Robert found himself in a tense situation, surrounded by numerous eyes fixed intently on him. It wasn't their eyes that unnerved him, but the weapons they held. He wondered if shouting a password to transform into Soldier: 76 would trigger a response, but the thought of doing it loudly in front of everyone might draw even more attention. After a moment of hesitation, he opted for a more discreet approach.
"Mr. Robert, you have one minute!" Charlie called out.
Robert silently repeated various passwords under his breath, each attempt unsuccessful. Yet as he continued, he noticed a flicker of fear in Charlie's eyes. Suddenly, Robert felt an overwhelming surge of power coursing through his body. In his hands appeared a heavy pulse rifle, unlike any regular firearm—it shot high-powered energy bullets. Looking down, he saw his gray sportswear had transformed into a blue and white combat uniform with a red "76" emblazoned on his back. A tactical mask and goggles covered his face, sharpening his vision.
The room fell silent. Shocked eyes met his, frozen in disbelief as if a figure from legend had materialized among them.
With a slight smirk, Robert taunted, "Seems like you're only fit to be a dog backed into a corner."
Raising his pulse rifle, he fired. Charlie's fear turned to terror as three blue energy rounds pierced his chest. His expression was frozen in shock as he crumpled, never pulling his weapon in time.
This was Robert's first time handling a weapon, yet he wielded it effortlessly, each shot precise and lethal. Shards of broken glass sparkled in the air as gunfire echoed through the bar. Charlie's men fell one by one, never managing to fire a single shot. Even those in body armor were powerless against the rifle's energy rounds. As the dust settled, the two heavily armed guards near Lucy collapsed, light-blue energy marks punctuating their armor.
Amid the chaos, Lucy was crouched, her hands shielding her head. Robert extended his hand, and a soft yellow glow surrounded her, healing the shallow cuts from shattered glass on her skin. Then, with a quick movement, he deactivated the transformation, returning to his original appearance.
"It's safe now," Robert said gently, offering Lucy his hand.
Lucy looked up at him in bewilderment, rubbing her eyes as if to confirm she hadn't been imagining things. But the evidence was undeniable—the bodies of Charlie's men lay sprawled on the floor, each one neutralized with a single, lethal shot. She knew Charlie well enough to know he couldn't hold a gun steady, let alone take out a room full of mercenaries with such precision. There was only one explanation: Robert was Soldier: 76, a reality he had managed to keep hidden from the world.
Her fear giving way to relief, Lucy embraced him tightly. Robert didn't resist; he understood that in moments of vulnerability, even the strongest often need a shoulder to lean on.
At that moment, the sound of sirens filled the air, and police officers stormed into the bar, guns drawn. They froze upon seeing the scene—bodies scattered across the floor, but Robert and Lucy standing unharmed, no visible weapons in their hands.
"Drop your weapons!" one officer commanded, but hesitated upon seeing the peaceful scene.
After a moment, Robert gently released Lucy and nodded at her. "Looks like we're in for a trip to the station."
The lead officer stepped forward, his face etched with confusion. "Who are you, and what's your business here?"
Robert raised his hands in a calm, unthreatening manner. "I'm Robert. You might know my alter ego—Soldier: 76. This is my assistant, Ms. Burundt."
The officer looked taken aback, signaling his team to lower their weapons. "Mr. Robert? We received a call about a major disturbance here, yet it seems you both are unharmed."
Outside, a young fan was energetically recounting what he had just witnessed to a group of onlookers. "I swear, I just saw Soldier: 76 in that bar! He took down the bad guys in seconds!"
Meanwhile, at the precinct, Robert was escorted to an interrogation room. As he settled into a chair, an officer brought him a steaming cup of coffee, which he politely declined.
"Tea would be perfect if possible. If not, no worries. Thanks!" he added, smiling.
The junior officer, clearly eager to be helpful, quickly left to fulfill his request. When he returned, he offered the coffee to Lucy instead. She accepted it with a gracious smile.
Sheriff Jeffrey entered the room, eager to understand what had transpired at the Deep Sea Bar. "Mr. Robert, could you explain what happened at the bar?"
"Of course," Robert began calmly. "I was there with Ms. Burundt, just talking. Little did I know that the bar was under the control of someone named Charlie. He threatened to harm Ms. Burundt unless I cooperated with him."
Jeffrey listened intently, knowing that Charlie was the CEO of Flying Film Company, an organization competing fiercely in the movie industry, often resorting to underhanded tactics to maintain control. Overwatch Pictures, which Robert was connected to, posed a direct challenge to Charlie's influence, explaining why he might have orchestrated such a confrontation.
Sheriff Jeffrey pressed further. "So how did you handle Charlie and his men?"
Before Robert could answer, the junior officer returned with a cup of tea. Robert took a sip, sighing with relief. "Nothing beats a warm cup of tea—it's like being back home."
Sheriff Jeffrey, more interested in facts than tea, urged him to continue. "Mr. Robert, please go on."
Robert resumed, "Well, after Charlie's threats, things took a turn. Charlie's men tried to intimidate me, but I acted in self-defense."
Sheriff Jeffrey's skepticism was clear. "Is that so?"
"Yes," Robert replied with a slight shrug. "I know it's hard to believe."
Jeffrey pulled out photos taken from the scene, inspecting the details with scrutiny. He noted the accuracy of each shot, every wound exactly as Robert had described—single, precise, and unmistakably lethal.
Sheriff Jeffrey asked his team for statements, all confirming Robert's account. The sheriff, however, remained curious. "And the person who saved you… who was it?"
Before Robert could reply, the young officer chimed in, "Based on Mr. Robert's description, isn't it clear? It was Soldier: 76 from Overwatch. The way he handled the situation fits perfectly with Soldier: 76's style."
Sheriff Jeffrey shot the young officer a stern look, silencing him. Turning back to Robert, he asked, "Is there anything you'd like to add, Mr. Robert?"
With a wry smile, Robert shrugged. "Believe it or not, it's the truth."
Sheriff Jeffrey shook his head, trying to piece together what seemed like a strange story. The evidence aligned with Robert's words, yet there were elements that defied ordinary logic. The officers continued to exchange glances, uncertain of what to make of this seemingly impossible incident.
After a final round of questions, Sheriff Jeffrey stood. "Thank you, Mr. Robert. We'll reach out if we need anything further."
Robert and Lucy were finally free to go. As they exited, the young officer who had served him tea watched in awe, marveling at Robert with the fervor of a true fan. "You were really incredible back there," he muttered in admiration.
Outside, the fan who had witnessed the events earlier approached them excitedly. "I'll never forget this day! Soldier: 76 was here, right in front of me!"
With a grin, Robert gave him a reassuring nod before guiding Lucy toward their car.
As they drove away, Lucy broke the silence. "You know, I never believed those rumors about Soldier: 76."
Robert laughed softly. "Well, I guess some legends are true. But let's keep this one between us, shall we?"
The city lights blurred past as they disappeared into the night, leaving behind only whispers of what had happened—a story of a mysterious hero, shrouded in legend, who appeared when needed most.