Arc 5: The Veil of Betrayal Chapter 13: Preemptive Strike
The morning was cloaked in a grim anticipation. Jae-min stood at the center of the briefing room, his eyes locked on the holographic map flickering in front of him. Red markers dotted the map, each representing a key target point within the Nexus meeting facility. Around him, his team gathered in tense silence, each one processing the magnitude of what lay ahead.
"This is it," Kai began, stepping forward to address the room. "We've confirmed the location. The meeting is happening in an abandoned corporate tower just outside the main city. Nexus has fortified it, and they're expecting trouble—but not from us."
Yuna crossed her arms, her expression hardening. "They won't expect us to hit them this fast after last night's operation."
"That's the plan," Jae-min said, his voice steady. "We hit them before they can regroup. Cut the head off before the body can react."
Kai pressed a button on the tablet in his hand, and the map zoomed in, highlighting key entry points. "There are three primary entrances. The front lobby, a service tunnel at the back, and the rooftop. Nexus has stationed guards at each, but their numbers aren't overwhelming. If we split into two teams, we can flank them—one group from the tunnel, the other from above."
Jae-min studied the map intently. "I'll lead the rooftop team. Yuna, you'll take the service tunnel with Kai."
Yuna nodded, but her brow furrowed slightly. "Are we sure they won't have reinforcements nearby?"
"Our contact says Nexus is keeping this meeting low-profile," Kai replied. "They don't want to draw attention. That's why this is our best chance—before they can call in backup."
Silence hung in the air for a moment as everyone absorbed the plan. The tension was palpable, but so was the determination. They had been fighting for weeks, each battle chipping away at Nexus's power. Now, they were on the verge of something big.
"This isn't just about stopping a meeting," Jae-min said, his gaze sweeping across the room. "This is about sending a message. We're not running anymore. We're not hiding. We're taking the fight to them."
A ripple of resolve spread through the group. They knew the risks, but they also knew what was at stake. If they succeeded today, they could dismantle Nexus's network before it grew too strong to handle.
"Gear up," Jae-min ordered. "We leave in thirty minutes."
The sky was overcast as they approached the target. The wind whipped around them as the team moved into position, their movements silent and precise. Jae-min's heart pounded in his chest, but his mind was clear. He had been in countless battles before, but this one felt different. More personal.
"Rooftop team in position," Jae-min whispered into his comm. He crouched low behind a vent, scanning the area ahead. The rooftop was guarded by a handful of Nexus operatives, their patrol patterns predictable.
"Copy that," Yuna's voice crackled through the comm. "Tunnel team moving into position. Stand by."
Jae-min signaled to the others with a quick hand gesture. They moved swiftly, taking out the rooftop guards with silent precision. Within moments, they had control of the rooftop.
"Rooftop clear," Jae-min reported. "Tunnel team, your move."
On the other side of the facility, Yuna and Kai led their team through the narrow service tunnel. The air was thick with dust, and the sound of dripping water echoed around them. They moved carefully, weapons at the ready.
"Hold," Yuna whispered, raising a hand. Ahead of them, two Nexus operatives stood guard at the tunnel exit. With a nod, Kai moved forward, taking them out swiftly with his stun baton.
"We're in," Yuna said over the comm. "Ready to breach on your signal."
"Copy. Breach in three… two… one."
The assault was swift and decisive. Jae-min's team crashed through the rooftop entrance just as Yuna's team breached from below. Chaos erupted as gunfire rang out, and Nexus operatives scrambled to respond. But Jae-min's team moved with ruthless efficiency, cutting down resistance with precision strikes.
"Target sighted!" Yuna's voice came over the comm. "Orion's lieutenants are on the move."
"Don't let them escape!" Jae-min barked, pushing forward. He ducked behind cover as a burst of gunfire peppered the wall beside him. With a quick motion, he leaned out and took down the shooter with a single, well-placed shot.
As the battle raged on, Jae-min's focus narrowed. They were close—so close to finally crippling Nexus. But something felt off. The resistance was weaker than expected, almost as if…
"Jae-min, we've got a problem," Kai's voice cut through the chaos. "Our contact just sent a warning—this whole thing might be a trap."
Jae-min's eyes widened. "Pull back! Everyone, pull back!"
But it was too late. The ground beneath them shook violently as a series of explosions rocked the building. Smoke and debris filled the air, and the sound of collapsing walls echoed around them.
"Jae-min!" Yuna's voice was frantic. "We're pinned down!"
Gritting his teeth, Jae-min fought through the chaos, his mind racing. They had walked right into Nexus's trap. But he wasn't about to let his team fall here.
"Hold your ground!" he shouted. "We're getting out of here—together."
End of Chapter 13