The aftermath of the gunshots made the air thicken with tension, each second stretching longer. Mason drops a lazy gaze on a figure trembling on the cold floor. Though it was his first time firing a gun, his hand remained unshaken by the kickback.Meanwhile, Anthony, whose face was drained of color, had fear etched across his features. He instinctively raised his trembling hands to check for any signs of pain or blood.When he realized the bullet had missed him, the horror on his face began to dissipate, replaced by a nervous smile that barely masked the relief washing over him.“I thought you really shot me,” he said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. “I knew you didn't have the gutss to—”Bang! A second shot soars through the air, followed by the screams of Anthony, who panned at his legs in horror. The hole close to his leg made him raise his gaze to Mason. “What the hell! You could have shot my leg!” he screamed, his voice laced with panic as he shot Mason an incredulous glanc

In an undisclosed location, several exotic Sudanese drove through the double gate, halting in front of a grand building, whose landscape lingered with secrecy. Their arrival signaled an air of urgency, marking a dramatic entrance. As the vehicle doors slid open, men clad in black tuxedos emerged, exuding an aura of sophistication and authority. Their polished shoes echoed through the lavish marble floor as they made their way through the entrance of the building.Scattered around the premises were several security guards, whose stony expressions were concealed behind dark masks that added an extra layer of mystery to their presence, just like their guests. They exchanged a familiar nod before moving toward the entrance of the building.Each person pulled out a black card, passing it to the middle-aged lady, who took attendance before proceeding into the building.Inside the building, the atmosphere matched the exclusivity of its exterior. In the midst of elegantly arranged rooms, a la

News about the incident had spread on every television channel, radio station, and digital transmission device across the nation.People who weren't sure if the details took extensive preventative measures, such as stocking up on supplies and avoiding crowded areas, even when no confirmed cases of exposure to the virus had been reported. Even in light of the officials’ reassurances, the public was still gripped by fear and anxiety. “Thank you for joining us today,” the host said, looking into the camera. “With us is Commander Yann, the commanding officer of the Facility.” He added, and the spotlight was shifted to him. The Commander wore his decorated uniform, adorned with medals that represented his distinguished service and commitment to public safety. “Thank you very much,” Commander Yann responded, illuminated by several flashes from cameras. “Today has been challenging, and it is no secret that the government facilities housing dangerous viruses were attacked. I want to reass

Morning came by fast, casting a golden hue over the bustling streets of Aleric University. The familiar sight of students flooded the premises, carrying out their mundane activities. Unlike every other day, on which Mason drove in with his Bugatti, today he didn't; rather, he was sitting at the back of a taxi. “Good day, sir, did you have your pass?” The security man stationed at the entrance of the university inquired, glancing from the taxi driver to Mason, whose gaze was focused on his phone. “Sorry, sir, I forgot my pass, but you can check it in your system to confirm,” the taxi driver said, but the security guard gave him an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, sir, but according to university policy, no pass means no entry for vehicles,” the guard replied as he gestured for the car to reverse. Mason, finally noticing that they had come to a stop, turned his gaze toward the security guard. If the guard knew who he was, he surely wouldn’t hesitate to let them through. “Don't w

The engineering faculty bustled with cars, which crowded the parking lot. Jeremiah, seeing an opening, rolled his car into space, and the engine faded into silence. Mason, sitting in the passenger seat, slid out of the car, taking a moment to absorb the familiar sights of his facility. Indeed, it has been a while since he has been on campus.“Hey, what’s on your mind, bro?” Jacob called from behind, interrupting Mason's thoughts. He leaned casually against his car, with his brow raised in curiosity. “Please don’t tell me you’re thinking about that piece of shit and her dumbass boyfriend,” he added, a smirk creeping onto his face.Mason, with a grin, shook his head, redirecting his gaze to Jacob's car screeching past another vehicle to claim the last parking space.“I moved on a long time ago, Jeremiah. Those two aren’t worth my time,” Mason replied, noticing the concerned expression on his friend’s face."That's good," Jeremiah muttered, his tone filled with encouragement. He leaned s