Author's Note:
(Note: It is recommended that readers read this. It's quite an important note.)
Dear avid readers (if there are any in the first place),
There are a few things I need to mention:
To start off, I know it's been frustrating how I constantly delete my novel to reapply for a contract. It's been around 4–5 times (I think), and this is the 5th time I'm applying, so sorry everyone.
I would like to mention to those who are either seniors, have read a lot of novels before, or are quite perceptive, that since the scene of Maria and the MC, I've reduced psychological explanations, internal monologues and dialogues, and internal struggles. Perhaps you've noticed other things too, and I wanted to explain the reason.
In short, I'd like to say that until around 10 chapters later, the real story won't begin—the juicy stuff. The chapters up to now are like an introduction to what will occur in the future. The fantasy, cosmic horror and such is coming, after part 1 of arc 0 ends.
I don't know how many noticed, but it seems the dialogue is a bit "general" or a bit edgy (maybe?), and may be oversimplified (or not, I'm not sure, just asking lol), and the reactions and dialogues... well, I'm working on it. I'm still a beginner, so I'm learning every day. I'm writing for the first time, after all.
As for descriptions... I heard from a good old author that descriptions are best left a bit vague so that readers can imagine, but I'm not so sure. So please rate the novel so far and give me feedback. I need feedback to improve. Oh yeah, join the Discord in the synopsis too.
If you're waiting for the juicy stuff—long, detailed dialogues, better vocabulary, descriptions, internal monologues, explanations, different topics explored, mystical stuff, R-18, fantasy, dark, comedy, and other things—wait a few more chapters and you'll have it.
So I need feedback. Really. A lot.
If you noticed, I tried changing my writing style a bit—from over-descriptive info dumps (at the beginning) to more fragmented sentences (later). So I'd appreciate feedback on which one you think is better.
Without feedback, I can't know what my dear, avid readers want!
I don't have much time to write since I have around two hours every day due to other commitments, but I try my best.
In the future, expect more writing time, better explanations, and descriptions.
And of course, I won't forget to thank anyone still reading my humble novel.
Just kidding. My novel is the best.
(Note: I forgot to add this, but for those who don't know, Vladimir left after delivering the girly from previous, so he is like in his sedan right now with no idea that his Boss is in danger)
From an un-narcissistic (narcissistic), unselfish (selfish), magnanimous, evil, prideful, courteous, and dignified psychopathic author,
— ItismeindeedsoObey
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ZZsssssssst...
The sound slowly became clearer and clearer, but because everyone was focused on the pounding door, bullets, and explosions, the sound was swallowed.
Only Xin heard it clearly, before a smile crept across his face.
Dietrich, who saw his expression, was flabbergasted.
'Has he gone crazy after everything that happened?'
A pitiful expression crossed his face, as he sighed in sadness.
'Well, in the end, he's still a young man who was thrown into this accursed world and made into what he is. It's not really his fault—hm..?'
Upon focusing, Dietrich heard the odd sound too and raised an eyebrow in confusion.
'What is that sound?'
Before he could gather his thoughts, the sound of something cutting through the air rapidly filled everyone's ears—the sound of something flying faster than the speed of sound, Mach 14, booming in the midst of the explosions like the sun breaking through the darkest of nights.
The sound was so distinct, it was almost as if time had stopped for a moment.
'This is....'
THWHOOSH...
The long, cylinder-like object with a cone nose flew... and flew... and flew...
...and made contact with the area containing the cop cars.
—KRAKOOM!
The entire area was obliterated by the power of an AGM-114 Hellfire missile launched from a military helicopter.
The shockwave shattered the glass and shook the entire room as if it were going to collapse, sending Santiago flying and smashing his head against the metal door.
His head began bleeding profusely, and he immediately lost consciousness from the violent concussion.
Mikhail, who had been shot in the stomach, dragged himself slowly, leaving a trail of blood as he took cover behind a couch, spitting out a mouthful of blood from the wounds to his right lung and stomach.
A bullet struck where he had just been, cold sweat forming on his back.
It was getting cold. Really cold.
He brought his trembling, red-dipped fingers to his pale face, only to shiver at the cold touch against the warmth that was rapidly fading due to blood loss.
His breathing grew haggard, his body spasming for a few moments, before his arms slumped beside him with a thump!, and his eyes slowly, ever slowly, closed.
The helicopter began shooting 30×113mm B bullets—enough to turn even fully-armored men into nothing more than cooked jokbal—wreaking havoc on nearby buildings, destroying policemen, agents, vehicles, trees, infrastructure, and civilians alike.
(A/N: Jokbal is a Korean dish.)
The helicopter rained bullets on everything, obliterating all signs of life in the area.
Whirling its rotor blades, it approached the shattered window, the wind pressure pushing away debris and shards of glass.
"Now! Get to the helicopter and take them with you! It's your sister's orders!" Xin's voice rang loud and clear, and everyone obeyed in their moment of desperation.
Without hesitation, Dietrich carried the barely-breathing Mikhail on one shoulder, and the unconscious Santiago—his head dripping blood into a small puddle—on the other.
Mikhail was too tired to resist and quickly surrendered to the pull of deep sleep.
Though Dietrich looked thin and gave off a nerdy impression with his golden rectangular glasses, his strength was no joke.
At Xin's words, he dashed to the dangling helicopter ladder and climbed up professionally with the two bodies over his shoulders like a monkey.
Inside the helicopter, a man wearing a helmet and a polyester-like black mask helped him with the two.
"Young Miss, our priority is getting you home now! Quickly, come!" He extended his hands toward her, urging her to take them.
Ekidna ignored him and instead held Xin's hands softly, pulling him toward the helicopter that was about to take off.
Walking with her, Xin turned back for one last look at the door that was about to break. Shaking his head with a half-bitter smile, he walked alongside her.
Ekidna climbed the ladder first and offered her hands to Xin, expecting him to follow her up. But contrary to her expectations, Xin pushed her up, and the masked man caught her.
"Xin?" Ekidna's eyes trembled with confusion.
"What are you doing...? This isn't the time to joke."
Her voice weakened, her hands still hovering in the air where they had held Xin's, laughing awkwardly.
"Come quickly. The door is about to break!"
She shook her head and extended her hand again, pleading with her eyes, gesturing toward the battered door.
But Xin turned his back to her, walking back into the room with that same bitter smile, his eyes closed.
Ekidna's desperation surged as she panicked and nearly slipped from the ladder, earning a startled yelp from Niki and Dietrich.
"X-Xin, you can't do this! Please, come back quickly! Now! This is an order!"
Growing even more desperate, she tried to climb back down, only to be stopped by Dietrich.
She shot him a hateful glare and nearly slapped him, but froze when she heard the voice of the one she saw as her little brother.
Xin, now sitting in the room with a chair pulled up, spoke calmly.
"I have something to do."
In reality, Xin had something he really needed to do. How could he let such an interesting scenario slip by?
Well, his little act was necessary to earn her affection—and this was the best way. The push-and-pull effect. The oldest trick in the book.
For her to hate him, yet love him at the same time. Paradoxical, isn't it?
To put it simply, it was to create obsession.
"Miss, we can't stay here any longer! The helicopter's getting shot at and our ammo is running out!"
"Niki, shut up and help me get Xin here!"
She screamed, tears streaming, her breathing worsening by the second.
Ignoring her cries and fearing she might do something reckless, Niki sighed and brought out handcuffs, securing them with a click!.
She turned to him in stunned shock.
"Niki! What are you doing? Take these off, now!!"
"I'm sorry, Young Miss, but the older Miss ordered us to return you home in one piece. Nothing else matters."
Giving a quick signal to the pilot, who nodded in understanding, the helicopter began flying away.
"Xin! Xiiiin! No! No, no, no! This can't be happening! Let me go, now!"
She screamed and sobbed, trying to jump from the helicopter, but with a swift motion, Dietrich struck the back of her neck, rendering her unconscious. He gently handed her over to Niki, who removed his hat in thanks.
Dietrich looked back at the shrinking building, then closed his eyes.
'Olympia... if it's you, then you probably know what you're doing.'
The door finally burst open.
As Mark and his men stormed in, the weight of the moment sank in.
They spread out, weapons raised, while Mark's eyes fixed on the young man sitting nonchalantly at the far end of the table—legs propped up, eyes closed, hands behind his head, chair tilted back.
Colonel Mark stepped forward, his voice steady and authoritative. "Xin," he said.
"You're surrounded. Surrender now, and no one else has to get hurt."
For a brief moment, silence took hold.
Xin's lips curled into a slow, sinister grin—one that sent chills down the spines of even the most hardened criminals.
"You are...."
Then the grin lingered before fading into a frown of confusion.
"Wait... who were you again?"