21

A/n : 150+ comments for next part or I'll make you wait for another 2 weeks.

Y/n slammed her laptop shut, the sudden darkness mirroring the dread creeping into her heart.

"Ugh, this data is like swimming through a swamp," she muttered, running a hand through her hair in frustration. Hours had bled into one another as she sifted through the massive database she stole from Jungkook. 

Her eyes burned from staring at the screen, her head throbbed with the relentless assault of technical jargon, but she hadn't found anything concrete about the Phoenix's location.

Just as despair threatened to engulf her, a memory flickered in the recesses of her mind.

Robert. 

The arms stockpile mission. 

The chilling realization sent a jolt of adrenaline through her system. "Wait a minute," she breathed, her fingers flying across the keyboard. 

This time, she wasn't searching for the weapon itself, but for any reference to the location mentioned in the database – a specific set of coordinates.

Her heart hammered in her chest as she cross-referenced the data with a topographical map she had pulled up on another screen.

A cold sweat beaded on her forehead as a horrifying truth began to dawn on her. "No way," she whispered, the words catching in her throat. 

The coordinates for the Phoenix weapon… they matched the location of the arms stockpile she had surveyed with Robert a week ago.

"Pheonix's in the stockpile?", she scrambled back in her chair, the room spinning slightly. 

Oh god. It was there all the time yet she couldn't feel it.

However, it was the second information which shocked her more.

The failsafe, the way to detonate the weapon would cost a person's life.

Jungkook's life.

He has been extremely focused on developing the route to destroy the weapon in his data and the weapon destruction required his death as soon as he destroys the weapon — an explosion.

A massive explosion.

Jungkook wasn't just on a mission to marry in Russia. 

He was headed straight for a weapon of immense destructive power, a weapon hidden within the very same stockpile she couldn't get access to. 

Panic clawed at her throat. 

"What is he doing? Is he trying to get himself killed?", the questions swirled in her mind, a maddening storm with no clear answers. 

But one thing was certain – Jungkook was in grave danger. He was either headed towards a suicide mission or a situation far more complex and terrifying than she could even imagine.

Y/n slammed her fist on the table, a surge of fierce determination replacing her fear. 

"I won't let him do this," she gritted her teeth.

She sprinted out the hallway, a whirlwind of worry and determination. She needed to find Jungkook, and fast. Every corridor looked the same in the dimmed lighting, her frantic pace making it seem endless.

But as she reached for the knob of his room, a hand clamped down on her shoulder.

"There you are, y/n!" Robert Silvia's voice, normally a jovial rumble, held an unexpected edge. "Been looking everywhere for you."

Y/n froze, trapped between urgency and forced politeness. "Mr. Silvia," she managed, a strained smile plastered on her face. "Just finishing up some work in my room."

"Ah, right," Robert chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Those deadlines can be real beasts. But worry not, I won't keep you long. Just a quick chat about your progress report on the Russian weapons program."

Y/n's smile faltered.

"Actually, Mr. Silvia," she started, "I was just..."

"No need for explanations, my dear," he interrupted, his hand moving from her shoulder to a firm grip on her arm. "We wouldn't want your other research to fall behind, would we?"  He steered her away from Jungkook's door, his grip tightening enough to bruise.

Panic clawed at Y/n. "Mr. Silvia, please. This isn't the time-"

"Nonsense," he boomed, his voice oddly tight. "The time is always right for dedication, wouldn't you agree? Besides, a little tête-à-tête wouldn't hurt, would it?"

Feigning a semblance of surrender, y/n deflated. "Alright, Mr. Silvia. I understand. I'll cooperate."

A hint of satisfaction flickered in Robert's eyes. He loosened his grip, but not enough to let go completely. "Good girl," he condescended, his voice losing its earlier edge. "Now, let's talk about that report, shall we?"

Y/n gritted her teeth, willing herself to stay focused. "Of course, Mr. Silvia. What exactly did you want to know?"

"Let's start with the most pressing issue," he began, pacing back and forth in front of her. "Have there been any recent reports from the President's desk regarding the development of hypersonic missiles?"

Y/n scrambled through her mental database, desperately trying to recall any information she'd gleaned during her limited research stint.

"Uh, no, Mr. Silvia," she stammered, "not that I'm aware of. Most reports focus on advancements in laser technology and drone warfare."

Robert's brow furrowed. "Hmm, curious. But then again, those reports wouldn't necessarily reach your desk, would they?"

Y/n shook her head, her heart hammering against her ribs. "No, sir. Only reports deemed relevant to the research are forwarded."

Robert seemed to accept her answer, peppering her with further questions on chemical warfare advancements and the efficacy of different defense systems.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Robert stopped his barrage. "Alright, y/n," he declared, a hint of triumph in his voice. "This seems like a good starting point for your report. But to truly excel, you need a deeper understanding of the subject matter."

Y/n's heart sank. This wasn't good. "I understand, Mr. Silvia. I'll consult the relevant resources online-"

"Online resources are good," he interrupted, steering her towards the opposite end of the hallway. "But nothing beats the depth and detail you get from good old-fashioned books."

Before y/n could protest, he ushered her into a dimly lit library. The scent of aged paper and leather filled her senses as he led her to a secluded section on military history and strategy.

With a flourish, he pulled out a stack of hefty tomes, their titles screaming of nuclear proliferation, arms races, and cutting-edge weaponry.

"Here you go," Robert announced, a smug smile plastered on his face. "A little light reading to bolster your report.  I expect a comprehensive analysis with relevant points from these texts incorporated into your answers. Take your time, y/n. Knowledge is power, after all."

Y/n stared at the mountain of books, a groan escaping her lips. This was a setback, a cruel delay orchestrated by Robert. But giving up wasn't an option.

With a heavy sigh, she picked up a book, forcing a smile at Robert.

"Thank you, Mr. Silvia," she said, her voice laced with a forced enthusiasm. "I appreciate the guidance."

He patted her shoulder patronizingly. "Good girl. Now, get to work. And remember, discretion is key."

Y/n felt a wave of despair wash over her. Robert's mountain of books mocked her with their dense paragraphs and technical jargon.

Each page turned felt like an eternity, her eyes glazing over the intricate diagrams of missile trajectories. It was then, in a moment of utter frustration, that her thumb snagged on a worn leather spine, causing the book to fall open at a completely random page.

A single, bold headline leaped out at her:

"Destroying Thermonuclear Weapons – A Controlled Approach."

Eyes glued to the page, Y/n devoured the text, translating the scientific jargon into something her racing mind could grasp.

The section spoke about "failsafes" – built-in mechanisms to prevent accidental activation of thermonuclear weapons.

But then it took a sharp turn, focusing on how to destroy such weapons if they became a threat.

A shiver ran down her spine.

Pheonix MK - VI is also a thermonuclear weapon.

Could Phoenix also be destroyed safely this way?

The text spoke of a specific way to handle the destruction – a "controlled environmental destruction." Y/n's brows furrowed as she read further.

Apparently, the key was location.

The book emphasized the importance of extreme cold to contain the destructive heat of the explosion. Water, with its ability to absorb heat, was also crucial for cooling.

"Extreme cold..." Y/n muttered, flipping through the pages to find a specific temperature mentioned.

"Aha! Here it is. They say only places with temperatures around -60°C can handle the heat.", zhe tapped her chin, her mind racing.

"And water... what better source of water than massive ice sheets?" Realization dawned on her. "The Arctic or Antarctic! They're surrounded by ice and freezing water. That could be it!"

Slamming the book shut, a spark of determination lit up her eyes. Destroying the Phoenix weapon in the Arctic or Antarctic – that could be the answer!

It wouldn't be a guaranteed solution, but it might be the only way to prevent a disaster involving his suicide.

A smirk crept across Y/n's face.

"Thank you, Robert", she thought wryly.  "Maybe knowledge truly was power, even if it came from an unwelcome source."

She straightened the books back on the shelf with a newfound sense of purpose.

Taking a quick glance around the deserted library, Y/n slipped out, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs.

She practically sprinted towards Jungkook's room, hope flickering brightly in her chest. But as she reached the door, her heart sank.

Empty.

The room was devoid of any sign of Jungkook.

Panic clawed at her throat. Where could he be? Every passing second felt like an eternity.  Just as she was about to retrace her steps, a voice boomed from behind.

"Y/n? What are you doing here?"

Y/n spun around to find Robert standing there, a curious glint in his eyes. "Mr. Silvia!" she stammered, caught off guard. "I, uh... I just needed some clarification from Jungkook about my report."

Robert raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face. "Weren't you supposed to be diligently researching in the library?"

Y/n forced a smile. "Yes, sir, but I had a question that couldn't wait. I thought maybe Jungkook would be in his room."  Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her anxiety.

Robert seemed to ponder this for a moment. "Ah," he finally said. "Well, you're out of luck. Jungkook's currently at the restricted stockpile area. Some urgent task came up, I believe."

Y/n's stomach lurched.

Stockpile area?

Could that be where the Phoenix weapon was being kept?

Her mind raced, a plan forming amidst the growing fear. "The stockpile area?" she repeated, feigning surprise, "but why?"

"Actually, my dear," he said, his voice dripping with false sympathy, "the President himself requested Jungkook's expertise. Seems there's a pressing issue at the stockpile area, and as Jenesis Corps' is the masterstroke in weapon manufacturing, they wouldn't want anyone less than the best, would they?"

Y/n clenched her jaw. Her mind flickered back to the news article she'd skimmed earlier on the internet.

The President had urgently departed for Saint Petersburg that very day. Robert, ever the self-important peacock, wouldn't be caught dead reading the news, let alone meeting the President in person.

A groan rumbled through her internally. Jungkook wasn't at the stockpile area for some 'urgent task'.

His plan wasn't three days away – it was happening today.

He didn't know the President was gone.

He didn't know Jungkook was lying.

And most importantly, he didn't know that the fate of the world potentially hung in the balance.

With a surge of determination, Y/n straightened her shoulders. "Of course, Mr. Silvia," she said, her voice laced with a steely resolve.

"Important matters indeed. Well, I wouldn't want to keep Jungkook from his presidential duties any longer. I'll just... head back to the library and finish my report."

Robert's gaze lingered on her for a beat too long, as if searching for cracks in her facade. Finally, he nodded curtly. "Excellent decision," he said, his voice devoid of its earlier amusement.

As Robert turned and walked away, Y/n's smile vanished. Discretion be damned.

Now, she had a mission – infiltrate the restricted stockpile area and find Jungkook before it was too late.

The clock was ticking, and she was the only one who knew the true cost of each passing second.

Back in her room, Y/n slammed the door shut, it was time to get work done.

First things first.

Y/n dived under the bed, retrieving a worn leather case hidden beneath a loose floorboard. Inside, nestled amongst soft padding, lay a bulletproof vest – a relic from a past life she'd hoped to leave behind.

Next came the weapon.

Tucked away in a false drawer of her dresser was a small, semi-automatic pistol.

In the face of the potential threat Jungkook posed, self-defense was no longer a luxury, it was a necessity. She loaded the gun, her hands surprisingly steady despite the frantic pounding of her heart.

Third thing.

She hunched over her laptop, the telltale blue glow illuminating her face etched with worry.

Across the flickering screen, Taehyung's face swam into view, his concern mirrored in his dark eyes.

"Taehyung," she'd said, her voice tight, "I might be heading into a situation with some serious security measures. Firewalls, access codes, the whole shebang. In case things go south, I might need you to be on standby and hack some software for me. Keep your AI hacking module ready, I might need it anytime soon and make sure that you are active on my earpiece all the time."

Taehyung's eyes bulged, "Woah woah sis! I thought you went to Russia for a journalism internship. Why does it not sound anything like an internship?"

"Because it's not.", she said, rimming her guns well.

"What are you on about? Some world-saving vendatta?", he mocked.

"Not exactly, but it's similar. Dont have the time to talk, T. I'll see you later, gotta go. Be on the standby."

Y/n's heart hammered a frantic tattoo against her ribs as she crept down the hallway towards Robert Silvia's private reading room.

The reading room door was ajar, a sliver of light escaping the mahogany frame. Y/n peeked inside.

Robert wasn't there, only a single armchair bathed in the warm glow of a table lamp.

Perfect.

Taking a deep breath, she slipped inside, her senses on high alert.

The room smelled of aged leather and pipe tobacco, a signature scent of Robert's.

On a mahogany side table lay his discarded suit jacket, carelessly draped over a stack of financial reports.

This was it.

Her chance.

With a surge of adrenaline, Y/n crossed the plush carpet, her movements silent. Her fingers brushed against the cool fabric of the jacket, then located the familiar weight of the pendant tucked away in a hidden pocket.

A tiny gasp escaped her lips as she slipped it free, the cool metal icy against her skin.

The sound of a floorboard creaking in the hallway sent a jolt of panic through her. Y/n whipped her head around, her eyes scanning the doorway.

Empty. 

It must have been the wind, she thought, her breath catching in her throat.

Or did someone actually spot her?

She couldn't waste any more time. Tucking the stolen access card into her pocket, Y/n retreated back into the hallway, her steps lighter now, fueled by a desperate hope.

She had what she needed.

Now, she just needed to get out.

Catherine, Robert's ever-watchful daughter, was the final hurdle. Y/n remembered seeing her earlier, flitting around the grand foyer like a gossipy butterfly.

But with the mansion sprawling and full of hidden nooks, navigating around Catherine wouldn't be too difficult.

Following a familiar back corridor, Y/n emerged through a side door that led directly to the gardens.

The cool night air washed over her, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the mansion. Glancing around, she spotted Catherine's signature yellow parasol bobbing amongst the rose bushes, a safe distance away.

With renewed determination, Y/n sprinted across the manicured lawn, the gravel crunching under her boots.

Reaching a low hedge that bordered the gardens, she used it as a temporary shield, catching her breath before scaling the perimeter wall that separated the mansion grounds from the unknown.

Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she hoisted herself up the rough stone, her fingers gripping the uneven surface. Reaching the top, Y/n surveyed the landscape beyond.

The world outside the mansion was a vast expanse of darkness, only the faint glow of distant city lights breaking the monotony.

Panic clawed at Y/n's throat as she sprinted towards the stockpile area. With trembling fingers, she unlocked her phone and opened the GPS app.

A silent prayer escaped her lips –  thankfully, she had earlier connected the location sharing of Jungkook's phone with her's.

Her heart plummeted as the blue dot representing Jungkook flickered on the screen, its location undeniably within the restricted area.

Reaching the imposing metal gates of the stockpile area, Y/n took a deep breath, forcing down the rising tide of fear.

Two burly security guards stood flank, their expressions stoic. Y/n squared her shoulders and approached them, her voice steady despite her racing heart.

"Good evening, gentlemen," she greeted brightly, flashing a smile that felt strained even in the dim light. "I'm Y/n, and Mr. Silvia and Mr. Jeon asked me to conduct another round of weapon surveys, similar to the one I did last week."

One of the guards, a man with a shaved head and a permanent scowl etched on his face, raised an eyebrow. "Another survey?" he rumbled, his voice thick with suspicion. "We weren't informed of this."

Y/n's smile faltered slightly. "Oh, well, perhaps it wasn't properly documented. But Mr. Silvia did mention it to me personally this afternoon. Urgent business, you know, can't always wait for paperwork." She tried to inject a lightness into her voice, but it came out sounding forced.

The other guard, a younger man with a meticulously groomed beard, eyed her skeptically. "Urgent business, huh? You sure you got this right? Maybe you misheard something."

Y/n felt a bead of sweat trickle down her temple. This was not going according to plan. "Absolutely positive," she insisted, her voice a touch too loud.

"And for your reference…"  She reached into her pocket and pulled out Robert's stolen access card, letting it glint in the security light. "Mr. Silvia entrusted me with this for access."

The guards exchanged a wary glance. The younger one leaned closer, his gaze bouncing between Y/n and the card. "Hold on," he muttered. "Mr. Silvia doesn't usually hand out his personal access card. We still need confirmation." He reached for a walkie-talkie strapped to his belt.

Y/n's heart plummeted. Confirmation? They were going to call Robert? Her mind raced for an escape route, but the guards stood like immovable sentries, blocking any retreat.

"No, no, there's no need for that," she stammered, her voice cracking under pressure.

"It's a simple task, really. Just like last time. I wouldn't want to waste Mr. Silvia's valuable time with a call, would I?"

The older guard grunted, his scowl deepening. "Rules are rules," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. He reached for the walkie-talkie again.

The guard's finger hovered over the button on his walkie-talkie, a single press away from shattering her fragile plan. Her mind raced, desperately searching for a way to salvage the situation. Just as she felt the weight of her impending failure closing in, the walkie-talkie crackled to life.

"This is Gate 3. We have Ms. Kim Y/n here requesting access to the stockpile area with Mr. Silvia's authorization. Can you confirm?" The younger guard spoke into the device, his voice laced with suspicion.

Y/n held her breath, her gaze fixed intently on the guards. Time seemed to stretch into an eternity.  Then, a voice, gruff but familiar, crackled through the speaker.

"Yes, that's correct. Ms. Kim Y/n has been authorized for another round of weapon surveys. Grant her access immediately."

The tension drained from Y/n's body, replaced by a wave of relief so intense it left her knees weak. A gasp escaped her lips, barely audible over the static. The guard holding the walkie-talkie grunted in response before switching it off.

"Alright, miss," he said to Y/n, his scowl replaced by a hint of begrudging acceptance. "You're cleared."

Y/n flashed a grateful smile, her heart brimming with a silent thank you directed at Taehyung.

"Thank you," she managed, her voice still shaky. "I won't be long."

As the heavy metal gate swung open with a groaning creak, Y/n stepped through, the sterile, industrial atmosphere of the stockpile area enveloping her. 

"Job done, kid," Y/n spoke mirthfully in her earpiece, contacting Taehyung, her voice laced with satisfaction. "Seems Silvia's voice ain't got nothin' on your angel act."

A smug chuckle filled her ear. "Low blow, sis. But hey, at least you can say you heard a hacker with a halo."

Y/n snorted. "More like a demon impersonating a grumpy grandpa. But seriously, thanks. You saved my ass big time."

"Anytime, sis. Just remember who's the real tech wizard around here."

"Yeah, yeah," Y/n waved him off, already turning towards the dark maw of the stockpile area. "Scoot over, genius. I got a rogue scientist to wrangle and a potential apocalypse to stop. No pressure, right?"

Taehyung snarled, "You have not yet told me who that rogue scientist is and what apocalypse you are fighting. Is it one of your Sale markets in Russia with 80% off on all clothes where you need to fight women to buy your favourite dress? Or is it some kind of coupon for any restaurant there where you wanna create an apocalypse with your heavy eating?"

Y/n looked bleakly kn the distance, the stockpile of weapons screaming fear in her ears, "Something like that only kiddo. But don't worry, I'll be fine."

Silence crackled in her ear, then Taehyung's voice softened, a hint of worry creeping through. "Hey, Y/n... how's the little one holding up?"

Y/n's hand shot to her stomach, a jolt of fear lancing through her.

The baby.

In the chaos, the tiny life growing inside her had faded into the background. A wave of guilt crashed over her.

"Fine," she gritted out, her voice tight. It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. The stress, the fear - it couldn't be good for the baby.

"You sound... strung out," Taehyung said, suspicion lacing his voice. "Listen, if things get hairy, you get outta there. This ain't worth-"

"Don't you even think about finishing that sentence, Taehyung," Y/n cut him off, her voice hard as nails.

"I gotta go now. Go find someone else to mess with. I got a fight on my hands... or at least a really pissed off physicist."

With a final, curt goodbye, Y/n ripped out her earpiece.

Y/n stalked through the sterile labyrinth of the stockpile area, a caged tigress finally unleashed.

The harsh fluorescent lights reflected off the endless rows of metal cabinets, each one a potential Pandora's box brimming with unimaginable firepower.

A ghost of a memory flickered across her mind – a younger, more naive Y/n facing off against a smug Jungkook in this very same place.

Back then, it was a battle of intellect, a test of knowledge that she, against all odds, had emerged victorious from.

But today, the stakes were far higher. This time, it wasn't just about proving herself; it was about stopping a mad weapon from unleashing hell on Earth.

She pressed on, navigating the maze of corridors with practiced ease, her eyes scanning for any sign of Jungkook.

Finally, she reached the end of a particularly long corridor. A heavy metal gate stood before her, blocking access to the final section – the one that had been off-limits during her last visit. A surge of hope battled with a knot of dread in her stomach.

Could this be where Jungkook was with the Phoenix weapon?

Y/n approached the gate, her hand instinctively reaching for the stolen access card. But as her fingers brushed the smooth metal, a wave of frustration washed over her.

The control panel adjacent to the gate bore a single, ominous inscription – 'Identity Privacy Encryption.'

Dejection threatened to engulf her, but Y/n refused to give up. Maybe, just maybe, there was another way. A desperate idea flickered in her mind.

Her gaze darted towards the stolen access card clutched in her hand.

Could this be the identity access?

A gamble, a long shot, but it was all she had. With a pounding heart, Y/n pressed the access card against the security panel.

A tense silence stretched, punctuated only by the rapid beat of her pulse. Then, a faint whirring sound filled the air, followed by a satisfying click.

The gate groaned open, revealing a dark passage beyond.

Relief flooded Y/n's body, so intense it left her legs trembling. The heavy metal gate clanged shut behind Y/n with a finality that echoed in the sterile silence of the restricted area.

There, nestled amidst a tangled web of wires and blinking consoles, stood Jungkook. His back was towards her, his dark hair illuminated by the harsh blue glow of a laptop screen.

A jolt of recognition ripped through Y/n. The weapon sprawled across the workbench before him bore an uncanny resemblance to the Phoenix project – the experimental missile her father, Mr. Kim, and his partner, Jimin, had envisioned.

This is the Phoenix MK-VI.

As she inched closer, the laptop screen came into focus, revealing a horrifying spectacle.

A digital map of the world pulsed with a malevolent glow, dotted with flashing red icons.

New York.

New Delhi.

Beijing.

Tokyo.

Seoul.

City names scrolled across the screen – Cairo, Birmingham, London, Ankara, Ontario, Sydney, Manila, Dubai, Doha – a chilling countdown to global annihilation.

Her heart ached for a ghost. Then, with a cold clarity born of desperation, an idea struck her. A gamble, a cruel one, but potentially the only way to disarm the ticking time bomb before her.

Slowly, she reached into her pocket, retrieving the pistol she'd stashed with a heavy heart.

The air crackled with a tension so thick it could almost be tasted. Y/n looked at his back, looked at him who worked so tirelessly and without a shake in his body.

How could a man who knew that his actions could end his life, was so calmly working towards it?

Did his hands not shiver even once?

Did he not shiver at the thought even once?

She for sure chose a crazy baby daddy for herself and she knew that she herself was a crazy woman, matching his craziness as she held her fingertips at the trigger, ready to be pulled at her own skull any given moment.

And then she called out to him,

"Aren't you a little too eager to die a dog's death, Jeon?".....A/n : How are you liking the book so far?