**Arc 5: Chapter 16 - The Mole's Betrayal**
The air inside the temporary base was suffocating. Tension ran high as Jae-min paced back and forth in the dimly lit strategy room. Everyone was present—Luna, Elise, Hana, and even Min-jun. They were supposed to be celebrating their recent victory over a Nexus outpost, but the discovery of a mole within their ranks had tainted any sense of accomplishment.
"I want answers," Jae-min said, his voice cold and sharp. His eyes scanned the room, landing on each person briefly. "Someone's been feeding Nexus information about our movements. I want to know who."
No one spoke. Elise looked uncomfortable, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Luna leaned against the wall, her gaze as piercing as ever, scanning for any sign of guilt. Hana avoided everyone's eyes, fidgeting nervously. Min-jun's expression was unreadable, though his knuckles were white as he gripped the edge of the table.
"We found this." Luna broke the silence, tossing a small communication device onto the table. It landed with a dull thud, its sleek design unmistakably Nexus tech. "It was hidden in the supply crates we brought back from the last raid."
Jae-min stared at the device, his mind racing. The discovery wasn't just about betrayal—it meant every mission they'd undertaken recently could have been compromised. Lives had been lost because someone among them had been feeding the enemy critical information.
"Speak up," Jae-min demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. "If you have something to say, say it now."
A long pause followed, heavy with suspicion and dread. Finally, Min-jun sighed and stepped forward. "It was me."
The confession hit the room like a thunderclap. Everyone froze, their disbelief palpable.
"You?" Hana whispered, her voice trembling. "Min-jun, how could you—?"
"It's not what you think," Min-jun interrupted, his voice firm but laced with guilt. "I didn't betray you out of malice. Nexus has my sister. They threatened to kill her unless I gave them intel."
The room fell silent again, but this time the anger in the air was tinged with a shred of understanding. Jae-min's jaw tightened as he processed the revelation. He could see the pain in Min-jun's eyes, the way his shoulders slumped under the weight of his actions.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Jae-min asked, his voice quieter now but still intense. "We could've helped you."
Min-jun shook his head. "And risk putting everyone else in danger? I couldn't. They made it clear—if I told anyone, they'd kill her immediately."
Luna crossed her arms, her expression a mix of frustration and pity. "And what about the people who died because of the information you leaked? Did you think about them?"
"I did," Min-jun replied, his voice breaking slightly. "Every damn day. But she's my sister. What would you have done if it were someone you loved?"
The question hung in the air, unanswered.
Jae-min finally spoke, his tone decisive. "We're not letting Nexus dictate our actions anymore. If they're holding your sister, we'll get her back. But this ends now. No more secrets."
Min-jun's eyes widened. "You'd help me? After everything?"
Jae-min nodded, though his gaze remained stern. "Yes. But you need to earn back our trust. You've put all of us at risk, and that won't be easy to forgive."
Min-jun bowed his head. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Jae-min turned to the rest of the group. "We'll deal with this together. For now, we need to prepare for whatever Nexus throws at us next. They won't stop just because we know about the mole."
The tension in the room eased slightly, though the wounds of betrayal were far from healed. Jae-min knew it would take time to rebuild trust, but they had no choice. If Nexus wanted a fight, they'd get one—and this time, the group would be ready.
As the meeting dispersed, Jae-min lingered behind, staring at the Nexus device on the table. The battle against Nexus wasn't just physical—it was personal now. And he was determined to win.
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*End of Chapter 16*