Flashback – 17 Years Ago
In a quiet laboratory illuminated by only the hum of old data-screens, Malric leaned over the desk and whispered the final pieces of his grand design to Baku, his closest friend.
A plan that would span decades. A plan to reshape the world.
A plan built on blood, sacrifice, and a single belief:
Unity.
---
Current Timeline
The screens across the globe lit up.
> [ALERT: Malric confirmed traitor to global directive.
Execution approved.
Agent Baku – Assignment: Terminate.]
Baku received the order. He stared at the blinking notification for a long moment.
His hand did not tremble.
---
Scene: Malric's House – Edge of YangPass
Malric's wife, trembling as she packed a small bag, turned toward him.
> "Malric, please. Let's go. They'll be here any moment. We have to leave."
Malric didn't move.
His eyes were calm. His voice even calmer.
> "No. We shouldn't."
> "Why are you so eager to die?!" she cried.
A smile tugged at the edge of his lips. Not joy. Something emptier.
> "Better to die painlessly now... than to wait for Reinhard to grow into a monster and torture me for what I've done."
> "Reinhard would never—" she began.
> "You hope he won't."
---
The door creaked.
Baku stepped in, dressed in a plain coat, gun tucked discreetly in his sleeve.
He looked around.
He understood everything without needing to ask.
> "You never planned to run, did you?" Baku said quietly.
Malric didn't answer.
> "You say you're ready to die because of Reinhard... but that's just another excuse."
> "You're afraid, Malric."
Malric's eyes narrowed.
> "Afraid your plan will fail.
Afraid Reinhard will fail.
And that fear has been eating you alive."
He stepped closer, voice growing colder.
> "Ten years ago, your health report warned you:
'Keep eating sugar at this rate, and you'll be dead in twelve years.'
And what did you do? You ate more. You increased the dose."
> "You told yourself you were just enjoying the small moments."
He leaned in now. Close enough to whisper.
> "But deep down... you were trying to die."
> "Because you know unity is a lie.
You know Reinhard can't win.
You know those bastard species can't be reasoned with."
Malric's hand clenched. His teeth grit.
> "You give yourself minor reasons. Tiny coping lies.
'Better to die painlessly now than be tortured by Reinhard.'
You told me about your plane because deep down you knew I will betray you.
You are great and tricking people in the end you even tricked your own mind .
But we both know, Malric...
You're not noble.
You're terrified."
> "You don't want to see the moment it all falls apart."
Malric screamed —
> "Sh-Shut up! SHUT UP!!"
But Baku was already moving.
Two silent shots.
One. Two.
Malric and his wife fell together — heads touching, hands still inches apart.
---
Outside, the wind howled.
Baku lit a cigarette and walked into the storm.
He didn't look back.
Not even once.