An abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city.
Rusted beams, crumbling plaster, cobwebs in the corners… Here, amidst desolation and decay, lived the one they called the Ghost. A man who could become invisible, merge with shadows, disappear without a trace. He was neither a hero nor a villain, preferring to watch the game from the sidelines. But today, the usual peace was disturbed.
A strange feeling, — thought the Ghost, sitting on a rusty barrel. — As if… something has changed.
He felt it with his skin, with every cell of his body. An invisible presence, heavy, oppressive. As if someone powerful had entered the game. Someone who pulls the strings, controlling people's fates.
The Puppeteer, — flashed through the Ghost's mind. — He has a new toy.
The Ghost knew about the Puppeteer. Knew, but had never seen him. He had only heard whispers, echoes of rumors, fragments of conversations. He knew that the Puppeteer trained both heroes and villains, pitted them against each other, played on their weaknesses.
I wonder who it is? — The Ghost rose, his invisible figure gliding between the rusty machines. — A hero? A villain? Or… something else?
He wasn't afraid of the Puppeteer. The Ghost was a shadow, and shadows are invulnerable. But curiosity, sharp as a razor, tormented him. He wanted to see the new toy. To see how it dances to the Puppeteer's tune. And, perhaps, one day… to challenge him.
A luxurious penthouse in the city center.
Crystal chandeliers, marble floors, panoramic windows overlooking the metropolis shining with lights… Here lived Siren, a woman whose voice could charm, subdue, kill. She was a star, a style icon, an object of worship. And a secret agent, working for those who paid the most.
What was that? — thought Siren, interrupting the rehearsal of her new song. — Some kind of… disturbance in the air.
She felt it with her special sense, a gift that allowed her to pick up the subtlest vibrations of energy. As if someone had turned on a powerful transmitter, drowning out all other signals.
The Puppeteer, — whispered Siren, approaching the window. — He's playing again.
She knew about him. She knew that he was somewhere nearby, invisible, elusive. She knew that he was pulling the strings, controlling heroes and villains like puppets.
He has a new toy, — Siren ran her hand over the glass, watching the play of lights below. — I wonder what he's up to this time?
She didn't care about the Puppeteer and his games. She was her own mistress. But… something in this invisible presence made her heart beat faster. A premonition of danger? Or… anticipation of something new, exciting?
Perhaps it's time to get to know him better, — thought Siren, and a predatory smile appeared on her lips. — The game is getting more and more interesting.
An underground fighting club in the slums.
Dirty walls, smoky air, the shouts of the crowd… Here, in the very heart of darkness, ruled Nightmare, a man who could penetrate other people's dreams, control fears, drive people mad. He was the king of this place, the lord of shadows, the one feared by even the most hardened thugs.
What the hell is this? — growled Nightmare, interrupting another fight. — As if… someone has invaded my domain.
He felt it like a blow, like an invasion of his personal space. As if someone was trying to penetrate his mind, to subdue his will.
The Puppeteer, — flashed through Nightmare's mind. — It's his doing.
He knew about the Puppeteer. He knew that he was behind many of the events taking place in the city. He knew that he played with people like pawns, pitting them against each other, watching their agony.
He has a new toy, — Nightmare clenched his fists. — And it seems this toy… is dangerous.
He wasn't afraid of the Puppeteer. Nightmare was the lord of fears, and fear is the most powerful weapon. But… something in this invisible presence made him nervous. As if this time the Puppeteer had started something special. Something that could change the rules of the game.
Well, — thought Nightmare, grinning. — That makes it more interesting.
He loved games. Especially those where life was at stake. And he was ready to play with the Puppeteer. By his own rules.
Choi Sung-Wook's Loft.
Among the flickering monitors, training equipment, and weapons, in his lair woven from shadows and secrets, he sat. The Puppeteer. Choi Sung-Wook.
They feel it, — he thought, watching Lee Ji-Hye on one of the screens. — They know I've started a new game.
He felt their fear, their curiosity, their anger. As if invisible threads stretched from him to each of them, vibrating, transmitting their emotions.
Ghost. Siren. Nightmare, — flashed through his mind. — Old acquaintances. I wonder how soon they will decide to join the game?
Sung-Wook smirked. He loved it when the pieces came to him on their own. When they themselves became part of his plan.
And for now… — he shifted his gaze to Ji-Hye. — …I have a new toy.
She was strong. Dangerous. Unpredictable. A darkness was hidden in her that could engulf everything around her.
Perfect, — thought Sung-Wook. — Just perfect.
He took a sip of green tea, enjoying the taste and the anticipation. The game had begun. And this time the stakes were higher than ever.
I wonder, — he whispered, looking at the night city outside the window. — Who will be the winner?
He knew the answer. But he wasn't going to voice it. After all, the most interesting thing in the game is the unknown.
Let them guess, — thought Sung-Wook. — Let them fear. Let them make plans.
He was the Puppeteer. The Master of Heroes and Villains. The Keeper of Balance.
Or the one who will destroy it, — he whispered, and a shadow of a smile touched his lips. — Time will tell.
In different parts of the city, shrouded in darkness, Ghost, Siren, and Nightmare were preparing for the game. They didn't know what awaited them. They didn't know what role the Puppeteer had prepared for them. But they were ready. Ready for war.
The game has begun, — whispered Sung-Wook, falling asleep. — And I will enjoy every moment of it.
And the city lived its life, unaware that the fate of its inhabitants was in the hands of one man. A man who loved to play. And who never lost.
Yet, — he whispered, and the darkness thickened over the city, foretelling a storm. — Yet.