Chapter 3
Thoro M1, now a sharp and formidable operative, was finalized for his deep-cover mission. His destination: Zakex, a strategic city in the heart of Aindun. Before disappearing into the shadows of the enemy nation, Rayhon went to bid farewell to his elite team, 'The Eagle.' His two closest comrades, Horkan and Barol, were waiting. Rayhon looked at them, a rare, soft smile touching his lips. "My friends, you know the stakes. I'm heading into Aindun to stop the 'Bloody Rose' from blooming. Will you keep 'The Eagle' soaring in my absence, or will you let it crumble?"
Horkan smirked, punching Rayhon lightly on the shoulder. "Don't you worry about us. We'll work twice as hard to match your standards. We aren't letting this team fall."
Barol nodded firmly. "We'll be waiting for your return, brother. No one can replace you as the leader of 'The Eagle.' Go fulfill your mission; Horkan and I will be praying for your success every single day."
"Thank you," Rayhon replied, his gaze turning serious. "A day will come when peace finally reigns between our nations, and we can live without looking over our shoulders."
The three of them lit cigarettes, the smoke curling into the air. "To our friendship," they muttered in unison, taking a final drag.
Shortly after, Rayhon slung his bag over his shoulder. Inside was his lifeline: a suppressed tactical handgun for emergencies, a secure encrypted phone, and a specialized combat knife. His journey began by sea, stowing away on a massive oil tanker traveling from Corlow to neutral territories.
Standing by the ship's railing, Rayhon watched the restless waves of the ocean dancing under the moonlight. The cold sea breeze bit at his skin as he lit another cigarette. Humans are strange creatures, he mused. Always craving more, fighting over beauty and resources until those squabbles turn into wars. Thousands of innocents, children who know nothing of politics, pay the price with their lives. Is there truly no way to bring lasting peace to this world?
He flicked the cigarette butt into the dark abyss of the ocean and exhaled a long breath. His thoughts drifted back... to her. Einsa... where are you now? Do you remember the day I confessed?
It had been Rayhon's 16th birthday. He remembered sitting in a small, cozy cafe, his heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird. When Einsa finally walked in, the world seemed to stop. She looked breathtakingly beautiful that day.
She walked up to him and snapped her fingers in front of his dazed eyes. "Rayhon! Where are you lost?"
Rayhon blinked, shaking off his trance. "Oh, I... I was just thinking. Please, sit. What kind of coffee would you like?"
Einsa giggled. "We aren't here for coffee, silly! We're going to a bar to celebrate your birthday properly. Did you forget?"
"Right, right... my apologies. Let's go. It's getting dark anyway."
When they arrived at the bar, Rayhon was stunned to find his school friends already there, waiting. He leaned toward Einsa, whispering, "Did you invite them? I didn't tell anyone."
One of his friends stood up, raising a glass. "Come on, Rayhon! It's your big day! Don't worry about the bill; this party is on us!"
Einsa smiled at him. "See? Your friends are amazing. I thought it would be better to celebrate together. Now, go enjoy yourself!"
Rayhon went quiet. He looked at his friends, his eyes shadowed. "Thank you, everyone... but I can't drink. I'm only sixteen."
"Then don't drink! Just eat!" a friend laughed, pulling out a massive cake. "Look at this masterpiece! Come on, cut the cake!"
Rayhon stood still, his gaze fixed on the floor. His voice was barely a whisper. "Thank you... but I can't do this." Before anyone could react, he turned and ran out of the bar, leaving everyone in stunned silence.
Einsa chased after him. She found him in a quiet, beautiful park, sitting on a bench and staring up at the stars. She approached him slowly, her hands tucked behind her back. "Why did you run? Why didn't you want to celebrate with them?"
Rayhon didn't look up. "Because... I don't like being in crowds. To be honest, I only wanted to spend my birthday with you. Just us."
Einsa sat down beside him. "Rayhon, life has a way of hurting you later if you don't find balance now. Being alone brings peace, but when you grow old and realize you have no one to call a friend, that's when the real pain starts. Don't live a life that leaves you with nothing but regrets."
Rayhon turned to look at her, his expression softening. "I understand. But... I want you to be the one by my side, guiding me like this forever."
Einsa's eyes widened. "What do you mean? Are you saying...?"
"Yes, Einsa. I love you," Rayhon said, his voice steady and devoid of hesitation. "I want to build a life with you."
Einsa's cheeks turned a deep crimson, and she covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. Rayhon stood up, dropped to one knee, and held out his hand.
"I promise you, if you stay with me, I will never let harm come to you. No matter how heavy the burdens of the world become, I will carry them on my shoulders to keep you safe. As long as you are with me, I will never be truly alone. So... will you stay with me?"
With trembling hands, Einsa placed her palm in his. "I can't believe it... I've prayed for this for so long. It's a miracle. I promise, Rayhon, I will never leave you. I will be by your side for the rest of my life."
The rest of my life... Rayhon thought bitterly as he snapped back to the present. Her promise had felt so real, so absolute. Then why did you leave? What was so important that you had to break that vow? I truly wanted to spend my life with you.
A single tear escaped his eye and fell into the dark sea. He wiped the trace from his cheek. Humans are pathetic. We fall for beauty and sweet words, and for that beauty, we are willing to cross any line. Just like I am crossing into your country now. I will find you, Einsa. And I will find out if your words that day were the truth... or just a beautiful lie.
Upon reaching the outskirts of Zakex, Rayhon navigated to a pre-arranged bus station. He spotted the contact: a strange man distributing cotton candy to a group of children.
"Mango flavor! Orange flavor! And here is the Red Rose flavor for the little ones!" the man called out.
At the mention of the 'Red Rose,' Rayhon approached him. "Can I get a Red Rose cotton candy?"
The man looked up, a cryptic smile playing on his lips. "Of course." He handed Rayhon a specific packet.
"How much?" Rayhon asked.
"Free of charge," the man replied.
Rayhon retreated into a secluded alleyway and tore open the packet. Inside was a hidden list of instructions.
Welcome, Thoro M1. Your assistance in preventing the 'Bloody Rose' is appreciated. Your apartment has been booked, and all necessities are provided. You will earn your keep and maintain your cover by working as a Teacher.
Rayhon's head spun as he read the line. "Fuck me... I'm here for a high-stakes mission, and I'm supposed to be a teacher?"
He read further.
We know this is unexpected, but this is vital for your cover. Tomorrow, a car will pick you up for an interview at the city's most prestigious school. Pass it. Be a model citizen. No mistakes. For further instructions, return for more cotton candy. Check your encrypted phone for the apartment location. Good luck.
Rayhon gripped his head in frustration. "I spent years learning the language and tactical infiltration... only to end up in a classroom? How the hell am I supposed to be a teacher?"
He stood in the dark alley, the weight of the mission—and the absurdity of his new life—settling on his shoulders. The spy had arrived, but his first battle wouldn't be with guns... it would be with a chalkboard.