Killer’s Diary

Ep.3 Temporary Team

"The objective for this mission is to be the first to infiltrate the Chen Group's drug trafficking compound in Country C and successfully eliminate their leader, Chen Tao. The compound is nestled within a tropical rainforest, guarded by 100 personnel armed with machine guns. I only care about the result."

"Mission accomplished."

On the helicopter en route to Country C, the air hung thick with tension. Besides Charon joining voluntarily, the other three were seasoned veterans I'd worked with countless times before. Victory in this operation would belong solely to our team.

After landing in the target zone, Charon and I quickly took cover.

"Death Zone fully covered." I swiped back and forth on my tactical tablet, adjusting the aerial view to monitor movements within the surveillance zone. The Fierce Bird Group had just updated a batch of "Puma" small reconnaissance drones, which came in handy during this training exercise. Zooming in through the drone's lens, I could clearly see Team Two's captain, Chelo, also conducting strategic reconnaissance.

"Charon, Sector B east, three o'clock position, one Chen scout spotted," I relayed over the channel.

Two seconds later, a puff of air echoed in my earpiece. "Kill confirmed," Charon replied calmly over the channel. If the drones were an unseen pair of eyes, Charon's sniper rifle was a sharp blade—weaving an inescapable net that trapped all who entered.

"Charon, how about we team up? With heavy external guards, we should coordinate our entry. I know you brought drones with smoke grenades and heavy machine guns this time. I can handle the signal jamming first." I cut into Charon's radio channel.

"Old friend, you're trying to screw me over again, huh? "

"Last time was just an accident. I couldn't pull back in time and accidentally took out your teammate, letting them take first place. Sorry about that."

"This time, things are tougher than expected. Deal."

How to achieve complete suppression, execute the diversion, and finally secure the kill—my mind raced through multiple simulations. Every part must mesh like gears, each link fitting perfectly for the operation to run smoothly.

"I'll handle signal jamming first, then deploy drone bombs. Chelo, apply heavy fire suppression from the east and south to narrow the encirclement."

"Signal jamming complete." I immediately deployed the drone squad equipped with improvised bomb launchers. Using bushes for cover, they advanced toward the target area.

"Drones have completed deployment in the designated zone."

"Copy that. Brothers, move in."

"Chero, watch your left 20 meters."

"Got it, buddy."

"Smoke grenades! Covering fire!" Chero commanded over the channel.

Within seconds, thick gray-white smoke billowed from the grenades, throwing the enemy into disarray.

Our squad charged toward the objective in tactical formation under the cover of smoke. Almost simultaneously, I heard familiar footsteps approaching from the other side.

"Sorry, buddy. First strike's mine this time." Before the words faded, a towering figure burst into my line of sight. Those damn muscles seemed ready to burst through his combat suit—it was none other than my "good friend" Charon. Beneath the mask, hawk-like eyes fixed on me.

Before his fist could connect, I ducked low, shifted my center of gravity, closed the distance swiftly, and seized his wrist. Using his momentum, I twisted and thrust him forward. Clearly, he hadn't anticipated that move. In past confrontations with men, women often lack the advantage in strength and weight. I focused more on using technique to make my movements more efficient. Next, my knuckles, reinforced with wolf teeth, slammed into the sensor module on the right side of his helmet.

"Zzz—" A sharp crackling sound erupted from his earpiece. Charon, his face contorted in rage, ripped off his helmet and tossed it aside.

Before he could regain his footing, I surged forward, executing a shoulder throw. Using the leverage of my limbs, I pinned him down, my arm locked tightly around Chelo's neck. Barely 20 seconds had passed when Charon, already flushed crimson, tapped my elbow in surrender. I released him.

"Click." The sound of a trigger being pulled echoed through my headset, followed by a thunderous crash behind us—someone had been shot and collapsed heavily onto the floor.

"Chen Tao confirmed kill."

On the other side, Chelo coughed a few times. "Whoa, you're brutal."

"No need for courtesy with old friends," I said, brushing dust off my clothes.

"What's the situation on your end?" I asked over the squad channel.

"We're providing perimeter cover for Team Charon. All remaining targets eliminated," Charon reported.

"Reporting to Instructor Wu: Mission accomplished," I messaged him.

"Stand down," Instructor Wu replied.

Back at the Su residence.

"Mumu, you're back."

"Why is your face so dirty?" she asked, handing me a wet wipe to clean up.

"Got a bit messy during the mission today. It's fine, I'll handle it." I took the wipe from her hand.

"Here. I saw these for sale on my way back and thought they were cute, so I grabbed one for you." I retrieved the pet carrier from the trunk.

"Wow, such a cute chameleon. It looks so dazed, just like you."

"Who's dazed?"

Su Shuyu giggled.

My heart was pounding so fast. I touched my chest, thinking it must be from being too tired today. She seemed to really like it—looks like I made the right choice. While I was still lost in thought, suddenly, soft, warm lips pressed against mine, preparing to kiss me again. Faced with this unexpected move, I quickly pulled away.

She seemed to notice my nervousness and teased, "Payback."

I could almost hear my blood rushing through my veins, my body feeling warm and fuzzy.

"What should I call you? How about Little Yeye?"

"Little Leaf?? Let's pick another name..." Before I could finish, Su Shuyu bounced off toward the room, carrying the pet carrier. How could she act so nonchalant? That was my first kiss—I felt taken advantage of. And who names a chameleon Little Yeye anyway?