Standing before the thick, black iron door, a sensation of exclusion permeated the air.
The child seemed hesitant, perhaps apprehensive about something? He paused for an extended period without action.
13 remained silent; everyone possesses their privacy, even a child of merely ten-odd years...
With what could be described as "arduous" effort, he knocked upon the imposing door. An expression of helplessness surfaced on the child's face.
Five minutes elapsed without response. Yet, 13 knew someone was undoubtedly inside; the subtle shift in light from the peephole moments earlier indicated he was being scrutinized like an exhibit in a zoological garden.
Faint footsteps echoed—likely reporting activity...
When the footsteps neared once more, 13 understood the tedious "approval" process had finally concluded.
The lock began to turn; the iron door slowly creaked open...
Over ten assault rifles of various models materialized, the distinctive crimson glow of their sights roving over 13's body.
He had never anticipated a grand welcoming ceremony, yet neither had he envisioned such a "reception."
"Don't be like this; he's my friend..." the child explained, somewhat panicked.
"Zheng Xuan! Have you forgotten the rules?!" A middle-aged man with a bristly beard reprimanded him.
"I know the rules, but Uncle..." Zheng Xuan explanation with difficulty.
"Say no more. The young lady wishes to see you," the middle-aged man stated calmly, yet Zheng Xuan's heart couldn't help but tremble.
"Have your issues been resolved? I assume I may depart now," 13 spoke.
"You intend to leave?" Zheng Xuan's tone betrayed surprise and reluctance.
"I never planned to remain. I have my own agenda to fulfill. Seeing you attended by companions alleviates my concerns." Though the environment was dim, the child could still perceive the "old man's" smile, and 13 clearly saw the liquid welling in Zheng Xuan's eyes.
"Do you believe that having come here, you can depart with such ease?" The middle-aged man's muzzle elevated slightly, the red dot settling upon 13's glabella.
"If I wished to depart, do you believe you could detain me?" 13's tone carried sarcasm. The companions beside him grew agitated.
"Don't be excessively arrogant, youngster." The middle-aged man remained exceptionally composed, distinctly different from his seemingly juvenile subordinates.
"Regardless, I shall first escort him to meet the young lady," Zheng Xuan declared, taking 13's suspended right hand and leading him through the crowd, proceeding inwards.
Surveying the environment: this was a tunnel. Beyond the iron door lay only a straight path leading into the distance. Wall-mounted lamps provided quiet illumination.
The luminescence at the exit grew brighter. The child held 13's hand tightly, not releasing his grip, quickening his pace. The closely following "companions" behind also accelerated, their weapons never lowered throughout. In terms of physical stamina, they were reasonably competent...
Exiting the tunnel, the abrupt change in lighting was somewhat dazzling.
Scanning the surroundings: a capacious space, comparable in size to a small plaza. Intricately interwoven pipes mitigated the sense of emptiness. Occasional water droplets fell from overhead. A preliminary assessment suggested it was likely an underground water distribution chamber. Contrasting with this environment were the dozen or so children standing around. Their flickering eyes observed the newly arrived guest. There were also scattered adults or youths appearing to be students. All held black firearms.
Amidst these individuals, the one who uniquely captured 13's attention was a girl, her face obscured by a thin black veil. A form-fitting black dress enveloped her well-proportioned body snugly, leaving perfect curves to ignite the imagination. Her raven-black hair complemented her attire aptly.
What perplexed 13 most were her eyes—ordinary brown irises, yet evoking an overwhelming sense of familiarity. Merely gazing silently felt as though his very soul were being extracted. 13 was decidedly not a frivolous or lecherous man, yet this familiar sensation left him somewhat disoriented...
"Zheng Xuan, do you acknowledge your error?" the girl inquired in standard Korean, approaching.
"I..." Zheng Xuan displayed rare shame.
Gently raising her right hand, a resounding slap struck Zheng Xuan's cheek. No one expressed surprise; even Zheng Xuan, the recipient of the blow, offered no resistance. This was deserved punishment...
"Apologies..." Zheng Xuan lowered his head.
"Fool! As long as you're unharmed." The girl knelt, embracing his body tightly. Truly tightly.
"Miss, this fellow..." the middle-aged man from earlier reminded her of 13's presence.
"It matters not. Since he is Zheng Xuan's friend, he is a trustworthy companion." The girl stood up, looking at 13 beside her.
"I never stated I wished to be your companion," 13 averted his head, avoiding the girl's gaze, finally reverting to his usual demeanor.
"But Miss, isn't this fellow somewhat peculiar? We haven't searched him yet. Perhaps he's an R-Army spy?!" The middle-aged man persisted in highlighting 13's potential danger, exceptionally concerned for the girl's safety.
"What is your name?" The girl disregarded the man's warning.
"Zhang Jie," 13 replied normally.
"H-nation citizen?" The name didn't quite sound like it.
"No." Nationality was a source of anguish for 13.
"I constantly feel you look familiar..." The girl strove to recollect.
"I share that sentiment, yet I cannot recall where I have seen you," 13 looked at the girl. "Perhaps if you remove your veil, I might remember."
"Is that so?" The girl's fingers reached her ear.
"You mustn't, Miss! Until a stranger's trustworthiness is confirmed, your identity cannot be revealed!" the middle-aged man interjected.
"Can you be trusted?" the girl asked curiously.
"Uncertain. What is your assessment?" 13 responded strangely.
"If given the choice between joining us or betraying us, which would you select?" The girl's fingers remained poised by her ear.
"I would choose to depart quietly..." 13 answered in his own way.
After a pause, the girl smiled.
"You truly are a peculiar individual..." Her fingers began to move, gently grasping a corner of the black veil, naturally removing the disguise without a trace of hesitation, her smile still lingering.
At this moment, 13 was genuinely rendered speechless. As if his throat had fractured, his body twitched strangely; he retreated step by step. His right hand covered his complex expression. Everyone noticed his abnormality.
13 was seen trembling, kneeling on the ground, his left arm tightly embracing his own body, yet still shivering violently. Through the gaps between his fingers, 13 saw... "Angel!"
Aside from the differing hair and eye color, she was indistinguishable from Angel. 13 even began to doubt if Zhang Jie had truly perished.
"Are you alright?" the girl asked with concern.
"Why? Why must it be like this?" 13 actually shed tears, simply from seeing a long-absent person.
"You seem unwell. Would you like a physician to examine you?" The girl was unaware of Angel's story.
"Do you know how much I've missed you?" His arm hung limply on the cold ground, lacking even the strength to lift his head. Tears crystallized in his eyes, coalescing into drops, falling...
He had completely lost the boundary between reality and recollection. Even though rationally aware that the person before him merely bore a strong resemblance, he still couldn't control himself. He truly wanted her to know...
Although uncertain why he acted thus, the girl's heart nonetheless beat strangely.
"I have striven diligently to change. Why won't you watch me change?" 13 slowly stood up.
"It seems this is our first encounter..." Concurrent with the strange beating, the girl also felt inexplicable fear.
"No matter how much time passes, I can never forget..." Slowly approaching.
"What do you intend to do?" the middle-aged man roared, his weapon consistently aimed at 13's head.
"The moment I embraced you, I truly fell in love with that sensation." As he spoke, he held her tightly, as if everything around them had returned to that quiet night.
"If you dare act recklessly, I will kill you!"
The synchronized sound of chambering rounds; everyone raised their weapons.
"All of you, be silent." 13 calmly swept his gaze across the entire area. No one spoke further. Being subjected to his gaze transformed bodies into pure bronze statues; even twitching a single finger felt like an extravagance. Merely a simple glance, yet to those aiming at 13, it conveyed, "Move recklessly, and death alone will not suffice to resolve the issue. You will pay a higher price..."
"It appears you have mistaken me for someone else." The man before her was excessively forceful; the girl could not resist.
Gently stroking the girl's raven-black hair, carefully smoothing it behind her ear. The contours of her face became clearer. 13 smiled blissfully, like a child who had obtained a cherished possession.
Holding her tightly in his embrace.
"Are you listening to me?" the girl began to feel bewildered.
"Shh..." 13 whispered beside her ear, "Actually, I understand more clearly than anyone that you are not her. She has departed from me forever. But now, can you allow me to deceive myself just this once? Please..."
Only a desolate feeling remained...
"Then can you tell me your true identity?" The girl disliked being embraced by a stranger.
"Mm," 13 continued whispering beside her ear. No different from before, yet the girl's pupils contracted.
"You bastard! How dare you violate the young lady?!" The middle-aged man finally broke free from 13's aura of fear, aiming once more.
"Don't!" the girl interjected, her expression grave. "Do not fire!"
"Why?" the middle-aged man asked strangely.
At this moment, 13 was completely immersed in memories of Angel...
"Because he is 13, Z-nation's legendary Sniper King..."
The room returned to instantaneous tranquility...