𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗘. Demetrius Desmond

01

"Y/N, BE CAREFUL TO NOT FALL!" Loid exclaimed with concern as I stood near the open helicopter exit, the winds ruffling my clothes and tousling my hair.

I took a step back, laughing at his worry and approached my two mentors.

"I have a mission for you." The handler Silvia Sherwood began, adjusting her glasses with a determined look.

"I want you to infiltrate a high-security facility to retrieve critical data on a cyber-attack that threatens national security. The facility is located in a remote desert region and is heavily guarded with advanced security systems, including biometric scanners and drones." she explained.

I nodded, excitement coursing through me. "What's the plan?" I asked as she handed me a paper with more details.

"Once you're on the ground, you'll need to locate the main server room. It's crucial that you bypass the security protocols undetected. Report back to me as soon as you're done." Her voice was steady but I could see the concern in her eyes.

As I turned back to the helicopter's edge, she called after me "Be careful." she muttered as her eyes behind her glasses held a look of concern.

I flashed her a confident smile, my adrenaline spiking. "Can't promise anything!" I shouted back and with a quick breath, I let myself fall from the helicopter.

The rush of air filled my lungs as I plummeted toward the city.

It didn't take long until i found myself in the facilities grounds. My heart raced as I surveyed the high-security facility looming in the distance.

This was no ordinary mission, the data I was after could involve deep secrets and worthy information for us to know.

I double-checked my gear: the hacking device, cloaking technology, and a stolen technician's uniform. Timing was everything. I needed to move with precision.

As the sandstorm picked up, I took my chance. I slipped into the shadows, my eyes glued to the guard patrols. Every footstep felt like a lifetime but I kept my breath steady, counting the seconds until I could advance.

Reaching the perimeter, I blended into a supply delivery, flashing the ID badge I'd lifted. The biometric scanners loomed ahead but I had prepared for this moment.

With a few taps on my device, I bypassed the scanners, I smirked as i entered and walked straight ahead.

The facility buzzed with energy, a maze of corridors and security cameras as myy pulse quickened. I needed to get to the data center.

Navigating through the hallways, I kept my head down, using my disguise as a shield.

Finally, I arrived at the terminal, the heart of the operation. I connected my hacking device, fingers flying over the keys as I initiated the download.

The screen flickered and I could almost feel the weight of the critical information filling up the storage.

Suddenly, alarms blared piercing the stillness. My heart dropped. I had to hurry. I couldn't let this mission end in failure. I worked faster but time was running out.

Data secured, I dashed toward the maintenance tunnel, the sound of guards echoing behind me.

I ducked into the cramped space, my breath quickening as I navigated the darkness. Every second felt like an eternity as I evaded detection.

Emerging into the open air, the harsh desert sun was rising. I sprinted toward my extraction point, the storm swirling around me.

Drones buzzed overhead, their lights scanning for movement. I ducked behind rocky outcrops, using the terrain to hide my escape.

At last, I spotted the extraction vehicle, a beacon of hope against the vast expanse of sand. I signaled frantically, my legs burning as I made my final dash. Just as the drones closed in, I reached the vehicle and leaped inside.

The engine roared to life, and we sped away, leaving the facility and the chaos behind. As the adrenaline faded, I felt a sense of relief wash over me.

Back at headquarters, I uploaded the information and the handler immediately reported back as she assigned me with yet another mission and i let out a sigh. 

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

"I want you to start in a school." Sylvia said, her tone calm but firm as she addressed me.

I blinked in confusion, tilting my head. "What do you mean? Like, be an undercover student?" The words felt strange coming out of my mouth. After everything I had done—the missions, the covert operations—this sounded completely out of place.

She shrugged nonchalantly. "I want you to keep an eye on Anya, the child Twilight has adopted. You'll be part of Operation Strix and your job is to help Twilight and his family blend in more naturally. Make them seem like a normal family in the public eye." She paused for a moment, studying my reaction. "And other than that, keep your eyes open for anything suspicious."

I stared at her, my eyebrows knitting together in disbelief. "So, I'm basically being sent in as a babysitter?" I groaned, feeling a wave of frustration build up. After everything I had done, this was my next mission?

Sylvia chuckled softly at my reaction. "No, Y/N. You're not just a babysitter. You're an asset to the operation. But I also want you to live your life a little."

I raised an eyebrow, unsure of what she was getting at. "Live my life?"

She nodded, her expression softening slightly. "There's more to life than killing, saving, and being sent out on missions. You've spent so much time in the field, always on edge, always focused on the next target. I want you to experience something different—something normal, for once. Make friends. Have fun. Be a teenager."

A strange silence filled the air between us. I'd never thought about living a "normal" life. It always seemed so out of reach, like a distant fantasy I could never touch.

I was trained for missions, for danger, for everything except being an ordinary teenager.

"So, you want me to pretend to be normal." I said, leaning back in my chair with a sigh. "And keep an eye on Anya while I'm at it. Great."

"It's not pretending." Sylvia said, her voice a bit softer now. "I want you to actually live it. Be a part of the school. You're more than just an operative, Y/N. You've earned the right to experience life outside of missions. This will be different from anything you've done before."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, the idea of a "normal" life feeling foreign to me. I was good at blending in when it came to missions, slipping into roles like they were second skin. But this was different. It wasn't just a role to play—it was a life to live. And I didn't know how to do that.

"How do I even start?" I muttered, more to myself than to Sylvia.

"You'll figure it out." she replied with a smile, standing up from her seat. "And if it helps, you're not completely on your own. Twilight will still be around and Anya will be there too. Just... remember to enjoy it. You deserve that."

I gave her a nod, though my mind was still swirling with questions. Sylvia was right, though—I'd figure it out. After all, I'd handled more dangerous and complicated missions before. How hard could school really be? A PIECE OF CAKE