, sir," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips."I'm here to offer you a unique opportunity," Nikolai continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Professor Throne is leading a top-secret research project. He's looking for a skilled soldier to join his team. Are you interested?"Anya's heart skipped a beat. This was the chance she had been waiting for, a chance to escape the monotony of military life and contribute to something meaningful."Yes, sir," she replied without hesitation.Meanwhile, in a dimly lit control room, Professor Throne watched the encounter unfold through a CCTV monitor, his sharp eyes studying Anya's every move. He was intrigued by Anya, not just because of her skills, but because of the fire that burned in her eyes.Nikolai's smile widened. "Excellent. I'll introduce you to the Professor tomorrow. Be prepared for a journey unlike any other."As Nikolai turned to leave, Anya couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was more than just a chance meeting. It was the beginning of a bond that would change both their lives forever.