The Bureau building was tense that early morning. Agents hurried through the corridors, their expressions tight, as if ready to rush into battle at any moment. Electronic screens on the walls scrolled "Infected Zone Updates," the red alert areas visibly spreading at a rapid pace.
Ethan strolled into the operations command room, sipping a cup of steaming coffee."Judging by this setup… did I walk onto the wrong set? Are we about to start World War Three?"
Karl, already seated beside him, muttered,"Pretty much. Headquarters just received orders to form a multinational task force. Guess who got named?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow, setting down his coffee."No way it's me, right? I'm notoriously terrible at diplomacy. Last time I argued with the Death Realm, I was threatened with early… harvesting."
Before he could finish, the large screen flickered, revealing the Bureau Director's stern, wrinkled face.
"All agents, attention," the Director's deep voice rang like a tolling bell."With the spread of the Dark Plague, multiple European regions are experiencing severe Nightmare contagion. The situation is beyond the capacity of this Bureau to handle alone. Headquarters has decided to dispatch a team to Europe to cooperate with local branches and investigate the source of the contagion."
Nearly all eyes turned toward Ethan.
The Director paused, as if deliberately leaving a dramatic beat."The team will be led by Agent Ethan Gray and Karl Hope."
Ethan almost spat out his coffee, coughing several times before regaining composure."C-cough—Director, did I hear that right? 'Team leader'? Does that mean… I'm responsible for other people? Honestly, I can't even keep my balcony plants alive—they've died three times."
Some in the command room stifled laughter, quickly straightening their faces to hide it.
The Director ignored his banter and continued:"This is an order, not an invitation. The success of this mission will determine whether humanity can survive under the Dark Plague."
—
After the briefing, Ethan and Karl were taken to the armory.Rows of weapons glimmered under cold light, from standard firearms to specialized Nightmare Disruptors, all meticulously arranged.
A technician handed Ethan a black short blade."This is the latest 'Residue Cleaver.' Forged from Nightmare remnants, it can slice through energy constructs. Side effects are unknown, so… pray you don't cut yourself while using it."
Ethan took the blade and swung it casually a few times; the air hummed with a faint low whisper."Not bad… sounds more in tune than my guitar. Maybe I can form a band later—call it 'Nightmare Metal.'"
Karl rolled his eyes and strapped on his gear piece by piece.
Finally, the Director personally approached, handing them a black sealed box."It contains segments of the dossiers you'll need in Europe. Under no circumstances may it fall into unauthorized hands."
Ethan hugged the box, letting out a theatrical sigh."Fine… my destiny is apparently to travel constantly, carrying explosive souvenirs."
—
At the last moment before departure, Ethan stood on the tarmac, staring at the overcast sky. The roar of the transport plane's engines shook the air like a beast's growl.
Karl checked his weapons methodically, his expression calm and focused."You know… we might not come back this time."
Ethan shrugged."Like we ever had a return ticket on previous missions. Don't worry—my contacts in the Death Realm can probably get me a VIP card next time we meet."
Karl couldn't help but smile, but the expression soon faded."Ethan, this is really different. The Dark Plague is global. If we fail… it's not just one city at stake, it's the entire world…"
Ethan patted his shoulder."Then all the more reason to laugh. After all, if the apocalypse comes, at least we'll have front-row seats to the show."
He turned and walked into the cabin, steps light as if heading on a vacation.Yet the weight in his heart was known only to himself.
The engines roared louder, and the transport plane slowly lifted into the sky, flying toward the far reaches of the dark night.