PTT - 42

Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, orders from higher-ups poured in before they could even process the shock of Gwak Seon-gi’s death. Rather than wasting time wallowing in distress, it was far better to keep moving and tire out their bodies with relentless action.

The same went for his feelings toward Baek Si-heon and Jung Ah-young. Like it or not, they were teammates bound by life and death, obligated to pursue the shared goal of completing their mission.

This operation was critical enough to require cooperation with Special Team 2. A North Korean spy who had infiltrated the Ministry of National Defense as an employee had stolen the core blueprints of a new stealth fighter jet. Upon discovering the leak, the Ministry immediately requested assistance from the Director of the National Intelligence Service.

The suspect, ‘Lee Tae-hyun,’ had fled eastward toward the coast to board a ship. In his late thirties, with a sturdy build and gentle features marked by thin double eyelids, his appearance on CCTV and the composite sketch confirmed little. His name, identity, and even his looks were likely all fabricated—spies from any nation were masters of disguise.

‘He’s likely armed.’

The helicopter descended noisily onto the central coastline, its propellers kicking up a storm of sand as soon as its wheels touched the ground.

A dozen agents clad in bulletproof vests and helmets disembarked, exchanging quick glances. The operation plan had already been briefed during the flight, so there was no need for further discussion.

“Report immediately if anything unusual is found. Dismissed.”

At Team Leader Kang Cheol-jin’s command, the group dispersed. Special Team 4 was assigned to search the upper suspension bridge and cliffs, while Special Team 2 focused on the coastline and nearby ships. It was crucial to proceed carefully to avoid drawing attention from civilians.

The pistol holstered at her side felt unusually heavy today. After double-checking the magazine, Ra-on took a step forward but paused, turning her head. Thirty meters away, Baek Si-heon was silently watching her.

“……”

A strange tension hung in the salty air. Why did her chest ache whenever she met his deep, dark gaze? Eventually, it was Ra-on who broke eye contact first.

Swish. The waves moved back and forth, creating a cool friction sound. The blazing sunlight signaled that spring was truly just around the corner. As the surging waves crashed against the rocky cliffs, white foam erupted. It was a breathtaking sight—one she would have loved to admire for hours if not for the ongoing operation.

Basking in the dazzling sunlight reflecting off the ocean’s surface, she ascended the final staircase. Having sprinted up a height that should have taken twenty minutes in just ten, her breath came in ragged gasps.

“This is Yeon. Beginning my search.”

Ra-on reported her position through her earpiece. The North Korean spy was a dangerous individual who required constant vigilance. If he escaped to China with the stolen defense secrets, it would be a catastrophic blow to the NIS’s reputation. She couldn’t let that happen.

Focusing on her surroundings, she moved toward the suspension bridge. The decades-old structure appeared sturdy on the surface, but a warning sign reading “Caution: Risk of Collapse” hinted at its true condition. It was the only path leading to the coastal cliffs.

“Hoo…”

In the world of intelligence agents, the term “acrophobia” simply didn’t exist. Even those afraid of heights were forced to overcome their fear through rigorous parachute training. Yoo Ra-on was one such agent who had conquered her fears.

‘Still, it’s terrifying.’

Creak. Suppressing a shudder, she stepped forward, the old wooden planks groaning ominously beneath her feet. Was this really safe? Below the weathered bridge lay a dense thicket of trees, which might cushion a fall—but she wasn’t eager to test that theory.

Creak, squeak. With each precarious step, Ra-on pressed onward. Hesitation was more dangerous than caution; stopping would shift her weight and risk collapse. Better to move lightly and steadily.

“…Haa. I’ll have to request demolition of this place later.”

Finally reaching the other side, Ra-on exhaled in relief, muttering to herself. She worried about unsuspecting civilians wandering onto this perilous path. Carefully scanning her surroundings, she advanced. The area was eerily silent, devoid of human presence.

Ten minutes passed as she searched every nook and cranny. Lee Tae-hyun was nowhere to be found—only squirrels scurrying about with acorns seemed to acknowledge her presence.

Pausing in place, Ra-on rubbed her temples with her fingertips, murmuring softly.

“It seems he’s not here…”

Should she suggest to Si-heon and Team Leader Kang that they search elsewhere? They absolutely couldn’t let Lee Tae-hyun escape Korea. As she fiddled with her earpiece, an urgent voice crackled through the receiver. Her eyes widened as she focused on the transmission.

- This is Dian. Current location: west cliffside boulder… Ugh! Target sighted, but he’s armed. Requesting backup…

Static. The sharp mechanical noise pierced her eardrums. Frowning, Ra-on quickly scanned her surroundings. The voice was unmistakably Jung Ah-young’s.

Had Ah-young been overpowered by Lee Tae-hyun? The west cliffside wasn’t far from where she stood. Pressing the button on her ear mic, Ra-on began sprinting toward the cliffs.

“This is Yeon. I’m approximately three minutes away from Dian. I’ll investigate immediately. Suspect is believed to be armed, requesting additional support.”

Her report was interspersed with ragged breaths as she ran at full speed. Eyes sharp, she focused ahead, her breathing labored but her pace unwavering. Ah-young’s desperate plea for help echoed in her ears like a haunting refrain.

“Haa, hoo…”

Covering over 700 meters in just two minutes, Ra-on arrived to witness a perilous scene. Ten meters ahead, near the edge of a precipice, a large man and Ah-young were locked in a fierce struggle.

“Huk…! You crazy bastard!”

“South Korean bitch, beg for your life before I change my mind and let you fall.”

Lee Tae-hyun was grinding his shoe into Ah-young’s hand as she clung precariously to the cliff’s edge, seemingly toying with her before delivering the final blow.

Fortunately, Tae-hyun was too preoccupied with tormenting Ah-young to notice Ra-on’s approach. In a split second, she drew her pistol without hesitation.

There was no trace of doubt in her movements as she loaded the magazine and aimed through the sights. Holding her breath perfectly still, she pulled the trigger.

Bang! The deafening gunshot reverberated as Lee Tae-hyun let out a pained groan, collapsing to one knee. Without missing a beat, Ra-on pivoted and fired again, targeting his right wrist. Despite the recoil, her aim remained steady.

“Gah!”

With a final scream, the jackknife slipped from Tae-hyun’s grasp, tumbling down the cliff and disappearing from view. Only then did he turn, glaring at Ra-on with a twisted expression. Keeping her gun trained on him, she exhaled sharply and approached.

“……!”

She had to decide in less than a second: save Ah-young or subdue the target first. Making her choice, Ra-on grabbed Tae-hyun by the collar and yanked him down. Though he towered over 180 cm, the two bullets had weakened him, leaving him unable to resist as he collapsed.

Trained spies were unpredictable. There was a 90% chance he’d attack while she tried to rescue Ah-young. Straddling his chest, Ra-on gripped his thick neck, furrowing her brow as she pressed hard on his carotid artery with two fingers.

Gasping for air, Tae-hyun reflexively pounded her forearm with his fists. But Ra-on’s grip never faltered as she glared at him like a hawk.

“Guh, kuh… Ngh.”

Clawing at the air and writhing, Tae-hyun rolled his eyes back and lost consciousness. Confirming he was out cold, Ra-on turned her attention back toward the cliff.