***
Basim stayed in Saga near the hotel and kept in close contact with the Kremlin. The president strongly urged that the contents of this meeting should never be leaked to the outside. He was not worried about his reputation. It was just that North Korea had discovered a new microorganism on Mt. Baekdu. Before analysing it closely and deciding on its use, they were just wary of letting it be known to the world.
The microorganisms transported from North Korea were to be transferred to the laboratory of the Far Eastern Federal University for detailed analysis and animal testing. Of course, there were many things to coordinate with the North before that.
The Kremlin wanted to exert greater influence by leveraging Russia's technological superiority in this collaboration. If the microorganisms from Baekdu Mountain met his expectations, it was obvious that he would want to monopolise them completely. The North would demand a large sum in return. It was necessary to closely check whether they were worth it.
Bajim read and reread the report that the North had sent him in advance. In short, the unprecedented microorganism discovered in Baekdu Mountain seemed to be close to a pathogenic bacteria or virus. It is not a problem when it exists naturally, but it is a different story when an animal inhales it. When North Korea conducted its own experiments on rats and pigs, it is said that the test subjects died from acute sepsis within 6 to 24 hours after being exposed to the microorganism. Out of numerous experiments, only one survived. And even that one was in a state where he could not breathe on his own.
Will it work on humans?
That was the first question that came to mind after reading the report. North Korea did not specifically mention human experimentation. However, they were operating a political prison camp where human rights abuses were rampant. It was a place where dozens of corpses were produced every day. The corpses were buried in mass graves or cremated under the supervision of the Ministry of State Security, so the cause of death could have been kept secret.
Moreover, North Korea could not have proposed cooperation without any certainty about the usefulness of the Baekdu Mountain microorganisms. Therefore, wouldn't it be right to assume that their lethality has been proven to humans as well? Unless North Korea is deliberately trying to deceive Russia.
Of course, no matter how much of an ally they are, North Korea. He couldn't blindly trust Han's report. Since it was a huge deal, he had to verify the quality of the product several times. That was why he brought the recently collected sample here to Vladivostok, even at the risk of leaking it.
He was going over North Korea's report again to minimise experimental errors. Suddenly, his cell phone, which had been quiet, rang. It was a message from an intelligence agent dispatched to Korea. He had sent him to the Russian embassy in Korea in advance, disguising his identity as a diplomat.
It was to monitor Zhenya, who might run off somewhere.
[What? At this hour.]
He felt uneasy. That was understandable, since reports related to Zhenya were usually received once a day, at a set time. The fact that he was contacted at this late hour meant that Zhenya had acted impulsively. For example, like a while ago, he had suddenly visited Ajinoki and played with a weapon he had made. He checked the message that had just arrived.
Boarding the target plane. Destination: Vladivostok.
Bajim's brow furrowed. He read the message again, but it was exactly as he had perceived it.
[Yevgeny is coming here?]
Zhenya had no particular contact with Vladivostok. Even if he said that he was visiting purely for weapons business, the suspicions were not dispelled at all. He rarely came forward except in special cases. Even when he did, he almost always used a professional broker to conduct the transaction. Why would such a guy visit Vladivostok at this time?
A hypothesis formed in his mind as his doubts grew.
[Could it be because of that Korean spy again?]
That one assumption cleared up his doubtful mind in an instant. Zhenya insisted there were only two situations in which he would leave Korea.
When he went to Ajinoki for personal business or when Kwon Taekjoo went on an overseas mission.
Most of what Kwon Taekjoo, or to be precise, the Korean government, wanted to do was to cause trouble to Russia or its allies. There were more than one or two instances where the family was in an awkward position due to Zhenya's involvement. As a brother and on behalf of the Kremlin, he tried to explain to Zhenya several times so that he would understand, but Zhenya would not listen. He warned him that if he kept doing this, he would not be able to avoid trouble, but he would only provoke him by telling him to do so if he was not afraid of the consequences.
So Zhenya was coming to Vladivostok, where he had no connection. He couldn't help but think it was because of Kwon Taekjoo.
He doesn't know where or how the secrets were leaked, or what smelled like in Korea, but all the puzzle pieces fit together exquisitely.
[Ha. Yevgeny, you insisted.]
It was incredible. To be crazy about a man and abandon your family and your country. He couldn't understand Zhenya then or now.
In any case, he couldn't overturn something that was almost done. Besides, the Korean government's espionage was just Basim's own conjecture, and he hadn't secured any evidence about it yet. He thought he should try a bait now. If he did well, two worries might be resolved at once.
After thinking about it for a while, Bajim quickly made a phone call. Despite the late hour, the person on the other end answered the phone right away.
[I'm closing. I think I'll be able to prepare the test subjects you ordered soon. You don't have to worry about the aftermath. They're unknown. Even if they disappear without anyone knowing, there won't be any problems. Yes, I can guarantee it. Oh, the time of the experiment? That's the only problem... Don't worry. The test subjects will come into the test tubes at the right time. We just have to prepare well-cultured test tubes.]
A deep smile spread across Bajim's lips. A gentle light appeared in his calm eyes.
Kwon Taekjoo looked at Director Kwak over the monitor with a complicated expression. As soon as he recognized Park Jeong-ho's message, he had requested an urgent interview through an unofficial line. Even though Kwon Taekjoo himself had the command of this operation, rescuing Park Jeong-ho was beyond his authority. He needed a decision and approval from his superiors.
An unexpected variable arose during the operation.
In such cases, he would respond in one of three ways. Proceed with the operation as originally planned, change it to fit the variable, or withdraw considering the risk of exposure. That was also not something Kwon Taekjoo himself could decide.
Director Kwak seemed half-confident, even though he had a rough idea of the situation from the message he had sent earlier.
- Park Jeong-ho requested rescue. What does that mean?
"Did you check the video I sent you?"
- Of course I did. It does look like he asked for help, as you said, but we could have made a mistake. Since the matter is serious, I think we need to cross-check. I'll hand it over to the relevant team and have them conduct a detailed evaluation.
"Sigh... We don't have much time."
- Don't be impatient. It won't make any difference. Because, What's wrong with being cautious? Our goal isn't to protect Park Jung-ho. Do you know? Park Jung-ho might have set a trap to lure us.
"If that were the case, instead of destroying the surveillance camera as soon as we found it, we would have notified the North Korean guards. That someone seemed to be spying on us. And if the wiretapping had been discovered in any way, the hotel, the train maintenance centre, or the Far East University wouldn't have been as quiet as they are now."
- ...That's true, but don't get too excited. When did Park Jung-ho start noticing?
"I already had a feeling. I was going to ask. The surveillance camera used in this operation is shaped like a cockroach. Was it made to fit the local climate?"
- Well. They don't usually consider that.
"That's probably why they looked into it. Park Jeong-ho is a biologist. At first glance, you wouldn't think that a Russian cockroach is exactly the same as a Korean cockroach, right? The difference would have been more noticeable to an expert's eyes. Since it was a species not commonly seen in Vladivostok, he must have noticed that it wasn't a bug. Since North Korea and Russia are already openly monitoring him, he must have guessed that a third country was secretly spying on him."
Park Jeong-ho was currently in custody. Just looking at the fact that North Korean security guards were always on guard around him from the airport and that he was sitting still as if he was aware of the surveillance, it was obvious. Perhaps Park Jeong-ho threw away the camera after making a silent request for rescue because he was worried that his message would not be properly delivered or that he would be caught by the North.
If we infer that, most of the questions that had been nagging at us while watching Park Jeong-ho were resolved. And in their place, new questions arose.
What kind of threat is Park Jeong-ho receiving? It is one thing to keep a renowned biologist locked up. The only explanation was Euro. Could it be that his beliefs as a scholar were against the ruling party and, furthermore, the national interest?
Director Kwak sank into a deep sleep.
- Yes. Let's say that Park Jeong-ho rebelled against the party leadership as you said, and that's why he's being treated like this now. If we secure his new recruits, we'll be able to quickly figure out what the gist of the North Korea-Russia talks is. We'll also be able to easily figure out the identity of the item they brought from Pyongyang as a new treasure.
"There's no need for our agents to be exposed to any possible danger."
- Right. Even so, since it was an unexpected change, let's approach it a little more calmly. We need to be clear about what we can and cannot do right away. After all, it's Russian territory. You went there to dig up secrets between the two countries, not to rescue someone. The other party shouldn't even know that you were there.
"I know what you mean. But if we can somehow secure Park Jeong-ho's new recruits, we can wrap up this operation right away. We'll also be able to save ourselves the trouble of getting our hands on the items on the special train and analysing them.
If those items are the hazardous materials we suspect, we can take action before it's too late." He actively persuaded Director Kwak. A deep sigh came from the other end of the phone.
- Do you think that saving Park Jung-ho is enough? Park Jung-ho must have a family. They would have been held hostage by North Korea right now. If not, Park Jung-ho would have been more proactive in asking for help. Right now, we are not in a position to save Park Jung-ho and safely evacuate his family. Even if we somehow contact Park Jung-ho and persuade him, there is no guarantee that he will abandon his family and come over to our side. It would be a pointless war of attrition. Do you agree with that?
"Ha... Yes."
He had no choice but to admit it. They couldn't wage an all-out war in the middle of enemy territory when we were so short on manpower and firepower. With North Korea and Russia closely monitoring Park Jeong-ho, it was nearly impossible to approach him secretly or sneak him away without a trace.
"So, you're telling me to just watch?"
- I guess there's nothing we can do.
"Director. If Park Jeong-ho refused the party's demands as we suspected, and if that's why he's being treated like that, he'll be executed as soon as he's done being useful in this meeting. His family, who were taken as bait, will be in no different situation. But don't you regret this decision?"
- Hey, Gl. We're in a joint operation right now.
To make any decision, we need the consent of the US and Japan. It's hard for the three countries to agree on something. It'll take time to persuade them. They'll just become more suspicious and hostile towards each other, which will only cause confusion. To put it bluntly, would those two countries even care if a North Korean biologist died?
Director Kwak added, "Besides, what's the basis for a dog that showed its teeth to the enemy to wag its tail at us? Defection doesn't mean defection."
He couldn't respond to Director Kwak's question. It was because he couldn't say for sure that Park Jeong-ho was the absolute best.
"Then, should we maintain the operation?"
- For now, I guess so. Since no special circumstances have been detected yet.
Instead, I should consider the possibility that the operation was exposed, and maintain a stronger alert posture than before. Headquarters will also consider whether or not we can get Park Jeong-ho out, so for now, focus on finding out what was transported from Pyongyang.
"Understood."
He reluctantly responded, but the communication was silent. The bell rang. Just in case, he looked at the hotel with my telescope. Perhaps because it was late at night, there was no noticeable movement. Perhaps the other agents' areas were different.
"Director, I have a radio call coming in, so I'll hang up now. If there's any change, I'll report back separately."
He finished his conversation with Director Kwak by informing him unilaterally. Then he put the communicator in his ear.
- Hunting.
The voice asking for the password was Foxtrot, an American agent. For some reason, his tone sounded more urgent than before.
"Two tigers."
- It's Foxtrot. The Russians are now unloading the cargo from the 0677 train. The goods are being transported in iceboxes and in special refrigerated cars.
[A special refrigerated car in an icebox... It might be a problem if it melts, right?]
- There's a high chance of that. Now, what are you going to do? You're not going to sit back and watch again, are you?
[Hold on a second. There's still no movement here. I have to check on the Sierra situation too...]
A blatant sigh erupts from the other end of the communicator. 'Foxtrot' complained without hesitation.
- Hey, Alpha. What are you hesitating for? The goal is right in front of you. If they don't move, that means they're completely off guard. This is when you have to attack them!
[You don't know how dangerous that thing is.]
- Shit! Don't talk nonsense, you idiot! When have you been measuring everything? And while you're doing that, they're just waiting around? Once we get our hands on it, it's just a matter of time before we find out what it is and how dangerous it is!
[It's noisy, so bark moderately? They'll know your voice. And I've told you this many times. Our goal is to find out what North Korea and Russia are plotting, not stealing the goods they're trying to trade.]
- Stop talking nonsense! This game is over once we secure the goods anyway.
[Let's say we get what you want. What then? How are we going to get it out of this country?]
- Let's hide it in the embassy and think about it.
The peaceful words made people laugh.
[Embassy? Is that all you could think of? You don't know the Russians at all. If they were you, they would push aside the embassy of a country without hesitation.]
- How dare you act like a moth to a flame unless you mean to go to all-out war against the United States. Even the Russians wouldn't have their brains blown up like that. If they had brains like that, I'd shoot them myself and blow them up.
Is it overflowing patriotism, pride, or just wanting to show off based on national power? The fool who was obsessed with showing off didn't have the energy to fight back.
[Are you stupid? I'm warning you, but you're acting rashly. Don't throw away all the hard work you've put in.]
- Throw it away? Who would say that, anyway! If you keep acting like this, you'll end up chasing after them all the time. I don't know how slow you've been and I don't care, but since you're supposed to be the leader, don't tarnish other people's careers!
'Foxtrot' shouted angrily. He already knew that he was hot-tempered. He had some idea that he would act emotionally at a critical moment and ruin things. However, he couldn't just sit by and watch them openly sarcastically and defy orders.
The leader's orders were absolute during the operation. This was especially true if the failure of the operation directly resulted in the sacrifice of the team members. If there were team members who wanted to act on their own initiative due to their rebellion against the leader, there was only one way to deal with it.
['Foxtrot', you should just get out of this operation.]
He gave the order in a calm tone. There was no emotion in his final instructions to 'Foxtrot'.
- What?
Soon, 'Foxtrot's' breathy laughter could be heard from the other end of the communicator. The protests that followed became even more intense.
- I'm going to use people as I please and see what I can do. You saw it, so get out?
[Because team members outside of control are nothing more than unexploded bombs that endanger even our own troops. Even the smallest dust is a risk factor that needs to be removed.]
Kwon Taekjoo wasn't angry at all. He just maintained a firm attitude that no amount of persuasion, compromise, coaxing, or threats would work. 'Foxtrot' kept clicking his tongue.
- Okay, I'll leave now. You two timid Asians, have fun playing together!
He didn't forget to be sarcastic until the end. Then, a sharp mechanical sound rang out in his ears. It seemed like Foxtrot had broken the communicator in a fit of anger. Kwon Taekjoo frowned in annoyance and threw the communicator away from his ear. His bones felt cold from the unexpected noise.
"Ah, you fucking racist bastard! You have a pierced mouth, damn it!"
He let out a snarl of anger. If Foxtrot had been next to him, he would have hit him. As expected, collaboration doesn't suit his constitution. It's even worse when there's no absolute command relationship and they're of different nationalities.
He took a deep breath for a moment, tousling the back of his hair in annoyance. Then, a nervous touch he ran the group messenger. He was angry, but now he had to do something. He had to notify Director Kwak and the backup team that 'Foxtrot' was out of this operation. And since the goods were being transported, he had to check the situation on the 'Sierra' side.
Foxtrot, as of now Hunting Two Tigers excluded from the operation. Immediately stop all material support and information sharing.
As soon as he sent the message, his work cell phone rang. It was a call from headquarters. He sighed softly and answered,
'Yes.'
- What's the big deal, excluding Foxtrot all of a sudden?
"That's what happened. He keeps disobeying orders and trying to do whatever he wants. He's going to do it anyway, that bastard. It'll put me and Sierra in danger. So please convince the Americans at headquarters. Tell them to either step back and provide rear support or replace him with someone who listens well."
- You have to talk sense. How can I find a replacement right now? "I don't know. Or just tell him to watch a show and eat rice cakes."
- Don't make things too complicated when it's important. Let's not talk. It would be better to ask the US side to persuade that agent....
"If it's possible to persuade. He's stubborn. It'd be nice if he didn't cause an accident..."
Before Kwon Taekjoo could finish his words.
A sudden explosion was heard from afar. Kwon Taekjoo jumped up and ran to the window on the other side. He looked in the direction of the explosion with his telescope. Soon, a small but clear flame was captured in his field of vision.
- Why? What's going on? What was that sound just now?
"The overpass 18 km ahead in the southeast direction...Is that the Russky Bridge? That's where they just entered. Something exploded on the road."
- Are you sure?
"Yes. They said that the Russky Bridge was completely closed to traffic since midnight, so it can't be a normal traffic accident. I'll have to check. I'll report back."
He quickly hung up the phone with Director Kwak. Then he watched the flames growing bigger with anxious eyes. His heart pounded and pounded dizzily. A cold and uneasy feeling licked the back of my neck.
As if trying to shake off that unpleasant feeling, he left his hiding place and headed to the rooftop. He kicked open the worn-out door and went out, facing the direction where the explosion occurred. He checked. No matter how many times he checked, the direction of the Russky Bridge was correct.
"What the hell is going on... Foxtrot?"
Did he immediately go on his own after being told to withdraw from the operation? He was contemplating what to do with an uneasy feeling. The communicator rang. It was a message from 'Sierra'.
- Alpha. What was that explosion just now?
He asked without even checking the communication code, as if he was panicking. Before Kwon Taekjoo could respond, he urgently relayed the situation at the Far Eastern Federal University.
- The movement here is also unusual! Wait, the soldiers and guards came out and searched the area!
[It seems like Foxtrot acted alone.]
- What?
[That bastard did it after all!]
He gritted his teeth. Immediately after that, sirens blared one after another from a place not too far away. Police cars, fire trucks, and even SWAT teams seemed to be rushing to the scene of the accident with their lights flashing.
The enemies also seemed to be on high alert due to the unexpected situation. In an instant, black vans rushed in and surrounded the quiet hotel. Armed guards poured down.
If the explosion at the Russky Bridge was caused by Foxtrot as expected, it was only a matter of time before the operation was exposed. No, it may have already been. We had to withdraw.
[Sierra, hide yourself right now. I'll contact you again.]
He immediately cut off the communication and turned around. He had to destroy the hideout without a trace before the enemies came and then ran away.
He opened the rooftop door while chewing on a curse in his haste. Suddenly, my vision became blurry. It was as if a huge wall had appeared before his eyes.
".....!"
For a moment, his body stiffened, but he instinctively pulled out his gun. In the meantime, a white hand reached out and covered Kwon Taekjoo's mouth and the gun's muzzle. He pulled the trigger halfway and then hesitated.
It was because the hand that flashed into his field of vision was too familiar. Even the sight of the adult in his narrowed field of vision seemed somehow familiar. Even the feel of the hand touching his face and the grip strength gave him certainty. The smell that seeped into his nose also added certainty to all his feelings.
"...Zhenya?"
While he was mumbling absentmindedly, something was stuck in his neck. The unique smell of medicine spread from the tip of his nose to his brain in an instant. Then, he suddenly became dizzy.
[Ugh, what are you doing...!]
[You should take a nap, Taekjoo.]
He whispered, pressing harder on his body that was trying to escape somehow. The body odour, the body temperature, the feel of his skin, and even his voice were all like Zhenya. He was right.
But why? How?
The questions that had been vividly floating in his head quickly disappeared beyond his fading consciousness. Dozens, hundreds of sirens rang sharply in his dizzy ears.
6. Cease Fire
A series of violent explosions and explosions struck his ears. His head was hazy, making it hard to tell if it was an illusion or reality. Then, a mechanical beeping sound pierced his eardrums and hit his brain. He opened his eyes after all the noise had died down.
The smell of the chemicals lingering in his body poked his brainstem like an awl. Even breathing in and out felt awkward.
He let out a long exhale and continued to search his dizzy mind. He tried to recall his last memory. He thinks he was raided in the hideout. Did he lose consciousness? Then where is he?
He opened his eyes wide and raised his upper body, then stopped. His head felt like it was going to split open at the sudden change in posture.
"Ugh...."
He groaned involuntarily. He looked around, gritting his molars in annoyance. The space that filled his vision was strangely familiar. Not only the stagnant air and smell in the room, but even the feel of the bedding against his skin.
Is this a dream? This shouldn't be happening.
He instinctively felt his body. The holster was empty. He looked around and saw his gun neatly placed on the table next to the bed. There was no sign of a communicator or cell phone. He
quickly picked up the pistol and checked the magazine. The bullets were full. Was that the time he was attacked, when he couldn't pull the trigger? What on earth happened?
The last memory suddenly came to mind in his hazy mind.
"...Zhenya?"
He encountered Zhenya on the roof of the building he had been hiding in. He hadn't seen his face directly. However, his silhouette, his scent, and even his touch, there was no way it could have been a mistake. It was definitely Zhenya, that guy.
Why and how did he appear there? Did he throw it? Also, when did Kwon Taekjoo himself move to Ajinoki?
The questions continued one after another.
He was confused. Could it be that he had a strange dream? Or that this moment was a dream. In a situation where nothing was clear, the one possibility he hated the most slowly raised its head. He wanted to shake it off as if it couldn't be true, but an unpleasant and cold premonition stimulated his thinking centre.
Soon, a steady sound of footsteps was heard from outside the door. It was a noise so soft that the culprit wouldn't have noticed it, but Kwon Taekjoo recognized it clearly. Just by the weight of the footsteps and the sound of people, he could tell who the other person was. He glared at the door with sharp eyes.
The sound of people getting closer stopped outside the door. Then the doorknob slowly turned. Zhenya appeared through the gap in the door that opened with a click.
The bastard raised his eyebrows as soon as he found Kwon Taekjoo who had regained consciousness. He soon smiled and entered the room. For some reason, instead of his unique body odour, he smelled of a strong flame.
[He always points the gun first. I'll shoot him at any moment.]
Zhenya chuckled as he looked at Kwon Taekjoo's gun aimed at him. There was no problem. It was a calm expression. Kwon Taekjoo's face hardened even more coldly.
It wasn't a mistake that he saw Zhenya right before he lost consciousness. He had hoped it was all a dream, an illusion. When he saw the guy who appeared in front of Kwon Taekjoo, his already complicated feelings became even more agitated.
[What happened?]
He asked in a low voice. It wasn't just because his voice had been hushed while he was unconscious. Despite the heavy atmosphere, Zhenya just shrugged his shoulders childishly.
[First, eat something. If your stomach is empty, your head won't work well, you hungry beast. Silver is usually more prickly. Would you like ramen?]
Zhenya turned his body as if he was going to the kitchen at any moment. The sound of ramen came out in this situation. The back of his neck was pulling painfully.
[I asked what happened.]
He growled at the back of his head that seemed peaceful. Zhenya stopped walking. Then, the guy who turned his head looked at Kwon Taekjoo's hard face one by one. The answer that came out as the result of a long search was very unexpected.
[You've been like that for about half a day.]
[..What?]
[I want to use something mild, but that's all I have as medicine.]
Zhenya leisurely tapped his neck. When he absentmindedly touched his neck, a stinging and dull pain came up. The needle had been inserted so many times, and the wound seemed to have deepened because he had tossed and turned in protest.
[It must be hard to just sit down now, but you're so brave. Should I at least acknowledge your pride?]
Zhenya leisurely smiled. Kwon Taekjoo came to me all of a sudden and ruined all his official duties, and acted like it was nothing. What on earth is so easy and simple about everything? It felt like the scorching heat had suddenly crashed down to the soles of his feet.
[What are you doing?]
[What am I doing?]
Zhenya, who had been pretending not to know and following Kwon Taekjoo's words, made an artificial exclamation of [Ah.]. Then he raised one corner of her mouth and jeered at Kwon Taek Joo.
[Are you mad because I injected you with anaesthesia? That's what you did to me, Taekjoo.]
He grinned as if it was a joke. Kwon Taekjoo's brow furrowed deeply. Even the bridge of his nose was distorted as he suppressed his rising anger.
[Stop talking nonsense and explain properly. Why are you here?]
[Here? What, I came to a place I shouldn't have? It's my island, my home.]
[That's what I'm talking about!]
Finally, he couldn't hold it in any longer and shouted. Zhenya's eyes widened slightly at the sudden shout. However, the bastard soon regained his composure. He looked like he didn't know what the problem was.
[You, your little brat shouldn't be here right now.]
A desperate and angry monologue came out. His tightly clenched fists turned white and trembled. Zhenya's pupils constricted slightly, and he sensitively detected each change.
But that was all. There was no change in the bastard's expression. He still had no idea what he had done wrong or why Kwon Taekjoo was angry.
[Taekjoo.]
His voice was incredibly calm.
[Why are you so angry again?]
His tangled head felt like it was being torn apart. His voice, as nervous as it could be, burst out without a moment to swallow.
[I told you not to follow me! This time, absolutely do not follow me! Don't you understand?]
[I didn't follow you. I went to save you.]
[What happened?]
[My lover is about to jump into a pit of fire without knowing what's next, so there's nothing I can do.
I have to hold on to him somehow and watch.]
He let out a gasp. How could such an innocent sound come out of a guy who kills people like ants? He felt so depressed that he fell all the way to his feet.
He wondered if it was because of the remaining medicine or because his blood circulation was slow due to the overflowing spirit, but his vision was getting blurry. His legs were shaking and it felt like it would break. His whole body quickly became hot and his breath became stale. He rubbed his wet forehead in irritation.
Zhenya appeared right after an unknown explosion was heard from the Russky Bridge. Based on the timing and the circumstances, he guessed that Foxtrot, who had been excluded from the joint operation, had acted alone. He didn't know if that was true, and if so, whether the items had been secured safely. It was possible that they had been suppressed by the enemies.
What was clear was that the explosion must have made the enemies aware of the spy's presence. It was as if the operation had been revealed to the surface. Sirens blared everywhere, and armed police were rushing to Russky Bridge, the hotel, and Far Eastern Federal University. It was foolish to fight back when they were outnumbered. They had to withdraw for now and wait for the next opportunity while watching the situation unfold. 'He told Sierra to take refuge and was about to turn around in a hurry when Zhenya showed up. He seemed to know exactly where Kwon Taekjoo was. Despite the fact that he had cut off all lines to avoid his pursuit.
He had known for a long time that Zhenya had been spying on Kwon Taekjoo's every move. He had repeatedly advised him to stop, but he also knew that he wouldn't listen to him.
So he was even more careful this time. He only used new communication devices, and he even requested a dedicated line and account from the headquarters. He even scanned his entire body to check repeatedly for any possible wiretapping or tracking devices anywhere on his body.
To no avail, Zhenya suddenly appeared before his eyes. Even that wasn't an entirely unexpected development. That was why he had tried to coax and comfort him before coming to Vladivostok, which was unusual for him. He didn't want to fight him, so he tried his best to avoid becoming his enemy. But now that the situation has come to this, he's the only one who finds himself ridiculous.
The thing he was most worried about has come true. He had been warned by headquarters about Zhenya's reckless intervention and promised to be careful and not let him interfere again, but it was just an empty promise. In the worst case scenario, he might have been involved in the inhuman collusion between North Korea and Russia. In fact, there was no reason for him not to have done so.
Kwon Taekjoo exhaled as if he was groaning. Soon, his eyes would glare at Zhenya again. Even his voice, saying "No way.", became sharp.
[.... Are you in league with them too?] [Them? You mean my blood relatives?]
Zhenya, who had been pretending not to know, snorted. A mockery spread across the face that was staring at Kwon Taek Joo.
[That's all you could think of. Even though he's your only lover, you still don't trust him.] [Or what, you punk.]
[I kept the promise you unilaterally made. This time, for some reason, I wanted to do it.]
Zhenya nodded repeatedly and replied. He blatantly interfered with the operation, so what kind of promise did he keep? The attitude of the guy who seemed to be playing with words made him feel angry.
[What the hell are you talking about! You're right in front of me right now. Is it just a coincidence?]
[No, it's inevitable.]
The guy continued talking in a relaxed tone.
The rest of them were completely out of their minds, but he was taking it easy on himself.
[If you were asking if I didn't know that my brother, my family, was in cahoots with North Korea, then I knew. To be exact, I found out after you left, Taekjoo. Telling me not to interfere with your business doesn't mean telling me not to spy on my brother, right? That's why I didn't deceive you.]
So it wasn't Taekjoo himself who found out about this incident while eavesdropping on Ba-jim?
That could be true. But the current situation wasn't that important.
The biggest problem was that Zhenya eventually showed up at the operation site. This was why the NIS's suspicions could only deepen. He doesn't know how he managed to break through the siege and get to Ajinoki, but if Zhenya had been exposed to the outside world during that process, his family and Russia would have considered him a traitor.
He was a guy who had always been against his family, saying he would help Kwon Taekjoo, but now he had nowhere to go. Everything that Kwon Taekjoo had tried to protect went up in smoke in an instant. His insides were boiling and overflowing.
[Damn... I told you not to interfere! It's my business after all!]
[Taekjoo, if you hadn't jumped into the obvious fire pit, that would have happened. I told you I wanted to, this time.]
Zhenya kept repeating the same thing. No matter how much he said, it didn't get through. It wasn't just this time. Often, the words he said to Zhenya felt like empty monologues. It wouldn't be any more frustrating if he shouted at the wall.
He tried to swallow the emotions welling up deep inside him. He clenched his molars, and a clear vein appeared on his chin and forehead. The voice that came out after holding his sigh was much more subdued.
[You always ignore people like that.]
Zhenya tilted his head at his low monologue. The tone was so twisted and bitter that it was impossible to ignore.
[Fire pit? I don't know what's ahead of me?]
He pressed Zhenya as if to question him. Even so, seeing the bastard's indifferent face made him unable to bear it any longer.
[How can you guarantee that, you son of a bitch! Why are you saying I'll fail? Am I a fool who can't do anything without your help?]
[You're getting strangely angry again. I know it's obvious, but there's no need to go there.]
[Don't show off. It was the same when you didn't have a kid. Do you think I've ever only had it easy? If I wanted to be safe, I wouldn't have even started!]
An angry shout echoed throughout the large house. Zhenya still looked at Kwon Taek Joo with a calm expression. The confusion that had briefly lingered in his face quickly disappeared. Instead, what took its place was a clear laughter.
[So confident? Did you figure out what they were trying to trade?] Zhenya immediately replied [No.] and continued.
[There probably wasn't enough time. The surveillance was so tight that they wouldn't have even been able to approach the target.]
Zhenya tilted his head to one side. It was a gesture as if asking if he was wrong. He got angry and started talking.
[The guys who transported the trade goods from North Korea were wearing protective suits. That must be because the items were toxic substances that should not be touched carelessly. Russia must have planned to use them to make biochemical weapons or develop vaccines to take advantage of this.]
[Yes. Lysine, Novichok, VX, PoloNium-210... It seems that something comparable to it has been discovered, on Baekdu Mountain.]
Rysine, Novichok, VX, and Polonium-210 boasted lethal toxicity. If these substances are absorbed into the human body, the chances of survival converge to 0. That is why they have recently become a more commonly used means of assassination than guns and swords.
A substance with a similar level of lethality to those deadly poisons was discovered on Baekdu Mountain. It made sense why Baekdu Mountain biologist Park Jeong-ho was taken to Russia, and why he had blindly requested rescue from a spy he did not even know.
Zhenya leisurely watched Kwon Taekjoo, who was lost in thought, he pressed on.
[Don't you know? The Kremlin can already use lysine, Novichok, and VX as much as it wants. But they showed interest in the natural substance that North Korea discovered. What does that mean? They calculated that the new substance would be more useful than the poisons already known to the world. If you get infected, there's no cure, and it's not even clear how you die. Did you want to be caught by them and be subjected to a vivisection? Really?]
[Including that kind of threat, that's my job.]
[Huh? You don't care if you die because of that great thing? So I just sit back and watch? When you fell into my hands, you said you would live like that, but you have no regrets for the rest of your life? It's funny to hear that. Taekjoo, don't be stubborn. Is that really true?]
Zhenya's face, which had been smiling the whole time, hardened. He quickly smiled again and hid his agitation, but it seemed that he was starting to feel offended. The twisted tone of his voice was proof of that.
[Foolishly throwing away one's life is a thing... Who would understand that?]
Kwon Taekjoo glared at Zhenya with his lips tightly shut. Zhenya also continued to whine while standing firm against his gaze.
[Huh? Takju. Is that your noble patriotism?]
[Don't laugh at me just because I said I'm worthless to you.]
[Laughing? Who?]
Zhenya shook his head. At first glance, it seemed like he was teasing someone, but he didn't look all that happy.
[I'm mad at you right now, Taekjoo. Your life and death aren't yours alone, are they?]
[....]
[I said I wouldn't die. Trust me.]
Zhenya, who had been quietly staring at Kwon Taekjoo, suddenly approached him. Although his movements were not very fast, his body froze. His instincts were thoroughly recognizing him as a threat.
[I won't risk my life and act recklessly in the future.]
He argued, reciting exactly what Kwon Taekjoo had once said to reassure him. He slowly closed the distance between them.
[How many times have I not told you? Run around as much as you want. I will chase you wherever you go. If you give me that much freedom, you should leave your small life line here. Don't blindly rely on your pride like you are doing now.]
[Look at this. You little punk, you look down on me and ignore me. I don't know what you think, but I've always done my best. When information is lacking, I find what I can do. But, what? A moth? Do you know what's driving me crazy these days? If you knew, you wouldn't be talking like that. I used to rush in without thinking, but now I think, think, and think again. This operation is just...!]
[You're stubborn to the end. Taekjoo, it's not my fault that your home country's information power is that low. It's not my fault that your temporary colleague blew himself up after acting selfishly. So why don't you stop taking it out on me?]
He suddenly grabbed the gun and raised it. Zhenya tilted his head as if he saw something strange.
One of the bastard's eyebrows also rose.
But it wasn't a simple threat. It wasn't a show of taking it out on him. He didn't want to just blurt it out like he usually does. He didn't want to just give up on himself because he thought he wouldn't understand anyway.
He took a proper stance and aimed at Zhenya. Even though he saw the gun barrel aimed at him, the bastard approached without hesitation.
[Don't come.]
A voice that was completely crushed leaked out through his clenched teeth. Zhenya didn't care. He simply reached out to Kwon Taekjoo without hesitation.
[Don't lose your energy. There's nothing you can do right now anyway. Everyone is bloodshot and trying to hunt rabbits. It would be better to rest a little more until the commotion dies down, Taekjoo.]
A large white hand reached out to his face without hesitation. Kwon Taekjoo, who had half-pulled the trigger, couldn't bring himself to shoot Zhenya this time either and grabbed his wrist. He also pushed the jaw of the bastard who had gotten much closer.
[I told you not to...!]
Zhenya tried to subdue Kwon Taekjoo, who was resisting with his whole body, with brute force. He pushed him hard with his knees and elbows. He also punched the arm of the man who was trying to cover his mouth with his fist. The man did not move.
The two were tightly entangled for a while, pulling and pushing each other fiercely. They failed their limbs without stopping, causing large and small scratches on their skin. Their joints were stretched to their limits.
Even so, no one backed down and they continued to struggle for a long time. Soon, their whole bodies were soaked with sweat. The reason this tenacious battle ended was because Kwon Taekjoo suddenly staggered. Maybe it was because of the weak spirit, but their heads suddenly became dizzy.
Zhenya didn't miss that moment and threw Kwon Taekjoo down on the bed. Then, he somewhat violently crushed his arms. Even in the midst of that, he kicked his stomach and sides and tried
to escape, and he also crushed his lower body with his knee. With that, the chaos finally stopped. The two people staring at each other continued to breathe heavily.
Only then did Zhenya's face come into view. In addition to the scratch he had received during the fight a little while ago, he saw a wound he had never seen before.
A small but clear scab formed on his earlobe.
It seemed like the blood that had stopped bleeding had hardened. Upon closer inspection, everything about him was different than usual. Even his hair was dishevelled, and unlike the guy who liked to be so neat and tidy, the sleeves were dirty with dust.
In the first place, it was strange that he smelled the smell of flames instead of his own body odour from Zhenya. He was so angry that he had knocked Kwon Taekjoo unconscious without permission and had ruined his official duties that he couldn't think of how he had gotten out of there. He also didn't know how he had gotten through all that commotion and arrived at Ajinoki safely.
The outside of the island must have already been turned upside down. If the enemies had noticed Zhenya's intervention, they would have chased him and attacked him all the way here. No, he didn't even know that he was already doing that.
He had once again turned his brothers, his family, and his country into enemies. Just to save Kwon Taekjoo himself.
[...Fuck.]
He lowered his head and cursed. His jaw clenched because his molars were clenched. He always gave me a feeling of helplessness. Using his innocence that was not like him as a weapon, blindly.
[Taekjoo. Your breathing is too heavy.]
His own breathing was already quite irritating to hear, and now his chest was heaving rapidly. Even his shoulders were shaking against his will. It seemed like he was hyperventilating due to extreme stress. No matter how deeply he inhaled and exhaled, it didn't get better.
Zhenya, who had been watching blankly, suddenly sat up. He was finally free from him. He couldn't even move a finger.
The guy who went out of the room for a moment and came back out put an envelope on Kwon Taekjoo's nose and mouth. Kwon Taekjoo frowned in pain and grabbed the poor guy by the collar. The guy whispered to Kwon Taekjoo,
"Breathe slowly."
As he took several deep breaths, his consciousness gradually became hazy. He couldn't tell if it was from the lack of oxygen or the still weak feeling. He frowned and tried to force his eyes open. His hazy eyelids finally closed in vain. At the same time, the hand that had been holding onto Zhenya fell limply.
[Yeah. Just take a deep breath.]
Zhenya's voice grew distant.
***