Military Zone - UCASI HQ
"You're retiring, Loures Ludlow?" Arthas inquired.
"Yes, sir! Loures Ludlow, codename UCASI 1."
"Any particular reason for your resignation?"
"No specific reason, sir. Should there be one?"
"..."
"..."
"Anyway, it doesn't matter. I haven't forgotten my promise to you," Arthas continued.
"What promise?"
"..."
Arthas struggled to find his words.
"I thought you were retiring because this was your 99th operation. Isn't that so?"
"I don't keep count of my operations, sir."
"Right, whatever. So, what are your plans after this?"
"..."
"Haven't thought about it?"
"I can't say that I have."
"Well, for now, I just want to do things I enjoy."
"Fair enough."
"What?"
"That's what you said back when I rescued you from the war's ruins. Your heart hasn't changed. I accept your resignation."
"Thank you, sir!"
"Pack your things from your room. Return here when you're ready."
After their exchange, Loures went to his room.
"2?"
"You're really retiring, 1?"
"You heard?"
"Well, news travels fast in this small HQ."
"And you, 2?"
"I'm staying. I still have a job to finish. Plus, the pay here is quite generous."
"..."
"What's with the look?"
"We're getting paid!?"
"Well, of course. Did you think we were here for charity?"
"..."
"You're strange. Well then, let's meet as civilians in the outside world," 2 said, extending her hand for a handshake.
After their exchange, 2 left, leaving Ludlow alone. For a long time, Ludlow didn't know how to express his feelings. He had trained alongside 2 for years, and now it was all coming to an end.
To pass the time, he began packing his things. There weren't many: clothes given by Arthas, two well-read books, and a pendant.
The pendant held a picture of an older woman embracing a child.
...
"You're back. What's with that expression?"
"2 mentioned getting paid. I had no idea."
"You didn't need to back then. As your guardian, I handled everything under your name. That's why I called you back here."
Arthas grabbed a duffel bag beside him and placed it on the table.
"This is all yours."
Ludlow unzipped the bag, revealing its contents: a bank book, a cellphone, passport, and an ID.
"Is this my retirement fund?"
"Check the bank book."
Ludlow inspected the bank book.
"1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... "
"That's why I managed your paycheck. It's a substantial sum for someone your age."
"Where did all this come from?"
"Missions, bribes, tips—various sources of income earned from your work."
"And this all belongs to me?"
"Well, if you want, I could take half," Arthas joked.
"No, that's not necessary."
"..."
"Should I transfer it to your account?"
"No, I was being sarcastic. I have my own money."
"I'm not sure I can ever spend this."
"You've earned it risking your life. Treat yourself. But on one condition."
"And what's that?"
"Leave the country."
"What!"
"Not like that. Your past won't disappear just because you're retiring. There are people looking for UCASI members. I don't want you to end up like Zero. That's my condition. Where you go is up to you."
"I understand."
"And if you ever need direction or a place to return, you're always welcome here."
"Thank you."
YOU ARE READING
Retired Agent Opens a Cozy Lodging
ActionLudlow Loures, retired top agent known as UCASI 1, retires to run a quiet lodging in Japan after fleeing his home country to escape his past. He soon discovers that retirement may not be as peaceful or boring as he had hoped. Ludlow must dust off h...
