Zak opened his eyes after ending his trance. I’m back he thought, although he had never left, at least not physically but spiritually.

His lips curled into a sly smirk as he checked his fob watch. "It's time," he whispered to himself, a sense of purpose gleaming in his eyes. In his mind, he envisioned the grand mission ahead, foreseeing a world free from the clutches of evil, flowing along the proper path like a well-oiled machine.

Reaching out, Zak grabbed a small wooden box from the nightstand, its significance known only to him. Carefully, he tucked it away in the depths of his black coat, a secret treasure close to his heart. Turning his attention to the suitcase, he opened it to reveal an assortment of knives, a meticulously crafted Swiss blade, and an elegant revolver.

A collector at heart, Zak took a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship of the Prussian-manufactured revolver before stowing it in his holster. Seated comfortably in a small yet cozy train compartment, he reclined on the couch, his eyes drawn to a flyer resting on the table.

"Näkymätön Juna. The Unseen Train!" he exclaimed, a mischievous glimmer dancing in his eyes. His gaze traced the words, absorbing the allure of the train's name and the promises it held. He read aloud the description, relishing the enticing details. The mention of the train's starting point in the outskirts of Helsinki, nestled within the Grand Duchy of Finland, added an air of mystery to his journey. The pride in his choice of a First Class Cabin elevated his anticipation, knowing he would be surrounded by elegant furniture sourced from Qing and curated by esteemed French connoisseurs. The prospect of indulging in delectable meals and traditional beverages at the boulangerie further heightened his excitement.

Zak repeated the name once more, rolling the unfamiliar syllables off his tongue, uncertain if he had pronounced it correctly. Lost in his thoughts, he was abruptly interrupted by the captain's voice over the train's speakers, signaling their imminent arrival at The Unseen City station. Gathering his belongings, Zak quickly inspected the cabin one last time before stepping out onto the platform once the train arrived.

Zak felt a surge of excitement as he stepped off the train and onto the platform, a young woman dressed in a marine blue dress approached him, extending a welcoming smile. In her outstretched hand, she presented him with another flyer, ensuring he felt warmly welcomed by the city.

"Welcome to Paasilinna, the Unseen City. The most beautiful Hidden City in the world!" she called. "Located in northern Finland, founded in 1642 by Italian immigrants. The oldest Hidden City in the Western Hemisphere."

Zak took the flyer and quickly skimmed through its contents, his eyes darting back to the train as he observed his surroundings. The locomotive, reminiscent of the industrial era, emitted a low hum, its diesel engine contrasting with the traditional steam-powered trains he had seen before. The station, adorned with intricate architectural details, was surprisingly quiet, with only a handful of people milling about the various cafés and restaurants.

"It's not rush hour," Zak mused to himself, taking in the sights. "The station itself looks like something out of the Renaissance. Absolutely beautiful."

Making his way towards a board displaying a map of the city and the train schedules, Zak studied it intently. His location was indicated at the outskirts of the city, in the southeast's Commercial District. Glancing at the train schedule, he noticed that another line was due to arrive from Saint Petersburg in the Russian Empire.

"Two trains arriving," he muttered, mentally plotting his options for escape. "I came from Helsinki on the first line, and the second line is coming from Saint Petersburg. If need be, I can make my way to Sweden-Norway, Denmark, or even Moscow from here."

A mischievous grin spread across Zak's face. "This city may call itself hidden, but it won't be able to hold me for long," he declared to himself, relishing the thrill of the unknown that lay ahead. With newfound determination, he set off into the streets of Paasilinna, ready to embark on his mission to eradicate the evil that plagued the world, one step at a time.

Zak wandered through the grand halls of the train station, his steps leisurely as he absorbed the surroundings. Once he had presented his passport at the customs office, he exited the station and walked toward a two-horse coach.

Zak didn’t speak any Finnish, however. So, after pointing to a map, the coachman gave him the thumbs up and motioned him to get on.

Inquisitively peering out of the coach window, he marveled at the seamless blend of Renaissance architecture and industrial structures, all blanketed in a pristine layer of snow. The city's nickname, ‘The Northern Rome,’ echoed in his mind, adding a touch of enchantment to the scene before him.

Zak contemplated the significance of the impending moments. It was within reach—the fulfillment of his greatest and deepest desire, a dream he had pursued relentlessly for years. Perhaps, with the assistance of Völundr, he would finally find what he had been seeking. "I'm on my way," he murmured under his breath, a mix of determination and anticipation fueling his resolve.

His yearning was not merely to become someone important, but to evoke profound emotions in the hearts of people and leave an indelible mark on the world. He aspired to shape society, to transform the way people behaved, loved, and lived. He aimed to dismantle the corrupting forces that held sway over people’s hearts. Zak didn't crave heroism or godhood; he simply yearned to be a fellow human being, driven by the relentless pursuit of his dream.

After a short ride of no more than twenty minutes, the carriage halted outside an old three-story building—the city hall. He got off, paid the fare, and waited until the coachman left the area.

Zak entered the bustling atmosphere of the press conference, where the new mayor was delivering a lecture. The coldness of the environment was palpable, with journalists bundled up in winter attire. The mayor, however, stood apart, wearing a black frock coat adorned with a plaid pattern—a telltale sign of an Arlo. Zak couldn't help but notice this unexpected detail. "That's odd," he thought, a sly grin creeping onto his face. “He must be warming up his body with Thaumaturgy.”

He lingered near the bustling city hall for a few minutes, observing the comings and goings. Then he turned and headed in the opposite direction. At that precise moment, the falling snow ceased, adding an eerie stillness to the air. Two blocks away, he arrived at an eight-story building. Taking the elevator to the top floor, he knocked on the door of the last apartment.

A voice from inside called out, demanding to know who it was. "It's Zak," he replied, humming. The door swung open, revealing a sparsely furnished room occupied by a Chinese man dressed in a white sleeveless shirt and gray slacks.

"Finally, you're here!" the man sighed, a mix of excitement and relief evident in his voice.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you, Snip. Aren't you cold?"

"A little, but I find it quite cozy," Snip chuckled, his eyes glimmering with mischief. "Remember, you owe me a debt, and you'll have to pay me twice."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." He opened the windows and surveyed the path to the city hall with a pair of binoculars. A cold breeze invaded the room, causing Snip to shiver and sneeze who then retrieved a black leather coat from the floor and draped it over the shoulders.

"When will the Administrator arrive?" Zak asked; his eyes still fixed on the distance.

"It won't be long now. I've already hijacked the radio frequency here. We're now connected to the international standard frequency and the Eikóna network."

"Great."

"I have a question... What do you plan to do with all of this?" Snip scratched his head.

"It's a necessary sacrifice for a greater purpose," he told Snip cryptically, a hint of determination coloring his voice. "I can't reveal more at this moment."

A faint beep buzz emanated from one of the radios scattered on the floor, interrupting their conversation. "Confirmation incoming!"

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"Sweet." Zak's grin widened.

"Listen, I won't take any more risks for you. I'll assist you a little longer, but then I'm fleeing." Aware of the risks Snip expressed his concerns to Zak.

"Don't worry," he reassured Snip, patting him on the shoulder. "I've made other preparations."

Zak handed Snip a box containing six videotapes. Snip's curiosity was piqued as he examined the contents. "What is it?"

"I've installed seven electromagnetic pulse explosives across seven cities worldwide," Zak said. "Each tape contains a message I need you to broadcast through the Eikóna system."

Snip scratched his nose, trying to comprehend the magnitude of Zak's meticulous planning. "Which cities are these?"

"London, New York, Tokyo, Jerusalem, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and Rome. They represent key locations on each continent.” Zak said, clearing his throat. “Is the Eikóna broadcaster ready?"

"Sir, yes sir!" Snip playfully saluted him. "By the way, what are these bombs all about? You're scaring me!"

Snip inserted one of the rectangular tapes into a video player connected to the Eikóna broadcaster, and together, they watched the footage on the screen. Zak also handed Snip a map for reference.

The Eikóna broadcaster, a compact monochrome box with an 8-inch screen, served as a broadcaster for audio and video through radio wave receptors. Snip had customized it with antennas that functioned as transmitters.

"So, you've connected each bomb to the electric grid of every city?" Snip asked. "It's amazing!"

Zak nodded; his expression remained focused. "This setup allows the bombs to gather energy from the grid while in rest mode. When the outbreak begins, these cities will experience a temporary power outage. The resulting magnetic waves might disrupt the functioning of nearby diesel engines."

"It's perfect!" Snip proclaimed, his voice brimming with admiration. "How did you manage to install these devices without getting caught?"

Zak exhaled, his gaze briefly flickering towards the streets outside the window. "The artifacts are strategically placed in locations with minimal surveillance but crucial connectivity. They ensure a swift and effective propagation of the magnetic pulses."

"Wonderful!" Snip exclaimed; his enthusiasm palpable. "I couldn't have executed such a grand feat, so meticulously structured and effective."

Zak paid little attention to Snip's words. He peeped outside, his mind focused on the task at hand. Taking a deep breath, he turned back to Snip.

"I need you to make a single shot and broadcast the videos," Zak instructed, his voice filled with determination. "The rest of the mission is mine alone—I don't want anyone else involved."

"Easy peasy, little Zak," Snip said, getting on his feet with a wide smile.

"Snip, what do you know about the Administrator?" Zak leaned closer; his voice serious.

“Uh, he’s 5 foot 8, brown hair, has a slight limp, 3 kids, with ex-wife,” Snip stifled a laugh.

“Snip, the Administrator? Where is he? What is he doing”

"He's on the move. He'll be here in about five minutes."

"Okay, start broadcasting," Zak instructed, his gaze fixed on the window overlooking the Town Hall building. With his binoculars in hand, he observed the mayor giving his speech.

Snip played the video recordings on the Eikóna system's screen, simultaneously setting up the broadcast functionality.

"The Administrator has arrived. Get ready!" Snip said.

In a matter of seconds, Snip put on a pair of earphones and retrieved a sniper rifle from the suitcase Zak brought. "Oh, thank you! This is exactly what I asked for. How did you manage to get it?"

"You don't want to know," Zak said.

Snip marveled at the rifle; his enthusiasm evident. "This thing is a fuckin' Imperial Japanese sniper rifle, even outlawed by the Sun Emperor. A Chrysanthemum!" he exclaimed, whistling in awe. "Did you know the power of this rifle is enhanced by using bullets with diesel tanks instead of gunpowder? It gives them extra power and propulsion! And it includes..."

Zak interrupted Snip's excited rambling, his tone stern. "And it includes explosions! Enough chit-chat. I know you're a gun enthusiast, but you need to stay focused."

Snip approached the Eikóna broadcaster, pressing a series of buttons. "We're transmitting now!" Then Snip handed Zak a phone handset, and said, "It's calling!"

Zak waited for a minute until someone on the other end of the line answered.

"Good afternoon," Zak began, clearing his throat. "The life of the city's mayor and Paasilinna's Administrator are in danger. Right now, they're our targets, and we won't hesitate to shoot. So be aware of every move they make for the time being."

"Wait... wait a minute," the desperate voice on the other end pleaded. "Please wait."

Zak ended the call, his expression resolute. "You're not very subtle when it comes to threats. What you said didn't sound like a seasoned mercenary. It sounded childish. Haven't you seen any gangster plays at the theater?" Snip emphasized, mocking Zak’s manners with a playful tone.

Zak turned his attention back to the Town Hall, raising his binoculars once more. After ten minutes had passed, he dialed the number again.

"You've run out of time," Zak stated.

"Please! Desist from this act... we beg you. We can negotiate," the voice on the other end pleaded.

"One... two...” Snip got in position with his rifle, using the window frame as his covert.

“Three. Boom."

As Zak uttered these words, Snip pulled the trigger. Just a fraction of a second later, the mayor's head exploded amidst a cloud of black smoke, creating a gruesome and horrifying scene. Panic and chaos engulfed the area as desperate individuals, covered in blood and flesh, fled in all directions. The sound of screams reverberated through the air, reaching even those standing several yards away.

Zak connected to the Eikóna system, feeling his heartbeat accelerate. He felt the palpable desperation of the crowd as if he were among them.

"Listen, Snip. I'm on the move," Zak said, as Snip handed him the keys to the automobile.

Zak sprinted out of the apartment and descended the stairs. In the parking area, he spotted a sleek black diesel car that Snip had rented the previous day. Zak pushed the vehicle to its limits, reaching almost maximum speed, around 60 MPH. He skillfully maneuvered past obstacles, dodging restaurant chairs and avoiding running over pedestrians. Zak's driving prowess was impressive, showcasing his ability to navigate through such crowded streets with ease.

Amid the chaotic drive, Snip's voice crackled on the radio intercoms. "What now?" Snip asked.

"My mission revolves around The Palace of Jäävarasto, The Courts."

"Are you an idiot? Why have we gone through all this trouble?" Snip's frustration was evident.

Zak remained steadfast in his response. "My mission is simple. The Courts."

"But what am I supposed to do now?"

"I need you to divert all the security forces of the city to the town hall. Clear The Courts," Zak instructed.

Meanwhile, Snip dashed through the snow-filled streets, seeking refuge on a small roofed playground. Seated on a bench, he couldn't escape the beads of sweat forming on his forehead despite the chilly air.

"The Administrator has fled the Town Hall," Snip reported, his voice strained. "Intel's Agency might be planning to evacuate him and other politicians from the city. The Highest Judge might be present in a trial. Intel might have informed him of what's happening."

"Security and Intel are minor obstacles. They won't have enough time. I'm certain of it.” Zak calmly responded, dismissing the security concerns. “Intelligence will ensure that this Hidden City remains hidden."

"So, I killed the mayor to create a distraction, allowing you to meet with The Highest Judge... am I right?" Snip asked.

"The man you shot wasn't the real mayor. As for the rest, you're correct.” Zak concluded, cutting off the conversation and leaving Snip's questions unanswered.

Zak continued his high-speed drive, pushing the limits of the road. His fearless maneuvers caught the attention of the police, which swiftly gave chase. Four police cars pursued him, but Zak evaded their pursuit, dodging their attempts to corner him.

With a keen eye, Zak noticed two police cars dangerously close to colliding with him. Reacting swiftly, he accelerated and turned at the nearest curve, avoiding colliding with an electric pole. The sudden maneuver almost caused the car to roll over. To escape further, Zak switched to the opposite lane, only to be met by two carriages obstructing his lane. In a split-second decision, he accelerated and, just as a wagon of logs drove his direction on the opposite lane, he shifted into reverse, leaving the two police vehicles behind. Seizing the opportunity, he retrieved a light grenade and tossed it at the truck. The truck pushed the brakes and almost rolled over.

Arriving at The Palace of Jäävarasto, Zak parked the car nearby. Then he dashed on foot, navigating through narrow alleyways between several buildings.

Inside The Courts, The Highest Judge concluded his speech and took a seat near the podium. After a brief five-minute interval, the session came to an end, prompting him to rise from his seat and exit the room. Accompanied by two bodyguards, he paced along the carpeted corridors, his destination his office. Upon reaching his office, he discovered two unconscious sentinels near the entrance.

"Greetings, Your Honor," Zak greeted, standing from a nearby sofa, bowing as he closed the distance between.

"Who are you?" The Highest Judge asked.

"You may call me Zak. Nice to meet you! You are my hostage, by the way," Zak introduced himself, extending his hand and offering a handshake.

At the same time, Snip who remained in the playground area, reconfigured his radio and Eikóna system settings, ensuring everything was in working order. With his characteristic resourcefulness, he connected his various gadgets to a portable diesel engine neatly tucked away in his backpack. With precise button tappings, he initiated the playback and broadcast of the video and voice recording that Zak had requested.

Zak's recorded voice echoed through the transmission. "Good morning," he greeted with a calculated calmness. "I'm here to inform you that I have just taken a judge of the Grand Duchy of Finland as a hostage."

Snip adjusted the volume of the video, ensuring the message resonated loud and clear. He manipulated the controls keeping the transmission running smoothly.

"I will not demand any form of monetary compensation," Zak continued in the video. "I will release the hostage soon. However, I must inform you that I have set seven electromagnetic pulse bombs in different countries. These explosives are hidden within seven prominent cities: New York, Jerusalem, Tokyo, London, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and Rome. I suggest you pay close attention. You have one hour to locate and neutralize the first bomb, situated in New York. Failure to do so will have dire consequences. After one hour, expect another message from me."