PTT - 35

“Since we’re collaborating with the Counter-Terrorism Center, communication is key. We need to act as each other’s eyes and ears, and above all, avoid provoking the suspect at all costs. Negotiation experts are on their way, so our priority is to minimize casualties and capture him alive if possible.”  

“But I have a question. Isn’t this kind of thing usually handled by the Counter-Terrorism Center? Why are they asking for our help?”  

“It seems a significant number of their personnel were deployed to Afghanistan last night to deal with a large-scale terrorist organization holding our citizens hostage. That’s why our special operations team exists—to step in when needed.”  

At Siheon’s explanation, Mabel nodded lightly, signaling her understanding. Everyone except Rhea, who was assigned to rear support, was fully equipped with bulletproof vests, helmets, rifles, and sidearms. Raon absentmindedly adjusted the goggles she was wearing.  

What could have driven the suspect to choose the Constitutional Court as his stage? During his live broadcast, he hadn’t revealed his motives. Unlike typical terrorists, he wasn’t demanding a third party or taking civilians hostage—his actions were markedly different.  

“Depending on the situation, we might need to use rifles. Raon, do you have experience with sniping?”  

“Well, I specialize more in close-range combat. I’ve trained in sniping, but it’s not my strongest skill.”  

“I see. Then I’ll take care of that part…”  

In an instant, Siheon had transformed from the charming, teasing senior with a knack for light-hearted banter into the resolute leader of Special Team 4, exuding unshakable charisma. Rolling up his sleeves inside the speeding van, he surveyed the group.  

“Since we haven’t pinpointed the suspect’s location yet, we’ll split into two teams to search. Rock and Raon, Mabel and Diane—you’ll each form a team.”  

For a brief moment, his eyes flickered between Diane and Raon, weighing his options. Yet, there was no hesitation in his decision-making. He firmly believed this was the most rational choice, both personally and professionally.  

“Team Leader. If it’s alright, may I pair up with Raon instead?”  

Diane’s voice rang out, drawing the attention of all four teammates simultaneously.  

“Not necessarily… but—”  

“…I don’t mind how the teams are arranged.”  

Mabel and Rock, sitting close together, awkwardly chimed in. Recently, the two had grown noticeably closer—a fact even Diane, who had joined not long ago, had picked up on.  

Seated in the front, Siheon gazed intently at his team. Just yesterday, Diane had seemed uncomfortable around Raon.  

So why was she now insisting on partnering with her? Before he could dwell further, the van screeched to a halt. They had arrived at their destination, leaving little time for deliberation. The final call rested with Baek Siheon.  

“Alright. Raon and Diane will form one team, while Rock and Mabel form the other. Raon and Rock will take point.”  

“…Yes, understood.”  

“Haa, somehow I feel like today’s going to be a late night.”  

“Mabel.”  

“Got it, got it. No jokes. Our goal is safe return—let’s proceed carefully.”  

With a light pat on her bulletproof vest, Mabel flashed a cheeky grin before hopping out of the van. Rock, Diane, and Raon quickly followed, heading toward the Constitutional Court.  

As he watched his team disappear into the building, Baek Siheon ran his palm along the length of his sniper rifle, fitted with a high-powered scope. The cold, heavy sensation seeped into his skin like ice.  

---

Inside the Constitutional Court  

While Mabel’s team headed toward the library in the annex, Raon and Diane made their way directly to the small courtroom in the main building. Creak. Slowly opening the door while keeping an eye on their surroundings, they were greeted by an eerie silence.  

Tensing up, Raon gripped her rifle tightly. Though armed, using weapons was always a last resort. The primary objective was to subdue the suspect quietly, without causing any casualties—a fundamental part of their operational manual.  

The courtroom showed no signs of life. As they scanned the eerily quiet space, a low-quality voice crackled through the earpiece in Raon’s right ear.  

- All civilians have been evacuated from the Constitutional Court. Report immediately if you encounter anyone during the operation. As planned, power to the building will be cut in three seconds. Three, two, one. Power off.  

With the deputy team leader’s signal, the lights flickered out, plunging the area into darkness. It felt as though night had fallen, enveloping everything in shadows. For untrained civilians, such sudden darkness would cause panic—but agents like Raon had undergone hundreds of hours of training for precisely these conditions.  

“Switching to night vision, Diane.”  

This also helped disrupt the suspect’s livestream. If footage of armed counter-terrorism agents closing in on him were to leak, it could complicate matters significantly.  

Lowering the night vision goggles attached to her helmet, Raon’s field of view shifted into shades of green. She scanned the area but found no trace of the man. Concluding their sweep, she turned to head back toward the door.  

“It seems this place is empty. Let’s report and move to another location—”  

Before she could finish, an indescribable chill ran down her spine. A soft thud—the unmistakable sound of a silenced gunshot—echoed faintly.  

Eyes wide, Raon whipped her head toward Diane. Her face, barely visible in the dark, was etched with shock.  

“Are you insane? What the hell are you doing?!”  

Biting down hard to suppress the urge to shout, Raon clenched her teeth. There was no mistaking it—the sound had come from Diane’s weapon. Thanks to the silencer, the noise wasn’t deafening, but it was unmistakably a gunshot. And since Raon herself hadn’t fired, the source could only be Diane’s firearm.

“Oh my… I’m so sorry. I must’ve accidentally loaded it earlier without realizing. But don’t worry—it was just a blank round, so no one got hurt, right? It’s this darkness; I made a mistake I wouldn’t normally make.”  

“Do you really think that’s an acceptable excuse right now? Are you even qualified as an agent?”  

Diane stood just a few steps away, her eyes wide and rolling exaggeratedly as she held her rifle sideways. Her excuse was so absurd that Raon couldn’t even muster a bitter laugh—she was utterly speechless.  

Anyone affiliated with the NIS underwent rigorous training on firearm safety. Even those outside the agency understood the inherent dangers of handling weapons—it was basic common sense.  

And yet, here Diane was, firing a loaded weapon in pitch darkness. Raon furrowed her brow deeply, clenching her fists in frustration. As partners in a two-person team, they were supposed to trust each other implicitly, but Diane’s reckless actions defied all logic.  

What infuriated Raon most was Diane’s brazen attitude. The casual dismissal—”It was just a blank round, so no harm done”—was completely unacceptable and nonsensical.  

‘Could she have intentionally asked to switch teams…?’  

Suddenly, the scene from thirty minutes ago replayed in Raon’s mind: Diane requesting to pair up with her instead of Mabel. The thought sent chills crawling up her arms.  

Just how far had Diane planned this? Despite rationally understanding that they were in the middle of an operation, Raon found it hard to calm herself.  

“What on earth were you—!”  

At that moment, the deputy team leader’s voice crackled through their earpieces once more. His tone remained calm and clear.  

- Suspect located. All units converge on the main courtroom. The locking mechanism is currently being disabled. Be advised, there is a possibility the suspect may attempt self-detonation. Repeat: All units converge on the main courtroom.  

The timing was eerily perfect, causing Raon to frown suspiciously. Diane, having heard the transmission as well, pushed open the door they had just exited and tilted her head casually, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.  

“What are you doing over there, Raon? We need to hurry.”  

“You’re unbelievable… Ugh, never mind. We’ll talk after the mission is over.”  

No matter how hard she bit down on her lower lip, Raon’s anger refused to subside. But this was a high-risk operation, and maintaining composure was critical. Forcing herself to focus, she wiped her face with her palms and stepped out of the small courtroom.  

It was time to prioritize.