Chapter 1: What's up With This Island? (1)

"Stop!" was the final shout he heard before he stepped into the ruins and plunged into the abyss of darkness.

Hastily, the sound of footsteps trailed behind as a small group of three followed closely, halting at the entrance of the ruins.

"You bastard!"

The figure at the forefront cursed upon witnessing the man's entry. Their expressions revealed a mixture of anger and shame, as they felt embarrassed by their failure to apprehend a lone individual.

"Vice-Leader, should we pursue?" one of the others inquired, their voice tinged with fear and caution.

Previous attempts to explore the ruins had been met with numerous obstacles and traps. Currently, only one elite team remained within. Venturing forward with just their numbers would be an exceedingly perilous undertaking.

"We have no choice. Can you shoulder the responsibility for failing the mission, especially when we were the ones entrusted with guarding that worthless stone?" The leader, now composed, resolved to venture into the ruins. Despite the inherent danger, returning empty-handed was synonymous with death. Moreover, he doubted that the thief would dare to venture too deep within.

With that conviction, he took a step forward, and his two subordinates reluctantly followed suit.

...

Inside the ruins lay a realm of darkness, devoid of any trace of light. Even the path ahead remained obscured, shrouded in impenetrable blackness.

What terrible luck, he thought to himself.

This wasn't the first time he had found himself in a situation like this, but it was undoubtedly the most exhilarating mission of his entire career. It was also the one that had pushed him to the very brink.

Finding a momentary respite, he halted his weary body and leaned against the cold stone wall for a brief break. As he rested, he reached into the bag fastened to his waist and retrieved a small flashlight. Flicking it on, he then retrieved another object from the bag.

It was a peculiar sphere, its surface adorned with countless facets. It felt like stone to the touch, but when illuminated by the flashlight, it glimmered like a precious black diamond. Its intricate design was captivating.

"All of this for a damn, stupid... beautiful stone," he murmured with a mixture of frustration and admiration.

"If it turns out to be worthless, I might as well offload it on the black market," he muttered irritably. "It could at least help recoup some of the losses."

Regret gnawed at him for agreeing to take on this mission. One misstep, and it could tarnish his otherwise illustrious career as a thief.

As he took a moment to rest, his mind drifted back to the events that had led him to this point.

...

A day earlier, on an island nestled between the Southern Pacific and the Indian Ocean...

The crashing sounds of turbulent waves mingled with the clamor of people erecting tents, engaging in temporary construction work, and ships docking at the newly established port. Amidst the chaos, in a secluded spot far from prying eyes, a small boat glided silently toward the shore, carrying a lone figure.

Stepping off the boat, his feet sank into the soft sand. He carefully returned the oars to the boat, ensuring it was well-hidden by dragging it to the shore and covering it with sand. With his task completed, he rose to his feet and surveyed the island's center.

The island was devoid of any signs of life, with only rocky pillars and scattered fragments hinting at a once-massive structure that had been mercilessly shattered.

Further ahead lay the ruins of ancient buildings. Even from a distance, it was evident that their design and style diverged from any known civilization.

Eager to find a place to rest, he pressed on. The day was drawing to a close, and his objective was best pursued under the cover of darkness.

Finally, he discovered a toppled wall leaning against a pillar, creating a small gap where he could find refuge. It offered a temporary haven to rest. He crawled inside, removed his bag, and used it as a makeshift pillow. Lying down, he closed his eyes and began mentally organizing all the information he had received prior to his arrival.

A few months ago, the entire world was in turmoil due to the sudden emergence of the island and its accompanying ruins.

Archaeological societies and government agencies from all corners of the globe hurried to the island, commencing their research. However, their efforts only added fuel to the fire, intensifying the curiosity and speculation surrounding the island.

Through extensive scans and underwater exploration, they discovered that the entire island resembled a colossal pillar rising from the ocean depths, seemingly designed to support the enigmatic ruins.

In response, various agencies swiftly took control, placing strict restrictions on access to the island and granting exclusive rights to special organizations. Only with their approval were archaeologists permitted to study and investigate the site.

As rumors spread, people offered diverse theories, ranging from the island being an ancient lost city to an extraterrestrial phenomenon. Some even drew connections to the fabled tale of the Monkey King, generating fervor among the enthusiastic fans.

It was a typical weekend, and he, like many others, indulged in the buzz of rumors while enjoying a cold beer at the local bar near his home. Little did he know that upon returning, he would be presented with an extraordinary opportunity—to steal something from the very island that had captivated the world's attention.

When one of his previous clients, a collector of peculiar objects, approached him with this mission, he couldn't immediately decline. Over the years, he had assisted this individual in procuring various oddities, some genuinely unique and others seemingly absurd from his perspective.

Unperturbed by the nature of the task, he cared only for the reward it promised, prompting him to accept the job without hesitation.

And so, he found himself in this desolate place, embarking on a mission to pilfer an item coveted by numerous governments.

How intriguing, he mused, peering through the crevice. Night had descended upon the ruins. After devouring a meager meal, he closed his eyes, seeking a brief respite.

Hours later, he stirred from his slumber. Rising to his feet, he retrieved a face mask and a small, curved blade from his bag, equipping himself for the task at hand.

"Time to get it done," he whispered, setting forth toward the heart of the island.

After traversing the distance, he slowed his pace, cautiously creeping toward the nearby camp where the exploration team and hired guards rested. The area was dotted with numerous small tents, alongside a few larger ones and recently constructed wooden structures.

Taking cover behind a crumbling pillar, he patiently awaited his opportunity.

Half an hour passed when his gaze fixated on a figure approaching the tents, emerging from the heart of the island.

The man advanced toward one of the smaller tents and disappeared inside.

Sensing this as his prime moment, he stealthily closed in on the tent.

"Yeah, I know," he overheard the man say, engaging in a conversation with someone inside. "Hurry before the team leader grows furious. Don't come complaining later that I failed to rouse you in time."

"I'm going, I'm going," the other voice replied.

Rustling emanated from within the tent, and after a few minutes, another man emerged. He carried an assault rifle and sported a black uniform adorned with a bulletproof vest, a bag secured to his waist.

The man took a deep breath and started walking toward the center of the island.

After a few fleeting seconds, the man vanished from sight.

With bated breath, he maintained his vigil, waiting for a couple of minutes until the soft sounds of rhythmic breathing emanated from the tent. Peering inside, he confirmed the slumbering figure of the man nestled within his sleeping bag, an empty one beside him. Bags, provisions, and various items were scattered around the confined space. His gaze fixated on the assault rifle positioned near the sleeping man.

Equipping the blade in his left hand, he silently infiltrated the tent, positioning himself directly above the unsuspecting sleeper.

"Wuu—"

Reacting swiftly, he swiftly covered the man's mouth with his left hand. Startled awake, the man instinctively reached for his weapon—a testament to his training.

Yet, before the man could fully grasp his firearm, the blade found its mark, penetrating his shoulder.

Muffled cries of pain escaped his lips as he writhed in futile resistance, eventually succumbing to unconsciousness.

Ensuring the guard's incapacitation, he was relieved that the man was merely paralyzed and unconscious due to the poison on the blade. He had no intention of inflicting permanent harm on an innocent guard.

With the guard out of the way, he swiftly removed the uniform, donning it over his own attire to blend in more seamlessly with his surroundings. Satisfied with his disguise, he positioned himself near the entrance of the tent, patiently awaiting the arrival of his next target.

As the dark sky started to give way to the approaching dawn, the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears. Adopting a crouched position, he readied himself for an imminent encounter.

"Hey, man, wake up. I'm exhausted; get ready—" The voice outside drew nearer, signaling the imminent entry of the person he had been waiting for. Seizing the opportunity, he swiftly pulled the unsuspecting intruder into the tent, firmly gripping him to prevent any resistance.

Before the startled intruder could react, a blade pressed against his throat, leaving a shallow cut as a warning.

"Who are you?" the man asked, his voice steady despite the circumstances. Rather than resorting to panic or shouting for help, he opted to gather information.

Amused by the man's composure, Anom chuckled softly. "You have quite the calm demeanor. Now, I suggest you cooperate and tell me everything you know about the security arrangements near the storage."

The guard's expression hardened. "Why would I? I'll end up like him," he retorted, gesturing towards his unconscious partner lying on the ground.

Anom smirked, correcting the guard's misconception. "Oh, don't worry. He's just temporarily incapacitated. Now, it's in your best interest to provide the information I seek."

The guard's gaze shifted towards his partner, observing his subtle signs of breathing. Realizing that his partner was merely unconscious, he visibly relaxed, accepting the situation and preparing to divulge the requested details.

As Anom's knife pricked his flesh, the guard's voice trembled with a mix of pain and curiosity. "Who are you?"

Anom paused for a moment, considering the question that seemed to trouble the guard. "I am Anom," he replied, offering a casual introduction. "Nice to meet you."

"Thief Lor-" The guard's eyes widened, seemingly on the verge of exclaiming something, but before he could completely articulate his realization, the effects of the anesthetic kicked in, causing him to lose consciousness.

Anom wore a smug smile as he discreetly concealed the blade within his clothing, ensuring it was safely hidden. With precision, he positioned the unconscious guard next to his comrade, minimizing any suspicion that might arise.

After thoroughly inspecting the tent's contents, he retrieved the final item from his bag. Folding the bag neatly, he tucked it away inside his vest. Carefully and quietly, he exited the tent, ensuring not to draw any attention.

Taking a moment to assess his surroundings, Anom proceeded towards the central area. Along the path, small wooden houses dotted the vicinity. Approaching one of the houses, he surveyed the area, ensuring it was clear of any onlookers. Satisfied with his assessment, he placed the item he carried near the wall—a square white box adorned with a button on the side. With a deliberate press of the button, he activated its mechanism before continuing on his way.

Navigating through the camp posed no challenge for Anom, as he now possessed knowledge of the storage's precise location. Towering above the others, the substantial wooden structure stood at the center of the camp, measuring approximately twenty feet in height and fifty feet on each side. Its construction material of choice was wood, chosen for its ease of transportation during the initial stages of development. Positioned at the entrance were three guards, each armed with an assault rifle, maintaining a constant state of alertness against potential disturbances.

Anom couldn't help but scoff at the lackadaisical attitude of the guards. What a lousy job they were doing, he thought to himself as he made his way towards the gate.

"Hey Kiso, what's the hold-up? Were you busy making out with John?" one of the guards jeered as they noticed Anom approaching. Clearly, their attempts at humor were their only source of entertainment during their monotonous duty.

Anom chose to ignore their juvenile remarks and proceeded towards the gate. Taking up the position that was unmistakably intended for a fourth guard, he turned his back to the building, facing outward.

Not receiving any response from Anom, the guards assumed he was simply dismissing their feeble joke. Resuming their monotonous standing routine, they maintained a stoic silence.

BOOM! THUD! THUD!

Suddenly, a loud rumbling noise echoed through the air, followed by two heavy thuds that reverberated through the ground.

The guards' attention was instantly piqued, their senses heightened by the unexpected cacophony of sound and the tremors that shook the area.

"You two stay here; we'll go check out what happened," one of the guards commanded, motioning for his companion to accompany him.

Good. Let's get started, Anom thought to himself. The small explosion had created a momentary distraction, providing him with a window of opportunity to carry out his mission. Thankfully, he had managed to maintain his position without raising suspicion, sparing him the need to devise an alternative plan.

Time was of the essence, and he knew that the commotion caused by the explosion would quickly spread throughout the camp on this otherwise serene morning. He had to act swiftly.

Glancing at the remaining guard, whose attention was still fixed on the direction of the explosion, Anom stealthily retrieved his blade and silently approached him.

"What are yo—MFHN?" Before the guard could utter another word, Anom swiftly seized him and drove the blade into his shoulder. The guard writhed in pain, inadvertently causing the wound to worsen.

"Hey! Calm down, Mr. Guard. You look tired; just sleep," Anom calmly remarked as he subdued the struggling guard. With the guard now immobilized, he carefully placed him on the ground and proceeded to search his pockets.

It was evident that this guard had been given strict instructions not to leave his post, being responsible for guarding the door.

"Ah, perfect," Anom exclaimed with a hint of satisfaction as he discovered the key needed to unlock the door.

Although the door was secured with a lock, the construction and security measures on the island had not yet been fully upgraded by the agencies. As a result, the lock was a relatively simple one.

Time was of the essence. According to the information he had gathered, the arrival of ships carrying advanced security measures was scheduled for the following day. He knew he had only a narrow window of opportunity to accomplish his objective.

"More like one minute," he muttered to himself, aware of the urgency of the situation. With the key in hand, he swiftly inserted it into the lock, turned it, and pushed the door open, stepping inside the building.

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