XHYLEMN: THE ROOT OF X | X SERIES I

Chapter 15: O for Operation

(⚠ Trigger Warning: Blood)

"You like my surprise, X1?"

I blinked countless of times as I tried to process what I saw. Cosmos... He was tied in the ceiling while blood was dripping out of his abdomen. Beside him was the guy I didn't expect to see. It was X7. The guy I trusted. The agent who betrayed me.

He was standing above the stairs that I only noticed now. His hand was holding a blade that is pointing to the rope connected to Cosmos' body. I knew what he wanted to happen. The moment that he cuts the rope, Cosmos will fall.

"X..." Jupiter muttered. I didn't see his reaction, but he sounded like he knew something.

I observed if Cosmos is still breathing. When I saw how his abdomen moved, I knew there's still a chance.

"What do you want?" I asked in a monotone. Slowly, I prepared my swiss ring and walked closer. And the closer I get, the more he he cuts the rope with a blade. "I've always wondered how a low ranked agent like you could have the guts to go against me?"

"Ranks... Ranks... That's what you only care about, do you?" With shaking hands, he slashed the rope with his sharp blade.

I was about to run when Jupiter catched Cosmos. I exhaled in relief before facing X7.

He displayed a poker face, showing that he expected this to happen.

"For the last few hours, I thought you wouldn't show up... Knowing you, you are selfish. So I'm guessing...you have plans for this society?"

He slowly walked down the stairs. I didn't let my guard down. Jupiter was still carrying the unconscious Cosmos.

"Knowing you, you aren't that talkative. So what's with the drama?" I replied, making him glare at me.

"You're indeed stupid for thinking that you know me, X1."

"X1?" Jupiter whispered. He was behind me. "What is he saying, Elio?" I tightened my jaw when he asked that. Of all times, he could ask that later!

"Ooh, Elio, ey?" X7 walked closer, causing us to slowly step back. I stretched my fingers, preparing to end the bastards life. "You have a name now?"

When he finally reached the ground, I spoke in Spanish, "Enough with the games. What do you want?"

"I am just... I don't know... Doing you a favor for now, I guess?" he was also speaking in Spanish. A language that only the both of us in this dark room understands.

"Get straight to the fucking point."

He grinned, showing fondness. "You have to beat me before you can make me speak."

My eyes twitched. "Jupiter, make sure that Cosmos stays alive. Call back up in this room," I spoke in Italian this time. A language X7 couldn't understand, causing him to crease his forehead.

I threw my walkie talkie towards Jupiter without looking at him. I supposed he caught it when I didn't hear it crash against the floor. I made sure that X7 didn't leave my sight.

"Alright, smart guy. Let's get this over with." Without a warning, he threw his blade towards my direction. I bent down to avoid it and quickly glanced at Jupiter who luckily avoided it too.

When I turned to face X7, he was already running up stairs. I mentally cursed at his fucking game.

"Call back up now."

I ran after him until we reached the rooftop. And there... I wanted to burst and laugh out of madness. There were at least 10 people, with their guns and knife pointing at me. They didn't look familiar. It was such a miracle that their faces didn't have any cover-ups.