OTHERS: Five elements

CHAPTER 1.13: NEW MISSION

5 April 2033, 12:00 PM

It’s been two weeks since I killed an Other. Since then, Daniel and I haven’t been on any missions. We’ve focused solely on combat and training. Every day, we practiced sword fighting; my goal is for Daniel to master the sword as much as possible. But he’s struggling. His progress is slow. At noon, we took a break. I made us coffee, and we sat down to chat for a bit.

- "So, tired yet?" I asked him.

- "I’m good, not that tired yet. This break will do me good, and lunch later too. I’ll get my energy back. How about you, boss?"

- "I told you not to call me boss! And why are you being so formal with me?"

- "I can’t help it. That word has become part of my vocabulary."

- "You mean part of your 'how to annoy the mentor' vocabulary."

- "I’ve got to tease you a bit. Everyone at the base is scared of you; they’re way too serious around you. Some even avoid you", Daniel said, smirking. "I’ve heard even the cafeteria ladies get nervous when you’re around."

- "And yet, here you are, not afraid one bit."

- "That’s where you’re wrong, boss. I’m terrified", Daniel said, widening his eyes in mock horror and putting his hand on his chest. "I just hide it better than most."

- "Who do you think you’re fooling?" I asked him with a serious look, trying to hide a smile.

- "You, boss! You’re not as much of a grump as everyone says."

- "People talk about me? Are you gossiping? What stories are you spreading about me?"

- "I’m not spreading any stories. I’m just listening. There are some interesting tales about you."

- "What kind of tales?"

- "I can’t tell you. It’s a secret."

- "Come on, tell me!"

- "There’s a story about you breaking a gym wall because you were angry, and that you sang karaoke when you went out to a bar with August."

- "How did you find that out?" I asked, frowning.

- "I have my sources. And there’s even a video", Daniel replied with a grin, holding his phone in his hand.

- "A video? Who recorded me?"

- "Someone recorded you. And here’s the evidence right now", Daniel said, holding up his phone.

- "I don’t want to hear about that video again, got it? Mention it one more time, and your training will be hell."

- "Alright, boss! I won’t mention it."

Daniel got up from the couch and walked around for a few seconds. Then he played the video where I was singing—I recognized my own voice.

- "Hand it over," I told him.

- "Oh no, boss. This is staying in the archives, for future generations", Daniel said, pulling his phone just out of my reach. "But I must say, you sing pretty well. The nickname ‘Crow’ suits you perfectly."

- "Shut up!" I shot him a glare, trying to grab his phone.

Suddenly, all the lights in the base went out, and the hum of electricity turned into a disturbing static noise. That had never happened before. The power was out for a few seconds. On the ground floor of the base, where we were resting, there is a large TV screen. An image suddenly appeared on the screen. It showed silhouettes of five shadowy figures standing side by side, their features obscured by darkness. The central figure spoke:

- "We declare war on the World Safety Organization and the entire world."