BEYOND THE LOVE

CHAPTER 30:

Instantly, the room's jovial atmosphere evaporated. We all straightened up, our faces turning serious as we refocused on the task at hand.

Suhs spread out a series of photographs and documents on the table. "These were intercepted during a raid earlier today. Locations, dates, and what appears to be coded messages."

I studied the documents closely. "This could be the break we've been waiting for."

Kyoto nodded in agreement, "If we can decipher these, we might finally get a step ahead of them."

Ji Woon, pushing aside his earlier embarrassment, leaned in, examining the photos. "There's a pattern here. We just need to figure it out."

Suha added, "Time is of the essence. Every clue, every lead can bring us closer to apprehending them."

I nodded, determination refueling my drive. "Alright, team, let's get to work. We have eviscerators to catch."
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Two days later, while Jiwoon and I were gathering intel on the Eviscerators, Juan suddenly walked in, exclaiming, "It's incredibly difficult to capture them."

We both paused and turned towards him, asking, "What's wrong, Juan?"
Juan, visibly frustrated, replied, "Nara, I've tried breaking into their system, but it's... impossible. They have advanced defenses."

I probed, "What are you implying?"

Juan began, "This is much riskier than I anticipated. Normally, it takes us a maximum of three months, but now... maybe we should st-"

Interrupting his train of thought with a sharp look, I questioned, "What happened to the determined Juan from yesterday who said some battles are just tough?"

Juan swallowed hard, taking a moment before replying. "I'm still determined, Nara. But we're up against something unlike anything we've faced before. The security protocols, the encryption... it's all next level."

I stared at him, processing his words. "So, are you saying we should give up?"

Juan rubbed his temples, seemingly grappling with the weight of the situation. "You know, for years we've relied on digital means to track these criminals. But the Eviscerators are different. Their tech is advanced, perhaps more so than ours. Maybe we've been approaching this all wrong. What if we did it the old-fashioned way? Get someone on the inside?"

I crossed my arms, thinking. "It's risky, Juan. And not just for the informant. It could put the entire operation in jeopardy."

Kyoto interjected, "But if it's the only way to get close... maybe it's a risk we have to take."

Ji woon nodded slowly, "It might not be as crazy as it sounds. If we could capture just one of the Eviscerators, not only would we have a direct source of information, but it could give Juan the key he needs to break into their system."

Juan's face lit up, "Exactly! I've been running multiple scenarios, and there's a recurring pattern in their digital safeguards. I believe that the key to unlocking their system might actually be biometric..... like a fingerprint."

I frowned, "So, you're saying that if we can get one of them, we can access everything?"

Juan nodded, "In theory, yes. Their system requires a unique biometric input to access. It's not just about codes or passwords; it's about identity. Capture one, and we could potentially unravel everything."

Kyoto weighed in, "But it's not just about capturing one. We have to be sure they don't know we have them, at least not right away. The minute they realize one of their own is missing, they'll change everything."

Suha added, "Which means we'll need a way to discreetly extract information  and fast."

Juan looked determined, "Give me just a few seconds with their fingerprint, and I can start the extraction process and find who they are?"

I sighed, "It's a bold move. But we've been at a standstill for too long. Maybe it's time to change the game."

Kyoto  agreed, "We'll need a plan, and every possible angle covered. This isn't just about capturing one; it's about ensuring that once we have them, they can't escape or communicate with their gang."

My phone buzzed suddenly. Glancing at the caller ID, I noticed it was the chief. I answered, and without delay, the chief informed me, "Zaerim will be visiting you."

"I can meet him elsewhe-" I began, but he interrupted.
"No. He will meet you there. It's best that way."

"Understood, chief."

"He'll be there at 9 pm," he stated.

I glanced at my phone, which read 8:59. "Got it, chief." I signaled my team to gather all our intel into one room. Just then, there was a knock.

"I think Zaerim's here, chief. I'll call back later."

"Very well. Stay in touch," he replied.

I greeted Zaerim with a nod, while Juan led him to the hall and Kyoto secured the door behind him. "Affirmative, chief."

Zaerim entered the room, his eyes scanning the area warily, a stark contrast to the confident figure we knew him to be. He looked almost... vulnerable.

Juan offered him a seat, but he opted to stand, his hand resting subtly on the inside of his coat – a hint of his ever-present caution.

"We weren't expecting you, Zaerim," I began. "What brings you here?"

His eyes settled on mine, and for a brief second, I saw genuine fear. "For the past two days, I've had this unsettling feeling that I'm being followed. And I'm fairly certain it's the Eviscerators."

I exchanged a quick look with Kyoto. The Eviscerators were notoriously discreet. If Zaerim had spotted them, things were more serious than we'd thought.

"Why would they be after you suddenly?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "I've been working on something... something big. It could change the balance of power. I think they're trying to get through me."

Kyoto leaned forward, "What are you talking about?"

Zaerim sighed, reaching inside his coat. He produced a small, encrypted drive. "This," he said, placing it on the table, "contains information that could bring down not just the Eviscerators but several other underground syndicates as well. They've caught wind of its existence and they want it."

Juan whistled softly, "That's big. Why not hand it to the authorities?"

Zaerim scoffed, "And who do you think some of these syndicates have in their pockets? No, I needed someone I could trust. That's why I came here."

I nodded, "Alright. We'll keep it safe and analyze its contents. But Zaerim, you're at risk now. We need to ensure your safety."

He waved me off, "I can handle myself. Just ensure that the information doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

As he turned to leave, Ji Woon stopped him, "Zaerim, if they're following you, leading them here could be dangerous for everyone."

Zaerim smiled wryly, "I took precautions. They won't find this place. But remember, trust no one."

With that, he exited, leaving behind an atmosphere of tension and anticipation. As the door closed behind him, we were left with more questions than answers.