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Chapter 3 - One Month Before the Tragedy

The small suburban house stood quietly, unremarkable on the outside, yet inside it carried the story of a young man whose life was anything but ordinary.

Upstairs, Kaeliano Draxmore's room was a battlefield of chaos. Movie posters, world maps, and clippings of crime reports covered the walls. His desk overflowed with case files, law books, and a pair of worn-out training gloves. On the bed lay a freshly ironed white shirt, tossed carelessly as though it didn't matter.

Kaeliano stood in front of the mirror, buttoning his shirt with deliberate nonchalance. His dark eyes glimmered with confidence, a sly smile tugging at his lips. In his pocket rested a freshly printed business card:

> Kaeliano Draxmore

Federal Bureau of Investigation – Field Agent

The boy once branded as a troublemaker had now become an FBI agent. But the mischievous spark that defined him had never left.

He made his way downstairs, hair slightly tousled, shirt half-buttoned, carrying himself with that same careless charm. In the living room, his uncle sat slouched in a worn armchair, eyes glued to the television. The evening news reported on the recent takedown of a street gang.

"Look at this," his uncle muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "They say a young FBI agent led the raid. Brave, reckless… saved the whole operation."

Kaeliano smirked, grabbing a piece of bread off the table before dropping into the chair beside him.

"Ah, the media exaggerates. They forget to mention the part where the agent—" He paused, suppressing a laugh, "—used a toy gun filled with red paint to throw them off balance."

His uncle froze, eyes wide. "Don't tell me that agent was you, Kaeliano…"

Feigning innocence, Kaeliano raised his brows. "Hey, it worked. They panicked, the strike team swept in, and no one got hurt. That's what matters, right?"

The older man let out a long sigh, half exasperated, half amused. "You're either a genius or a clown. Lucky for you, the Bureau seems to think it's the former."

Kaeliano only grinned, taking a bite of his bread, unbothered. His antics had earned him a reputation at the Bureau: fearless, unorthodox, but undeniably brilliant. And beyond that, his easy charm and sharp wit made him a favorite among many—especially women who were drawn to his confidence and charisma.

Yet, despite the attention, Kaeliano never truly let anyone too close. His heart remained untethered, loyal only to his duty… and to the bond he shared with his friends.

That day ended like any other. Kaeliano remained the same as ever: the daring FBI agent with a boyish grin, a streak of mischief, and a genius for bending rules without breaking them.

Kaeliano glanced at his watch. He was already running late for the FBI headquarters. With hurried steps, he rushed out of the house, car keys spinning around his finger in his usual mischievous fashion. His black sedan—not exactly luxurious, but sharp enough—roared to life the moment he turned the ignition.

"Come on, beast, don't fail me today," he muttered, pressing hard on the gas.

The car shot forward, weaving through the morning traffic. Speed always thrilled him, the rush of adrenaline making him feel alive. But luck wasn't on his side that morning—sirens wailed behind him, red and blue lights flashing in the rearview mirror. He had just been caught speeding.

Kaeliano sighed. "Great. Just perfect."

He pulled over. A patrol officer approached, knocking firmly on his window.

"Do you have any idea how fast you were going? You almost caused an accident," the officer scolded.

Kaeliano's expression turned sour, as if he were just another reckless kid caught in the act. Without saying a word, he reached inside his jacket, pulled out a slim leather wallet, and flashed a hologram-stamped badge against the glass.

FBI.

The officer froze. His eyes widened in shock.

"Ah… my apologies, Agent. I—uh—I didn't know." His voice suddenly faltered.

Kaeliano raised an eyebrow, keeping his face stern. "If you don't know, then learn. Next time, don't stop the wrong car."

The officer swallowed hard and nodded quickly. "Of course, sir. You're free to go, Agent."

Once the officer stepped back, Kaeliano started the engine again. But this time, a sly grin tugged at his lips. He gave a mock wave through the rearview mirror, imitating the gesture of someone far more self-important than he was.

"See? Still got it, Kaeliano Draxmore."

The sedan sped off once more, leaving the stunned officer behind on the roadside.

As the city blurred past his windows, Kaeliano hummed softly, the mischief still lingering in his smile.

The FBI headquarters was buzzing with urgency that morning. Agents in sharp suits hurried across the lobby, carrying stacks of files and laptops. The air was heavy—after all, a major case had just been assigned to them: an international mafia network, high-ranking officials involved in bribery, and corrupt police shielding them.

Amidst all the tension, Kaeliano Draxmore entered the building as if he had all the time in the world. His black suit was slightly wrinkled, his tie hung loose, and his expression was anything but rushed.

Several agents who recognized him couldn't help but throw remarks.

"Draxmore! Still strolling around?"

"Everyone else is running, and you're walking in here like it's a park!"

Kaeliano only shrugged, a lazy grin tugging at his lips.

"If I panic too, it'll make things worse. Balance, gentlemen—you all need it."

He stepped into the elevator just as the doors were about to close. A sharp figure slipped inside—Agent Seraphine Kaelthwyn, his superior… and once his college classmate. Her hair was tied neatly, her eyes sharp with authority, and in her hand was a tablet filled with reports.

The moment she noticed Kaeliano, her composed face shifted into one of irritation.

"Kael… only you could stay this relaxed. Do you have any idea how serious this case is?"

Kaeliano leaned casually against the elevator wall, arms crossed, flashing his usual mischievous smile.

"Calm down, Sera. Everyone's already tense. If I don't stay cool, who's going to balance the atmosphere?"

Seraphine exhaled heavily, eyes flashing with restrained annoyance.

"Don't give me that nonsense. Do you think your superiors are happy to see their 'top agent' walking in here with a tie that looks like you've been drinking all night?"

Kaeliano glanced down at his tie, tilted his head, then chuckled softly.

"Well, at least I'm still handsome, right?"

Her glare could have cut steel, yet the corner of her mouth almost curved into a smile—one she quickly suppressed.

"Damn it… you haven't changed since college. If you weren't brilliant in the field, I'd have erased your name from the bureau long ago."

The elevator chimed, doors sliding open to reveal the conference room upstairs. Senior agents were already seated, their faces grim. Seraphine stepped out first, pausing just long enough to throw him a warning glance.

"Don't screw this up, Kael. This isn't some street gang. These are heavyweights."

Kaeliano straightened his jacket, still wearing that calm, almost cocky smile.

"Without me, Sera… the problem would only get bigger."

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