"It's just an illusion," Siya said calmly, though her eyes never left the screen. "CGI, most likely."
The image before them shimmered—too real, too detailed. Something about it felt wrong.
"So it's not real?" siya asked. "Or… is it possible that there isn't even a Jate at all?"
The thought struck Siya like ice.
An imposter.
"Boss," Ali said after a pause, "can I ask you something?"
"Yes. Go ahead."
"What kind of person was Jate? And… how did you fall in love with him?"
For a moment, the mission room went silent.
Siya smiled faintly, the kind of smile that carried memories and wounds together.
"He was a kind soul. He cared more about others than himself. I always felt my life was meant to protect people—but he taught me how to live. He made me feel special, respected me beyond my role as a protector. He taught me to value myself."
Her voice softened.
"He was like a vast, calm ocean—full of compassion, full of restraint. I don't know what love is supposed to feel like… but whatever I felt with him, I called it love."
She exhaled slowly.
"When I lost him, it felt like the world we built ended. I fell into darkness. Then George helped me find direction again. I started living freely… and through my work, I found purpose."
Ali didn't speak.
"I didn't think I'd ever fall into that again," Siya added quietly.
A sharp beep interrupted the moment.
"Boss," Ali said, straightening, "what do we do now?"
"Our second mission has already begun," Siya replied. "Target location: Shanghai, China. The second-largest herbal research facility."
Shanghai was crowded—alive, chaotic.
"That's why the plan is different this time," Siya said. "We enter on the weekend. Andy and Ali go through the underground pipes. Construction is ongoing—it'll be easy to blend in."
"And you?" Andy asked.
"I'll teleport directly inside. The building can't be blown up—it's in the heart of the city. We need evidence. Once inside, we shut the company down legally."
"Andy, guide me to the CCTV room. Ali, hack the lab access system."
Her voice hardened.
"They'll be cautious. If you get caught, you already know how to escape."
The mission began quietly. Too quietly.
"We're inside," Ali whispered through the comms. "Where are you, boss?"
"I just entered," Siya replied. "Proceed."
"I'm heading to the CCTV room."
"Andy," Siya said, "show me the way."
"Two guards on your right. Take the elevator to the seventh floor. Turn left—that's the lab. Be careful. There are at least ten guards."
Moments later—
"They're down," Siya said. "But… this place feels wrong. Andy, are you sure?"
"Yes. The lab location is correct."
She stepped forward.
The space was empty.
"No equipment. No staff. Nothing," she murmured.
"It is here," Andy insisted. "We just can't see it."
A chill ran down her spine.
"Siya…" Andy said softly. "Look behind you."
Something moved.
A massive shape emerged from thin air, its form distorted, grotesque.
"Ahh—" Siya gasped, stumbling back.
"Are you okay?" Andy shouted.
"Yes," she said, steadying herself. "What… is this?" Andy said.
"Their invention," she replied grimly. "The beginning of their new world. A mutant. Human body, animal strength—but no ability to think or feel. Only instinct. Only hunger."
"A walking corpse," Siya whispered.
"This is too much," Andy said. "How are you going to kill it?"
"I read the file," Siya replied. "To kill it… we have to break its neck."
This stupid mutant waste my time.
It took time to locate the real lab—hidden behind layers of illusion.
"Did you find it?" Andy asked.
"Yes," Siya said. "Just pull the panel above me."
The door slid open.
"Ali, where are you?" Siya asked.
"I hacked the access," Ali replied. "I'm coming."
"Hurry."
"The code is 00225," Ali said. "But something's wrong. This door open too easily."
"Grab samples," Siya ordered. "Finish this fast."
A deep metallic sound echoed.
"What was that?" Ali whispered.
Then—
The doors slammed shut.
"What's happening?" Ali shouted. "Boss—the doors are closed!"
Red lights flooded the lab.
Silence followed.
Then a slow, heavy breath echoed in the darkness.
They weren't hunting anymore.
They were trapped.