"เก่งให้น้อยคือปาก เก่งให้มากคือลงมือทำ."
- Naga
Pattaya, Thailand
The atmosphere in the FOB was tense, the usual pre-raid buzz filling the room as operators and agents checked their gear, making final adjustments to their weapons, and reviewed their mission briefs one last time. The countdown was on, only two more hours until the raid would commence.
The Royal Thai Police had been busy throughout the morning, quietly evacuating civilians from the area surrounding the syndicate's base. With the innocent bystanders cleared out and roadblocks set up to keep anyone within a two-mile radius from entering, the path was now clear for Rainbow and NIGHTHAVEN to move in.
Lockpick and Sabit, scanning the room for any sign of the others, approached Pulse, their curiosity piqued.
"Where are Caveira and Nøkk?" Lockpick asked, his eyes scanning the team.
Pulse, checking the settings on his UMP45, glanced up.
"They're already inside," he answered, his tone calm but firm, "They're getting into position, ready to cause chaos from the inside once the raid begins. We've got their intel, and they'll create the distraction we need."
Sabit nodded, clearly understanding the gravity of their roles. The internal sabotage was going to be crucial in throwing the syndicate off balance. As the team around them began to get more focused, Ash stepped forward, adjusting her cap.
"Let's make sure we're all on the same page," she said, her voice steady, "This isn't just about taking down a scam syndicate; it's about hitting the Keres Legion where it hurts, keeping them off guard. We do this clean."
The operators exchanged knowing glances, a shared understanding passing between them. The plan was set. Now it was just a matter of executing it.
Dusk stood at a corner, his fingers tracing the edges of the handkerchief the children had given him. Lucy sat by his side, her ears twitching as if sensing the change in the air. The handkerchief felt heavier in his hands with each passing second, a silent symbol of urgency. Ying, noticing how tense Dusk had become, approached cautiously.
"Are you alright?" Ying asked, her voice soft but laced with concern.
Dusk glanced up, his usually calm demeanor replaced by something darker.
"The little girl," he said quietly, his voice almost a growl, "The one who told us about the SUVs... she's missing. Her parents think she was snatched off the street. I have a feeling the syndicate's behind it. If they've got her, that means they're onto us. And if she's hurt, they better wash their necks and wait."
Ying took a step back, a cold shiver running down her spine. The expression on Dusk's face reminded her of something primal, like a crocodile preparing to strike. It was the first time she'd seen him like this: Raw, untamed, and full of quiet fury. Even Lucy, normally so friendly, seemed on edge. Her stance was protective, eyes narrowed, growling softly at anyone who came too close. This wasn't the Dusk she knew.
Whatever the syndicate had done, they had just triggered something dangerous inside him.
The city was eerily quiet as Rainbow and NIGHTHAVEN teams, along with their extensive backup, took their positions in the streets surrounding the syndicate's base. Dozens of police officers lined the perimeter, backed by members of Arintaraj 26 and two squads of Thailand's elite special forces, each ready for whatever the raid would throw at them. This wasn't just another raid—it was a carefully calculated strike that could very well escalate into a full-blown siege or war. The involvement of the Keres Legion only heightened the stakes. But amidst all the preparation and tension, one thing remained paramount: the hostages inside.
As the last rays of the sun faded, turning the sky a deep orange and then to the creeping darkness of night, the sound of hushed voices and the creak of gear being adjusted filled the air. Zero, who had already infiltrated the enemy base alongside Caveira and Nøkk, contacted the team with an update. His voice came through clear in their comms, a hint of satisfaction in his tone.
"All sabotage operations are a go," Zero reported, "Both the north and west entrances are sealed tight, half the power grid's down, and majority of the surveillance cameras had just gone offline. We're good to move."
The teams' tension didn't dissipate, but the information was enough to confirm they had the upper hand. Kali, in position at a higher vantage point, was the one who held the signal. She checked her sniper rifle once more, her eyes scanning the base through her scope.
"Once I fire the first shot," Kali's voice came through the comms, low and steady, "That's your cue. Everyone move in. No hesitation."
As the night settled in, the world held its breath. The raid was about to begin. A group of Keres Legionnaires appear on the roof, trying to figure out why their communications have been knocked out. Kali identified the leader of the group, and her sniper rifle cracked through the Pattaya night air, dropping him on the rooftop as blood sprayed from his head. The signal was given, and the combined forces of Rainbow, NIGHTHAVEN, and the Royal Thai Police burst into action.
Lockpick, his massive frame propelling the "Guruh" battering ram, smashed through the east entrance doors. The EMP device embedded in the ram sent a pulse through the air, short-circuiting the deadly traps set to greet any intruders. The sound of gunfire and shattering glass filled the air as the team poured in. Caught off guard, a number of Legionnaires and syndicate guards were quickly eliminated before they began returning fire.
Dusk, Lucy by his side, moved swiftly through the chaos. He caught Fuze's eye, and the Uzbek operator nodded, falling in beside him. Myotis also joined them, his eyes scanning the surroundings, while four Royal Thai Police officers followed.
"Hostages, priority one," Dusk reminded them, his voice low and even.
Lucy, sensing his tension, nuzzled his leg, her special collar at the ready to tag any electronics they might encounter. As they pushed deeper into the scam syndicate's base, the sounds of battle grew louder.
"Hibana, can you give us a sitrep on your end?" Dusk asked through the radio.
Hibana's response was laced with the sound of gunfire, "We've got multiple hostiles, but Pulse is detecting them faster than they can take aim at us. We're pushing forward."
Dusk's eyes flicked towards the west wing, refocusing on the task at hand, his team moving swiftly through the corridors, searching for any sign of the hostages. His team moved methodically through the apartments, clearing each room with precision. But Dusk's usual restraint was absent today. He took down the enemy with swift efficiency, his movements economical and deadly. Lucy stayed close, her eyes fixed on him as if sensing the turmoil beneath his surface.
As he turned a corner, a shotgun barrel stared back at him. The Keres Legionnaire holding the weapon sneered, another Legionnaire behind him with a silenced pistol raised, but before the first one could fire, a bullet ripped through his neck. Dusk's eyes widened as the Legionnaire crumpled to the ground. The other Legionnaire turned to face him, pulling off their mask to reveal Caveira.
"I found the hostages," she said, her voice dripping with her usual confidence.
Dusk's gaze relaxed, grateful to be joined by another comrade as Fuze's voice cut through the tension.
"Alright, let's move. We follow her."
Dusk fell in behind Caveira. Myotis and the Royal Thai Police officers followed, their faces set with caution. As they moved deeper into the complex, Dusk's instincts screamed at him to be ready for anything.
On the other side of the base, Phaya, Dokkaebi, and Doc pushed through the winding corridors, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, clad in customized armor and wielding both an assault rifle and a flamethrower. Dokkaebi's eyes widened as she recognized the Keres Legionnaire.
"Ignis," she said, her grip on her weapon tightening, "One of Wu Hsing's personal squad members."
Ignis sneered, his eyes glinting with malice.
"You think you can take down the Legion? Let's see who gets fried extra crispy first!" He taunted, his voice dripping with contempt.
With a flourish, he ignited the flamethrower, unleashing a wave of flames that engulfed the corridor. One of the Thai police officers stumbled into the inferno, his screams piercing the air as his comrades rushed to pull him to safety. Phaya and Doc quickly smothered the flames, but not before the officer's uniform was badly charred. Dokkaebi's face twisted in anger as she opened fire on Ignis, who dodged behind a nearby pillar.
Aruni and Ash burst into the corridor, joining the fray as the team unleashed a hail of bullets at Ignis. He returned fire, his flamethrower roaring to life once more.
"Buy them time!" he bellowed, his voice carrying over the din of battle, "Get the leaders out, now!"
His men scrambled to obey, laying down a withering field of fire as they attempted to cover the syndicate leaders' escape.
Caveira led the way, her eyes scanning the dimly lit hallway as they approached the door to the captive workers' quarters. Dusk, his dog Lucy, Myotis, Fuze, and the four Royal Thai Police officers fanned out behind her, their guns at the ready. The sound of gunfire and shouting had already alerted the syndicate members to their presence, but they had managed to take out the Keres Legionnaires and guards in a swift and decisive gunfight.
As Caveira worked to break the locks, Lucy suddenly snarled, as though she had detected something. Turning his head, Dusk sees a figure emerged from the shadows, her light military gear and hood making her almost invisible in the dark.
"Nøkk?" he called out.
As a ceiling light finally illuminates her figure, Dusk's eyes narrowed as he realized the person he had mistaken for Nøkk was actually wearing a hooded jacket and that her face was visible. It took him about two seconds, but his eyes widened in shock as he realized who the newcomer was: Undertow, one of Wu Hsing's personal squad members and a close-combat specialist with experiences in black ops.
Before Dusk could even shout a warning, Undertow had kicked Fuze from behind, sending him stumbling into Myotis. The two men tumbled down the stairs, their guns clattering to the floor. Dusk reacted instinctively, but Undertow was too fast. Armed with a machine pistol and a combat knife, she surprised the group with her martial arts expertise, killing two of the police officers before they could even land a blow on her. Dusk tackled her away from the rest of the officers, but Undertow's combat knife flashed in the dim light, and Dusk felt a searing pain as cold metal penetrated the flesh of his forearm.
Caveira intervened, her own knife flashing as she kicks Undertow off Dusk, disarming her of her machine pistol.
"No one stabs our cão guerreiro, bruxa," she snarled as she got into a fighting stance.
The two women exchanged blows, their movements lightning-fast yet brutal. Dusk watched in awe as they fought, their skills evenly matched, their blades sending sparks flying as metal clashed against each other, with both women landing a thin cut on each other's arms with their knives. But Caveira, ever the practical one, had backup: Zero, like a ghost out of nowhere, dropped from the ceiling with combat knife in hand, stabbing Undertow in the shoulder.
Dusk took advantage of Undertow's distraction to take a revenge shot at Undertow with his M110 SASS. The bullet hit her in the side, and she cried out in pain, dropping her knife as she clutched her wound. Realizing she was now at a disadvantage, Undertow pulled a smoke grenade from her belt and activated it, the room filling with a choking cloud of smoke. As the smoke cleared, Undertow was gone, with only a trail of blood leading into the vents being a reminder of her existence.
As the tension began to ease, Zero checked on Dusk's wound, his eyes narrowing as he examined the shallow cut.
"You're lucky," he said, "It's not deep."
Ignis stood at the far end of the hall, his flamethrower and assault rifle still firing. Two police officer has already lost their lives trying to stop Ignis's rampage, and the Rainbow and NIGHTHAVEN forces were pinned down, unable to get a clear shot at him.
Dokkaebi's voice was laced with frustration as she asked, "Is there any way to get to him before he burns us all to death?"
Phaya's gaze swept over the room, his sharp eyes locking onto Ignis standing near the weakened spot in the floor. Without a word, he motioned to Ash, pointing out the vulnerability in the structure. She acknowledged with a brief nod, her focus never straying from Ignis.
Phaya didn't waste another second. With a burst of movement, he broke cover, darting across the floor.
"Hey, American, over here! You want to deep fry people? I'm right here, have it your way!"
With that taunt, Phaya fired his gun in Ignis's direction, the shots ringing out sharply. As he continued to move with lethal precision, his eyes stayed locked on Ignis—never wavering. Ignis's head snapped up, and for a moment, there was a flash of recognition in his gaze—before it shifted into something darker, more delighted. His lips curled into a grin, his eyes gleaming with twisted excitement, as if the whole situation was one big game.
"You're gutsy, kid," Ignis said, "Running out of cover like that! Gotta admit, I'm loving it!"
Ignis stepped forward, his foot landing squarely on the weakened spot. Ash took advantage of the momentary distraction to fire her Breaching Round into the floor. Ignis looked down just in time to see the Breaching Round detonate. The explosion was instantaneous, the floor giving way beneath Ignis' feet, sending him falling two floors down.
The Rainbow and NIGHTHAVEN forces didn't bother to check on Ignis, but his faint laughter echoed up from the depths of the building, a chilling indication that he had survived and was retreating.
Dokkaebi turned to Phaya, a grudging respect in her voice.
"Not bad, Phaya. You've got more guts than I gave you credit for."
But Phaya's expression was not one of triumph. Instead, he looked slightly ashamed, his eyes avoiding Dokkaebi's gaze.
Caveira finished securing the bandage around Dusk's right arm with swift, practiced hands, her gaze lingering on the makeshift dressing.
"It's just a quick fix. The wounds not serious but you'll still need to see Doc when we're done here," she muttered, her voice low but steady.
Dusk nodded, gritting his teeth against the dull throb of the injury, his focus still sharp on their surroundings. He could feel the blood, but there was no time to care.
Meanwhile, Fuze, Myotis, Zero, and the remaining Royal Thai Police officers were working together, freeing the captives from the scam syndicate's grip. The sound of locks dropping to the floor and frantic whispers filled the air, but their progress was steady jut as, from the shadows, Nøkk suddenly emerged, looking a bit frantic.
"Incoming. Keres Legionnaires and syndicate guards, moving fast through where you all came from. They'll be on us in seconds."
"Relax," Myotis said, his voice almost casual, "I've got something for them. Been leaving a trial of these little guys when we were moving, in case we needed someone watching our backs,"
Myotis reached down to adjust a small, familiar device at his belt. The unmistakable hum of Myotis's "Tik-tik" Audio Tracking Kamikaze Drones filled the air as the floating mines blinked to life around the corner. A second later, the sound of distant explosions echoed through the corridors, shaking the walls. Dusk flinched, but the sound was only deafening, not deadly.
"Don't worry," Myotis called over his shoulder, raising his rifle as the blasts continued to reverberate, "They're just concussive charges. Won't kill anyone unless they're dumb enough to get too close."
Lockpick's massive frame shifted into motion as he prepared his gear. The hulking Indonesian operator, towering and imposing, grinned under his helmet.
"I'll make us a shortcut," he rumbled, his deep voice cutting through the chaos around them. He reached for his "Guruh" EMP Battering Ram, a formidable piece of equipment capable of busting through reinforced doors and walls with ease.
Zero gave him a brief nod.
"Do it. Fuze, assist him."
Fuze didn't hesitate, pulling out his APM-6 "Matryoshka" Cluster Charge and setting it near the wall Lockpick was targeting. The familiar sound of the device clicking into place was followed by a sharp detonation, the wall erupting in a cloud of dust and debris. Lockpick wasted no time, his ram slamming into the weakened structure with a deafening thud, creating a jagged opening. The team moved quickly, taking advantage of the new route as the sound of combat grew distant behind them.
Meanwhile, Dusk stayed back, his eyes scanning the area for any remaining captives. His right arm, still aching from the earlier injury, didn't slow him down as he moved cautiously through the building. The others were pushing forward, but he was determined to make sure none of the prisoners were left behind.
His gaze flicked over the crowd, counting heads, but something didn't sit right. The little girl. The one whose friends had begged him to find her. She wasn't among the rescued.
A knot tightened in his stomach. He instinctively reached into his pouch and pulled out the handkerchief she had clutched earlier. It was stained and frayed, but still unmistakable. His fingers brushed over it for a moment before he passed it to Lucy, his loyal Belgian Malinois.
"Find her, girl," he whispered.
Lucy's nose twitched, then she sniffed the handkerchief, her sharp eyes scanning the hall. The dog's ears perked up as she darted down the corridor with purpose, her movements swift and sure. Dusk followed her closely, though his heart was in his throat.
A few tense minutes later, Lucy barked from a room at the end of the hall. Dusk rushed over, his eyes immediately finding the little girl sitting in the corner, trembling but unharmed.
Relief washed over him as he knelt down, removing his helmet, his fingers brushing the cold metal. He gently placed it over the little girl's head, shielding her from the chaos. Her wide eyes glanced up at him, too terrified to speak, but her grip on his sleeve tightened. Dusk noticed her ankle was bandaged but still swollen, and his heart sank. Without a second thought, he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her close.
"Hold on tight," he murmured, his voice low as Lucy barked beside him, ready to follow.
He turned toward the exit Lockpick and Fuze had made, but before he could reach it, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hallway. Enemies. Close.
With a glance at Lucy, he set off at a sprint, his boots pounding against the floor. The girl's frightened breathing filled his ears, but he focused on getting her out. Shots rang out behind him, and a sudden explosion rocked the air—an explosive round that narrowly missed but tore into his balaclava, sending fragments of fabric flying.
The burn on his skin was sharp and immediate, but it was the hindered vision that bothered him most. Cursing under his breath, Dusk ripped the remaining balaclava from his face, his jaw set in grim determination as he kept running. He couldn't afford to slow down now.
The cool air outside the base felt like a bitter relief as the team gathered, catching their breath. A few Chinese men were seated on the ground, their wrists cuffed to the one next to them, forming a line. They looked beaten but relieved, the tension that had gripped them for so long starting to loosen. Wolfguard's members moved with quiet efficiency, tending to the freed captives and solemnly handling the bodies of the deceased Royal Thai Police officers. The fallen had already been placed in body bags, respectfully covered, their sacrifice honored in silence.
Hibana stood in quiet conversation with a high-ranking Royal Thai Police officer. The officer's face was grim as he delivered his report.
"Four of the syndicate's leaders are confirmed to have fled. As for this 'Murmur'… we couldn't locate him. It's possible he wasn't even here during the raid."
Dokkaebi stood nearby, her eyes scanning the area, when a sudden realization hit her.
"Where's Dusk?" she muttered, frowning.
A heavy silence fell over the group as everyone turned to look for the quiet operator. It was unlike him to be absent, especially with the mission still in progress. Before anyone could voice their concerns, a series of sharp gunshots shattered the stillness.
Everyone spun toward the sound, their weapons instinctively drawn. Through the dust and debris, Dusk emerged, running hard with the little girl still in his arms. Lucy, his ever-faithful Belgian Malinois, was a blur at his side. Behind them, a group of Keres Legionnaires sprinted after them, closing in fast.
Dusk's face was set with determination, his movements fluid despite the weight of the child in his arms. His breath came in ragged gasps, but he didn't slow down. Lucy barked fiercely, darting in front of him as if daring the pursuers to come closer.
Hibana's voice cut through the tension. "Move out! Cover him!"
The distance between Dusk and the others seemed endless, and for a few long moments, no one knew what was happening. The crackle of gunfire echoed in the distance, sharp and disorienting, but no one could make out the full scope of the chaos. Then, the sight of Dusk tumbling to the ground came into focus, his body hitting the dirt hard as a crimson stain formed on the left side of his pants.
But it wasn't just him falling. With instinctual precision, he had managed to shield the little girl from the impact, his arm curling around her protectively as they both hit the ground.
Dusk didn't hesitate. He crawled behind a broken wall for cover, his rifle already in hand, ready to return fire. Lucy, always loyal, positioned herself above the girl, her body low and protective, her ears flattened in warning. Dusk's eyes locked onto his target as he squeezed off shots, his aim steady even under pressure. The rest of the team was frozen for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. Dokkaebi's heart raced, her instinct to rush to Dusk's side overwhelming. But before she could take a step, Caveira grabbed her arm firmly, pulling her back.
"Wait," Caveira hissed, pointing toward the horizon.
A Keres Legion military vehicle was rapidly approaching, kicking up dust as its mounted machine gun raked the ground in Dusk's direction. The rapid, staccato fire was enough to make anyone freeze.
"Dusk's trapped," Caveira murmured, her voice low but sharp, "And with the captives… we can't afford to make a move. Not yet."
Dokkaebi's eyes widened, the tension in her chest growing. She knew Caveira was right, but it didn't make the situation any easier. Dusk was out there, alone, and every instinct screamed to help him. But they couldn't risk it—not with the lives of so many others in the balance.
Dusk's eyes scanned the rubble-strewn street, his gun trained on the Keres Legionnaires who dared to get too close. He had abandoned his non-lethal code, shooting to kill as he desperately tried to protect the little girl cowering behind him. Lucy, his Belgian Malinois, growled softly, her eyes fixed on the enemy.
But despite his best efforts, Dusk couldn't seem to hit the gunner of the military vehicle, who continued to fire the mounted machinegun at him with impunity. The girl's cries grew louder, and Dusk's heart sank as he realized he was running out of ammunition. His arm injury had reopened and now there was a bullet lodged in his leg too.
With a sense of desperation, Dusk pulled the girl and Lucy into a protective hug, covering them from the hail of bullets blasting dust and rubble off the wall that shielded them. For a moment, he forgot about the danger, forgot about the war, and just held them close. It was a fleeting sense of peace, but it was enough to make him realize that there was a chance he wasn't making it out of this situation alive.
From a distance, Dokkaebi watched in horror as Dusk's situation grew more and more dire. She almost dashed out of cover, her eyes fixed on the man she had grown to care for, and was only restrained by Caveira and Ash.
"Dusk!" she cried out, her voice cracking with emotion, "No, no, no!"
Caveira's grip on her arm was like a vice, holding her back as Ash whispered urgently in her ear. "Wait, Dokkaebi, we need to come up with a plan. We can't just rush in there."
But Dokkaebi's eyes never left Dusk's figure, her heart heavy with fear for his safety.
Meanwhile, Phaya's gaze never wavered from the chaos unfolding in front of him. He watched as Dusk crawled behind cover, shielding the girl, his rifle raised in a silent challenge against the approaching threat. The Keres Legion vehicle was drawing closer, and Phaya couldn't help but feel a bitter satisfaction. Dusk was finally in over his head—out of his depth, just like he always knew he would be. But as he stood there, watching, something flickered at the edges of his thoughts. It was fleeting at first, almost inaudible—like a whisper in the back of his mind. Then the voice grew clearer.
"Is this really what you want?"
Phaya's breath caught in his throat. The voice was familiar, yet not. It wasn't his own, but it felt like it belonged to someone who had once known him better than anyone else. For a brief moment, he imagined his older brother, Khunpol, standing next to Dusk, his disappointed gaze fixed on Phaya…
Pattaya, Thailand, 2008
26-year-old Sergeant Khunpol Suwannakorn watched as his 19-year-old younger brother Chaiwat stepped into the kitchen with a big smile, clutching the letter of acceptance to the Royal Thai Police Cadet Academy, the paper trembling in his hands.
"You did it, Chaiwat," Khunpol had said, his tone soft yet proud. "You made it this far."
Chaiwat's heart swelled with pride, his fingers tracing the edges of the letter.
"It's just the beginning. I'm going to wear this uniform with pride."
Khunpol had placed a hand on his younger brother's shoulder, the weight of the gesture more than words could express.
"You will. But remember this—once you put that uniform on, it's not just for the people of Thailand. You'll be serving everyone in this country. Local or foreigner, it doesn't matter. You are a protector to all."
Chaiwat nodded, his eyes bright with determination.
"But," Khunpol continued, his voice lowering as though speaking of something far deeper, "don't let personal feelings get in the way. Never let hate cloud your purpose."
He looked at Chaiwat intently, as though trying to impart something unspoken.
"And if anything were to happen to me... never let hate consume you. Everyone must bear the consequences of their actions."
Singapore, 2011
Chaiwat stood frozen, his eyes wide in disbelief as he watched his family crumble under the weight of the words spoken by the Thai ambassador and the commander of the Royal Thai Police. The grand courtroom, usually so formal and composed, felt like a suffocating prison. His parents were pale, their mouths open in shock, while his younger siblings huddled close, too stunned to speak.
The Thai ambassador's voice echoed through the chamber, sharp and official.
"Khunpol will be stripped of all his honors and dismissed from the Royal Thai Police. Effective immediately. Let his fate be decided by Singapore's laws."
Chaiwat's heart slammed against his ribs. The words didn't seem real. His older brother, the man he'd looked up to, the man who had served Thailand with pride, was now a traitor in the eyes of his country. His stomach churned, a dark knot of confusion and anger growing inside him.
His father, barely able to contain his fury, stood up, his voice trembling with emotion.
"This is a mistake! You don't understand! You didn't save him—none of you tried! How can you surrender my son to this weakling of a country?"
The Royal Thai Police's commander remained cold and unwavering.
"Your son, along with the smugglers, was caught by Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau. Over 200 kilograms of heroin and cocaine," He glanced toward the ambassador, then back to the family, "Khunpol's actions have shamed the Royal Thai Police. He failed as a police officer and as a man of honor."
The ambassador nodded solemnly.
"As Singapore has always respected Thailand's rules regarding their people arrested in our country, we, as professionals, are expected to show the same respect. Khunpol has betrayed not only our reputation, but also the diplomatic ties between Thailand and Singapore."
Chaiwat's breath caught in his throat. He looked around the courtroom, catching sight of the Singaporeans present—lawyers, officials, spectators—and for a fleeting moment, he saw the discomfort and unease in their eyes. They didn't want to be here, didn't want to be part of this. They were uncomfortable not because of the truth, but because Khunpol was a decorated police officer from Thailand, now disgraced in the eyes of everyone.
Singapore, 2012
Chaiwat sat across from Khunpol, the heavy scent of the meal between them doing little to mask the tension that hung in the air. The sterile, oppressive atmosphere of the prison was suffocating. This was a rare exception, granted by Singapore authorities after strong lobbying from the Thai government, allowing an inmate on death row to share a meal together with their family members.
Khunpol, ever composed, met his younger brother's eyes. He could see the change in Chaiwat—the subtle shift in the way he looked at the world, the weight of their father's bitterness taking root in him. Their father had long hated Singapore, blaming the country for every problem that befell the family and the country. Chaiwat has yet to be poisoned by such thoughts, but it did not stop Khunpol from fearing that it would happen soon, especially seeing the resentment in his younger brother's eyes.
"You're letting it get to you," Khunpol said quietly, his voice tinged with a calm wisdom Chaiwat had always admired, "I see it in your eyes. Keep this up and you'll end up inheriting our father's hate."
Chaiwat's grip on his fork tightened, his jaw clenched, but Khunpol continued, undeterred.
"I know this situation is... difficult. But listen to me, Chaiwat. Every action has a consequence. This is mine. I chose this path, and now I face the consequences. But you—you don't have to follow the same path. Don't let personal feelings get in the way. Never let hate cloud your purpose. And if anything were to happen to me..." He paused, his voice dropping to a soft whisper, "Never let hate consume you."
Chaiwat swallowed hard, his chest tight as his brother's words sank in. He nodded, promising his older brother he would not give in to the hatred. The weight of it all hung between them, a bond of understanding that neither could ignore. But Khunpol couldn't shake the fear that, without him serving as a shield, the young Chaiwat would eventually be consumed by his father's corruptive hatred…
Phaya stood frozen, his weapon in his hands, his mind a tangled mess of memories and self-doubt. The scene before him, Dusk under fire with the little girl and Lucy in tow, was chaotic. The Keres Legionnaires were closing in fast, their mounted gunner ready to take him out. But for the first time in what felt like forever, Phaya wasn't sure of what to do.
Is this really what I wanted? The question echoed in his mind, relentless and unforgiving. He remembered Ukrit's words, sharp and probing, "Are you still blaming Singapore for Khunpol's death?" He couldn't ignore them. Had he been holding onto this hatred all this time? Had he let it shape everything he did?
He then recalled Phuwadon's voice, calm but piercing, "Do you still think Singapore was wrong to uphold its laws, Chaiwat? Can you see it from their side, at least for once?" Could he? Could he truly see the other side? He'd never allowed himself to. The years of resentment, the pain of losing Khunpol—it had all clouded his judgment.
And then, his mother's disappointed words struck him like a physical blow: "All I see now is a younger version of your father, blaming those who tried to help him and crawling to the ones who made his life worse."
Guilt and shame surged through him so violently that Phaya nearly buckled under its weight. He had spent so many years justifying his actions, blaming others, but now… now, it felt like it had all been a lie. His hatred had consumed him, had turned him into something he never wanted to be. The mental onslaught was overwhelming, and just as he thought he might collapse under it all, a familiar voice rang in his mind.
What are you waiting for, Chaiwat? The answer is right there.
Phaya's breath caught in his throat. It was Khunpol's voice—calm, as it always had been. The answer is right there.
Without thinking, Phaya realized he was on the move, his legs carrying him toward the chaos unfolding before him, his mind no longer clouded by anger but sharpened by something new—something clear. His eyes locked onto Dusk, who was still holding the girl, still under fire, and something inside Phaya clicked. This was his moment, the one his brother had urged him to see all those years ago.
He dove into action, covering the ground between him and Dusk as fast as he could, his rifle raised and his finger on the trigger. He fired in quick, precise bursts, taking out the machine gunner and finally allowing Dusk to start shooting back again. His old grudges, his anger—they all faded into the background, replaced by a single, powerful instinct: Protect.
Phaya sprinted across the rubble-strewn street, dodging bullets as he made his way to Dusk's position. He dove into the same cover, his gun at the ready. Together, the two men began to retaliate against the Keres Legion, picking off soldiers with precision shots. Phaya nodded in approval as Dusk took down a few more using what was left in his sidearm.
"Looks like you've abandoned your non-lethal code," he said.
Dusk's expression was grim.
"I told you, Phaya. I know when to pull the trigger."
"Took you long enough to show me, though."
Dusk's confusion was evident. Phaya's hostility towards him had been palpable ever since Dusk joined Rainbow, but now he seemed almost... neutral?
"What's going on, Phaya?" Dusk asked, his voice low, "You're not exactly known for your sense of humor."
"Yeah, well, I remembered that Singaporeans suck at gunfights since they live so comfortable lives, so out of pity, I came over to help you out," he said, his tone deadpan.
Dusk's confusion deepened.
"Are you screwing with me or actually making a joke?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
"No idea."
Dusk's expression remained skeptical, but Phaya just shrugged, his eyes returning to the enemy lines as he added, "Let's just focus on getting all of us out of here alive, okay?"
Phaya's sudden action had caught everyone off guard, but the moment he moved, it was clear he wasn't hesitating anymore. Right now, he was genuinely fighting side by side with the man whom he had tormented out of needless hatred only to fall to his retaliation each time. This time, however, it was clear that Phaya was no longer tied down by his dark thoughts.
Meanwhile, Naga could not hold back any longer seeing his comrades in danger as he rallied the others.
"Come on! Let's show them how ASEAN fight! Move out!"
The four operators—Naga, Myotis, Sabit, and Lockpick—burst into the streets with overwhelming force, their combined firepower quickly putting the Keres Legion on the defensive. Dozens of Keres Legionnaires were cut down, especially by a furious Lockpick's FN MAG light machine gun and Myotis's precise aiming with his SR-25, as the four moved like a coordinated unit despite being from different countries and different units.
The enemy, outnumbered and outgunned, had no choice but to retreat, the sound of their retreating footsteps quickly swallowed by the din of battle as they disappeared into the shadows. Rainbow's team, though exhausted, had secured the area, Zero's voice crackling over the comms.
"Operation Broken Signal is a success. All objectives secured. Mission accomplished."
Dusk barely heard him over the ringing in his ears, but the words brought a small sense of relief. Phaya helped him up, his presence a silent acknowledgment of the shift between them, with Sabit coming over to assist. Rainbow's team began securing the area, but Dusk was quickly ushered back to safety.
Doc and Lion were there, their faces set with concern. They immediately moved to check on him, but Dusk's voice was firm.
"Check on the girl first."
Doc nodded, shifting his attention to the young girl Dusk had rescued. She was shaken but safe, no visible injuries apart from her existing sprain ankle. Doc gave her a quick assessment before turning back to Dusk with a nod.
"She's fine. You're next."
Dusk allowed them to check him over, his wounds minor and easily treated despite how they appear. Lion gave a quick thumbs-up, and it was clear that the situation was under control. But it was Dokkaebi's arrival that caught Dusk's attention.
"Damn it, Dusk!" she yelled, her voice sharp but filled with relief, "You scared the hell out of me, you bastard!"
"I'm sorry," Dusk murmured, his voice low.
Without warning, Dokkaebi bent down beside him, lightly planting her head against his chest, her hands gripping his uniform. It was clear from her eyes that she was close to breaking out in tears, and for the first time, Dusk felt his heart skip a beat at the closeness and a pang of pain in his chest seeing her like this. What was this feeling of guilt and affection that was welling up in him?
"Don't ever do this to me again," Dokkaebi said to Dusk, her voice almost like a whisper.
Dusk had never wanted to worry Dokkaebi, and yet, he had. He looked down at her, her eyes soft but still holding the edge of concern.
"I won't," he replied, his voice soft but sincere.
Phaya watched from a distance, the knot in his chest loosening. The jealousy he had once felt seemed distant now, replaced by a sense of quiet acceptance. He had lost his chance with Dokkaebi, but it was his own mistakes that had led to this moment. And for the first time, he didn't feel the bitterness. Only the understanding that some things couldn't be undone.
Hereford Base, England
Director John Clark sat in his office, the soft hum of the lights and the occasional shuffle of papers the only sound breaking the silence. He read through the reports of Operation Broken Signal, his expression unreadable as the details settled in. The Keres Legion had taken a devastating hit. Over thirty men lost, with twenty-two more captured. The Royal Thai Police had suffered seven casualties, a heavy toll despite the number, but Clark knew the cost of the mission had been worthwhile.
The captured Legionnaires were proving to be a tough nut to crack—tight-lipped and uncooperative, as expected. But the scam syndicate's leaders were a different story. Clark smiled to himself. Bullies rarely handled pressure well when the tables were turned. It hadn't taken long for them to break, spilling what they knew in exchange for whatever mercy Rainbow could offer.
What they revealed was just as Clark suspected: the Keres Legion had become the syndicate's silent benefactors, and in return, the syndicate funneled money to support the Legion's operations. A financial alliance that had kept both sides thriving in their shadows.
Clark leaned back, his fingers steepled as he mulled over the new information. The Keres Legion's hold on the region was slipping, and Rainbow was positioned to take advantage of it. What concerns him, however, were the presence of Ignis and Undertow. The fact that they were there at Thailand can only mean one thing: Wu Hsing is starting to get personally involved…
Pattaya, Thailand
Rainbow's operators gathered in the makeshift briefing room, the air thick with tension. Caveira, Kali, Aruni, and Ash had pushed the syndicate's leaders further, squeezing out crucial details that had slipped through earlier interrogations.
"It turns out that four of them managed to slip away," Caveira reported, her voice low. "Under the protection of the Keres Legion, no less. They're not done yet."
Ash clenched her fists, her jaw tight.
"We're going to find them."
But it wasn't just the escapees that concerned them. Hibana had managed to capture footage of a man named "Murmur" during her recon mission with Dusk the night before the raid. It was one of the four names Caveira's team had uncovered during their raid of an office in Luxembourg, a group of dangerous combatants who have chosen to work desk jobs instead of fighting, although they were no less deadly.
Pulse, who had been watching the footage, spoke up. His voice was laced with something darker than usual.
"I recognize this Murmur. He's bad news. His real name is Benjamin Tierney. Former US special forces, turned contractor. FBI's got a file on him—trust me, he's not someone you want to cross."
Hibana raised an eyebrow.
"You worked with him before, Jack?"
"Once, and I almost shot him myself," Pulse explained, "Unlike Grim, who's indifferent to people at best, Tierney has a complete disregard for human life. Even Grim will hesitate for a second or two if he's told to blow up an entire town to save a city. But Tierney, well, he's the type that lets the city be destroyed, then lures the guy responsible to the town and then blow up the town. He's a demon in human flesh."
The room fell silent as the weight of his words sank in. The Keres Legion had been hiding far worse than they anticipated, and now Rainbow had to prepare for the storm they were about to face.
Gobi Desert
In the dimly lit, cavernous lair buried deep within the Gobi Desert, Wu Hsing sat at a sleek metal desk, the glow of a monitor casting faint shadows across his sharp features. He held the phone to his ear, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the smooth surface of the desk. On the other end, Ignis's voice crackled with a bitter edge.
"Two broken ribs, and Undertow? She was practically turned into a pincushion by Rainbow," Ignis complained, his tone cold but tinged with obvious frustration.
Wu Hsing's expression softened slightly, a glimmer of something resembling understanding flickering in his eyes. "I know the loss was difficult, but you both did well. The gamble didn't pay off this time, but there's no shame in that. You fought with everything you had, and for that, I am grateful. You and Undertow both."
"We should've had the upper hand. I didn't expect things to go south like that."
Wu Hsing sighed, shaking his head slightly as he ran his hand along the edge of the desk.
"This is war, Ignis. Sometimes the tides turn unexpectedly. But I don't want you thinking this was your failure. You'll recover, both of you. Rest now, heal. This is just a setback, nothing more. When you're back to full strength, we'll prepare for the next phase. And remember, Mercury is already in South Korea… The country where Mercury was first defeated in his criminal career, I believe. The game is changing, and he'll find it… an interesting challenge, I'm sure."
Ignis chuckled darkly on the other end, then hissed in pain as the movement jarred his ribs. "Let's hope Mercury has better fun than I did… or Undertow."
"Mercury always finds a way, doesn't he? But don't let that diminish your worth. You've both done what I've asked, now focus on recovery. I'll be waiting for you."
Wu Hsing hung up the phone. As he sat back in his chair, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully, already planning his next moves. The mission was far from over, and though his underlings had faced setbacks, he knew their loyalty would bring them back stronger.
Wu Hsing turned his attention back to the holographic display before him. A series of operations, meticulously planned and executed by the Keres Legion, flashed across the screen—each one failing, each one disrupted by Rainbow. Among the Rainbow teams that did so, two name kept appearing in the list of adversaries.
Wu Hsing brought up the files Deimos had sent him, their contents unsettlingly detailed. How he had acquired the profiles of every Rainbow operator and NIGHTHAVEN agent remained a mystery, but Wu Hsing wasn't one to question resources as he selected the two profiles that had become a constant in his disrupted plans
Dusk/Keith Sng Wei Hao
Age: 32 (October 30)
Yishun, Singapore
Special Tactics And Rescue K-9 Specialist
Dokkaebi/Nam Eun-Hye (Grace)
Age: 29 (February 02)
Seoul, South Korea
707th Special Missions Group Field Intelligence Officer
Wu Hsing smiled to himself, the corners of his lips turning up slightly as he analyzed the profiles. The two were polar opposites—Dusk, the quiet, stoic operator with a canine partner, and Dokkaebi, the sharp-tongued field intelligence officer and hacker, but they had one thing in common: They were the most unlikely of adversaries to his plans.
He leaned back in his chair, studying their faces. It was clear that both had proven themselves to be formidable threats. A threat they may be, but Wu Hsing had a feeling that they would be useful if he can get his hands on them. His fingers moved to another console, his mind already calculating the next move, but for now, he would observe.
Incheon, South Korea
The dim glow of neon lights seeped through the fogged windows of a quiet bar. The sound of clinking glasses and muffled conversation faded as a man dressed in a cap, face mask, and dark sunglasses entered, his presence cutting through the bar's otherwise tranquil atmosphere. He moved toward the end of the bar, where a solitary figure sat, absorbed in a book.
The man, unmistakably out of place, paused just a few steps away and spoke softly.
"I need to borrow a piece of silver."
The bespectacled Eurasian man lowered his book, revealing himself as Mercury. His sharp eyes glinted over the top of his glasses as he glanced up at the newcomer.
"I have thirty pieces to spare," he said flatly, his voice cool and calculating.
Without waiting for an invitation, the man took a seat beside him, his eyes scanning the bar's sparse patrons.
"Wu Hsing will not be happy," the man remarked, his voice a low murmur, "One of his personal squad members talking to me, a Keres Legion executor, of all people."
Mercury's lips curled into a faint, almost amused smile.
"Wu Hsing won't mind, Beom" he replied, his tone as calm as ever, "You're new—different from the others."
"And what's the plan, Mercury? I assume you're not here for pleasantries."
"I need to infiltrate the data servers at the 707th SMG headquarters. They're locked down tight, too tight for me to break through alone. That's where you come in, Beom. You can help me bypass their security."
Beom remained silent for a moment, then nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of what was being asked.
"Consider it done."