"I've decided to make some adjustments," murmured Edward. "What kind of adjustments? He only confused me even more," he reflected unhappily as he exited the shopping center.
"Mr. Ember," a tall Korean man in a suit addressed him. "Did your meeting go well?" the man inquired.
"And are you always in the know?" Edward asked with a smile when he recognized his acquaintance, Pak Jun.
---
Pak Jun, known as "Shadow," held the prestigious position of head of the security team, established by the government to ensure the absolute safety of Edward and his family. But why "Shadow"?
His call sign "Shadow," originated from his extraordinary ability to act stealthily and go unnoticed. Jun was among the first to voluntarily offer his services as Edward's personal bodyguard, and his nickname became a symbol of his skill in anticipating danger and remaining unseen.
As a security professional, Pak Jun was outstanding. He gathered information, analyzed threats, and devised strategies without leaving a trace of his presence. His resilience and dedication to his mission made him an integral part of Edward's life, ensuring that nothing would go unnoticed in his surroundings.
Thus, "Shadow" is not just Pak Jun's call sign; it also embodies his unique abilities and the capability to protect Edward from the shadows, where invisibility and vigilance become his strengths.
"I can't say for sure how to explain this meeting yet," murmured Edward.
"And where is your interlocutor?" Pak Jun inquired.
"He decided to leave through 'another' exit," Edward replied cryptically.
"'Another' exit?" Pak Jun, puzzled, reached for his radio. "Alpha, Bravo, what do you see?"
Static...
"Everything's clear, Chief," came a voice from the radio.
"Mr. Ember, I..." Pak Jun began, but Edward cut him off.
"Let's keep this between us, Pak," Edward interrupted.
"Understood," Pak Jun nodded. "Where shall we go?" he asked as he opened the door to the black armored car.
"To the airport," Edward replied. "I need to go to the laboratory."
"It will be done."
---
As Edward flew in his private jet, he couldn't shake his thoughts about his new 'friend.' "What does all this mean? I'm already the 13th." But why does nobody know or say anything about it? "I hope everything will fall into place soon."
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Beep... a sound rang out in the plane.
"We'll be landing in 10 minutes."
Edward looked out of the window. "I still can't get used to this view."
---
What Edward was talking about were the consequences of the war, events that had changed this land. The Great Island, renowned for its rich history, now seemed like a lost place. It appeared as if its heart had been ripped out, as if a meteor had struck, leaving nothing but emptiness in its wake. Although the damage didn't seem significant on a large scale, its consequences were felt to the fullest. This piece of land had become a ghost of its past, and the sea swallowed it indifferently, as if there were nothing but memories and ruins.
---
Upon landing in London, Edward immediately headed to his laboratory.
---
Edward and Richard's laboratory was a marvel of modern technology. Located in 3 hours frim London, it occupied a sprawling underground complex hidden beneath an unassuming building.
The main control room was a high-tech command center, illuminated by the soft glow of countless monitors and holographic displays. Sleek, ergonomic chairs surrounded a central command console, where Edward and Richard oversaw their cutting-edge research and security operations. The walls were lined with maps, blueprints, and screens displaying real-time data feeds from around the world.
Adjacent to the control room was the research laboratory, a pristine and sterile environment where scientific breakthroughs were born. Advanced microscopes, supercomputers, and state-of-the-art equipment filled the room, with robotic arms performing delicate experiments with incredible precision.
A secure vault held their most sensitive projects and classified information. Biometric scanners and reinforced steel doors ensured that only authorized personnel could access this area.
In contrast, the living quarters were cozy and comfortable, a sanctuary from the high-stress environment of their work. Plush sofas, a well-stocked library, and a luxurious kitchenette provided a homely atmosphere where Edward and Richard could unwind and brainstorm.
The laboratory's design seamlessly blended advanced technology with a touch of elegance, reflecting the genius and sophistication of its occupants, who tirelessly worked to protect their world from unseen threats.
---
"Hello, 'Pluto'."
Pouring his father's favourite whiskey in to the glass, said Edward.
"Welcome, Mr. Ember."
"Code 053089.
Face - Artem Dobry"
Code 053089.
Face - Artem Dobry - Executing...
...
Personal data available.
44 years old, veterinarian, Atlanta. Saint Petersburg.
"What else?"
...
8 years of practice.
Positive reviews.
...
"Family?"
Wife...
File damaged
-Error-
File damaged
Daughter...
File damaged
-Error-
File damaged
"Hmm... Check for other records related to Artem Dobry."
...
Intrusion into personal life
-Prohibited-
"Bypassing protection 01.richard.PR.search"
Command 01.richard.PR.search
-Executing
...
Wife Olga ( died at the age of 38)
-Deceased-
Daughter Maria ( died at the age of 6)
-Deceased-
Daughter Anastasia ( died at the age of 2)
-Deceased-
"Oh God!"
"Should I continue, Mr. Ember?"
"Continue."
...
Dossier: Artem Dobry
Served in the 'Alpha' group, special forces.
"So, he's a former soldier."
Lieutenant Colonel
"At his age!!?"
Call sign "Grom"
A dragon immediately came to mind-
...
Merits and awards:
Hero of Antanta
Defender of the Motherland
Star of Valor
Star of Valor
Star of Valor
Star of Valor
Star of Valor
Star...
-Error-
"Next."
-File damaged-
Number of killed...
9...
97...
976
-Error-
Stripped of military status for crimes against the homeland.
Killed... Gov..
-Error-
WANTED
Hidden file
Hidden file
Hidden file
-Error-
..dden f..e..
Attention!!!
Attempt to hack users Richard and Edward Ember
Attention!!!
Attempt to hack users Richard and Edward Ember
"Activate 'shadow' status immediately."
Not Understanding what is happening, Edward commended
'Shadow' status activated
-Success-
...
Attention!!!
Attempt to hack users Richard and Edward Ember
Attention!!!
Attempt to hack users Richard and Edward Ember
...
The 'tracker' was randomly generated and redirected
The 'tracker' was randomly generated and redirected
"What's going on, damn it?!"
-Success-
...
-Success-
-Error-
-Error-
-Error-
The lights went out in the entire laboratory. On the one and only working screen, text began to appear before Edward's eyes.
...
W...
WH....
WHE....
WHERE... IS HE..
????