King

The tall grass was stained bright red with blood, as if someone had deliberately left a trail of blood, luring prey deeper into the forest. But you already knew this "predator"—Koenig—very well. So you approached him with weapons at the ready.

You were the one sent to eliminate him. You didn't like the command's decision at all. However, the reason was simple.

Even in school, Koenig had strong feelings for you. You never bullied him like the others and treated him kindly. Later, your paths diverged: you joined a different organization. Almost immediately after, soldiers began dying more and more often during operations.

You were the first to voice your theory. Command decided to use you as bait, believing that Koenig still had feelings for you. Especially since he was now a colonel and could influence the course of many operations.

But with every step across the blood-stained grass, you realized they were mistaken. König had long since ceased to be that quiet boy. If he truly sought you out, it was clearly not for love.

Soon, my gaze fell upon a trampled patch of grass. The ground had been trampled by dozens of heavy footsteps, and blood had soaked it that it resembled an arena for a mortal combat.

You crouched down, touching the blood that hadn't yet dried.

— Did you find anything interesting?

A rough, low voice sounded very close.

You raised your head sharply.

Koenig.

You stood up and raised your rifle, but your finger never quite touched the trigger.

His face was hidden by a familiar mask, and his nearly two-meter height and broad shoulders made him look like a veritable rock. Standing before you was no longer the quiet boy you knew.

Lowering the barrel of his rifle to the ground, he looked straight at you and hoarsely said:

— Look who's shown up. What brings you here? Decided to visit an old friend? Well, here he is... I'm here.

Despite his words, there wasn't a drop of joy in his voice. Only cold irony and barely concealed ill will.